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(1) Rumtek Monastery
Outstanding amongst many other places to visit in Gangtok is Rumtek Monastery. Located at a distance of 23kms from Gangtok, Rumtek Monastery is one of the biggest and significant monasteries in Gangtok. An important Gangtok tourist spot, Rumtek Monastery houses a golden stupa and also has a huge prayer hall where monks carry out elaborate prayers. From the top of this monastery, you get a breathtaking bird’s view of the entire city of Gangtok. The brilliant architecture coupled with an incredible landscape makes it one of the important places to visit in Gangtok.
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(2) Nathula Pass
Nathu la is a high altitude pass situated on the old silk route at the Indo-China border, and is the favourite hotspot for the tourists in Sikkim. Nathu La lies approx 54kms from Gangtok and is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Gangtok. Visiting Nathu La Pass is an absolute necessity when in Gangtok. Only Indian nationals are allowed to visit this pass that too with a permit. The best time to visit Nathu La is from May to mid-November.
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(3) Tsomgo Lake
Among many serene places, Tsomgo Lake is one of the most pristine and incredible places to visit in Gangtok. The Tsomgo lake is a frosty & Glacial lake arranged 40 kilometres from Gangtok at a stature of 12,310 feet. The Lake must feature on the top of your Gangtok sightseeing itinerary just for one reason – its overwhelming scenic beauty. Also known as Changu Lake, a visit to this place promises you tranquillity and an impressive view!
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(4) Banjhakri Waterfalls
Ban Jhakri Falls is another famous tourist attraction and one of the best places to visit in Gangtok for some fun and recreation. The Ban Jhakri Falls is of sacred importance to the locals here as they are said to have a power which can repulse insidious spirits. This waterfall is situated 10-12kms from Gangtok and it falls from a height of 40feet. The waterfall is surrounded by a park that houses beautiful statues where you can spend a nice relaxing time.
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(5) Do-Drul Chorten Stupa
This is a historic destination in Gangtok. The stupa is considered as one of the finest monasteries in Gangtok. It was constructed in the year 1945 by Trullshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism. This enormous stupa is believed to have around 108 prayer wheels (Mani Lhakor) engraved with mantras that are chanted by devotees while rotating them. Do-Drul Chorten is one of the best places to visit in Gangtok for those who love to explore Buddhist sites and monasteries.
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(6) Tashi View Point
The Tashi Viewpoint is one of the prevalent spots to visit in Gangtok that offers you the best sunrises and sunsets along with a breathtaking view of the majestic Himalayas which makes it one of the most important places to visit in Gangtok. On a clear day, you can also get a glimpse of the snow-covered pristine Mt Sinilochu and Mt Kanchenjunga (the third tallest peak in the world). The clean, unpolluted air, the lush green landscape and the white, snow-clad mountains are enough to convince anyone to visit this place during their Gangtok local sightseeing.
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(7) Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple
Present at a height of 4000m above sea level, this unique temple is actually built at the Samadhi of a martyred Indian soldier, Harbhajan Singh, who lost his life in the Indo-Sino War. It is believed that this legend has supernatural powers and that he monitors the soldiers who are at the border. He is the reason why this temple is of importance to tourists too. Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is undoubtedly one of the most interesting and important places to visit in Gangtok and must feature in your Gangtok local sightseeing list as well!
So, wait no more! Visit Gangtok and experience paradise on earth!