3 Days Gangtok (Top Places to visit in Gangtok in Three Days)

Gangtok offers a diverse spectrum of ecology to explore wherein you can experience most of its natural habitat and its beauty to the fullest. Its mountains canopied with conifers at some places and snow- clad peaks at some, you can satiate your desire to step into a biosphere rich in diverse vegetation.

Discover the beauty of Gangtok following our 3- day plan which covers major destinations keeping Gangtok as the center.

Tashi Viewpoint, Nathu La, Bakthang Falls, Khangchendzonga National Park, Ganesh Tok, MG Marg, Tsomgo Lake, Deorali Orchid Sanctuary, Ranka Monastery, Tsuk La Khang Monastery, Kupup Lake, Yuksom Valley, Seven sisters waterfall are few popular and major places including others to visit in 3 days in Gangtok.

Listing out your itinerary for Gangtok that covers almost all major landmarks and tourist destinations that can be covered in 3 days.

1. Tashi View Point

Maintained by the Tourism Department of Sikkim, the Tashi View Point is famous for the mesmerizing views it offers of mighty Mount Khangchendzonga and Mount Sinilochu and other mountain peaks of the Khangchendzonga range. It was built between 1914 and 1963 during the reign of Tashi Namgyal, who was the King of Sikkim and hence, named after him.

You should visit the view point way before sunrise as one gets to have the most splendid views of the snow clad peaks turning golden right at sunrise, followed by the changing colors of the peaks. March to June are the best months to visit here as the weather is most favorable at that time. The view point is located at a distance of 8 kilometers from Gangtok central.

Timings – 4:00 AM to 6:00 PM

2. Bakthang Falls

Around 4 kilometers from Gangtok, the Bakthang falls is located right before reaching Tashi view point. This beautiful fall is on the roadside and you cannot miss it because of its beauty as it falls over a canopy of mountain creepers. The waterfall is fed by the Ratey Chu river which in turn originates from a glacial lake called Tamze lake, situated at an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level.

Timings – No particular timing is set. Visit anytime on your way to and from Tashi view point.

3. MG Marg

When in Gangtok, a visit to the famous MG Marg is a must. This pedestrian only road is named after Mahatma Gandhi and it stretches for 1 kilometer with the main taxi stand of Gangtok at one end and Sikkim Tourism Center at the other end. It is lined with shopping malls, cafes, discotheques, and pubs. It is closed on Tuesdays.

Decorated with Victorian lamps and lined with wooden benches, the MG Marg of Gangtok is a litter- free and smoke free zone, with an eclectic ambience. To align themselves with the government's green initiative, all the buildings of MG Marg have been painted in green.

A unique landmark that overlooks the MG Marg is the Statue of Unity which promotes peace, love and harmony. The cluster of statues that make the Statue of Unity unique are statues of Bhutia Chieftain Khye Bumsa, the Lepcha leader Thetong Tek and his wife Ngo Kong ngol.

Timings – 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM

4. Kabi Town

Located at a driving distance of 40 minutes from Gangtok city, Kabi town is a small settlement with much historical significance. It is in this town that the peace treaty was signed between the Lepcha chief Te Kung Tek and the Bhutia chief Khey Bum Sar.

The town is famous for its hospitality and has numerous upbeat cafes to explore from. There are few beautiful monasteries here that you may pay a visit to. October to March is the best time to visit the town.

Timings – No specific timing. Visit at convenience.

5. Hanuman Tok

Another point to watch the beautiful sunrise from its top, Hanuman Tok is considered to be a very important spiritual place for carrying out meditation and prayers. The place is surrounded by lush green valleys and snow- clad mountains and is one of the most picturesque places in Gangtok. It was built in the 1950s by Appaji Pant. Legend has it that the man dreamt about the place and later went ahead to build the temple.

The link between the place and Lord Hanuman is that, this very place is said to have been the resting place of Hanuman when he was carrying the mountain laden with Sanjeevani herbs to Srilanka to save Lakhsman from the fatal arrow wound during the Ramayana war.

Currently, it is the 17 Mountain Division of the Indian army that maintains the place and also takes care of its preservation and other activities. The responsibility was handed over to the army during the year 1968.

Timings – 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM

6. Ganesh Tok

Just beside the Tashi View Point, there is a tiny temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, at a distance of 7 kilometers from Gangtok, at an elevation of 6500 feet above the sea level. Constructed in 1953, this temple is so tiny that only one person can crawl and enter the temple to offer their prayers; however, it has a huge lounge area along with a balcony. There are colorful flags tied to the railings along the stairs.

There is a forest just beside the temple called Smriti Van where you can volunteer to plant saplings.

Additionally, a 10 day elaborate Ganesh Chaturthi festival is celebrated at Ganesh Tok during which the temple is decked up with flowers and lights.

