Ever stood on the balcony of a hotel in Gangtok, gazing at the Kanchenjunga mountains outlined in pink glow as you sip piping hot tea? If that sounds like paradise, then you are in the right place. Gangtok is a beautiful hill station uniquely located across different elevations from lower Gangtok (around 5,500 feet) to higher ground (about 7,000 feet above sea level). The city is naturally divided into areas with their own character and personality. MG Marg is where the main shopping boulevard is located. Development Road and locations close to Deorali offer more local experiences. If you’ve come to relax and enjoy views of the Himalayan landscape, you may prefer upper Gangtok areas like Tathangchen. The lower areas close to the main entry points to Gangtok are less scenic but budget-friendly. The location that works best for you will depend on your Sikkim itinerary.
Best Places to Stay in Gangtok, Sikkim
Where you choose to stay in Gangtok can very much impact your experience during your Gangtok trip. If you’re looking for bustling market vibes or serene views of the Himalayas or something in between, here’s a location-wise breakdown of the best places to stay in Gangtok.
MG Marg and City Centre: Ideal for First-Time Travellers
Staying close to MG Marg will put you right in the centre of Gangtok. The pedestrian-only zone is alive with energy and is the perfect base if you’re visiting Sikkim for the first time. It houses cafés, restaurants, and a plethora of shops selling local crafts and trendy clothing.
The range of hotels in MG Marg, Gangtok, varies from budget-friendly to premium stays suitable for any traveller. So what makes this zone so special? It’s the convenience of being within walking distance of major tourist spots. Want to grab a morning cuppa? Just walk downstairs. Craving midnight momos? Vendors will still be serving the delicious dumplings late into the night. Watch locals and tourists mingle as street performers are busy entertaining crowds, and the stunning Himalayan Peaks surround you as you stroll through the streets.
Development Areas: Experience the Mountain Views
If you seek modern amenities without the chaos of the city centre, the Development Areas are just the place for you. The newer parts of Gangtok offer wider roads and larger accommodations at slightly lower prices than MG Marg.
Just a short taxi ride away, you’ll realise you’re still very close to the main area. However, you’ll be able to enjoy more space and often better views of the mountains. Many hotels in Development Area, Gangtok have rooftop restaurants which offer a complimentary hot cup of Sikkim tea that goes well with the view of snow-capped peaks. Hotels in Development Areas are ideal for families that prefer spacious rooms or for visitors who plan to have a long vacation in Gangtok.
Tibet Road: Gateway to Cultural Delights of Gangtok
If you are a history buff or interested in culture, you should put Tibet Road high up on your list of priorities. The area is close to the well-known Enchey Monastery. It gives visitors a more local feel and a glimpse into the daily life of the people, compared to central areas, which are more hospitality-oriented.
The accommodations on Tibet Road are primarily guesthouses or boutique hotels, and many have fun traditional decor. You will wake up to the sounds of bells from the monastery and an amazing view of the mountains from your window. One of the admirable traits of this area is its access to culture and attractions while being close to nature. All of these make Tibet Road one of the best places to visit in Sikkim. You can walk to many of the monasteries. The roads are less congested, and this makes for nice morning and evening walks.
Tadong: A Glimpse into the Younger Vibe
If you are a budget traveller or looking for places to spend time outside of typical Gangtok, Tadong is a reasonable choice. Located near Sikkim Manipal University, it has a youthful vibe and is filled with affordable food and accommodation options. Most hotel chains offer budget-friendly and premium stays in this location, of which Treebo Club is a crowd favourite when it comes to upmarket customer service and value for money.
The most beneficial aspect of staying here is the walking distance to the SNT bus station, which is helpful if you’re considering day trips. The prices of the hotels in Tadong, Gangtok, are significantly lower than in the centre of the city. Your travel plans will stretch further under the same budget if you choose to stay in this area. While not as picturesque as some of the other places in Gangtok, you’ll get to understand Sikkimese life better.
Chandmari: Laid-Back Town Near the City Centre
Looking for a blend of tranquillity and accessibility to the central area? Chandmari is your answer. This area is located up on a ridge above the main town, and when the weather is right, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range. The hotels in Chandmari, Gangtok, are a bit quieter than in other parts of Gangtok, many with gardens and outdoor seating options.
