A picturesque mountain with an eye-dropping view of Kangchenjunga makes Gangtok a natures’ paradise. Staring at sunrise from the womb of a glacier-covered peak, reflecting all the natural colors, can feed your mind with strokes of serenity. Glittering waterfalls, quant valley, and snow-capped lakes are some other attractions for travelers. Trekking and hiking are some famous activities to explore in Gangtok.
Gangtok also tends to be a perfect place for planning highland tours on a pocket-friendly budget. Gangtok tour packages approximately cost 14,080 per person for 4 nights and 5 days which includes popular destinations such as Nathula, Changu Lake, Ganesh Tok, Mg Marg, and Bakthang Waterfall. Bagdogra is the nearest airport from Gangtok whereas the NJP railway station lies at a distance of 148 km. Cab and taxi facilities are available to reach the high terrain.
Nathula
Nathula Pass is the highest unobstructed roadway that lies on the Indo-Tibetan border at 14450 ft above sea level. Make sure to mark your footstep in Nathula to relax in the chill climate and heart whelming scenario. Gangtok trip remains incomplete without meandering in Nathula. The place lies under tight security therefore traversing requires permit cards approved by “The tourism and Civil Aviation Department”. “Jelep La, Tashi viewpoint, Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, Mera Bharat Manan Hill, Staircase to Indo-Sino border, and Mandakini Waterfalls” are some famous destinations to visit in Nathula. The place lies in a vicinity of 52.3 km from the nodal point of Gangtok and can be accessed only through SUV cabs.
Changu Lake
Craving to see a crystalline snow-covered lake? Then do visit Changu Lake during the onset of winter. Ice-skating in the frozen water is an exciting activity for tourists. If you are eager to catch a glimpse of variant colors with changing seasons then the Changu Lake will never offend you. From Gangtok, visitors cover a distance of around 48 that take nearly 2 hours to reach Changu. The water of the lake is considered spiritual and holy by the local people. A temple of Lord Shiva is also built on the bank of the lake. Buddhist Monasteries with eminent architectural design are another must-visit place near the area. Thus, the place endorsed scenic beauty along with tradition.
Ganesh Tok
A panoramic view of Kanchenjunga from Ganesh Tok can sink the mind of mountain lovers in the ocean of tranquillity. The place is famous for the temple of a Hindu deity Lord Ganesha and religious people tend to flood the place with immense faith and belief. The architectural structure of the temple speaks a lot about the cultural reference of the area. After reaching Gangtok, Ganesh Tok is only 5.1 km away and can be easily reached through sumo or cabs. Ganesh Tok is situated at an altitude of 6500 ft from sea level and devotees have to climb the staircase to offer prayer. Descending points are crowded with many mouth-watering food stalls with local edibles such as momo, tea, coffee, toasts, noodles, omelet, paratha, and cold drinks.
Mg Marg
Are you a shopaholic? Then Mg Marg is the right place for retail therapy. Starting from handicraft products, clothes, gift items, shoes, sports goods, and souvenirs to even pharmaceutical valuables are available in this market at a pocket-friendly budget. Buzz of the town starts from 8 am till 7 pm and the shops remain close every Tuesday. Flavors of regional food cuisine are the major source of delight for gastronomes in Mg Marg. The place lies at a province of 2 km and is well connected through cab and taxi facilities. You can carry small materialistic memory of your Gangtok Trip from this shopping town.
Bakthang Waterfall
Bakthang Waterfall is the best place to wander with your friend, family, or dear one away from the daily bustle of life. Bakthang originates from the core of the lush green mountain range of the Himalayas and is covered with seasonal flowers and vegetation. The thirst of the fall is quenched by the Ratey Chu River. The beauty of the place takes a wonderful turn during monsoon as the fall cascades with pellucid water perpetuating moist weather conditions. This mind gobbling spot is only 7 km away from the main spot of Gangtok and it takes only 25 minutes to reach by cab or taxi.