Timings – 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM

7. Rumtek Monastery

Being one of the largest, most popular and most visited monasteries of Gangtok, the Rumtek monastery, located on a hilltop, becomes a must visit on your 3 days tour of Gangtok. Divinity and spirituality are important representations of any Tibetan monastery and it is the same here too.

The Rumtek monastery is also known as the Dhamma Chakra center wherein the visitors can participate in a ritual called ‘Kora’ wherein the devotee takes a devotional walk around the monastery but, under the guidance of a monk.

The interiors of the monastery are donned with murals, Buddhist paintings, regional scriptures and thangkas.

Timings – 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

8. Banjhakri Waterfalls

The Banjhakri Waterfalls are located at 10 – 12 kilometers from central Gangtok and falls on the way to Ranka Monastery. There is a landscaped garden at the bottom of the waterfall where it cascades from a height of 40 kilometers. This garden is built in the concept of a rock garden with sculptures of Lepcha, Lyam Lymay and Ban Jhakri ancestors.

The literal translation of the term Ban Jhakri means ‘Traditional Healer’ and the members of this community are considered to have belonged to the Shamanic sect. The visit to the waterfall will leave you in peace due to its location far away from the hustle of the city center.

Timings – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee – INR 50

9. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is famous for being home to centuries old Tibetan-Buddhist culture and history and it boasts to have an impressive collection of Tibetan literature and art in their museum which attracts visitors from all around the world.

The institute supports studies of Tibetan history, literature, philosophy, architecture and everything related to it and also encourages people to pursue their study and research of Asian culture along with Buddhist studies.

The foundation stone of the institute was laid in 1957 by the 14th Dalai Lama himself. Built in typical Tibetan architecture, the institute is named after the 11th Chogyal of Sikkim, Sir Tashi Namgyal and is known for the golden towers that support its majestic facades. The inauguration of the institute was done by Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru in 1958.

Timings – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Monday to Saturday. The institute is closed on Sundays, Second Saturdays and Government Holidays.

10. Deorali Orchid Institute

Located adjacent to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, the Deorali Orchid Sanctuary is an ecological hotspot and is home to 200 species of orchids out of 454 species that are known to exist in the entire world. You must make it a point to visit the sanctuary during one of the blooming seasons either between April to May, July to August or October to November.

The sanctuary is also known to have 40 species of rhododendrons.

Timings – 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM

11. Tsuk La Khang Monastery

Known as the imperial Gompa among the locals due to its location within the Tsuklakhang Royal Palace complex, the Tsuk La Khang Monastery was commissioned by the 9th King, Thutob Namgyal. The construction of the monastery was completed in 1898 AD and became the hub for celebrations of all royal functions ever since, like weddings and coronations and celebrating victory ceremonies.

As it is both a Prayer Centre as well as the Royal Chapel of the former Dharma Kings or monarchs of former Kingdom of Sikkim, who were also called the Chogyals, this place is considered as one of the most revered monasteries.

There are paintings and murals that cover the interior walls of the monastery. The altars are carved with images of deities.

Timings – 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. October to March

12. Do Drul Chorten Stupa

If you are someone who craves for some peaceful time, away from the touristy hub-hub, a visit to the Do Drul Chorten Stupa is most recommended. This stupa is famous for its 108 prayer wheels engraved with chantings or mantras. The wheels are called Mani Lhakor and the devotees rotate these wheels one by one, while also chanting the mantras.

Built in 1946 by Trulshik Rinpoche, the head of the Nyingma Order of Tibetan Buddhism, the stupa is surrounded by Chorten Lakahang and Chorten Guru that house two statues of Guru Rinpoche, or as he is popularly known – Padmasambhava.

There is also a preaching center adjacent to the stupa, which was established Dodhrubchen Rinpoche.

Timings – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

13. Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo Lake is a glacial lake on the way to the famous Nathu La. This lake is known for its location at an altitude of 12,400 feet above sea level, between mountains all around and derives its water from the melting snows from these mountains. It is among the few high- altitude lakes of India and also on the Gangtok – Nathu La highway.

Popularly known as Changu Lake among the locals, the Tsomgo Lake is best known for its changing colors in every season from bright aquamarine during monsoon to forming a translucent sheet of ice in winters to the water reflecting vibrant colors of summer and fall from the various flowers that bloom on its periphery.

The local Bhutia sect of people consider the lake sacred because of its association to various local myths and legends. The monks are believed to have been predicting the future just by looking at the color of the lake during ancient times.

The lake is also significant to the Jhakri community, who are known as faith healers and shamans. They celebrate the festival of Guru Purnima near the lake every year as they believe it lends magical powers to the lake’s water on this auspicious day.

There is a special permit required to visit the Tsomgo lake since it is located within the restricted area. Both Indian and foreign nationals should obtain the permits before arriving here.

Timings – Can be visited any time before sunset

14. Nathu La

The highest motorable passes in Eastern Himalayas, the hottest tourist destination of North East India, Nathu La is known for the sheer beauty its route offers. The pass is thronged by a huge number of visitors every year, even after being located on the Indo-Tibetan border, at an elevation of 14,450 feet above the sea level. It used to be an important trade route between India and China before it went on to be known as the Autonomous Region of China.

