From adventure to sightseeing, there’s so much to do in Gangtok!
The River Teesta and gorgeous mountains surround Gangtok. This pretty City cannot disappoint you! Here’s a list of activities in Gangtok that you shouldn’t miss at all!
1. Go River Rafting in Teesta River
Image Source: Hello Sikkims
This is the most popular activity and why not? The river Teesta is the most important river in the entire Sikkim state. The mighty river originates from Tso Lhamo Lake in north Sikkim, while Rangit originates from glacier Mount Kabru. Both finally meet at a place called Teesta, also called Triveni. As you raft down Teesta, you will be amazed by the views of dense forest, mountains, vegetation and likewise. The river has more whirling waters and is ideal for new and experienced rafters. Besides rafting, you can also enjoy boating here.
Location: Usually, rafting starts at “Melli” which is about 3 hours drive from Gangtok.
Duration: 1.5 Hours.
Best Time: October to April.
Cost: Usually, the price ranges between 3,500-5000 per person.
Pro Tip: Teesta has many rafting points. Rafting can be done en-route between Gangtok to Siliguri. The rafting also has suggested routes for swimmers and non-swimmers. Sikkim Tourism offers various packages. Click here for more details.
2. Go Paragliding
Fly like a bird! Flying over the breathtaking landscape, snow-capped mountains and meadows are nothing less than blissful experience. You can either choose to fly at “medium altitude” at 1200 meters approx. or you can fly at a “high altitude” at 2,000 meters.
Location: Near bhanjkhari water falls, Gangtok.
Best Time: October to April.
Cost: The price ranges between 3,000-6000 per person. Check out Sikkim Paragliding. This well-known operator offers some best paragliding pilot team. You can reach them on 095640 74123. Check for directions here.
Pro Tip: You don’t have to have prior experience. There are trained paragliding pilots. All you have to do is try this activity and enjoy it peacefully!
3. Trek at Goechala
Image Source: India Hikes
This is the most popular trek and its most loved for a reason! You experience the high mountains, valleys, and different villages on the way. Be it walking through the vast Dzongri and Thansing meadows or a lake, you will be captivated by the beauty of nature. It is an unforgettable experience.
Best Time: April- May and September-October.
Cost: It varies as per the operators you choose to go with.
Pro Tip: Goenchala is a difficult trek. It is usually 9-11 days trek and required climbing to a height of 4600 meters. You must be appropriately fit to do this.
My personal favourite is India Hikes. Click here for some gorgeous pictures and details about this hike. Their package is usually under INR 20,000.
4. Explore Silk Route
Image source: Travelogyindia.com
This is one of the thrilling and adventurous activities to do in Gangtok.
Cycling through the Kanchenjunga and the Himalayan mountain ranges is a blissful experience. The clouds, the views, the villages are something you should never miss.
Location: The Silk Route Tour is organized by many tour companies. The route will accordingly depend upon the operator that you choose from.
Best Time: May and October.
Pro Tip: Tour companies will usually provide you with cycle and other necessary gears. Usually, tours include camping and sightseeing with this cycling tour. The tour ranges from 7 days to 9 days. “Tag Along” offers adventurous, and fun-day cycling journey.
If you do not wish to explore the Silk Route via cycle, there are many tour operators that offer other packages. You can check the options here.
5. Cable Ride
Image Source: Pinterest
This is one of the major and fun activities to do in Gangtok. This double cable ropeway is perfect to place to see the city from the top. This 15-minute ride offers a spectacular aerial view of Gangtok. The cable car ride is about 1 km long with three entry/exit points, which are Deorali, Namnang and Tashiling. You can get down at any of these stations.
Location: Deorali is the lowest point to ride the cable car.
Best Time: October to April. The cable car operates daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Cost: The two-way ticket price is INR 117 for an adult and INR 77 for minors and free for kids below 3 years.
6. Go Mountain Biking
Biking on dramatic rugged terrain with a stunning backdrop is a surreal experience! Gangtok offers some of the best biking trails in the world.
