Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is one of Northeast India's most captivating hill stations — nestled in the Eastern Himalayas at 1,650 metres above sea level. It combines breathtaking Himalayan scenery, rich Tibetan Buddhist culture, a vibrant café and shopping scene, and some of the most dramatic high-altitude excursions in India. Whether you are a first-time visitor or returning after years, Gangtok never runs out of things to show you.
In this guide we cover the top 10 must-visit places in Gangtok — what each one offers, how to get there, and practical tips for making the most of your visit. We also cover how to reach Gangtok from Bagdogra Airport and NJP Railway Station via Wizzride's shared and reserved cab service.
🚖 Travelling to Gangtok from Bagdogra Airport? Wizzride offers pre-booked shared and reserved Innova Crysta cabs through the scenic Teesta Valley route — 124 km, 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Read the complete Bagdogra to Gangtok shared cab guide or book at wizzride.com.
Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Gangtok
1. MG Road (Mahatma Gandhi Marg)
MG Road is the heartbeat of Gangtok — a pedestrian-only promenade lined with cafés, restaurants, souvenir shops, and stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan hills. It is the ideal starting point for any Gangtok visit, perfect for an evening stroll, local food sampling, and shopping for traditional Sikkimese handicrafts, thangka paintings, and hand-knitted woolens. Most hotels in Gangtok are within walking distance of MG Road.
2. Rumtek Monastery
Located 24 km from Gangtok, Rumtek Monastery is one of the largest and most significant Kagyu Buddhist monasteries in the world. The main shrine hall, a golden reliquary stupa containing sacred relics, and an active monastic school make this a deeply immersive spiritual experience. The architecture is stunning — three tiers of ornate red and gold — and the views of the surrounding hills from the monastery courtyard are exceptional.
3. Tashi Viewpoint
For the best panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range — the world's third-highest peak at 8,586 metres — Tashi Viewpoint is unmissable. Located 8 km from Gangtok city centre, it is best visited at sunrise or on clear pre-monsoon mornings when the snowcapped peaks glow pink and gold against the blue sky. Bring a jacket — it is significantly colder here than in the city, even in summer.
4. Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park
Located 7 km from Gangtok, Banjhakri Falls is a beautiful tiered waterfall surrounded by a well-maintained park featuring traditional Sikkimese sculptures and the mythological figure of Banjhakri — the forest shaman of Nepali folklore. The park is ideal for families and is a peaceful mid-morning stop. Entry fee applies.
5. Nathula Pass
Nathula Pass sits on the India-China border at 4,310 metres — one of the highest motorable roads in India. The drive from Gangtok (56 km) passes through Tsongmo Lake and is one of the most dramatic high-altitude experiences in the country. A Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required and must be arranged through a registered Sikkim tour operator in advance. Open to Indian nationals only.
Permit Tip Book the Nathula PAP through your hotel or a registered Sikkim tour operator at least 1 to 2 days in advance. The pass is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and during adverse weather. Carry a valid government-issued photo ID.
6. Enchey Monastery
Perched on a hilltop 3 km from the city centre, Enchey Monastery is one of Gangtok's most important religious sites — over 200 years old and affiliated with the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery offers sweeping views of Gangtok city and the Kanchenjunga range on clear days. The Chaam dance festival held here each December draws visitors from across Sikkim.
7. Tsongmo Lake (Changu Lake)
Tsongmo Lake is a glacial lake at 3,753 metres — 38 km from Gangtok on the road to Nathula Pass. The lake is sacred to the local Sikkimese and changes colour with the seasons — deep blue in winter, turquoise in spring. Yak rides around the lake shore are popular with visitors. The surrounding landscape of rhododendron forest and snow-covered peaks is spectacular from March to May.
8. Do-Drul Chorten Stupa
One of the most important stupas in Sikkim, Do-Drul Chorten is located in the heart of Gangtok near the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. Built in 1945, it houses religious relics, a large statue of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), and 108 prayer wheels that visitors walk clockwise — a meditative practice. The surrounding garden is peaceful and open to all. No entry fee.
9. Hanuman Tok
Hanuman Tok is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, situated at 7,200 feet and maintained by the Indian Army. It offers some of the best views of Gangtok town and the Kanchenjunga range from a single vantage point. The drive up through pine forest is scenic and the temple compound is well-kept and peaceful. Best visited in the morning before clouds close in around the peaks.
10. Ranka Monastery (Lingdum Monastery)
Ranka Monastery, also known as Lingdum Monastery, is located 20 km from Gangtok surrounded by dense forest. It is one of the most serene and architecturally striking monasteries in Sikkim — built in traditional Tibetan style with three floors, golden rooftop ornaments, and intricate wall paintings. Far fewer tourists visit here compared to Rumtek, making it ideal for quiet reflection.