The road from Gangtok to Nathu La is one of the most scenic routes. There are several waterfalls and snow- clad mountains all along the way. Being a part of the famous old Silk Route, Nathu La was an open road until 1962.

Only Indian nationals are allowed to visit Nathu La (after obtaining a valid permit from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department) due to its status as a protected and militarized zone and is accessible only via heavy – duty vehicles. The permit is easy if you have provided valid ID proofs.

The best time to visit Nathu La is between December and February. The weather remains pleasant with clear skies during this period. The pass remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Timings – Open 24 hours but only accessible during daylight for tourists

15. Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple

About 52 kilometers away from Gangtok, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is situated between Nathu La and Jelep La (precisely between Sherathang and Kupup) at an altitude of 13,123 feet above sea level. The temple is famous majorly due to the legend attached to it and it is believed that the spirit of the martyr soldier, Sepoy Harbhajan Singh protects every soldier from the inhospitable conditions of high altitudes in the Eastern Himalayan region.

The story of the soldier goes back to 1968 when a manhunt was launched for the missing soldier and his body was found 3 days later. His shrine was built by the soldiers but he is never considered dead. He was awarded with the Mahavir Chakra posthumously and was retired with full honors in December 2016.

Timings – Open 24 hours

16. Kupup Lake

Located at an elevation of 13,000 feet above sea level, on the way to Jelep La pass, right after the route forks from Nathu La, Kupup Lake has been lately becoming a popular destination among the Sikkim tourist circuit. Also called Bitan Cho, the Kupup lake is among the most sacred lakes in Sikkim.

The lake that remains frozen for most part of the year, from January to May, is also called Elephant Lake because of its shape and appearance. The specialty of this lake is that during fall, orchids bloom on the periphery of the lake thus, making the view even heavenly.

Another trivia about the Kupup lake is that it is situated beside the Yak Golf Course, world’s highest golf course affiliated to the Indian Golf Union.

Timings – Open 24 hours but is recommended to visit during daylight

17. Ranka Monastery

At a distance of 20 kilometers from Gangtok, the Ranka monastery is famous, not because it has any ancient history, but due to its location that offers the most scenic views. It is surrounded by pine and conifer forest filled mountains on all sides. The monastery follows the Zurmang Kagyud lineage of Buddhism under the guidance of the 12th successor of the lineage.

The monastery building is a two-storey building and its ground floor houses a preaching school for young lamas. The visit to Ranka monastery can be done along with Banjhakri waterfall visit as both are located adjacent to each other.

Timings – Open 24 hours

18. Seven Sisters Waterfalls

As the name suggests, the Seven Sisters waterfall comprises seven adjacent waterfalls naturally arranged beside each other that cascade from a high rugged cliff. The waterfall is located at a distance of 32 kilometers from Gangtok city on the Gangtok – Lachung highway towards North Sikkim. The waterfalls are at their best during monsoon when the falls are at their mightiest.

It is the most photographed place in the entire Sikkim because of the obvious reasons. The best photography angles can be obtained if you are located on the foot- bridge which is built at a lower level of the fall, above the stream. This place is also a great option for families with kids to have ample fun.

When you are visiting the falls right after winter ends, you can see the melting snow from the waterfall. This makes one of the most mesmerizing views one can get to see.

Timings – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

19. Khangchendzonga National Park

Also known as Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, a visit to Khangchendzonga National Park, an UNESCO recognised site in India, is a must on your 3- day trip to Gangtok as it is one of the best places you could be on this earth. The national park was established in 1977 and was recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2016. It is spread over an area of 1750 sq km.

The national park houses around 18 glaciers including the Zemu glacier which is considered to be the most magnificent one. The national park also has a diverse landscape that includes rivers, plains, valleys, lakes, and mountains covered with forests.

The national park is home to some of the rare species of flora like alpine scrub, mixed coniferous, temperate broad-leaved forest with a mix of Quercus Lineata, Acer Campbellii and Juglans Regia and fauna like red panda (Sikkim’s state animal), Blue sheep, Marmont monkeys, Snow leopard, Musk deer, wild dogs and Barking deer along with avi fauna, reptiles and rodents.

Timings – Open 24 hours from Monday to Saturday. Closed on Sundays.

20. Khecheopalri Lake

Located inside the periphery of Khangchendzonga National Park, the Khecheopalri Lake invites many pilgrims every year during the festivals of Maghe Purne (March) and Chho – tsho (October). The lake holds significance for both Hindus and Buddhists.

Timings – Open 24 hours

21. Yuksom Valley

Popular among both pilgrims and tourists alike, the Yuksom valley is a quiet village located on top of the Khangchendzonga National Park. Trek one hour to Dubdi Monastery from Yuksom is highly recommended as it is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim.

Timings – Open 24 hours