The state capital of Sikkim, Gangtok has a harmonic blend of traditional Buddhist culture and vibrant modern aesthetics. This fusion is well reflected in the streets of Gangtok. The city is home to some of the best monasteries and cafés. The view you get from some of the corners of the streets is also breath- taking.

Read: A café for every traveler visiting Gangtok, Sikkim

ABOUT THE TOUR

The described route is diligently mapped out to cover the best of Gangtok. Whether you are on a workation in Gangtok looking for an ideal way to spend your day off or a tourist who wants to go out for a leisurely walk, this hour-long waking tour will hopefully give you a fresh perspective of this city.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS ROUTE

From peaceful monasteries to vibrant MG Marg, our self-guided tour of Gangtok will take you through the highlights of Gangtok. Your spotless path will cross through beautiful viewpoints, traditional architecture, cute cafes, and tea boutiques. It also includes a ropeway ride too!

PRACTICAL ADVICE

Walking in the hills is not easy as there are many steep roads and numerous steps to conquer. Here’s a list of things you should carry:

Comfy shoes: Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes.

Water: Carry your own reusable water bottle as the sale of plastic bottles is banned in Sikkim.

Carry cash: Carry some cash for refreshments as some shops here might not accept online payment or have poor internet connection. 

GENERAL INFO

Best time to see the city: September-December, March-May.

Walking time: 1 hour (approx.)

Distance covered (km): 7 km (approx.)

DESCRIPTION OF THE ROUTE

The tour starts at Namgyal Institute of Tibetology at Deorali. This is a wonderful place to acquaint yourself with Buddhism and its history. The expansive surroundings tucked in a quiet corner away from the busy highway beckon you to spend a few peaceful moments here absorbing traditional Tibetan architecture, visiting the museum that houses historic artefacts, turning the prayer wheels around the Do-Drul Stupa, and watching monks as they sit inside the monastery chanting prayers.

Once you’ve exited the place, walk a few steps down the path and midway take the steps on the right that lead you up to the ropeway. A ticket costs INR 117. The 15-minute scenic ride gives you an aerial view of Gangtok city and the surrounding hills. The ride ends at Namnang.

Read: Activities in Gangtok: Top things to do in Gangtok in 2021

From the drop-off point, take the curved road going up till you see the Sikkim Legislative Assembly (white building) to your left.  Opposite this you will notice a small pedestrian path that leads to Namnang View Point. Enjoy the panoramic view of the hills from here with jhalmur (spicy puffed rice) and tea sold at the site. 

Walk back to the main road, take a right, and keep walking down Kazi Road. If you missed your breakfast or craving for a morning cuppa, there’s a cute bakery shop called Eastside Caffe and Golden Tips (tea boutique) that fall along the way.

Continue taking the road till you reach a junction and take a U-turn onto Bhanu Path Road. You will spot Café Royale on your left. Take this road till you reach the end at Tashiling Secretariat. A govt. administrative office that consist of important departments. On your left is Tsuklakhang Monastery marked by bright yellow walls. The monastery was initially used by the royal family for prayers, and other ceremony.

Continue down the road. After 5 minutes, you will come across a small view point on your right with a stupa at the center. Catch your breath here a continue straight towards Ridge Park.            

The road to Ridge Park is spotless and full of greenery. The park although small is tranquil and you might come across some gram-worthy images here.     

From Ridge Park, take the first left. The white building you see on the right is White Hall. This two-storey was build in the memory of John Claude White.

                                                              White hall

Just opposite to White Hall is the Flower Exhibition Centre.  You can spend a few moments here (entry fee INR 20) where you will find a wide variety of orchids and other seasonal flowers. A mini foot bridge across a tiny pool adds to the beauty of this place.

Exit the flower exhibition and walk back to Ridge Road and onto Nehru Chowk- a 3-junction chowk with a statue of Jawaharlal Lal Nehru in the middle. Continue walking straight towards Zero Point until you reach the traffic junction. En route falls Tashi Namgyal Academy, one of the most reputed school of the city.

                                              Flower exhibition centre

As you reach the traffic point, you will see the Handicrafts & Handloom Emporium on your left. Inside the emporium you will find a variety of tradition handicrafts ranging from paper crafts to wooden furniture and woollen rugs. You can pick up souvenirs to take back home from here.

                                  Handicrafts & Handloom Emporium

Finally, take a right from the main road and walk down towards MG Marg. Your self-guided walk tour ends at Titanic Park (MG Marg). 

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