We often search, “hotels in Gangtok”, “Gangtok sightseeing”, “best time to visit Gangtok” or “which local food is a must-try in Gangtok”. If you are also searching for this information, your search ends here, in this very Gangtok Tour Guide. Before that, we should know why Gangtok is one of the most famous places in entire Sikkim.

Gangtok, the state capital of Sikkim, is nothing but a City in the lap of Mountains. You can also consider this place as a gateway to the Northern and Eastern part of the Sikkim, although there are alternative routes available to these places, still, many tourists prefer via Gangtok. MG Marg is the only popular place in Gangtok which remains congested most of the time and also considered the heart of the city.

Local Sightseeing in Gangtok Tour

You have plenty of good places to visit around Gangtok.

• Tashi View Point: This is the most scenic place around the city, on a clear day, you can witness the huge Kanchenjunga. You might try to see Sunrise from this point also.
• Hanuman Tok & Ganesh Tok: Tok represents cut and leveled in the local language. Both of these temples located nearby to the 3rd-mile check post, known for the majestic view of surroundings.
• Banjhakhri falls, Bakthang falls, Butterfly falls, Lhasa Falls: These waterfalls look very good in monsoon and definitely worth the visit.
• Rumtek Monastery: Rumtek Monastery is located above 4900 ft and around 24 kilometers out of Gangtok. It is the largest Monastery in Sikkim and one of the oldest of its kind.

Also, there are more places to visit like M.G. Market, Ropeway, Enchey Monastery, Ranka Monastery, Zoological Garden, etc.

Accommodation in Gangtok

Getting an accommodation of your choice in Gangtok and that in a very tight budget is a bit challenging. Most of the people prefer to stay near MG Marg which further unlocks restaurant and shopping options. But if you want peace and a calm place to enjoy every bit out of your stay, you can stay a little far from the MG Market. You can choose any of the options below, all the hotel names are clickable to redirect you to its location on google map, also note these recommendations are based on the review we read and where it is located. Also, do check out our Hotel booking tips guide.

• Delight Hotel Sernya
• Hotel Nirvana Gangtok
• Hotel Pinewood
• Sonam Hotel
• The Park Residency
• M3 Residency
• The Hotel Pineridge
• Hotel Silverline
• Hotel New Sikkim

You might find great deals in apps like OYO, MMT, etc. or even book bank Holiday homes. All the hotels mentioned above are in budget mostly within INR 1.5K but the rates vary season-wise.

Fooding options

You will get food of almost every cuisine, not all but most of the dishes in nearby restaurants. We would recommend to try out momos, thukpas, noodles, and tea. Foods are generally good and cheap almost everywhere, but few restaurants may charge more for the theme they maintain or the brand value they hold.

P.S. – Smoking in public is a punishable offense in Gangtok.

How to reach Gangtok, Sikkim

Reaching Gangtok is very easy from its nearest Railway station or Airport. It has got well connectivity from recently opened Pakyong Airport, Bagdogra Airport, NJP station, Siliguri Station or even Siliguri Bus terminus also. You can choose between state government bus (SNTC), shared cab (INR 200 – 250) or even a rented cab (Within INR 3K). Although, you will reach Gangtok in 4 to 5 hours depending on the traffic and the breaks. Cab rates may vary season-wise.

Transportation options for Sightseeing

You can hire a shared taxi, rent a cab or a motorcycle. Being a rider, I will suggest to get yourself a motorcycle but only if you have a passion to ride.

We will share information about parking and motorcycle restricted areas permits in another post soon.

Best Time to Visit Gangtok

You can visit Gangtok throughout the year, even the hottest days will feel pleasant due to surrounded mountains. Our recommendation will be Either March-April or November. The way to the captioned city even looks more natural in monsoon but there are chances of getting landslides which may lead to wasting time.

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Places to visit nearby

You can visit Guudongmar Lake, Yumthung Valley, Katao, Singhik, part of Silk Route or the complete silk route by exiting via Rongli (all these routes cover high altitude areas, so prepare for that, you may want to read “how to fight AMS or High Altitude Sickness“. Other options will be Rishikhola, Ravangla, Pelling, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Lava, Lolegaon, Rishop, Icchegaon, Sillery Gaon, Tukdah, Lamahatta, Chatakpur, Tinchuley and many more. You cannot complete the entire Sikkim in one go and that is the best part I believe, you have to Visit Sikkim again and again. We are yet to cover all the nearby places with a descriptive post very soon.

