Gangtok Tour Packages

About Gangtok Tourism: Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and is part of the Eastern Himalayan ranges. It is popular as a tourist destination owing to its lush greenery, spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges, trekking trails, gushing waterfalls and of course, its association with Buddhism. Gangtok is an ideal destination for a tranquil holiday, one that you can explore with Holidify’s amazing Gangtok tour packages suitable for all kinds of travellers. 

Gangtok is known for its natural splendour that comprises the picturesque and holy Tsomgo Lake, the Reshi Hot Springs believed to possess medicinal properties, Saramsa Garden with its multitude of flowers and the majestic Seven Sisters Waterfalls. If you wish to catch a glimpse of the world’s third highest peak, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Gangtok is the place to be; in fact, there are numerous trekking trails to the mountain. With a strong Tibetan influence, Gangtok is home to many beautiful monasteries.

Part of the former Silk Route, Nathula Pass connects Sikkim to Tibet and is a must-visit destination; make sure to get a permit beforehand. Gangtok’s undulating terrain offers the possibility of engaging in adventurous activities like trekking, mountain biking, riding the popular Gangtok Ropeway, paragliding and going on a yak safari. Gangtok tour packages often include local festivals like the Buddhist festival called Saga Dawa Festival.

Lachung in North Sikkim is synonymous with the Bhim Nala Waterfall, the Lachung Monastery that hosts the Mask Dance, the half-frozen Gurudongmar Lake and Lachung Zero Point that is surrounded by snow-clad peaks and rivers. Holidify has a number of amazing Gangtok tour packages that are completely customisable and budget-friendly, making them the perfect choice for a short vacation with friends or family!

Places to Visit in Gangtok

Nathu La Pass: Nathula, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, is a mountain pass in the Himalayan peaks that co-joins Sikkim and China. It is located around 60km from Gangtok and most Gangtok tour packages include Nathu La as a day trip. There are a number of waterfalls that gush along the way from Gangtok to Nathu La. It also offers an opportunity to see beautiful snow peaks encircling the area. A valid permit to visit Nathu La Pass is given to only Indian Nationals. 

Tsomgo Lake:  Tsomgo Lake is one of the few high-altitude lakes in India situated on the Gangtok - Nathu La highway. Also popularly known as Changu Lake, it is a part of every Gangtok tour package. This glacial lake is famous for its colour changing waters. Monsoons see a bright aquamarine lake whereas, in the winters, it freezes into a translucent cover of ice. As the summer approaches in mid-May, the periphery of this lake is dotted with a thousand blossoming flowers that lend the waters a riot of vibrant colours. 

MG Road: MG Road is the heart of Gangtok and its most happening place. It is the central shopping hub with various shops, restaurants, and hotels lined up along both sides. The entire area is free of smoke, litter, and vehicular traffic. It's a pedestrian-only zone, and vehicles are not allowed. 

Rumtek Monastery: Also known as the Dharma Chakra Centre, is a place of profound spiritual significance and rich cultural heritage. Originally founded in Tibet, it was re-established in its current location in the mid-20th century. This monastery is not only a religious center but also the seat of the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, making it a focal point for Buddhist practitioners.

Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple:  Known as Baba Mandir, is a profoundly revered shrine nestled near the Nathu La Pass. This unique temple is dedicated to the memory of Harbhajan Singh, an Indian Army soldier who mysteriously disappeared while on duty in the harsh terrains of this region in 1968. Legends and beliefs have since woven a remarkable tale around him.

Tashi Viewpoint: Situated 8 km away from central Gangtok, Tashi Viewpoint is a scenic beauty from where travellers can get a view of the magnificent Mount Sinilochu and Mount Kanchenjunga. This spot also serves as a fabulous picnic place.

Banjhakri Falls: The Banjhakri Falls is situated at a distance of 10-12 kilometres from Gangtok on the way to Ranka monastery. Beautifully landscaped gardens abound the waterfall along with beautiful statues of Lyam Lymay, Mangpas, Lepcha, and Ban Jhakri ancestors. The entrance of the park also comprises of several recreational activities and refreshment stalls.

Enchey Monastery: Enchey Monastery, meaning 'the solitary temple', is a holy pilgrimage spot for the Buddhists. There is a massive metal roofed prayer hall inside while the porch has a wheel of law which ripples in perfect sync with the chants of the monks. It is also a famous tourist location due to the Chaam dance (a special prayer offered by monks by wearing masks) organized on the 18th, 19th day of the 12th lunar month as per the Tibetan calendar.  

Things to Do in Gangtok

Experience a Yak Safari: Experiencing Yak Ride is one of the most essential activities and unique things to do in Gangtok. You can experience the joyride in any one of the three places where the activity is organized. You can try it at Dzongri area and/or Tsomgo lake. Never forget to leave the saddle or you disbalance and are on the ground in no time.

Enjoy the Gangtok Ropeway: Known to be one of the top thrilling things to do in Gangtok, Gangtok Ropeway has a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the valley below. The double cable zig back ropeway can carry up to 24 passengers and covers a distance of 2 km to and fro. The aerial ropeway is 935 m long, from the start to the endpoint and the complete journey takes a total of 15 - 20 minutes. It has three terminal stations - Tashiling, Namnang or Deorali. You can get on or get down at either of the three stations. The cable car station is situated around 100 feet upwards where you can reach in an elevator.

