Top 9 Gangtok Important Tourist Attractions

A really nice place to unwind, Gangtok derived from the Tibetan word for “hillside” is the capital and largest town of the Indian state of Sikkim
, located in the Eastern Himalayan Range, at an altitude of 1,650 m. Gangtok is one of the cleanest cosmopolitan towns you would come across, highly organized and beautifully maintained. Tourists are significant from tourism point of view as Gangtok offer so many mind blogging tourist places to visit and explore.Out of numerous tourist attractions here are the top 9 places, a must to visit.

Tsomgo Lake:  Located at a distance of some 35 kms from Gangtok Nathula Highway, Tsomgo Lake also known as Changu Lake is an important tourist attraction of the Gangtok. It is considered to be a holy lake which is well crafted with dhajas and religious flag all around the lake. The lake is fed by the snowy mountains nearby and during the winter season, the lake completely freezes, creating a marvelous and spell-binding aura.

Well coming to the fact, it is a very sensitive area and so for a visit one has to get a prior permission from Tourism Department of Sikkim or one can consult with travel agents to arrange the permission. To visit this lake, the best time would be around March to late May and from October to Mid December.

Himalayan Zoological Park: located at a distance of 3km away from Gangtok, is one of the best for wildlife lovers. Sprawling over an area of 205 hectares, the zoological park is at an altitude of 1,780m situated in Bulbuley, offering a beautiful view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Established in 1991, it’s the first park of its kind in the entire north-eastern part of India.  Most part of this park is covered with forest of Red Panda, Blue Sheep, Musk Deer, Barking Deer and Himalayan Black Bear. One will also come across open hedged open-air enclosures, which serves as a habitat for many more animals. The best time to visit this park would be in the months between mid-February to May and from mid-September to December.

Deer Park: Also known as Rustamji Park is located closely to the Secretariat of Sikkim. It was after Rustamji, one of the Dewans of the Chogyal of Sikkim this park was named, home to many several species of deer. Established in the late 1950s this park acts as a large home to many deers as well as animals like Himalayan Bear and Red Panda. It is believed that this was constructed to celebrate the reincarnation of Lord Buddha as a musk deer therefore it also houses a statue of Lord Buddha standing erect, in front of which is a butter lamp, which continuously glows and is encircled by the beautiful floras.
The best time to visit the park would be in the morning as the deer would be out for its meal and would be easily spotted.

Pemayangtse Monastery: Located at a distance of approximately 140km from Gangtok, is one of the most famous pilgrimage centers, situated at Gyalshing, located in West Sikkim.  Constructed in the 17^th century AD by Lhatsun Chenpo, was further more extended and reconstructed by the 3^rd reincarnate of Lhatsun Chenpo, Jigme Pawo, during the rule of Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal. Known as Sangthokpalri, the wooden structure representing the the Maha Gurus Heavenly Place, placed on the top floor of this monastery took 5 years to complete.

White hill: White Hall is an important structure in Gangtok which was built long time back in the year 1932. The beautiful white hall is significant from historical point of view as well as from tourism point of view. The hall was named after the first political officer of Sikkim, Claude White and even today it is known as White Hall. Near the white hall complex variety of orchids are on display during spring season. More of all, a badminton court and officer’s club is also inside the hall.

Seven Sister Waterfalls: Located 32km away from the city, it’s a must see place in Gangtok. It is a wonderful sight to catch up all the seven waterfalls aligned sideways which comes to more life during the monsoons. However Tourism and Civil Aviation Department has set up cafeterias and waiting shed for the passerby to rest and enjoy the view.

Hanuman Tok: Located at a breathtaking height of 7,200 feet, Hanuman Tok is an important temple dedicated to Lord Hanumana. According to the legend it is here, Lord Hanumana took rest for some moment, while on his way to Lanka. He was carrying mountain with him with “sanjeevini booti” which was the much required herb to cure Lakshmana.

Ganesh Tok: One of the highest points of Gangtok, Ganesh Tok is situated at a height of 6500 ft and from here one can enjoy the bird’s eye view of Gangtok city, the capital state of Sikkim. Ganesh tok is an important temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha of Hindu religion. Apart from a visit to a temple, tourists can also enjoy the lovely view of the surrounding, walk though the pine dotted paths and savor the refreshing air coming from the verdant forest and the mountains.

Himalayan Zoological Park: Spread over an area of 230 hactares at an altitude of 6545 – 8152 feet, Himalayan Zoological Park is an important tourist attraction in Gangtok, where visitors can see various species of animals and birds inside enclosure in a natural habitat. The park offers friendly natural environment for the Sikkim’s indigenous species making it much comfortable for their survival. The park is established not just for tourists, but also to protect and conserve the rapidly diminishing animals, some of which are on the verge of extinction from within the border of Sikkim.

There are some of the important tourist attractions that one can visit, though there are many other which are equally important and can be visited if one wishes too. But these attractions and places of interest are surely going to make your visit to Gangtok and experience of lifetime which you will love to share with your friends and dear ones over a cup of tea.