22 Places to Visit in Gangtok and Darjeeling (2026): Tourist Spots, Timings & Entry Fees
Gangtok and Darjeeling are about four hours apart and usually done as one trip from Bagdogra or NJP. Darjeeling has the sunrise over Kanchenjunga, the toy train and tea estates; Gangtok has MG Marg, monasteries and the high-altitude day to Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La. Allow two to three days in each.
1.Tiger Hill
About 11 km from Darjeeling
Tiger Hill, 11 km from Darjeeling, is where the famous sunrise happens: first light turns Kanchenjunga pink before the rest of the range. Cars leave town around 4am.
- Timings
- Sunrise visits; gates open around 3–4am depending on season
- Entry fee
- Vehicle fee (about ₹200 reported); viewing tower ₹20–40 by floor
- Distance
- About 11 km from Darjeeling, 30–40 minutes
- Time needed
- 2.5–3 hours including the drive
- Best time
- October–December for the clearest mornings
2.MG Marg, Gangtok
Central 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.
- Timings
- Open all day; most shops about 9am–8pm
- Entry fee
- Free
- Distance
- About 120 km from NJP and Bagdogra
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Best time
- Evenings, all year
3.Tsomgo (Changu) Lake
East Sikkim, about 38 km from Gangtok
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.
- Timings
- Open all week; the district lists about 10am–4pm
- Entry fee
- Permit about ₹200 per person; yak rides and cable car extra
- Distance
- About 40 km from Gangtok, 1.5–2 hours each way
- Time needed
- Half a day, or a full day with Nathu La
- Best time
- January–April for snow and ice, October–November for clear skies
4.Batasia Loop
Near Ghum, 5 km from Darjeeling
Batasia Loop is where the Darjeeling toy train spirals around a war memorial garden, with Kanchenjunga behind on clear days. It's 5 km from Darjeeling, near Ghum.
- Timings
- About 5am–8pm
- Entry fee
- About ₹15 per person (Darjeeling Tourism); some reports higher
- Distance
- About 4–5 km from Darjeeling, 15–20 minutes
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Best time
- October–December and March–May
5.Nathu La Pass
East Sikkim, 56 km from Gangtok
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.
- Timings
- Wednesday to Sunday, roughly 8am to early afternoon; closed to tourists Monday and Tuesday
- Entry fee
- Permit about ₹200 per person (2026 reports); vehicle hire extra
- Distance
- About 56 km from Gangtok, 2.5–3 hours each way
- Time needed
- A full day from Gangtok, with Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir
- Best time
- April–June and October–November
6.Darjeeling Ropeway
Singamari, North Point, Darjeeling
The Darjeeling Ropeway (Rangeet Valley cable car) drops from Singamari over tea gardens towards Tukvar in the Rangeet valley. Ticket price, timings, how long the ride takes and the weather closures.
- Timings
- About 10 am–4 pm, weather permitting
- Entry fee
- Roughly ₹250 per adult return, less for children
- Distance
- About 3 km from Chowrasta
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours including the queue
- Best time
- October–May; mornings for clear views
7.Rumtek Monastery
About 23 km from Gangtok
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.
- Timings
- Roughly 7am–7pm; the Golden Stupa room closes around 11:30am–12:30pm
- Entry fee
- About ₹10 per person (reported)
- Distance
- About 22–24 km from Gangtok, about 1 hour
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Best time
- October–May; Losar in February or March for ceremonies
8.Peace Pagoda
Jalapahar, Darjeeling
Darjeeling's Japanese Peace Pagoda is a white stupa on the slopes of Jalapahar, built by the Nipponzan Myohoji order, with views of Kanchenjunga on clear days. Timings, free entry, the drum prayers and how to reach it.
- Timings
- About 4 am–7 pm; prayers about 4:30–6 am and 4:30–6 pm
- Entry fee
- Free
- Distance
- About 2–3 km from Chowrasta (the Mall)
- Time needed
- 45 minutes–1 hour
- Best time
- October–December and March–May
9.Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir
East Sikkim, on the Nathu La road
The shrine to 'Baba' Harbhajan Singh, a Punjab Regiment soldier who died near Nathu La in 1968, sits at about 13,100 ft on the Tsomgo–Nathu La road. Here is the story, the permit and how to fit it into a Gangtok day trip.
