Gangtok and Other Places to Visit in Sikkim: The Top 6 Activities To Do in Sikkim

This is a kilometer of zig-zag thrill that starts from Deorali and takes the visitors to Tashiling. Offering a bird’s eye view of Gangtok, it is one of the most famous things to do in Gangtok city and top-rated among Gangtok tourist attractions. There are no seats in the cable car, so you need to stand. The 1 km long ride (2 km to and fro) has three stations – the first station is at Deorali near the Institute of Tibetology; the next station is Namnang; and the topmost station is in Tashiling, close to the Secretariat. Further, this 7-minute ride is not limited to the complete city view only; if the weather is good, brace yourself for a glorious view of Khangchendzonga.

Indulge in one of the most exhilarating recreational water activities aka river rafting! River rafting in Teesta river is one of the many adventurous things to do in Gangtok, Sikkim. The fact that the rapids of Rangit and the Teesta rivers are graded at the international level at I to IV, makes the rafting one of the finest rafting stretches in the world. The turbulent water of Rangit with its multidimensional rapids provide the rafters enough challenge and adventure. The river courses through gorges and valleys that offer picturesque spectacles and make rafting a truly memorable experience.

One of the most tourist-y things to do in Gangtok is to visit the Tashi Viewpoint (7.9 Km) when on a clear day, you can catch mesmerizing views of the mighty Kanchenjunga. Tashi View Point is known for its gorgeous sunrise as well as the mild sunset. As the day progresses you will find the peaks illuminated by changing the color of sun rays. To savor the alluring beauty of the place you must reach the point before 5 am.

Of all the places of importance, Gangtok is well known for its monasteries. They are thousands of years old and house some of the oldest living disciples of Lord Buddha. A day tour covering the famous monasteries is among the best things to do in Gangtok 

Shopping and dining at the many restaurants and cafes on MG Marg is another fun thing to do in Gangtok. A vibrant, upbeat place, MG Marg is a no-car zone and one of the most awesome places to visit in Gangtok. Try some (or a lot) of the local cuisine like Shapta, Tsampa shakes, Thukpas and Ningro churpi at one of the many restaurants here. Also, don’t come back without some choice Temi tea!

Another fun thing to do in Gangtok is to take a day trip to Tsomgo Lake, studded in a valley flanked by snow-topped mountains. Oh! And yeah, you’ll be on a Yak! Enjoy serene views across the lake, dip a toe or two in if you don’t mind the freezing water and take some awesome instagrammable pictures for an extra 100 followers.