By Siam 
Gangtok is a paradise of a traveler nestled in the lap of the Eastern Himalayas. It is a beautiful hill station with stunning landscapes, Buddhist monasteries, colorful markets, and rich culture that can offer anything to any type of explorer. You need spiritual comfort, some exciting activities or some scenic vacations, Gangtok always does not fail you. This article is a revelation of the most popular tourist sites in Gangtok where you will have a complete idea of how to explore this jewel of the Himalayas.
MG Marg – The Heart of Gangtok
The regulation of every visit to Gangtok starts with MG Marg, the busy walking road which is the core of this city. This is a traffic-free avenue where colorfully painted shops, cafes, and handicraft shops are located, and this is the ideal place to explore the local atmosphere. Evenings here are fairytale, decorative lights and large crowds make the atmosphere of festivity.
MG Marg is not only a place to go shopping and dine but also to explore the culture where people enjoy events and festivals with a massive celebration. This is also among the Popular Tourist Attractions in Gangtok in case one is interested in savoring the flavor of the locals.
Rumtek Monastery- A Haven of Spirit.
Gangtok is well entrenched in the Buddhist culture and Rumtek Monastery is a reminder of its religious past. This monastery, which is one of the major seats of Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism, is about 23 kilometers outside the city.
The monastery has been famous with its elaborate murals, rare relics as well as beautiful architecture. The tranquility of the place makes it a must-visit place to people who want to be relaxed. Rumtek Monastery can remain in the list of popular tourist attractions in Gangtok especially to spiritual and cultural tourists.
Tsomgo Lake – A Scenic Wonder
The Changu Lake or the Tsomgo lake is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena around Gangtok. The lake is located at a height of more than 12,000 feet hence it is frozen in the winter and turns into a beautiful mirror of the surrounding mountains in summer.
Riding on the lake coast, stalls selling hot momos, prayer flags in the wind all contribute to the more magical experience. Tsomgo Lake is one of the most visited Popular Tourist Attractions in Gangtok, which has dramatic beauty.
Nathula Pass- Gateway to China.
Nathula Pass is another place of interest to people who are adventurous and historical. This mountain pass which is on the high altitude links India with Tibet, once a member of the ancient Silk Route. It is located approximately 56 kilometers to Gangtok where the view is breathtaking due to snow-clad mountains with winding roads.
Nathula is a place that needs special permits as it is a strategic place, but the trip is worth all the efforts. The Nathula is one of the most interesting Popular Tourist Attractions in Gangtok because of the views that one gets at the border of Indo-China, where the soldiers guard the frontier, and soaking in the scenic views.
The Enchey Monastery- Peace Among the Hills.
The Enchey Monastery is another spiritual gem in Gangtok and it was constructed more than 200 years ago. The peaceful atmosphere of the monastery with its traditional architecture is devoted to Guru Padmasambhava who is thought to have blessed the place.
Enchey Monastery is a place of attraction to pilgrims and travelers who see pine forests and have vistas of Kanchenjunga. It also has an annual Chaam dance festival with masked dances which is one of its cultural highlights. It is not wonder that it is included in the Popular Tourist Attractions in Gangtok.
Hanuman Tok – Panoramic Views
In case you want to have a glimpse of the landscape in Gangtok, visit Hanuman Tok. This is a temple that is devoted to Lord Hanuman which stands 7,200 feet. The scenic beauty and wide panoramas of the Kanchenjunga range are attractive to the tourists.
The Indian Army takes care of the temple complex and makes it immaculate. As a spiritualist or a nature admirer, Hanuman Tok is surely among the Popular Tourist Attractions in Gangtok.
Tashi View Point – A Nirvana of Photographers.
Tashi View Point should be a must to the traveling photographers. It enjoys beautiful sunrise and sunset scenery with snow-capped mountains of Kanchenjunga and the valleys surrounding the mountain. The bright mornings here tend to serve the visitors with unforgettable panorama.
Tashi View Point has telescopes and viewing platforms that make it an excellent destination among families, couples and photography lovers. It has a scenic appeal that entrenches it as one of the Popular Tourist Attractions in Gangtok.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology – Heritage Preservation.
The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a good place to learn more about the culture and history of Sikkim. It is a research institute/museum with rare manuscripts, thangkas (Tibetan Buddhist paintings), and relics of Buddhism.
The institute also indicates the good Indo-Tibetan cultural sense and it is not only a tourist attraction, but a cultural treasure. It is among the most popular tourism attractions in Gangtok which are thought provoking.
Himalayan Zoological Park -Wild Lover.
Gangtok is not merely a place of monasteries and perspectives, it also serves the wildlife lovers. Himalayan Zoological Park houses some of the rare species found in the Himalayas including the red panda and snow Leopard, Himalayan bear and the Barking deer.
The zoo is located in the natural forested areas where the viewers get the only chance of seeing these animals in their natural environment. This is among the most pleasant Popular Tourist Attractions in Gangtok among the family and nature lovers.
Conclusion
The beauty of gangtok is in its multiplicity- it is a spiritual place but an adventurous one, it is a modern place, but is full of tradition. Whether it is monasteries such as Rumtek and Enchey or natural wonders such as Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass the city is full of destinations that astonish the tourists. Couple this with the cultural diversity of MG Marg, heritage at Namgyal Institute and the wild life at Zoological Park and you have a place that is literally everything.
By visiting these Popular Tourist Attractions in Gangtok, you do not only visit a city, but you encounter a melting pot of cultures, sceneries and emotions that lingers on even after you are back home. It will never leave you the same place and Gangtok will keep on unveiling something new to you whether it is on your first visit or not.
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