East Sikkim · Overnight hub
Gangtok
Sikkim's capital and the base for every permit, cab and high-altitude day trip.
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- Altitude 5,500 ft
- From Gangtok —
- Best months March–June and October–December
- Stay Overnight hub
1. Why visit Gangtok and what to expect
Gangtok is where almost every Sikkim trip starts: the vehicle-free MG Marg promenade, Enchey Monastery, the ropeway over the town, Tashi Viewpoint sunrises over Kanchenjunga, and the permit desks that unlock Tsomgo, Nathula and North Sikkim. Stay 2–4 nights to acclimatise and process permits before heading higher.
Top sights
- MG Marg (vehicle-free, spit-free promenade)
- Enchey Monastery
- Do Drul Chorten
- Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
- Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok viewpoints
- Tashi Viewpoint (dawn Kanchenjunga view)
- Gangtok Ropeway
- Banjhakri Falls
- Himalayan Zoological Park (red panda)
- Flower Exhibition Centre
- Tsuklakhang Palace and Ridge Park
- Bakthang Waterfall
2. Getting there and where you sleep
| Altitude | 5,500 ft |
|---|---|
| From Gangtok | — |
| Stay | Overnight hub |
| Checkpost / timing rule | No permit for the town. Submit ID copies and 2 photos by 3:00 PM for next-day Tsomgo/Nathula or North Sikkim permits. |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | Safe to visit |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Open all winter (6°C–14°C days) |
Mountain roads in Sikkim average 20–28 km/h. Google Maps times are optimistic; use ours.
3. Permit, ID and medical checklist
4. Where to stay in Gangtok
7 properties from ₹748 to ₹11,015 per night for two.
Magellan's Hotel Renam
Budget Hotel · Mahatma Gandhi Marg, near West Point, Arithang, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
- Walking distance to MG Marg
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restaurant
- Parking
₹748 / night ≈ ₹374 per person, twin share
The Narayani Continental Hotel
3-Star Hotel · Upper Sichey Rd, opposite Tamang Gumpa, Sungava, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
- Free Breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Restaurant
₹778 / night ≈ ₹389 per person, twin share
The Golden Crest Hotel
4-Star Hotel · NH10, Amdo Golai, Deorali Bazar, Gangtok, Sikkim 737102
- Free Breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Restaurant
- Room Service
₹1,059 / night ≈ ₹530 per person, twin share
Zostel Gangtok
Backpacker Hostel & Private Rooms · Upper Sichey Rd, Sungava, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
- Rooftop Cafe & Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Laundry
₹1,429 / night ≈ ₹715 per person, twin share
Udaan Woodberry Hotel & Spa
4-Star Hotel · Near Swastik Gate, Upper Burtuk, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
- Spa
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Room Service
₹2,043 / night ≈ ₹1,022 per person, twin share
Udaan Alpine Resort, Gangtok
4-Star Hotel · Chongeytar, GRBA Road, Gangtok, Sikkim 737103
- Pure Veg Restaurant
- Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Room Service
- Airport Shuttle
₹2,305 / night ≈ ₹1,153 per person, twin share
MAYFAIR Spa Resort & Casino, Gangtok
5-Star Luxury Resort · Lower Samdur Block, Ranipool, Gangtok, Sikkim 737135
- Free Breakfast
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa
- Casino
- Fitness Center
₹11,015 / night ≈ ₹5,508 per person, twin share
Gangtok FAQs
Do Indian tourists need a permit to visit Gangtok?
No. Gangtok, Rumtek, Pelling, Namchi and Ravangla need no permit for Indian citizens. Permits (PAP) start only for Tsomgo Lake, Nathula, the Silk Route and North Sikkim.
How far is Gangtok from Bagdogra airport?
About 124 km via NH10, which takes 4.5 to 5.5 hours on the mountain road. Pakyong airport is only 30 km away but has had no scheduled flights since June 2024.
Is MG Marg vehicle accessible for seniors?
MG Marg itself is pedestrian-only. Hotels right on the promenade mean a walk from the taxi drop, so for seniors choose a hotel with direct car-porch access such as those on NH10 or Upper Burtuk.
Keep exploring
Continue exploring East Sikkim
Day excursion · sleep in Gangtok
Tsomgo Lake
The sacred glacial lake 38 km from Gangtok — yak rides, a ropeway and a frozen surface in winter.
Day excursion · sleep in Gangtok
Nathula Pass
The Indo-China border pass at 14,140 ft on the Old Silk Route — closed Mondays and Tuesdays.