48 hours in Gangtok

ITINERARY, GANGTOK Updated : Aug 7, 2015, 04.46 PM IST

Gangtok
A perfect Gangtok itinerary is a mix of hours of poring over the Kanchenjunga peak, watching rituals at monasteries that rise against the backdrop of the Himalayas, a stroll in the wilderness of Himalayan Zoological Park, evenings filled with aimless wanderings around MG Marg, delicious, steaming Sikkimese cuisine to ward off the high Himalayan wind. Add to this, a long, winding drive to Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La and you are all set for a memorable break in Gangtok. A place that is often lost in rolling mist, Gangtok has something for everyone - the explorers, adventurers, culture lovers, foodies and the ones on a spiritual quest.

1
Learn more about Buddhism at the famous Rumtek Monastery 

SIGHTSEEING, GANGTOK

Learn more about Buddhism at the famous Rumtek Monastery 

Located on a hill facing Gangtok, Rumtek is the largest monastery in Sikkim. The Tibetan-style monastery the seat of the Kargyupa sect of Buddhism and a near-replica of the Kagyu headquarters in Tibet.

2
Visit the very fascinating museum at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology 

CULTURE, GANGTOK

Visit the very fascinating museum at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology 

Sikkim is filled with monasteries following the Tibetan form of Buddhism, and the best place to know more about them is at the museum established at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. The institute was established in 1...more

3
Witness the Buddhist rituals at Do Drul Chorten 

SIGHTSEEING, GANGTOK

Witness the Buddhist rituals at Do Drul Chorten 

The Do-Drul Chorten (or Duddul Choedten) is one of the most recognisable stupas in Gangtok. It is said that this site was haunted by spirits, who troubled anyone who came here. Then a powerful Lama arrived from Tibet, su...more

4
Grab a traditional meal at the Taste of Tibet 

RESTAURANTS, GANGTOK

Grab a traditional meal at the Taste of Tibet 

No lover of Tibetan food can skip dining at the Taste of Tibet. If you’re anywhere around MG Marg, this one calls for a must visit. Choose from a lavish spread of momos, thukpa, shyabhale (Tibetan meat pasty), thentuk (h...more

5
Go souvenir hunting in the city markets 

SHOPPING, GANGTOK

Go souvenir hunting in the city markets 

You can’t go to Gangtok and not visit the markets. The products here are an eclectic collection of local work and Chinese merchandise, which comes across during trading periods. The best place to buy local handicrafts is...more

6
Retire for the day with a book and amazing meals at Cafe Fiction 

CAFES, GANGTOK

Retire for the day with a book and amazing meals at Cafe Fiction 

Cafe Fiction is a perfect stop if you are looking for a quiet meal and find the idea of a book cafe alluring. The menu here has paninis, cakes (don’t miss the red velvet and cheese cake), a range of grilled sandwiches an...more

7
Drive off to the high altitude Tsomgo Lake 

SIGHTSEEING, GANGTOK

Drive off to the high altitude Tsomgo Lake 

Surrounded by rugged mountains on all sides, this scenic lake is located at an altitude of 12,000 feet, around 35 kilometres away from Gangtok.

8
Visit Nathu La, a part of the historic Silk Route 

SIGHTSEEING, GANGTOK

Visit Nathu La, a part of the historic Silk Route 

The Nathu La pass was an important corridor between India and Tibet before it was closed in 1962. Situated at an altitude of 14,450 feet, it was part of the historic Silk Route that was used for trade between China and I...more

9
Grab a quick meal at the Baker’s Cafe

CAFES, GANGTOK

Grab a quick meal at the Baker’s Cafe

Often frequented by both locals and travellers, the Baker's Cafe is one of the hippest cafes around. Cakes, muffins, buns, rolls, cookies, croissants, pizzas, paninis, sandwiches, garlic toasts and Gangtok’s signature st...more

10
Say hello to red pandas and more at the Himalayan Zoological Park 

THINGS TO DO, GANGTOK

Say hello to red pandas and more at the Himalayan Zoological Park 

The Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park is spread over 230 hectares over an entire hill, and is an attempt to house animals in a natural environment. The enclosures are huge with a shed for the animal to rest in and in some...more

11
Savour the piping hot masala chai and cheese rolls from the Roll House 

RESTAURANTS, GANGTOK

Savour the piping hot masala chai and cheese rolls from the Roll House 

If you believe that looks are deceptive, you would know why the weathered-looking Roll House on MG Marg rocks. No bigger than a kitchenette, this is where you will find Gangtok’s best rolls. Its all vegetarian menu has o...more

12
Watch the evening rituals at Enchey Monastery 

SIGHTSEEING, GANGTOK

Watch the evening rituals at Enchey Monastery 

The Enchey Monastery is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Gangtok. Built on a hillock with a majestic view of the mountains, its name comes from the fact that, at the time it was built, it was the solit...more

13
Sign off for the day with a lavish dinner at 9’INE Native Cuisine 

RESTAURANTS, GANGTOK

Sign off for the day with a lavish dinner at 9’INE Native Cuisine 

If you go by the adage of when in Rome do as the Romans do, dining at 9’INE Native Cuisine is a must. Special Sikkimese meals are their USP with choices that include gundruk (fermented vegetable soup), kinema (soyabean c...more

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