Till then you like to read our Rishikhola, Pelling and Ravangla posts.

Suggested Itinerary for Gangtok Tour

It is not possible to cover the entire Sikkim in one go, so I am breaking it into a few options based on Gangtok.

Itinerary 1

1. NJP to Lachung (If you already have permits, else halt in Gangtok).
2. Lachung to Yumthung Valley to Lachen
3. Lachen to Gurudongmar to Singhik
4. Singhik to Gangtok (Sightseeing of Gangtok on the way)
5. Gangtok to Zuluk via Nathula, Baba Mandir
6. Zuluk to Rishikhola
7. Rishikhola to NJP

Based on your choices you can return back to Gangtok on Day 5 from Baba Mandir and on Day 6 reach NJP.

Note: Most driver will not want to go straight towards Lachung from NJP as it takes almost 8-10 hours.

Itinerary 2

1. NJP to Pelling (Via Namchi Chardham). Read Pelling tour guide
2. Pelling Sightseeing
3. Continue Pelling Sightseeing
4. Pelling to Ravangla/Keuzing/Borong
5. Ravangla to Gangtok
6. Gangtok Sightseeing
7. Gangtok to NJP

Itinerary 3

1. NJP to Gangtok
2. Gangtok Sightseeing
3. Gangtok to Nathang (Via Nathula Tsongmo Lake, Baba Mandir)
4. Nathang to Rishikhola (Via Zuluk, Aritar)
5. Rishikhola to Lava (Lava Sightseeing including Rishop)
6. Lava to NJP

Lastly, all the itineraries can be modified based on your requirements. 

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If you are searching for a beautiful and calm place for your next holiday trip, here you go, Ravangla. It comes under Sikkim and is getting popular day by day for the beauty it offers. Few people transit through Ravangla to see the beautiful Buddha park, and a few love to spend a day there. While spending a night will completely depend on your plan, you just can’t afford to miss Buddha Park if you are nearby.

Local Sightseeing in Ravangla

The main task for you will be to explore the vast area of Buddha Park on the way to Ralong Monastery, which offers a well-maintained garden, mesmerizing views, and a huge sitting Buddha statue. The statue itself heights 130 feet which is also the tallest in the sitting statue category. You have to pay nominal entry fees of Rs. 50 (defers for non-Indians) and keep the luggage at the counter. You will start hearing a piece of very soothing and satisfying music (Buddha music) as soon as you enter the park. They arranged speakers in a way that from everywhere inside the park, the music sounds with the same intensity. There is a beautiful, small water area before the statue, which is also considered a wishing pond.

Huge Buddha Statue Buddha Park, Ravangla

Flower at Ravangla Buddha Park Garden

Buddha Park, Ravangla

Buddha Park First View, Ravangla

If you like flower photography, you may spend a couple of hours there. The entire premises are properly maintained. The whole atmosphere inside the park creates a proper harmony to make you feel connected with nature. Just sit for some time and you will feel the peace from inner you.

You can also visit Ralong Monastery, Keuzing, Borong, Namchi (Chardham, Samdrupse), and Temi tea gardens, in case you are halting for a day.

How to reach Ravangla

Ravangla is well connected by road from different parts of Sikkim and West Bengal. You may book a cab or use public transport as per your convenience. The nearest railway station is NJP, and the nearest Airports are Bagdogra (Near Siliguri) & recently opened Pakyong (Near Gangtok). If you are on a budget or love to travel solo, a shuttle will be the best option for you to explore this place. Take a shuttle from Siliguri to Singtam and then towards Ravangla.

Accommodation in Ravangla

There are plenty of hotels available in every budget in Ravangla, and the rates vary season-wise, but for cheaper hotels, you may need to compromise a little bit with the surrounding view.

You can also stay at Borong, only 6 KM from Ravangla, still considered an off-beat place.

