Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is a city that, once experienced, will stay with you for a really long time. The city perfectly blends tradition, spirituality, and natural beauty, add to that, the perfect mix of charm, adventure, and good weather.
If you want to see the real Gangtok, connect with the people who make it special. Strike up a conversation with your homestay host, learn a few phrases in Nepali or Bhutia. These things may seem small but they do go a long way.
You can also plan your visit around local festivals like Losar (Tibetan New Year), Saga Dawa (Buddhist festival), or Pang Lhabsol (honouring Mount Kanchenjunga). During these festive times, the city comes alive with traditional dances, music, and rituals that offer a glimpse into Sikkim’s deep spiritual roots.
Where to stay in GangtokSkip the fancy hotels and opt for local homestays or guesthouses, especially those run by Sikkimese families. Not only are they cheaper (INR 800–INR 1500 per night), but they also give you a glimpse of the local way of life. Areas like Tadong, Development Area, or Deorali offer affordable stays while keeping you close to the heart of the city. Backpackers can also check out hostels in MG Marg. Dorms here cost around INR 500–INR 700 a night.
What and where to eat in GangtokWhen in Gangtok, eat like locals. Skip fancy restaurants, and instead, for the real taste of Gangtok, try the local eateries and street food stalls. For breakfast, try momos and thukpa from small cafés around MG Marg or Lal Bazaar. The bustling Lal Bazaar market, especially on Sundays, is a food lover’s paradise with everything from yak cheese to spicy phagshapa (pork stew).
Shopping and travelling in and around in GangtokShopping in Gangtok doesn’t have to mean splurging. MG Marg and Lal Bazaar are full of affordable finds. Look for handwoven wool scarves, prayer flags, silver jewellery, or local tea. Bargaining is welcome at most stalls, but do so respectfully. Also, check out the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, where you can buy authentic Sikkimese crafts at government-fixed prices.
Gangtok is a small, walkable city, and some of its best experiences are found when you explore on foot. Wander through MG Marg, a pedestrian-only zone that’s always alive with music, lights, and small shops. Visit Enchey Monastery, a peaceful 200-year-old Buddhist monastery just a short walk from the city centre. If you’re venturing farther, shared taxis are the way to go. They operate on fixed routes within the city. A ride from MG Marg to Tadong or Deorali will cost between INR 20 – INR 50 per ride. Not only does this save money, but it also lets you travel exactly like the locals do. For those willing to go a bit beyond the city, take a shared cab to Rumtek Monastery, one of the largest in Sikkim. The ride itself — winding through pine-covered hills — is worth it.
For budget travellers, shared jeeps and group tours are the best way to explore beyond Gangtok. A half-day shared tour to Banjhakri Falls, Tashi View Point, and Bakthang Waterfall will cost around INR 500–INR 800 per person. If you’re feeling adventurous, plan a group trip to Tsomgo Lake, a stunning glacial lake just 40 km from Gangtok. Shared tours cost roughly INR 800–INR 1200 per person, and the experience is unforgettable.
If you’re traveling from nearby cities like Siliguri, Darjeeling, or Kalimpong, shared taxis are the most economical option. They’re easily available at Siliguri’s SNT bus stand and cost a fraction of what a private cab would. For those arriving by train, the nearest station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), and from there, shared jeeps head to Gangtok throughout the day. Sikkim has its own airport - Pakyong Airport. But budget travellers usually prefer Bagdogra Airport, where there is no dearth of cheap shared cabs or buses to Gangtok.