How to Reach Gangtok — Distance & Transport Guide
Gangtok does not have its own airport or railway station. The nearest gateways are Bagdogra Airport and New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station, both in the Siliguri area of West Bengal. Here are the distances and travel times:
| Starting Point | Distance to Gangtok | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bagdogra Airport (IXB) | 124 km | 3.5 to 4.5 hours |
| NJP Railway Station | 114 km | 3.5 to 4 hours |
| Siliguri Bus Stand | 118 km | 3.5 to 4 hours |
By Air — Bagdogra Airport
Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is the nearest airport to Gangtok — served by IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet and Akasa Air with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. From the airport, Wizzride's shared and reserved cabs pick up directly at the arrivals gate for the onward journey to Gangtok via the Teesta Valley.
By Train — New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
NJP Railway Station is the closest major railway station — well connected with superfast and express trains from Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad. From NJP, Wizzride cabs connect directly to Gangtok. No shared cab wait at the stand — your departure slot is pre-booked.
By Road — Wizzride Shared & Reserved Cabs
Wizzride is the most convenient way to cover the final 114 to 124 km from your arrival point to Gangtok. The route follows NH10 through the Teesta Valley — one of the most scenic drives in Northeast India, passing Coronation Bridge, Teesta Bazaar, Rangpo, and Singtam before climbing to Gangtok.
🚖 Book Your Bagdogra to Gangtok Cab Shared Innova Crysta — pre-booked per seat, fixed departure, verified driver. Read the full route guide or visit wizzride.com to book.
Why Choose Wizzride for Your Gangtok Journey
- Direct airport pickup: Your driver meets you at Bagdogra arrivals gate — no prepaid taxi queue
- Pre-booked seat: No waiting at the stand for the cab to fill up
- Premium Innova Crysta: Comfortable on the NH10 mountain road
- Transparent pricing: Fare confirmed at booking — no hidden charges or surge pricing
- Verified drivers: Experienced on the Teesta Valley and Rangpo checkpost route
- Shared or reserved: Per-seat pricing for solo travellers and couples — full vehicle for families and groups
Book at wizzride.com or via the Wizzride app on Android and iOS. Advance booking strongly recommended during peak seasons — March to May and October to December.
Frequently Asked Questions — Gangtok Travel Guide
Q1. What are the top 10 places to visit in Gangtok?
The top 10 must-visit places in Gangtok are MG Road, Rumtek Monastery, Tashi Viewpoint, Banjhakri Falls, Nathula Pass, Enchey Monastery, Tsongmo Lake, Do-Drul Chorten Stupa, Hanuman Tok, and Ranka Monastery. Each offers a distinct experience — from Himalayan panoramas and Buddhist monasteries to glacial lakes and a vibrant pedestrian promenade.
Q2. How can I reach Gangtok from Bagdogra Airport?
Bagdogra Airport is approximately 124 km from Gangtok — about 3.5 to 4.5 hours by road via NH10 through the Teesta Valley. Wizzride offers pre-booked shared and reserved Innova Crysta cab services from the airport arrivals gate directly to Gangtok. Book at wizzride.com or via the Wizzride app before you fly.
Q3. How far is Gangtok from NJP Railway Station?
Gangtok is approximately 114 km from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station — about 3.5 to 4 hours by road. Wizzride operates pre-booked shared and reserved cabs from NJP to Gangtok with direct pickup at the station. No waiting at the stand — your seat is confirmed in advance.
Q4. What is the best time to visit Gangtok?
The best time to visit Gangtok is March to May for clear Kanchenjunga views, rhododendron blooms, and pre-monsoon greenery, and October to December for post-monsoon clarity and festive atmosphere. Avoid June to September when heavy monsoon rain affects road conditions and visibility. Winter (December to February) is cold but clear — ideal if you want snow-covered landscapes.
Q5. Do I need a permit to visit Nathula Pass from Gangtok?
Yes. Nathula Pass requires a Protected Area Permit (PAP) which must be arranged through a registered Sikkim tour operator in Gangtok. The permit takes 1 to 2 days to process. Nathula is open to Indian nationals only — foreign nationals cannot visit. The pass is also closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Carry a valid government-issued photo ID at all times.
Q6. Does Wizzride provide shared cabs from Bagdogra to Gangtok?
Yes. Wizzride offers pre-booked shared Innova Crysta cabs from Bagdogra Airport and NJP Railway Station to Gangtok at affordable per-seat pricing. Shared cabs depart on fixed schedules — no waiting for the vehicle to fill up. Reserved full-vehicle cabs are also available for families and groups. Book at wizzride.com or via the Wizzride app.
Q7. How long does it take to travel from Siliguri to Gangtok by cab?
The distance from Siliguri to Gangtok is approximately 118 km and the journey takes 3.5 to 4 hours depending on road conditions, traffic at the Rangpo checkpost, and weather. During monsoon (June to September) and peak tourist season (April to May, October to November), allow extra time. Morning departures before 8 AM generally have the smoothest run.
Q8. What adventure activities can I do in Gangtok?
Gangtok offers trekking (Dzongri, Goecha La), paragliding (Chandmari), white water river rafting on the Teesta and Rangit rivers, mountain biking, and high-altitude excursions to Nathula Pass and Tsongmo Lake. The North Sikkim circuit (Lachung, Yumthang, Zero Point) is also accessed from Gangtok — requiring an additional PAP permit through a tour operator.