Gangtok district

Home to Sikkim's capital, where the hill town of Gangtok is the base for trips to alpine lakes and border passes.

Gangtok district, formerly East Sikkim district, lies in southeastern Sikkim. Its seat, Gangtok, is built along a ridge, with tidy streets and the pedestrian MG Marg where visitors gather. Nearby sights include Rumtek Monastery, an important Kagyu seat, Enchey Monastery, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, the high-altitude Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, and the direction of Nathu La, the India–China border pass (a separate permit is required). March to May and October to December bring the best weather; high-altitude roads may be closed in winter. Foreign visitors need a permit to enter Sikkim. Gateways are Pakyong Airport, or by road via Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri.

Destinations

• Gangtok

Itineraries

• Gangtok & North Sikkim Alpine Circuit – Starting from Gangtok, stay in Lachung and Lachen to explore Yumthang Valley and Gurudongmar Lake.
• Gangtok, South Sikkim & Pelling Monastery Route – Skip North Sikkim and connect Gangtok, the pilgrimage sites of Namchi, and the ancient ruins of Pelling.
• Darjeeling, Pelling, Gangtok & Lachung Panorama – Travel from Darjeeling into Sikkim, covering tea gardens, ancient capitals, the modern capital, and northern alpine val…
• Darjeeling, Sikkim & Kanchenjunga Loop – A loop connecting Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling to see sacred lakes, ancient monasteries, tea gardens, and the Kanch…