Best time to visit Ravangla

I would always prefer to visit this kind of place either during the monsoon or immediately after that. It always felt like nature was welcoming us with more greenery. 

Pro tips: You will have an ATM facility in Ravangla, in case you want to withdraw some cash. Don’t miss tasting tea in the tea garden stalls.

Places to Visit Nearby

You can also visit known places like Borong, Gangtok, Rishikhola, Pelling, Kalimpong, Tinchuley, and many more.

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Although we are in the process of queueing up the next post shortly. Till then, subscribe to the Rider Escaped Newsletter and connect with us on Social platforms to get future updates quicker.

Don’t forget to check out our detailed guides on other Sikkim and nearby places.

Certainly, if you loved the content, share this with your buddies. Also, if I missed out on anything, do let me know in the comments section. I will include it in the post.

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Pelling tour is very common for West Bengal people, it takes almost 4 to 5 days maximum and done, although a significant number of people come from different part of country. Today we will be discussing, How you can make your next Pelling Tour Relaxed, Cheap, and Complete.

Pelling, a peaceful small hill town in West Sikkim, is popular for one of the most peaceful tourist spots in the state. It is located at a height of 7200 ft. from the sea level, has many monasteries, waterfalls, a suspension bridge, etc and most importantly it offers a magnificent view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. People are very kind and helpful here. Probably this will be added to your favorite place list if you love nature and a calm environment.

I rode my TVS Apache RTR 180 to Pelling during monsoon 2015 and the greenery I witnessed, is literally unforgettable.

Pro Tips: Smoking in public is not allowed in Pelling. Maintain peace and silence in monasteries and public places.

How to Reach Pelling

Pelling is easily accessible from Bagdogra Airport, recently opened Pakyong Airport near Gangtok, New Jalpaiguri railway station and Siliguri Bus Terminus.It will take approximately 5 to 6 hours from Siliguri. Ongoing route is very scenic so you may stop several times to click photographs.

If you are on budget, you may opt  limited bus services or share cab options.

Hotels in Pelling

Although every hotel offers a good view of Kanchenjunga in a clear sky, it differs only in amenities and budget. We stayed at Hotel Garuda, all the people at that hotel was great and treated us like family.

Also, I will suggest you to check for Holiday Homes facility in banks. Most of the renowned banks like Allahabad, UCO, Andhra etc. have this facility for employees, few of them allow normal public to opt. Generally, these holiday homes are lot cheaper and most importantly trustworthy.

Fooding options in Pelling

You can find Chinese and Bengali cuisine easily in Pelling, although few places serve good Mughlai food. You may feel food is little expensive here because of the transportation cost of raw materials.

Don’t forget to try Momos, Noodles, and local dishes during the day out.

Sightseeing in Pelling Tour

The most important and probably the best thing you can see is Kanchenjunga during Sunrise. I was not that lucky to witness the beauty though. Locals say, Pelling is one of the few places from where full Kanchenjunga range can be seen in clear sky.

It is not all, this place has to offer a lot as sightseeing (mentioned below) and you should plan it accordingly during your Pelling Tour.

Pemayangtse Monastery

Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, founded in 1705 . This Buddhist monastery is located at a distance of 2.5 Kilometer from Upper Pelling. You have to pay a small charge (if I can recall Rs. 25) to enter the monastery premises. It is quite large and calm, I must say.

Tashiding Monastery

This monastery is about 35 kilometers from Pelling and 24 kilometers from Yuksom via interior road.Aalthough local drivers don’t like to drive on this road because of broken tarmac but look very beautiful. tashiding Monastery looks awesome and surrounded by greenary. Just take a step inside and feel peace from the inner soul.

Sangacholing Monastery

Sangacholing Monastery is at approx 1.5-kilometer walking distance from upper Pelling, rather trekking due to stiff and somewhat broken roads. During monsoon the pathway becomes very slippery, can be fatal while coming down. If you dare to reach the place, you will be welcomed with an fantastic top view. I got only a few minutes of clear sky hence can’t catch it on lens.

P.S. Sangacholing Monastery is very common looking, for the spectacular surrounding view only this trail is worth .

