Bakthang Waterfall Gangtok Entry Fee
- No Entry Fee
- 100 per person for Rope Sliding
Bakthang Waterfall Gangtok Phone
03592 201 372
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Based on total 32 reviews
Bakthang Waterfall Gangtok Address: Gangtok, Sikkim, 737103, India
Bakthang Waterfall, situated along the 31A National Highway (renamed NH 10), is a small and serene waterfall in Gangtok. The source of the waterfall is the Ratey Chu River, which originates at a height of 12,500 feet and serves as the main water source for Gangtok.
This waterfall is not imposing vertically, but its broad horizontal flow makes it a treat for the eyes. The water from the fall cascades down from the rocks and forms a shallow pool at the bottom.
Since the waterfall lies close to another popular tourist attraction of Gangtok – Tashi View Point, it too attracts a lot of visitors across the year, both for sightseeing and picnicking.
The name Bakthang is a combination of two words – ‘Bak’ and ‘Thang’, which in the Sikkimese language means Forest and Meadow, respectively. This scenic place is an offbeat location and is the perfect destination to relax as well as for nature photography.
Things to do at Bakthang Waterfall Gangtok
Besides enjoying mesmerizing views of the Bakthang Waterfall from the footbridge and clicking its photographs, tourists can choose to go for the Rope Sliding activity on offer here for a nominal price. Sliding on the rope is a great way to get a panoramic view of the region. The slide is comparatively short but is quite thrilling.
On the opposite side of the road, tourists will find a few shops and a café, which is run by the Tourism Dept. of Sikkim. Tourists can enjoy tea and snacks at these places and even get lunch after noon time. Some of the shops also sell Sikkimese woolens, shawls, clothes and handbags.
A plenty of hawkers too can be seen selling beverages and eatables as well as local produce in the vicinity. Another interesting thing to do at this place is to rent traditional Sikkimese clothes and get clicked by local photographers, close to the cascading waterfall.
After spending quality time at the Bakthang Waterfall, tourists can head to the popular Tashi View Point, which is only about 3 km away. This is the point from where tourists can get views of the majestic Mount Kanchenjunga. Some of the other places to visit nearby are Do Drul Chorten, Hanuman Temple, Ganesh Tok and MG Market.
Gangtok Bakthang Waterfall Timings and Entry fee
There are no charges for visiting the Bakthang Waterfall in Gangtok. However, the cost of Rope Sliding at the waterfall per person is Rs. 100.
The timing of Bakthang Waterfall is 7 am to 6 pm. The best time to visit this beautiful place is from 10 am to 4 pm. It is suggested that tourists visit the waterfall during the day time, when it is warmer and brighter and return before evening. As per locals, the best time to witness this waterfall is during the monsoons or just right after it.
How to reach Bakthang Waterfall Gangtok
By Air: The nearest airport to the Bakthang Waterfall is the Pakyong Airport, which lies at a distance of about 30 km. However, it is a seasonal domestic airport and flight services are limited due to bad weather conditions. The travel from this airport to the waterfall can be done by hiring a private taxi from the top car rental companies in Gangtok. It takes about 1.5 hours to cover this distance.
The next closest airport to this place is the Bagdogra International Airport in West Bengal, about 127 km away. This airport is well connected to the rest of the country, and receives flights on a regular basis. From the airport, tourists can choose to hire private taxis to travel till Gangtok by road; it takes about 4.5 hours.
Alternatively, they can opt for the daily helicopter service from the airport to Gangtok that is operated by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation. It takes about 20-30 minutes to cover this distance by helicopter; however, this service is subject to weather conditions.
By Rail: The nearest railhead to the Bakthang Waterfall is the New Jalpaiguri Railway Junction in West Bengal, about 120 km away. It receives trains from across India on a daily basis as it serves as the major railhead for Northeast India.
From the railway station, tourists can hire private taxis or board public/private transport buses to travel to Gangtok. It takes about 2 hours by taxi and about 4 hours by bus to travel the distance.
By Road: The nearest bus station to the Bakthang Waterfall is the Gangtok SNT Bus Station, which is around 5 km away. This bus station receives buses from Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kolkata, Bagdogra and Kalimpong. These buses are operated by the Sikkim Nationalized Transport.
Things to keep in mind while visiting Bakthang Waterfall Gangtok
- Keeping caution near the waterfall is suggested because of slippery areas close to it.
- Throwing stones and littering the surroundings should be avoided.
- Wearing warm, modest clothes to the site is advised.
- Precaution to be taken while at the spot as it is located on the National Highway and vehicles pass regularly on the road.
- Maintaining the serenity of the place is advised.
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