Whenever it comes to Northeast India, Gangtok is very much liked in the name of roaming. It is the largest and capital city of Sikkim situated at an altitude of about 5410 ft above sea level. This place surrounded by clouds is very much liked as attractive and natural beauty. The city of Gangtok is filled with many stunning natural wonders. Gangtok has always been an ideal destination for nature lovers, religious travelers, and tourists. Today, in this episode, we are going to tell you about the major tourist places of Gangtok which have fun to visit. Let us know about these tourist places…
Tsomgo Lake
If you have to check out just one place to visit in Gangtok, we think you should head to Tsomgo Lake. Tsomgo Changu Lake is a glacial lake, situated at an altitude of 12,310 ft at a distance of 40 km from Gangtok. Surrounded by mountains, this lake collects its water from melting snow. One special thing about the lake is that it changes its color with every season. The lake remains frozen during the winter, while flowers bloom in summer instead of the ice surrounding it. It is said that Buddhist monks used to predict the future just by looking at the color of the lake.
Hanuman Tok
This Hanuman Tok is situated on the top of a hill at a distance of about 10 km from Gangtok. Hanuman Tok is primarily dedicated to Lord Hanuman. This holy place is known as a religious place that fulfills the wishes of the people. This Hanuman Tok complex was also recently completed. The view of the surrounding from this Hanuman Tok is very attractive and is very much liked by nature lovers.
Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Monastery, just 23 kilometers from Gangtok, is one of the largest and most important monasteries in Gangtok and is also known as the Dharmachakra Center. This monastery Gangtok Valki is famous as one of the most attractive and luxurious tourist places in the entire Sikkim which is built in traditional Tibetan style. The three-storied monastery contains many beautiful sculptures, a huge prayer hall with different paintings, and many unique objects and scriptures. This ancient monastery is known to have one of the finest architecture in the world and is one of the top places to visit in Gangtok.
Nathula Pass
If you are going to visit Gangtok then here is one such place which you would never want to miss. We are talking about the international India-China border, to see which you need a permit. You can easily get this permit after visiting Gangtok. Let us tell you that only Indian tourists are allowed to go to the Nathula Pass-India-China border and foreigners are not allowed to go here. This border is such a place where you can see Indian soldiers along with Chinese soldiers and their passing trucks.
Reshi Hot Springs
Let us tell you that there are many hot springs in Sikkim, but this Reshi hot spring has some special significance and specialty, due to which it is very famous. Tourists and pilgrims visiting here soak themselves in this hot spring for a long time. This is done because it is believed that this spring has many medicinal properties, which are very important for curing skin diseases.
Himalayan Zoological Park
The first zoo in Sikkim, the Himalayan Zoological Park is home to Snow Leopards, Himalayan Palm Civets, Red Pandas, and Himalayan Black Bears. Due to the variety of fauna, this place is considered different from most of the zoos in the country. The animals here are kept in their natural habitat without being kept in cages. Situated at an altitude of 1,780 meters, the zoo also offers spectacular views of Mount Kangchenjunga. If you want to visit this zoo in Gangtok, then definitely bring at least 3 to 4 hours separately, especially if you are traveling with children.
Phodang Monastery
Phodong or Phodang Monastery, located about 40 km from Gangtok, is one of the six most important Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim and is considered one of the most attractive places to visit in Gangtok. This monastery is situated at an altitude of 4500 meters and is situated amidst natural beauty. It attracts everyone's attention towards itself. This monastery is one of the most prominent monasteries in Sikkim and offers tourists a chance to enjoy the spiritual depth of Sikkim at its best. Currently, Phodong Monastery is a major tourist attraction in Sikkim and houses about 260 monks of the Kagyu lineage. The walls of the monastery are decorated with beautiful paintings that can surprise anyone.
Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple
Baba Harbhajan Singh at an altitude of 4000 meters, at a distance of 64 km on the road passing between Nathula and Jelepala Pass, is a temple built on the tomb of Baba Harbhajan Singh. Constable Harbhajan Singh is said to have gone missing 35 years ago while leading a herd of mules during the division from Tukla to Deng Dhukla in East Sikkim, after which his search was launched. But after searching for three days the soldiers found his body. After this many soldiers of the troop told them that Baba was coming in their dreams and was asking them to build a temple in his memory. After which 'Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple' was built in his memory. The tourists come here and after putting on their uniforms, circumambulate them.