- Where
- Upper Gangtok, off the Gangtok–Nathu La road
- Altitude
- About 2,200 m (7,200 ft)
- Distance
- About 8–11 km from MG Marg, 20–30 minutes
- Timings
- Roughly 5am–7pm (some sources say 5pm)
- Entry fee
- Free
- Permit
- None
- Best time
- October–March for mountain views
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
Hanuman Tok is a Hindu temple on a hilltop above Gangtok, maintained by the Indian Army. Tok means temple in the local language. It is part of most Gangtok sightseeing tours, and on a clear morning it gives one of the best views of Kanchenjunga anywhere near the city.
The legend and the history
Local legend says Hanuman rested on this hilltop while flying the Sanjeevani mountain, with its life-saving herb, back to Lanka for the wounded Lakshmana.
The temple itself is modern. A government officer, Appaji Pant, built a shrine over the stone in 1950. The Indian Army later took over the land around it and has run the temple ever since, which is why it is so clean and orderly.
What you'll see
- The main shrine, reached by a short flight of steps, with a statue of Hanuman.
- Smaller shrines around the complex, to Ram, Sita and other deities.
- The viewpoint, facing north to Kanchenjunga and the Gangtok valley.
- Bells along the walkway that visitors ring on their way up.
How to reach Hanuman Tok
The temple is off the Gangtok–Nathu La road, near the 3rd Mile check post, about 8–11 km from MG Marg. Every "Gangtok city tour" or "seven-point" or "ten-point" tour includes it. You can also add it on the way back from a Tsomgo Lake trip. See our car rental in Gangtok.
| From | Road distance | Usual drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Gangtok | about 10 km | 20–30 min |
Road distances from OpenStreetMap routing. Drive times are what we see on these mountain roads, not map estimates.
Timings and rules
- Hours: roughly 5am to 7pm; some sources give 5pm, so don't leave it to the evening.
- Entry is free.
- No smoking, alcohol or littering on army land. Photography is fine outside the shrine.
Weather and best time
At 2,200 m it is cool all year. The mountain view needs clear air.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9°C | 1°C | Dry | Light |
| Feb | 10°C | 2°C | Dry | Light |
| Mar | 13°C | 5°C | Light | Light |
| Apr | 16°C | 8°C | Light | – |
| May | 18°C | 10°C | Wet | – |
| Jun | 19°C | 13°C | Wet | – |
| Jul | 19°C | 15°C | Very wet | – |
| Aug | 19°C | 15°C | Very wet | – |
| Sep | 19°C | 14°C | Wet | – |
| Oct | 17°C | 10°C | Light | – |
| Nov | 14°C | 6°C | Dry | – |
| Dec | 11°C | 3°C | Dry | – |
Monthly averages for 2015–2024 from ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, at the site's elevation (about 2224 m). Rain and snow are rated relative to this location's own year.
- October–December: the best chance of a clear Kanchenjunga view.
- March–April: good mornings, hazy afternoons.
- June–September: cloud hides the mountains most days.
Things most guides don't tell you
- Go first thing. Cloud usually rolls up the valley by 10am. Asking your driver to start the city tour here, not end it, makes the biggest difference.
- Ganesh Tok is a different temple, closer to town at about 6 km. City tours usually do both.
- The Enchey Monastery and the Gangtok Ropeway are on the same side of town, so they fit the same morning.
Nearby
- Banjhakri Falls, about 20 minutes away on the other side of town.
- MG Marg, Gangtok's pedestrian mall.
- Rumtek Monastery, about an hour's drive.
- Things to do in Gangtok.
Hanuman Tok: questions travellers ask
Who maintains Hanuman Tok?
The Indian Army, which took over the land around the temple after it was built in 1950.
What are Hanuman Tok timings?
Roughly 5am to 7pm, though some sources say 5pm. Go in the morning for the view.
Is there an entry fee at Hanuman Tok?
No, entry is free.
How far is Hanuman Tok from MG Marg?
About 8–11 km, 20–30 minutes by car.
Can you see Kanchenjunga from Hanuman Tok?
Yes, on clear mornings, especially from October to December.
What is the story of Hanuman Tok?
Legend says Hanuman rested here while carrying the Sanjeevani mountain to save Lakshmana.
Is Hanuman Tok and Ganesh Tok the same?
No. Ganesh Tok is a separate temple about 6 km from town; Hanuman Tok is higher and further out.
Is Hanuman Tok included in Gangtok sightseeing?
Yes. Almost every Gangtok city tour includes it.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Hanuman Tok
- Chalbanjare: Hanuman Tok, Gangtok
- Backpackers United: Hanuman Tok
- Photo: Anjan Kumar Kundu, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Timings and fees change. Check on the day, or ask us when you book.
