The evening promenade
MG Marg & the town
Gangtok's car-free main street of cafés and shops, the ropeway over the town, and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.
Best for: First nights, familiesRead the guide
Gangtok tour packages
Gangtok, a capital on a ridge facing Kanchenjunga
Monasteries above the town, a car-free promenade for the evenings, and a glacial lake an hour and a half up the road. Private trips from Bagdogra with a local driver and every permit arranged.
- Curated journeys
- 7
- Places to pair
- 6
- From, per adult
- ₹15,999
- Planner on WhatsApp
- 24×7
Why travel with Breeziah
Gangtok is the easy part of Sikkim. The days out of it are where planning matters: permits for Tsomgo and Nathu La, a pass that opens on some days and not others, and roads north that change with the weather.
Permits arranged
Tsomgo, Nathu La and North Sikkim permits filed before you arrive, using your ID.
Local Sikkim driver
A private SUV with a driver who knows the mountain roads, daylight driving only.
One planner
Nathu La closed today? We swap the days around on WhatsApp so you don't lose the trip.
Gangtok
The town spread across the ridge, from the ropeway
Where you'll go
Gangtok and the places around it
Gangtok is the base for almost every Sikkim trip. These are the sights in town and the days out that start from it.
The high day trip
Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir
A glacial lake at 12,300 ft and the shrine to a soldier saint, 38 km up the road with a permit.
Best for: Snow, familiesRead the guide
The border pass
Nathu La
The India–China pass at 14,140 ft, open to Indian visitors on Wednesday to Sunday and added to the Tsomgo day.
Best for: AdventurersRead the guide
The monastery morning
Rumtek & Enchey monasteries
Rumtek, the largest monastery in Sikkim, across the valley, and Enchey on the ridge above town.
Best for: Culture, quietRead the guide
Kanchenjunga at sunrise
Tashi View Point & Hanuman Tok
The closest viewpoints to town for the mountain on a clear morning.
Best for: PhotographersRead the guide
Two nights north
Lachung & Yumthang
The Lachung valley and Yumthang's rhododendron meadows, reached from Gangtok with a North Sikkim permit.
Best for: Spring blooms, snowRead the guide
Curated journeys
Gangtok journeys we run
Every one starts with Gangtok and runs privately on your dates from Bagdogra or NJP. Prices are per adult on twin sharing, with permits arranged.
6D/5NSignature journey
Starts in Siliguri · Ends in Siliguri
Gangtok Lachung Yumthang Tour Package
4.8124 reviews
- Gangtok city stay with leisure time at MG Marg
- Scenic drive from Gangtok to Lachung (North Sikkim)
From, per adult₹19,999
View journey
11D/10N
Starts in Siliguri · Ends in Siliguri
Grand Sikkim & Darjeeling Tour – 11 Days: Gangtok, Gurudongmar, Pelling & Darjeeling
- All of Sikkim and Darjeeling in one trip, with permits arranged
From, per adult₹34,999
View journey
7D/6N
Starts in Siliguri · Ends in Siliguri
Gangtok, Pelling & Darjeeling Tour – 7 Days in Sikkim & the Hills
- Gangtok, Pelling and Darjeeling in one relaxed week
From, per adult₹21,999
View journey
7D/6N
Starts in Siliguri · Ends in Siliguri
North Sikkim Tour: Lachen, Gurudongmar Lake & Lachung – 7 Days
- Gurudongmar Lake at 17,800 ft, reopened to visitors in 2026
From, per adult₹24,999
View journey
6D/5N
Starts in Siliguri · Ends in Siliguri
Sikkim & Darjeeling Couple Getaway – 6 Days Honeymoon Package
- Three nights in Gangtok and two in Darjeeling with Kangchenjunga views
From, per adult₹21,999
View journey
5D/4N
Starts in Siliguri · Ends in Siliguri