Chandmari finds its appeal to photographers and nature lovers seeking access to the city and hiking at the same time. You are still only a 15-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride from MG Marg, but the environment is vastly different here – more birds chirping and nature than market chaos
Sungava: Nature’s Symphony at Your Doorstep
If you are looking for a quiet retreat after a busy day of sightseeing, Sungava offers a calm escape surrounded by lush greenery. Set a little apart from the tourist circuit, you can easily reach the place without trouble. Many properties are converted from family homes into guest houses, giving them a more homely feel.
Hotels in Sungava, Gangtok, are spacious, usually with gardens and fantastic views of the mountains. For transport to the prime attractions, you will need to depend on a taxi, but it is worth it, considering you wake up to birds singing in the morning and enjoy a hot beverage in the thriving garden of nature.
Kabi Lungchok: Where History Meets Modernity
Want to learn about Sikkim’s history and witness its natural beauty in abundance? Kabi Town is about 17 km north of Gangtok, and visitors will see it offers both in abundance. Kabi is a historic site; it was where the Bhutia and Lepcha tribes signed a blood brotherhood treaty centuries ago. Visiting here entails a sense of responsibility as Kabi takes pride in sustainable tourism.
Staying at hotels near Kabi Lungchok, Gangtok, you will begin your mornings with freshly cooked Sikkimese breakfasts and views of nature that city dwellers can only dream of. The travel time from Gangtok centre will be around 45 minutes, and it is best to take a taxi, but the overall experience is quite picturesque, with small villages and valleys throughout the journey.
Tashi Viewpoint Area: Spectacular Himalayan Views
If breathtaking mountain views are at the top of your list, you will not be disappointed with Tashi viewpoint and its surroundings. Approximately 8 km from Gangtok, this highly elevated region is home to some of the finest mountain views of Kanchenjunga and the Himalayan Range towering majestically in the background.
The accommodations here are generally boutique or premium and are designed primarily to introduce their guests to the spectacular views on the horizon. Wake up to the sun illuminating the snow-capped mountains with golden rays peeking through your window, all while in bed! You will need a taxi ride to the city centre, but guests are more than happy to spend time on their balconies, just absorbing the spectacular views and captivating beauty of the mountains throughout the day.
Arithang: Experience the Vibrant Spirit of Gangtok
For shopaholics, foodies and experience seekers, Arithang may be your best choice. Positioned as the commercial centre of the town, with a great number of local options nearby, Arithang runs parallel to MG Marg, with all of the local vibes and slightly lower prices.
There are local markets, where you can haggle for souvenirs and some food stalls with great street food options that tourists have never heard of. Treebo Club hotels in Arithang, Gangtok, offer a wide range of accommodations for any budget. The best part about Arithang is having the best of both worlds, being extremely close to the main tourist area and also being a local place that exemplifies the real experience of Gangtok.
Unmissable Destinations within a 30-Minute Drive from Gangtok
Gangtok is more than just where you stay; it’s about what you get to experience while you are there. Sikkim’s capital has an abundance of attractions ranging from religious places, natural wonders, and markets, making it easier for all types of travellers. Get your camera ready as you embark on this journey to the best places to visit in Gangtok within a 30-minute ride.
Hanuman Tok
Located at 7,200 feet, Hanuman Tok provides some of the most amazing views of Gangtok and the surrounding Himalayan range. This temple to Lord Hanuman is in a complex maintained by the Indian Army, which enhances its level of serenity and upkeep. Once you step onto the viewing platform, the panoramic scenery, which includes Mt. Kanchenjunga and the other neighbouring peaks, will take your breath away. From the centre of town, a short taxi ride will take you to this heavenly destination, making it an easy half-day mini-adventure, rewarding you with spiritual calm and nature’s beauty.
- Travel Time: 30 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning during sunrise
Do Drul Chorten Stupa
From miles away, you can see the shining white dome of Do Drul Chorten Stupa, a prominent landmark and a must-see in Gangtok. It was constructed in 1945 by Trulshik Rinpoche and is the most important stupa in Gangtok. The Do Drul Chorten Stupa is unique as it rests upon a concrete platform with four adjoining stupas. Do Drul Chorten Stupa is also special for the 108 prayer wheels that the locals and pilgrims spin as they circumambulate the stupa; the rhythmic sound of the prayer wheels is calming and meditative.
