Gangtok in 4 days

Duration :1 Hour

Bonjhakri Falls is a waterfall near Gangtok. Named after the Bonjhakri, which refers to shamanistic healers in the local Bhutia language, the site unfolds in a series of cascades, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The surrounding landscape is adorned with vibrant flora, including exotic orchids and towering trees, enhancing the ethereal beauty of the falls. The site is thoughtfully developed into a natural park. The Bonjhakri Falls is situated about 30 to 45 minutes drive away from the heart of Gangtok city.

Duration :1 Hour

Gonjang Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located near Tashi Viewpoint in Gangtok. Gonjang Monastery was established by H.E. Tingkye Gonjang Rimpoche, a revered spiritual figure, and it is affiliated with the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is nestled in the picturesque hills of Gangtok, providing a tranquil environment for both spiritual practice and scenic appreciation. Gonjang Monastery follows the Drukpa Kagyu lineage, which is one of the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The Drukpa Kagyu tradition emphasizes meditation and spiritual realization.

Duration :1 Hours

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a prominent institution located in Gangtok. Established to promote research and study of the Tibetan language and culture, the institute has been involved in various projects to preserve and document the rich heritage of Sikkim and Tibetan Buddhism. 

The foundation stone of the institute was laid by the 14th Dalai Lama on February 10, 1957. On October 1, 1958, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India, inaugurated the Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology. It was later renamed the Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology in honour of the 11th Chogyal (King) of Sikkim, Sir Tashi Namgyal.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology remains a vital centre for the study of Tibetan language, culture, and Buddhism, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of knowledge related to the rich heritage of the region. 

Tourists can visit the centre any day except Sundays and government holidays. There is a well-stocked museum and a souvenir shop.

Duration :1 Hour

The Do Drul Chorten is one of the largest stupas in Sikkim and holds significant religious importance for the local Buddhist community. It was constructed in 1945 under the supervision of Trulshik Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism. The stupa is surrounded by 108 prayer wheels, and the devout circumambulate the chorten, spinning the prayer wheels as they go.

The stupa is adorned with intricate religious art and contains holy scriptures, making it a sacred site for both locals and visitors. It is not only a place of worship but also a peaceful and serene spot that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Gangtok town.

Duration :1 Hour

The Institute remains closed on Sundays and the Second Saturday of the month.

The Government Institute of Cottage Industry is a notable establishment dedicated to promoting and preserving the traditional handicrafts and cottage industries of Sikkim. It serves as a centre for artisans to showcase and sell their handmade products, offering visitors an opportunity to explore and purchase authentic Sikkimese handicrafts.

The institute typically has a showroom where visitors can find a diverse range of locally crafted items such as carpets, traditional Sikkimese handloom products, wooden carvings, paintings, and more.

The institute often houses workshops where visitors can observe artisans engaged in the creation of various handicrafts. This provides insight into the traditional techniques and skills passed down through generations.

Duration :Half an Hour

The Orchid House flower show is inside the exhibition centre on the Bhanu path about a couple of kilometres from the city centre. It is part of the local sightseeing tour itinerary. The show offers an amazing variety of flowers and orchids. During the flowering season, the place is a riot of colours. You can also purchase flower bulbs from here. The garden is beautifully landscaped and is open throughout the year. There is a small entry fee to access the show.

Duration :2 Hours

Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, has a popular ropeway known as the "Sikkim Himalayan Cable Car." This cable car system provides an exciting and scenic ride, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

The Gangtok Ropeway typically starts from Deorali, which is near the Institute of Tibetology, and it takes visitors up to Tashiling, covering a distance of about 1 km. During the approximately 15 to 20-minute ride, passengers get stunning views of Gangtok town.

Duration :1 Hour

Nestled 8 kilometres away from Gangtok, the Tashi View Point stands as an enchanting vantage spot, offering a panoramic spectacle of the majestic mountains, lush valleys, and the charming town of Gangtok. Renowned for its captivating sunrise and sunset views, this tourist hotspot provides an unrivalled opportunity to witness the ethereal transformation of colours on the Kanchenjunga and Siniolchu Peaks. As the sun gracefully traverses the sky, the silhouette of renowned monasteries such as Gangtok, Phodong, and Labrang emerges, adding to the allure of this picturesque location.

This idyllic haven is a haven for nature enthusiasts, amidst the harmonious melodies of birds and the gentle rustle of the breeze, visitors can immerse themselves in the serene ambience.

Tashi View Point is accessible to all and there is no entry fee. To enhance the experience, the cafeteria beckons, inviting guests to savour delectable snacks and sip on warm tea.

Duration :1 Hour

Ganesh Tok is a popular viewpoint and temple in Gangtok. Situated at an altitude of about 6,500 feet, Ganesh Tok offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Gangtok town.

The site is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, one of the widely worshipped deities in Hinduism, and features a small temple where visitors can offer prayers. The temple is perched on a hill, and to reach the site, one needs to climb a short flight of stairs. The vantage point provides a peaceful and serene atmosphere, making it a popular destination for both religious devotees and tourists.

The highlight of Ganesh Tok is the breathtaking view it offers, with the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas visible on clear days.

Duration :Half an Hour

Bakthang Falls is a pristine cascade situated near Gangtok. The Bakthang Falls emerges as a shimmering spectacle, cascading down in multiple tiers. The area is surrounded by lush greenery and a serene ambience.

The site has become a popular destination for tourists and is part of a full-day Gangtok city tour. The waterfall is about 15 to 20 minutes' drive away from the heart of Gangtok city.

Duration :6 Hours

Tsomgo Lake or Changu Lake is nestled at an altitude of 3,753 meters in the East Sikkim district, approximately 40 kilometres from Gangtok. It is one of the major sightseeing attractions for tourists visiting Gangtok. Tsomgo Lake is a mesmerizing glacial lake that undergoes a remarkable transformation with the changing seasons.

Surrounded by alpine forests, the lake's catchment area experiences a burst of floral brilliance during the summer months with rhododendrons, primulas, and poppies blossoming after the winter thaw. During winter months the lake remains partially of completely frozen.

Tourists can embark on joy rides atop decorated yaks and mules, delighting in the scenic beauty while relishing a variety of food and drinks from the kiosks dotting the lake's periphery. Access to Tsomgo Lake requires permits.

Duration :Half an Hour

Harbhajan Singh was a young Indian army soldier who was escorting a mule column when he fell into a river and was washed away. The incident took place in 1968. Since then the soldiers guarding the border believe that the spirit of Harbhajan Singh protects the soldiers on the border.

Baba Mandir, also known as Harbhajan Singh Temple, is a revered shrine located near Tsomgo Lake. It is believed that he continues to watch over his fellow soldiers, and many people visiting the area pay their respects to him.

The temple is situated at an altitude of around 13,123 feet (4,000 meters) and is a significant pilgrimage site. It is a small shrine with a room containing Harbhajan Singh's personal belongings, including his uniform and other articles. The army personnel posted in the region maintain the temple.