Old Silk Route Tour: Zuluk, Nathang Valley & Gangtok – 5 Days
- Zuluk's famous zigzag road with 32 hairpin bends
From, per adult₹17,999
View journey
5D/4N
Starts in Siliguri · Ends in Siliguri
Gangtok & Darjeeling Tour – 5 Days of Lakes, Monasteries & Tea Gardens
- Two nights in Gangtok and two in Darjeeling
From, per adult₹15,999
View journeyGangtok tour packages at a glance
| Package | Duration | Starts – ends | Rating | From (per adult) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gangtok & Darjeeling Tour – 5 Days of Lakes, Monasteries & Tea Gardens | 5D/4N | Siliguri – Siliguri | – | ₹15,999 |
| Old Silk Route Tour: Zuluk, Nathang Valley & Gangtok – 5 Days | 5D/4N | Siliguri – Siliguri | – | ₹17,999 |
| Gangtok Lachung Yumthang Tour Package | 6D/5N | Siliguri – Siliguri | 4.8 (124) | ₹19,999 |
| Gangtok, Pelling & Darjeeling Tour – 7 Days in Sikkim & the Hills | 7D/6N | Siliguri – Siliguri | – | ₹21,999 |
| Sikkim & Darjeeling Couple Getaway – 6 Days Honeymoon Package | 6D/5N | Siliguri – Siliguri | – | ₹21,999 |
| North Sikkim Tour: Lachen, Gurudongmar Lake & Lachung – 7 Days | 7D/6N | Siliguri – Siliguri | – | ₹24,999 |
| Grand Sikkim & Darjeeling Tour – 11 Days: Gangtok, Gurudongmar, Pelling & Darjeeling | 11D/10N | Siliguri – Siliguri | – | ₹34,999 |
Sample routes
Gangtok itineraries, day by day
Pick a trip length to see the route, the drive times and where you sleep each night. Every route can be changed around your dates.
Gangtok & Darjeeling
Gangtok and the high lake, then across to Darjeeling for Tiger Hill and the tea gardens.
Pickup and the climb into Sikkim. Evening on MG Marg.
The high-altitude day trip, with Nathu La on the days it's open.
Rumtek or Enchey in the morning, then the drive to Darjeeling.
Tiger Hill sunrise over Kanchenjunga, Batasia Loop and a tea estate.
Down to the plains for your flight or train.
A starting point, not a fixed product — we rebuild this around your dates, pace and stay category. Drive times are approximate and depend on road and weather conditions.
Gangtok, Lachung & Yumthang
Gangtok with two nights north in the Lachung valley, and the Tsomgo day on the way back.
Pickup and the drive up along the Teesta.
Past waterfalls on the North Sikkim road to the Lachung valley.
Yumthang at first light, with Zero Point as an option when the road is open.
Back down to Gangtok via the viewpoints.
The high lake, with Nathu La as an option on open days.
The drive down for your onward journey.
A starting point, not a fixed product — we rebuild this around your dates, pace and stay category. Drive times are approximate and depend on road and weather conditions.
Old Silk Route & Gangtok
Zuluk's hairpins and Nathang Valley on the old road to Tibet, then two nights in Gangtok.
Into East Sikkim to the lake village of Aritar.
Up the Silk Route to a homestay in Zuluk.
Sunrise from Thambi, the high valleys, then down to Gangtok.
Monasteries, the ropeway and MG Marg.
The drive down for your flight or train.
A starting point, not a fixed product — we rebuild this around your dates, pace and stay category. Drive times are approximate and depend on road and weather conditions.
Signature moments
The days you'll still talk about
Woven into our routes, timed for the weather and the permits.
Tsomgo, East Sikkim
A frozen lake before lunch
Up from Gangtok through the clouds to a lake that freezes over in winter.
14,140 ft
Standing at Nathu La
The old Silk Road pass, with the border fence and the soldiers' tea stall.
Across the valley
Prayers at Rumtek
The morning chants at Sikkim's largest monastery.