- Travel Time: 10 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: Mornings after sunrise, when the golden structure of the stupa sparkles in the sunlight
Tsuk La Khang Monastery
Nestled at the centre of Gangtok is the royal chapel of Sikkim’s former kings, the Tsuk La Khang Monastery (also known as the Royal Chapel). Since it is located in the centre of Gangtok, it can be easily accessed on foot from almost any of the hotels in Gangtok. Inside, you’ll find walls decorated with beautiful murals of Buddhist deities and scenes from the life of Buddha, as well as the wheel of existence. Each mural tells an ancient story that can still be of great value to practitioners today. The monastery has an attached museum with a collection of rarely seen thangkas (scroll paintings), statues, ritual objects and other artefacts that together show a captivating glimpse of Sikkim’s Buddhist culture.
- Travel Time: 6 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: Afternoons, post the prayer sessions
Saramsa Garden
Saramsa Garden offers a natural feel of peace and vegetation away from the city. Originally a fruit orchard in the time of the Chogyal (Sikkim’s previous Buddhist kings), the 6-hectare paradise of decorative and commercially significant plant species of the region is now maintained as a horticultural garden. The combination of manicured lawns and pathways allows for leisurely walks, exploring the garden’s flora and fauna. The Sikkim Flower Show is held every year, usually between March and May, where horticulturalists from the region come to showcase their top specimens. If you are travelling with family, then kids will certainly enjoy the open spaces to play, and it is a great way to get away from the hectic city life for a few hours.
- Travel Time: 30 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: Any time of the day
- Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
Banjhakri Falls
Banjhakri Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in a well-maintained energy park only 7 km from Gangtok. Even on warm summer days, the falling water provides the perfect mist to cool the whole area down. The park has several sculptures and designs that depict the folklore of Banjhakri (Banshakri) (forest shaman) and Banjhakrini (female shaman) that showcase the shamanistic traditions of Sikkim. Walking through the park is like walking through the pages of Sikkimese mythology. The terraced gardens around the falls provide an excellent place to relax while taking in the views of the falls. Many local families visit on the weekends, with picnic baskets filled with homemade meals.
- Travel Time: 20 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: Afternoons when the crowd is less
- Entry Fee: ₹50 per person
Lal Bazaar
You truly have not experienced Gangtok until you have dived into the frenzy known as Lal Bazaar (officially known as Kanchenjunga Shopping Complex), a multi-level local market. The ground-level wet market is a hive of activity filled with vendors offering everything from locally-grown organic vegetables and fruits to exotic Himalayan herbs and spices. You will also find pungent fermented foods known as Gundruk (fermented leafy greens) and Kinema (fermented soybeans), staples of the Sikkimese diet. Once you go upstairs, you will uncover an abundance of handicrafts, traditional Sikkimese dresses, prayer items, and household items in many tiny shops. Unlike overpriced tourist stalls, this is the market to buy authentic souvenirs at reasonable prices.
- Travel Time: 5 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: Afternoons, when the crowd is less
Booking Tips and Best Times to Visit Gangtok
Booking before the peak season can make a big difference in your experience and budget. Gangtok is stunning all year long, but different times of the year bring different characteristics to the experience:
March to May
The temperature is comfortable, between 15-22°C, making it perfect to experience all that Gangtok has to offer with fewer crowds. Enjoy the vibrant Losar festival by visiting in February-March.
October to November
The golden period for Gangtok comes with clear skies and breathtaking views of the mountains, including Kanchenjunga. You can stroll comfortably at 15-20°C and witness local festivals like Dashain (Dussehra) and Tihar (Diwali).
December to February
Temperatures hovering around 4-7°C, the crisp mountain air and occasional snowfall create a magical atmosphere. New Year celebration is lively, though certain high-altitude attractions may be inaccessible.
Smart Reservation Tips
- Book 2-3 months in advance for peak seasons
- Negotiate directly with hotels instead of Travel Agents
- To find the best deals online, check the Treebo Club App or Website for the lowest prices and value for money
- For longer stays, you can get a discount of 10-15% by calling customer care directly.
- Be aware of any hidden charges.
- Staying on weekdays will give you a better deal as the rates can go up by 20-30% during weekends.
