Gangtok

Sikkim, Sikkim

Gangtok

Sikkim, Sikkim

CapitalMonasteriesViews

Monasteries, mountain views and a lively promenade

The capital of Sikkim, at about 1,650 m, with a lively centre and wide views towards Kanchenjunga. Gangtok has monasteries such as Enchey and Rumtek, the pedestrian promenade of MG Marg, and day trips to Tsomgo Lake and the Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir. It is the usual base for a Sikkim trip.

Ideal stay2–3 nightsTwo nights covers MG Marg, the monasteries and a day trip to Tsomgo Lake. A third lets you take in Rumtek and a slower evening.

Nearest airportBagdogra (IXB)4 hr 30 min to Gangtok · Taxi to Gangtok, about 4 to 5 hours

Getting thereAbout 4 to 5 hours from Bagdogra Airport, or Pakyong Airport at 1 hourThe nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri, about 5 hours by road. Pakyong, near Gangtok, has limited flights.

Time zoneGMT+5:30Same time as India

Getting around. MG Marg is pedestrian and easy on foot, and the rest of Gangtok is steep. Shared and private taxis cover the monasteries and Tsomgo Lake. Tsomgo and Nathula need a permit, arranged through your operator.

Part ofSikkimGangtok and Pelling

Things to do in Gangtok

3 experiences from our activity catalogue

Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir

ShrineBaba Harbhajan Singh MandirArmy-maintained shrine to Sepoy Harbhajan Singh on the Tsomgo-Nathula road, visited under the same restricted-area permit.45 min

MG Marg

ShoppingMG MargGangtok's central pedestrian promenade, a vehicle-free, litter-free and spit-free zone lined with shops and restaurants.1 hr 30 minFree

Tsomgo Lake

ScenicTsomgo LakeGlacial lake at 3,753 m about 40 km from Gangtok on the Nathula road, inside a restricted area requiring a permit.1 hr 30 minNo separate entry fee; the permit and vehicle are arranged and priced by a registered Sikkim operator

Packages that include Gangtok

Ready-to-book itineraries with Gangtok on the route

Sikkim Highlights

6 nightsSikkim HighlightsSiliguri · 1NGangtok · 3NPelling · 2N6 Nights | 7 DaysFrom₹55,000 per personView package

North East Grand Circuit

11 nightsNorth East Grand CircuitGuwahati · 1NKaziranga · 2NShillong · 3NCherrapunji · 1NGangtok · 3NPelling · 1N11 Nights | 12 DaysFrom₹94,000 per personView package

Hand-picked hotels

Stays our experts book in Gangtok

Weather and best time to visit

Tap a month to see the details

Best time to visit

November

Cool, dry and clear.

High / Low18° / 8°CRainfall113 mm

Best timeGoodOff seasonOpen-Meteo historical weather (ERA5), 2015–2024 averages

SpringMarch–MayBest Time

Rhododendrons in bloom across the hillsides. Excellent visibility of Kanchenjunga. Festivals like Losar and Saga Dawa begin.

MonsoonJune–September

Heavy rainfall — many roads can close. Yumthang Valley is lush. Not ideal for high-altitude treks.

AutumnOctober–NovemberTrekking

Crystal-clear skies after monsoon. Best views of Kanchenjunga. Excellent trekking season starts.

WinterDecember–February

Heavy snowfall at altitude. Tsomgo Lake freezes. Roads to North Sikkim can close. Gangtok remains accessible.

More cities in Sikkim

Often paired with Gangtok on the same trip

Pelling

PellingSunrise over Kanchenjunga, and old monasteries