- Timings
- Roughly 8am–2:30pm (permit day trips return by early afternoon)
- Entry fee
- Free
- Distance
- About 55–60 km from Gangtok, 2.5–3 hours
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Best time
- April–June and October–November
Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir: full guide, how to reach and tips →
10.Ghoom Monastery
Ghum, near Darjeeling
Ghoom Monastery, or Yiga Choeling, is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries around Darjeeling, founded in 1850 and known for its large Maitreya Buddha. Timings, camera fee and how to combine it with Batasia Loop.
- Timings
- About 9 am–6 pm
- Entry fee
- Free; small camera fee
- Distance
- About 6–8 km from Darjeeling, 20–30 minutes
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Best time
- Year-round; early morning for prayers
11.Enchey Monastery
Gangtok
Enchey Monastery sits on a ridge above Gangtok, among pines and prayer flags, and is the town's best-known gompa. Timings, the Chaam masked dance, history and how to reach it from MG Marg.
- Timings
- About 6 am–4 pm
- Entry fee
- Free
- Distance
- About 3 km from Gangtok's main market
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Best time
- Year-round; January–February for the Chaam dance
12.Happy Valley Tea Estate
Lebong Cart Road, Darjeeling
Happy Valley is one of Darjeeling's oldest tea estates, a short drive below the town, with factory tours and tastings in the plucking season. Timings, the factory tour fee, the winter closure and how to reach.
- Timings
- About 8 am–4 pm, Tuesday–Saturday (factory)
- Entry fee
- Gardens free; factory tour roughly ₹100–200
- Distance
- About 3 km from Chowrasta
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Best time
- March–November (the factory rests in winter)
Happy Valley Tea Estate: full guide, how to reach and tips →
13.Hanuman Tok
Upper Gangtok, off the Nathu La road
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.
- Timings
- Roughly 5am–7pm (some sources say 5pm)
- Entry fee
- Free
- Distance
- About 8–11 km from MG Marg, 20–30 minutes
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Best time
- October–March for mountain views
14.Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling
Darjeeling Zoo, the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, is India's highest zoo and known for its red pandas and snow leopards. Timings, the Thursday closure, ticket price and the mountaineering institute next door.
- Timings
- About 8:30 am–4:30 pm (4 pm in winter); closed Thursdays
- Entry fee
- Roughly ₹60–110 for Indian adults (includes the HMI museum)
- Distance
- About 2 km from Chowrasta
- Time needed
- 2–2.5 hours with the HMI
- Best time
- March–June and September–November
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: full guide, how to reach and tips →
15.Tashi View Point
North Sikkim Highway, Gangtok
Tashi View Point, on the edge of Gangtok, is the town's classic sunrise spot for Kanchenjunga. Timings, the free entry, the drive from MG Marg and when the mountain is most likely to be clear.
- Timings
- About 5 am–6 pm
- Entry fee
- Free; binoculars about ₹10
- Distance
- About 7–8 km from MG Marg, 20–25 minutes by car
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Best time
- October–December and March–May, at sunrise
16.Rock Garden
Barbotey, below Darjeeling
The Rock Garden at Barbotey is a terraced garden built around a waterfall below Darjeeling, usually paired with Ganga Maya Park further down. Timings, entry fee, the steep drive and what to expect.
- Timings
- About 10 am–4 pm
- Entry fee
- Roughly ₹10–20 per person; Ganga Maya Park separate
- Distance
- About 10 km from Darjeeling town by road
- Time needed
- Half a day with Ganga Maya Park
- Best time
- March–May and September–November
17.Ganesh Tok
Gangtok
Ganesh Tok is a tiny Ganesh temple on a hilltop above Gangtok at about 6,500 ft, with one of the best views over the town and, on clear days, Kanchenjunga. Timings, distance and how to pair it with Hanuman Tok and Tashi View Point.
- Timings
- About 6 am–7 pm
- Entry fee
- Free
- Distance
- About 5–7 km from MG Marg
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Best time
- October–May, early morning
18.Gangtok Ropeway
Deorali to Tashiling, Gangtok
The Gangtok Ropeway is a cable car of about 1 km across the town, from Deorali to Tashiling, with views over Gangtok and the valley. Stations, timings, rough ticket prices and tips.
- Timings
- About 9:30 am–4:30 pm (check locally; weather permitting)
- Entry fee
- Roughly ₹110–130 per adult for a return ride
- Distance
- Deorali station about 2 km from MG Marg
- Time needed
- 45 minutes–1 hour including queue
- Best time
- October–May, clear mornings
19.Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park
Burtuk, about 7 km from Gangtok
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.
