BEST HISTORICAL PLACES TO VISIT IN GANGTOK

Best historical places to visit in Gangtok make this city more alluring and pleasant. Gangtok, with its plethora of reasons, has charmed tourists, adventure junkies, and nature enthusiasts for more than a decade. The capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok is one of the most popular hill stations and revered for its civic sense and humble population. Apart from the green landscapes, the view of the mighty Kanchenjunga and the cityscape dotted with numerous tourist destinations, the best historical places to visit in Gangtok make this city beauteous and enticing. Gangtok means hilltop and is steeped in diverse ad indigenous culture. Some of the best tourist spots are Tsomgo Lake, Banjhakri Falls, Tashi View Point, Enchey Monastery, Ganesh Tok, Rumtek Monastery, and so on. Gangtok is also famous for its adventurous activities like river rafting and trekking.

5 BEST HISTORICAL PLACES TO VISIT IN GANGTOK

Below listed are some of the best historical places to visit in Gangtok to make your Gangtok trip memorable than ever.

GANESH TOK

Ganesh Tok is one of the best historical places to visit in Gangtok and a much-cherished destination. Perched on top of a hill, Ganesh Tok is less of a religious place and more of a window that opens itself to the beautiful surroundings. The temple is a small place that can fit only one person at a time. But what makes this place lavish, is the lounge and the balcony in front of the temple. Colourful flags adorn the stairs and the front space imparts an uninterrupted view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and the verdant forests all around. The best time to visit Ganesh Tok is early morning that will help you catch a glimpse of the snow-clad mountain range.

RABDENTSE RUINS

Undoubtedly, one of the best historical places to visit in Gangtok, Rabdentse Ruins was the second capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim from 1660 to 1814. The invasion of the Gurkha army destroyed this place and today it lies in shambles. You can find a few chortens and the remains of the royal palace. To reach Rabdentse Ruins, you have to move up and down a fleet of winding stairs. The ruins are doused in a vintage look as can be judged by the architectural style. The most striking look is offered by the Three Chortens which was a place of religious interest. Rabdenste houses Sidkeong Tulku Bird Park that contains about 200-550 species of bird. Along with Kanchenjunga, you can also spot Pemayangtse Monastery and Sangak Choeling Monastery.

BABA HARBHAJAN SINGH MEMORIAL

Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple tops the list of best historical places to visit in Gangtok. It was initially located at an altitude of 15,000 feet about 10 kms away from Kupup, on the way to Jelepla Pass. But due to the rugged terrain and its growing popularity, the army shifted the temple. Today, it is located 15 kms away from Chhangu Lake at an altitude of 13,800 feet. Inside the temple, you will find a photo of Baba Harbhajan. Tourists visiting this place leave a bottle of drinking water for a few days and collect it later. Legends have it that if you drink this water, all your wishes will come true. The place is a holy shrine and a must-visit by everyone. 

DO DRUL CHORTEN

Do Drul Chorten also falls amongst the best historical places to visit in Gangtok. It is nestled in the green valleys of Gangtok. Do Drul Chorten was built in 1945 under the guidance of Truslshi and Rimpoche. This site is also one of the most important stupas in Sikkim having around 108 Mani Lhakor or prayer wheels. On top of the stupa, you will find a sculpture of Vajra Kilaya, one of the most important chortens in Sikkim. Inside the monastery, you will find the complete set of religious texts including Dorjee Phurba. This place also has a preaching premise which was established by Dodhurnchen Rinpoche. Around this stupa, you will find, Chorten Lhakang containing two statues of Guru Padmasambhava. This site is extremely peaceful offering tourists respite from the chaos of daily life.

NAMGYAL INSTITUTE OF TIBETOLOGY

One of the best historical places to visit in Gangtok, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is truly a site of culture and history. The great Dalai Lama laid a foundation stone here. The library and museum are the main places of attraction here. These two sites have preserved ancient Tibetan-Buddhist culture and history. It supports the study and preservation of Tibetan ethnicity, art, history literature, religion, philosophy, architecture. NIT is mainly pursued by academicians but very recently it has also turned into a major place of tourist attraction. The place is extremely quiet and steeped in serenity and charm. The tall golden towers with their colourful frescos enhance the beauty of this place.

The best historical places to visit in Gangtok can be toured seamlessly with Darjeeling Riders. Having field experience of many years, we know what it takes to serve our tourists. A bike trip is the best way to explore a place and with our bike rental services, you can easily tour the most cherished historical destinations. We offer premium services to our clients including a range of cruiser bikes like Royal Enfield Classic 500, Classic 350, Chest Nut, Himalayan, Thunderbird 350, Thunderbird 500, Bajaj Avenger 220, and Yamaha FZ 250. For the most unparalleled bike expedition of your life, connect with Darjeeling Riders today.