Location: There are various bike routes throughout Sikkim. Some offer trails with technical biking experience and some with a landscape to ride through.
Best Time: October to April.
Cost: The cost varies as per the operators and the packages offered by them. The duration normally ranges from 1 day to 15 days.
Pro Tip: If you wish to opt for an easy route and go a little slow, Gangtok- Ranka – Martem (29 km) is a simpler one. You will be riding mostly downhill throughout the journey. It takes one day to complete the tour. You can return to the base the next day. See nearby attractions like Rumtek Monastery, Rani Khola and enjoy the ride.
7. Tashi Viewpoint for Sunrise/Sunset
Image Image Source: MakemyTrip
This charming little viewpoint is a perfect place to witness the brilliant landscape from the top. Whether you go up there for a sunrise or a sunset, we bet, the experience will be mesmerizing. The best (and a close) view of Kanchenjunga can be viewed from Tashi point.
Location: It lies at a distance of about 8 km from the main city of Gangtok.
Cost: The entry is free. However, if you wish to use binoculars/ telescope to take a closer look, a minimal fee of INR 10 is payable.
Pro Tip: You will have to climb a few steps to reach to the point but it is totally worth it. A visit to “Ganesh Tok”, about 10 minutes away from Tashi is strongly recommended. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and situated amidst nature. The view from this point is spellbinding.
8. Go Hang Gliding
Image source: Sikkim Adventure Tourism
Envisage yourself as a bird, soaring over the Himalayan range, valleys and some beautiful towns. Doesn’t this sound dreamy? This activity is one of the most popular ones in Gangtok. It’s similar to paragliding. You hold on to a bar attached to the wings and hang by it. You will be strapped to the top of the bar with a safety belt. It is a fulfilling experience.
Location: Yumthang valley.
Cost: It starts from 2500 per person.
Best Time: Summer (May to June) and Spring (September to October).
Pro Tip: You can either opt for piloted flights (for first-timers) or for solo flights. There are quite a few agencies offering this adventure. Make sure you only approach a certified and experienced agency.
9. Enjoy Yak Safari
Image source: Tourismsikkim.in
A yak ride is one of the most popular activities to do in Gangtok. This joy ride is normally done at Dzongri area and Tsomgo Lake. These quiet and delicate creatures are covered in long hair to protect themselves from the cold areas. The Yaks are decorated with colourful rugs and ribbons. Every Yak has a trainer to control this animal when you are riding it.
Location: Dzongri area and Tsomgo Lake.
Cost: INR 450 approximately (at Tsomgo Lake).
Pro Tip: Although Yak safari is available in many areas; the one at Tsomgo Lake is the most popular. The region devours with snow-covered mountains and the experience is unique and enchanting.
10. Stroll and shop at Lal Bazaar & MG Road
Image Source: Tripadvisor
You can’t go Gangtok and not visit the markets! This market place is one of the most vibrant places in Gangtok. Always filled with locals and tourists, Lal Bazaar is an open market known for its traditional items, street food, souvenirs, pottery and likewise. It is also known for the Cheese made of Yak’s milk.
MG Road is an open mall or square, which is widely regarded to be the best town center for tourists. You will find everything from dresses to porcelain cups to yummy food in this market.
Location: Vishal Gaon, Gangtok. Lal Bazar is on a road leading downhill from MG Road.
Best Time: March to June; October to December.
Pro Tip: On Sundays, Lal Bazaar is a melody of colours where ethnic groups from different villages gather. It’s a different experience altogether.
What is the Best Time to Visit Gangtok?
Broadly speaking October to June is the best time to visit Gangtok. These months include summer, spring and winter- all of which will give different experiences! As most of the activities include outdoor activities and sightseeing, it is better to avoid monsoon months (July- September).
If you are looking for a memorable trip to Sikkim, you can’t miss to read this Classic Sikkim Itinerary
Suggested Read: “Himachal Highlights- 12 Days Itinerary”
The adventure sports and activities here are top notch 🙌🏻
Thank you so much for reading! I am glad you found this blog interesting.