Start your trip with a visit to the Rumtek Monastery, a beautiful Buddhist temple nestled in the Himalayas. Admire the intricate architecture and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You can also visit the Golden Stupa and the monastery's museum that houses rare artifacts and religious texts.
Explore the natural beauty of Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Take a yak ride around the lake or indulge in some hot tea and snacks. Afterward, head to Nathula Pass, a mountain pass that connects India with Tibet. Marvel at the breathtaking views and learn about the history of this strategic location.
Visit Banjhakri Falls, a stunning waterfall located amidst lush green surroundings. Take a walk on the nature trails, enjoy the musical fountain, and watch the tribal dances of Sikkim. You can also head to the Banjhakri Energy Park, which has landscaped gardens, sculptures, and a man-made lake.
Experience Gangtok's wildlife and biodiversity by visiting Kanchenjunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trek through the forest trails, see rare bird species, and spot the endangered red panda. Enjoy the scenic views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range as you explore the park.
Visit Enchey Monastery, a 200-year-old Buddhist monastery with stunning architecture and serene surroundings. Afterward, head to Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot rare animals like Himalayan black bears, barking deer, and leopards in their natural habitat. You can also go on a nature walk or a bird watching tour here.
End your trip with a visit to Tashi Viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range and the Gangtok valley. Afterward, head to Saramsa Garden, a beautiful botanical garden with a wide range of ornamental and medicinal plants. You can also enjoy a picnic or go cycling here for a relaxing end to your trip.
It is recommended to hire a taxi or rent a car for traveling around Gangtok as public transport might not be frequent or always available. The approximate cost of hiring a taxi or renting a car for a day ranges from INR 2500-3000, depending on the type of vehicle.
If you have more time, you can head to Pelling, a scenic town located 110 km from Gangtok and explore its monasteries and waterfalls. You can also go on a trek to the Dzongri or Goecha La passes for stunning views of the Himalayas. If you have less time, you can skip Nathula Pass, which requires special permits and can take up an entire day due to the long travel time.
The nearest airport to Gangtok is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in the city of Siliguri, West Bengal, located 125 km away. The airport serves domestic flights from major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Guwahati. From the airport, you can hire a pre-paid taxi or book a private cab to Gangtok, which takes around 4-5 hours.