Sikkim’s capital — a hillside town of monasteries, viewpoints and a car-free high street
Gangtok is Sikkim’s capital and main town, built along a ridge at about 1,650 metres. Most visitors arrive from Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri (NJP) after a four-to-five-hour drive through the Teesta valley. The town is compact: hotels, cafés and shops cluster around MG Marg, a pedestrian street that is the centre of evening life.
Around Gangtok you can visit Enchey Monastery, Rumtek Monastery a short drive away, Ganesh Tok and Tashi View Point for mountain views, and the Flower Exhibition Centre. Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass are organised as a separate permit day from here. Gangtok is also the starting point for journeys into North Sikkim, West Sikkim and the Silk Route.
Crisp air and some of the year’s clearest mountain views.
Cold evenings on the ridge; town life continues as usual.
Mild days and flowering slopes around the capital.
Heavy rain, mist and slower journeys in and out of town.
Tell us your travel dates and who is travelling. We can shape a Sikkim itinerary around the capital and the valleys beyond it.