- Timings
- Roughly 8am–5pm or 6pm
- Entry fee
- About ₹50 for adults (reports range ₹20–100), extra for cameras
- Distance
- About 7–9 km from MG Marg, 20–30 minutes
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Best time
- March–May and October–November; fullest flow July–September
Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park: full guide, how to reach and tips →
20.Aritar Lake (Lampokhari)
Aritar, Pakyong district, East Sikkim
Lampokhari, better known as Aritar Lake, is a long, boot-shaped lake in the forested hills of East Sikkim, one of the oldest natural lakes in the state and one you can go boating on. Aritar is a quiet base for the Silk Route.
- Timings
- Daylight; boating in daytime
- Entry fee
- Small entry and boating charges
- Distance
- About 65–67 km from Gangtok; 14 km from Rongli
- Time needed
- Half a day; a night if doing the Silk Route
- Best time
- October–April
Aritar Lake (Lampokhari): full guide, how to reach and tips →
21.Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)
Darjeeling station to Ghum, Darjeeling
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is the UNESCO-listed narrow-gauge 'toy train' from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. Most visitors take the two-hour joy ride from Darjeeling to Ghum and back, looping round Batasia. Fares, steam vs diesel, booking and timings.
- Timings
- Several joy rides a day, roughly 8 am to 4 pm; schedules change by season
- Entry fee
- Joy ride roughly ₹1,000 (diesel) to ₹1,500 (steam) per person; check IRCTC for current fares
- Distance
- Joy ride: Darjeeling to Ghum and back, about 14 km round trip
- Time needed
- About 2 hours for the joy ride
- Best time
- October–December and March–May for clear mountain views
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train): full guide, how to reach and tips →
22.Zuluk and the Old Silk Route
Rongli subdivision, East Sikkim
Zuluk is a tiny army-and-homestay hamlet at about 9,400 ft on the old Kalimpong–Lhasa trade route, famous for its zigzag road and Kanchenjunga sunrise at Thambi. Here is the permit, route and when to go.
- Timings
- Day permits; most people stay a night in a homestay
- Entry fee
- No entry fee; permit charges via your operator
- Distance
- About 90 km from Gangtok via Rongli
- Time needed
- 1–2 nights
- Best time
- March–May and October–December
Zuluk and the Old Silk Route: full guide, how to reach and tips →
Best time to visit Gangtok and Darjeeling
March to May and October to December are best for both towns, with the clearest mountain views from October. Tsomgo and Nathu La see snow from December to March. July and August are the wettest months.
How to reach Gangtok and Darjeeling
Fly to Bagdogra or take the train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP). Darjeeling is about 3 hours away and Gangtok 4–5 hours; the drive between the two takes about 4 hours via Teesta Bazaar.
See Gangtok and Darjeeling with a local team
Private trips with a driver, hotels and permits arranged, built around the places above.
Darjeeling and Gangtok tour packages →Gangtok and Darjeeling: frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for Gangtok and Darjeeling?+
Five to six days: two or three in Darjeeling and three in Gangtok including Tsomgo Lake. Add three days for North Sikkim.
Which should I visit first, Gangtok or Darjeeling?+
Either works. Many trips start in Darjeeling and end in Gangtok, then fly out of Bagdogra.
How far is Gangtok from Darjeeling?+
About 95–100 km, around 4 hours by road.
Do I need permits for Gangtok and Darjeeling?+
Not for the towns themselves if you are Indian. Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La need a permit arranged through an operator; foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit for Sikkim.
More places to visit in Northeast India
- Places to visit in Darjeeling
- Places to visit in Meghalaya
- Places to visit in Sikkim
- Places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh
- Places to visit in Gangtok
- Places to visit in Assam
- Places to visit in Shillong
- Places to visit in Cherrapunji
- Places to visit in Tawang
- Places to visit in Pelling
- Places to visit in Guwahati
- Places to visit near Guwahati
- Places to visit in Northeast India
- Offbeat places to visit in Meghalaya
- Places to visit in North Sikkim
- Places to visit in South Sikkim
- Places to visit in Nagaland
- Places to visit in Kaziranga
- Places to visit in Dawki and Mawlynnong
- All Northeast India attractions