Trek to Kanchenjunga: The third highest peak in the world, the majestic Kanchenjunga is one of the most stunning mountains in the world. Surrounded by Nepal, Sikkim and Tibet, this mountain was first scaled in 1955 but since then has been declared sacred. There are a lot of trekking routes in Kanchenjunga which will take you through woody forests and serene countryside. Experiencing a trek here is one of the most thrilling things to do in Gangtok.

Walk through Flower Exhibition Centre: Flower Exhibition Centre, which is situated in Gangtok, showcases flowers from the different parts of Sikkim together under a single roof. A medium-sized tropical greenhouse, the centre is filled with unusual species of plants including numerous species of fresh orchids namely Anthurium and Lilium. The presence of such different varieties of colourful flowers along with its enchanting fragrance fills up the entire centre making it a very refreshing place for the visitors. 

Paragliding: Paragliding is one of the thrilling things to do in Gangtok and one activity that you must definitely experience. The place lets you try your hand at the opportunity with the help of a professional trainer and with complete safety measures. Besides giving you a very amazing adrenaline rush, the activity lets you have a bird's eye view of the beautiful city.

Why to Buy Tour Package to Gangtok?

Considering the challenges faced when visiting Gangtok, here are some reasons why buying a Gangtok tour package is important:

Local Expertise and Guidance: Gangtok tour operators have extensive knowledge and expertise about the region. They can provide valuable insights, recommend the best places to visit, and design an itinerary that optimizes your time in Gangtok. For example, they can guide you to hidden viewpoints, lesser-known monasteries, and offbeat hiking trails that you might not discover on your own.

Seamless Travel Arrangements: A Gangtok tour package ensures a seamless travel experience by taking care of all the logistics, including accommodation, transportation, and activity bookings.  They can arrange comfortable accommodations, provide airport or railway station transfers, and offer guided tours to popular attractions like Rumtek Monastery or the Flower Exhibition Centre.

Permits and Documentation Assistance: Obtaining permits for restricted areas in Gangtok can be a cumbersome process. With a Gangtok holiday package, the tour operator can assist you in obtaining the necessary permits, saving you the time and hassle of dealing with the paperwork and government offices. They can guide you through the process and ensure a smooth experience.

Safety and Security: Traveling in a remote and mountainous region like Gangtok comes with inherent risks. By purchasing a Gangtok package, you have the advantage of local support and assistance in case of any emergencies. Tour operators can provide guidance on safety precautions, offer reliable transportation, and ensure your well-being throughout the trip.

Local Cultural Experiences: Gangtok is known for its rich cultural heritage, and tour packages often include opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture. These experiences can include visits to monasteries, participation in traditional festivals, or interactions with local artisans. For instance, a Gangtok holiday package may offer a visit to a traditional village where you can witness traditional dances and crafts.

By purchasing a Gangtok tour package, you can benefit from local expertise, seamless travel arrangements, assistance with permits, safety and security, and immersive cultural experiences. These advantages help you overcome the challenges and ensure a well-rounded and memorable experience in the enchanting city of Gangtok.
 

Best Time to Gangtok 

The best time to visit Gangtok is from late September to mid-December and March to May. So that you can experience the best of the region, Gangtok tour packages also include nearby destinations like Darjeeling, Pelling and Lachung. Located in West Sikkim, Pelling is the state’s second most-visited tourist destination and is known for its beautiful monasteries like the Pemayangtse Monastery and Sangachoeling Monastery. Also, don’t miss out on its monasteries or the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway toy train.

Shopping in Gangtok

The exotic hill station also has numerous souvenir shops for tourists and the locals. Few of the most important things you should take back from here are-

• Canvas paintings and wall hangings give you a taste of the traditional day 
• Handicrafts and Tibetan carpets which reflect the arts and culture of the city.
• Hand-woven jackets are extremely exquisite and pretty and a must-have souvenir.
• Sikkim is popular worldwide for its most delicious tea. You can try a couple of varieties of ‘Sikkim Tea’ from any of the local stores.
• Black cardamom which is exclusively farmed here 
• Hand carved wooden tables
• The locally produced wine and hard liquor is of premium quality
• The best places for shoppers are MC Marg for dress material, trinkets, shoes, souvenirs etc. with traditional Sikkimese designs. You can also get books on Buddhism, porcelain cups and other gifting items.
• The Tibet Road has a line of shops and emporiums for handicrafts and handloom products.
• There is also Lal Bazaar famous for all kinds of everyday things like cheese, incense sticks and electronic gadgets.

Food in Gangtok

What is impossible to miss in Gangtok includes Momos, Thukpa, Wonton, Gyathuk, Thenthuk and more, along with a Sikkim style meat patty called Shah-Phaley. Along with this you get to choose from a huge variety of authentic soups almost unique to the area. Chang is a locally made alcoholic beverage and is a must try while here. Authentic Tibetan and Indo-Chinese cuisines are also available in the restaurants and must also be tried.