Tashi View Point & Hanuman Tok
Kanchenjunga at sunrise
The third-highest mountain in the world, turning pink over the town.
Gangtok
MG Marg after dark
A car-free street, momos and thukpa, and the whole town out for a walk.
Book online
Book Gangtok experiences online
- Day tripTsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathu La Day TripA shared seat from Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and the Nathu La border.₹1,299 / personBook
- Overnight tripLachung and Yumthang Valley 2-Day Trip from GangtokA shared seat to Lachung, a night there, and Yumthang Valley the next morning.₹4,499 / personBook
AdventureParagliding in GangtokA tandem flight with a certified pilot over the valleys around Gangtok.₹2,999 / personBook
Where you'll stay
Hotels in Gangtok
Gangtok has the best choice of hotels in Sikkim. Every itinerary names the hotel for each night.
Good 3-star hotels
Comfort
- A short walk from MG Marg
- Rooms with valley views
- Heaters in winter
Our standard for most Gangtok trips
Spa resorts and heritage hotels
Premium
- Kanchenjunga-facing suites
- Spa resorts on the edge of town
- Heritage hotels on the ridge
Mayfair Spa Resort and The Elgin Nor-Khill
Homestays nearby
Village
- Family homestays in the villages around Gangtok and on the Silk Route
- Sikkimese food at the family table
- Simple rooms, big views
Paired with town nights
Honest note: if your trip goes north to Lachung, the hotels there are basic at any budget. Gangtok is where the comfortable stays are.
What it costs
What a Gangtok trip costs
Per person for two sharing, private vehicle, peak season, excluding flights.
| Trip length | Standard | Deluxe | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 days | ₹16,300 – ₹25,000 | ₹18,900 – ₹28,700 | ₹28,000 – ₹45,400 |
| 5 days | ₹20,700 – ₹31,500 | ₹24,100 – ₹36,400 | ₹36,000 – ₹58,300 |
| 6 days | ₹25,000 – ₹38,000 | ₹29,200 – ₹44,000 | ₹43,900 – ₹71,100 |
| 7 days | ₹29,200 – ₹44,500 | ₹34,300 – ₹51,700 | ₹51,900 – ₹84,000 |
| 10 days | ₹42,200 – ₹64,000 | ₹49,600 – ₹74,600 | ₹75,700 – ₹1,22,600 |
How it works
From first message to last drop
- 1
Tell us how you like to travel
Dates, who's coming, and how high you want to go. We'll tell you honestly whether Nathu La or North Sikkim suits your group.
- 2
Send ID, we arrange the permits
A day-by-day plan with named hotels and real drive times, and permits filed before you arrive.
- 3
Travel with a Sikkim driver
A private SUV from Bagdogra or NJP and back, with our team on WhatsApp throughout.
When to go
The Gangtok year
March – May
BestPleasant days of 15–22°C, rhododendrons in bloom up north, snow still at Tsomgo and Nathu La. Busy, so book early.
October – December
BestThe clearest skies and best Kanchenjunga views. Cold by December, with the first snow on the high road.
January – February
GoodCrisp and quiet in town. Tsomgo and Nathu La can close after heavy snow, so we keep a spare day.
June – September
AvoidMonsoon. Landslides on the highway, cloud over the mountains and North Sikkim often closed. Gangtok alone is possible at low rates.
Honest drive times
Bagdogra → Gangtok
125 km · 4–5 hrs
Gangtok → Tsomgo Lake
38 km · 1.5–2 hrs
Gangtok → Nathu La
56 km · 2.5–3 hrs
Gangtok → Lachung
115 km · 5–6 hrs
Gangtok → Darjeeling
95 km · 4 hrs
Gangtok → Pelling via Ravangla
130 km · 5 hrs
Before you go
Permits, getting there and what to know
Permits for the day trips
Indian travellers don't need a permit for Gangtok. Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La and North Sikkim each need a protected-area permit, which we file with a photo ID and two passport photos per person. Nathu La is open to Indian visitors only, on Wednesday to Sunday. Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit to enter Sikkim and can't visit Nathu La.