Khecheopalri Lake

This is a sacred lake for Buddhist and Hindu, located at approx 25 kilometers from Pelling. The lake is very clean and locals say that even if there is something fall on water either bird will take it or fish will eat it immediately. We have also witnessed that too.

P.S. Please don’t litter.

Singshore Bridge

This is something you can’t miss in Pelling. Singshore bridge is a suspension bridge at a height of 100 meters from the riverbed and length is approx 200 meters. Just walk the bridge and feel the suspension works. View from this point is very soothing. There were two stalls in 2015, they served good momos at a very cheap price. If you want to experience, can enjoy the short video below

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Pelling Helipad

This helipad is opened for all to visit, being in an elevated location it offers a good view of the surrounding. During season, Pelling Helipad gets crowded early morning for Sunrise view of Kanchenjunga same as Tiger Hill Observatory near Darjeeling.

Rabdentse Ruin

Rabdentse was the second capital of Sikkim after Yuksom, located at a few meter distance from Pemayangtse Monastery. Certainly, the ancient palace ruin is one of the most popular places to visit in Pelling. You have to walk approx a kilometer through Jungle like a road to reach the place. Once you reach there, just experience the old memories. Once done, look a little far and if the sky is clear, you will see the magnificent view of Mt Kanchenjunga. In 2015, a bird sanctuary was about to build. Hopefully, that is completed and opened for the public.

Kanchenjunga falls

This falls looks great in & after the monsoon, the flow gets a boost by then. Although part of it can be seen from the road but just climb a few narrow stairs and soak yourself into the water spray.

Rimbi Falls

A small waterfall on the way to Yuksom, just a few kilometers away from Pelling. There was a small tea and noodles stall opposite to this fall, I just loved the Maggie there.

Phamrong Falls

This falls located near Yuksom at a distance of 7 kilometers approx, very beautiful natural flows look magnificent and properly match the surroundings.

There are few more attractions point nearby like, Yuksom Monastery, Rock garden, Dentam village, and recently opened Pelling Skywalk.

I am planning another Pelling tour very soon, after that I will update Pelling Skywalk mainly.

Transportation Options for Local Sightseeing

You need to book either private cab or share cab for local sightseeing. Ask your hotel manager for rates and compare with outside travels. Generally, there will be no difference.

All of them provide packages, don’t forget to ask lists of places they will take you.

ATM Service in Pelling

Only SBI ATM was available near Pelling Police Station while we visited the place, not sure about the current scenario. Although, I heard HDFC and AXIS bank ATM are also available in middle/lower Pelling.

I would advise to carry cash during your trip.

Suggested Itinerary for Pelling

People usually plan 2-3 days itinerary for Pelling. Obviously, you could plan your Pelling tour either in rush mode or in leisure.

1. Reach Pelling, take rest.
2. A day-long tour towards Yuksom, Rimbi falls, Kheceopalri Lake, Kanchenjunga falls, Rock garden, Yuksom Monastery, Phamrong Monastery and Tashiding Monastery (Generally driver charge more for this place or simply deny)
3. Visit Singshore Bridge, Sangacholing Monastery, Pelling Helipad, Pemayangtse Monastery, and Rabdentse Ruin.

If you have time, you can leisurely divide Day 3 into two days and don’t miss the view Kanchenjunga during sunrise in your Pelling tour. There are many who visit Pelling again and again just to witness the sunrise view of Kanchenjunga.

P.S. All the information mentioned in the post, are based on our visit in June 2015. Road conditions may change in certain parts. To get the latest update on Sikkim, checkout official website here.

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Follow Us

Although, we are in a process to queue up the next post shortly. Till then subscribe to Rider Escaped Newsletter and connect with us on Social platforms to get future updates quicker.

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Don’t forget to check out our detailed guides on other Sikkim and nearby places.

Certainly, if you loved the content, share this with your buddies. Also, if I missed out on anything do let me know in the comment section. I will include it in the post.

Thanks! Have a great day ahead.

Tell me

Isn’t this place tempting to plan your next trip? Let me know your thought about Pelling Tour Guide in the comment.

The post Pelling; One Peaceful Place in West Sikkim appeared first on Rider Escaped