Getting there
- By air
- Bagdogra (IXB), with direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Bengaluru, then 4–5 hours by road. Pakyong, near Gangtok, has very few flights.
- By train
- New Jalpaiguri (NJP), about 4–5 hours by road from Gangtok.
Know before you go
- Carry original photo ID; the permits are checked at every checkpost.
- Nathu La closes Monday and Tuesday and after heavy snow; we plan the Tsomgo day around it.
- Private vehicles from outside Sikkim can't go to Tsomgo or North Sikkim; local Sikkim cars are required, which we arrange.
- Gangtok traffic is slow in peak season; we leave early for day trips.
- Pack layers in every season: Tsomgo and Nathu La are near freezing even in May.
Questions
Gangtok travel questions
Anything else, ask us on WhatsApp. A person answers, usually within minutes.
How many days are enough for Gangtok?
Two to three days covers Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La. Five days adds Darjeeling or the Old Silk Route, and six days adds Lachung and Yumthang.
How much does a Gangtok tour package cost?
Our Gangtok packages start at about ₹16,000 per adult for five days with Darjeeling, on twin sharing with permits arranged. The current price of every package is in the table above.
Is Nathu La open every day?
No. Nathu La is open to Indian visitors on Wednesday to Sunday, weather permitting. We plan the Tsomgo day to fall on an open day.
Do I need a permit for Gangtok?
Not for Gangtok itself if you're Indian. Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La and North Sikkim need permits, which we arrange with your ID.
What is the best time to visit Gangtok?
March to May and October to December. Spring brings flowers and mild weather; autumn has the clearest mountain views.
How far is Gangtok from Bagdogra?
About 125 km, four to five hours by road. NJP station is about the same distance.
Can I combine Gangtok with Darjeeling?
Yes. Darjeeling is about four hours from Gangtok, and our Gangtok & Darjeeling and Gangtok, Pelling & Darjeeling packages combine them.
Ready when you are
Let's plan your Gangtok trip
Tell us your dates and who's travelling. We'll send a day-by-day plan with named hotels and the permits sorted within a day.
Photo credits
Photo: Subhrajyoti07 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: Laluttam, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons · Photo: Thebrowniris / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 · Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Anjan Kumar Kundu, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons · Photo: Ujwala Bhat / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: Rudolph.A.furtado, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons · Photo: Joydeep / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 · Photo: Anjan Kumar Kundu / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 · Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: Yoghya (edit by UnpetitproleX) / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons images are used under their Creative Commons licences; see each file on commons.wikimedia.org.
Top attractions around Gangtok
Tsomgo (Changu) Lake
Tsomgo Lake, also called Changu Lake, is a glacial lake at about 12,300 ft, 38 km from Gangtok. It's the easiest place near Gangtok to see snow, on a permit filed the day before.
Nathu La Pass
Nathu La is the India–China border pass at about 14,140 ft, a day trip from Gangtok with Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir. It's open to Indian nationals only, on a permit filed the day before.
Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek is Sikkim's largest monastery, the seat of the Karmapa in exile, rebuilt in the 1960s in the style of Tsurphu in Tibet. It's about an hour from Gangtok.
MG Marg, Gangtok
MG Marg is Gangtok's car-free main street, a litter- and spit-free promenade lined with cafés, shops and benches. Here is what to do there, the rules, and where to eat and shop.
Hanuman Tok
Hanuman Tok is an army-run Hanuman temple on a hilltop above Gangtok, with one of the best Kanchenjunga views near the city. Here are the timings, the legend and how to fit it into a Gangtok sightseeing day.
Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park
Banjhakri Falls is a 30-metre waterfall in a landscaped park on the edge of Gangtok, themed on Sikkim's forest shamans. It is an easy, family-friendly stop on a Gangtok city tour.