Embark on a spiritual journey by visiting Hanuman Tok during your next vacation to Sikkim. Perched at 2194 meters, this sacred temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Hanuman. The Hanuman Tok provides a 360-degree view of the splendid Mount Kanchenjunga. In 1968, the Hanuman Tok was established and maintained by Indian Army officials. The Temple is famous because the local people believe that wishes made in the Hanuman Tok are fulfilled. The Hanuman Tok offers a pristine environment and scenic vistas of Mount Kanchenjunga attract tourists from different regions. The Hanuman Tok, Gangtok atmosphere will take you through a religious journey.

Legend Of The Hanuman Tok

Statue of Lord Hanuman adorned with flowers at Hanuman Tok, Gangtok

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The Hanuman Tok is a religious Temple, 11 kilometers from the popular Hill station in India, Gangtok. Legend has it that Hanuman Tok was the resting place of Lord Hanuman when he was carrying Sanjeevani (herb) from the Himalayas to Lanka to save Lakshman, Lord Rama’s Brother. Previously, people used to worship a stone present before the Hanuman Tok was built. In 1950, Appaji Pant, an officer had a dream of Lord Hanuman and decided to construct a statue of the Hindu Lord Hanuman, later in 1968 the Hanuman Tok was handed over to Indian Army, and from then the Temple attracted many devotees of Lord Hanuman visit this divine temple.

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The Architecture Of The Hanuman Tok

Panoramic view of Kangchenjunga mountain range from Hanuman Tok viewpoint, Gangtok

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The Hanuman Tok is strategically located, providing a 360-degree view of the surrounding verdant valleys and hills. The architecture of the temple attracts devotees and tourists from different regions. Tourists can reach the temple by climbing the stairs. The stairs are decorated with bells hanging on both sides. The structure of the Hanuman Tok is round and painted with red and yellow colors. Tourists can also see some pictures of Lord Hanuman on the temple walls. Inside the Hanuman Tok, a separate room is dedicated to keeping small statues of Hindu deities. The viewpoint in the Hanuman Tok is furnished with wooden ceilings and chairs are kept for the visitors to relax.

Attractions Near Hanuman Tok

After you visit Hanuman Tok you can consider exploring the other popular attractions in Gangtok, because the temple is 11 kilometers away from Gangtok. The popular Hill Station in India offers tourists picturesque viewpoints, monasteries, and many other must-see attractions. Here is a list of places you should visit to experience a memorable trip.

1. Tashi Viewpoint

Scenic view of the Himalayan mountains from Tashi Viewpoint in Sikkim

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Experience the best view of Gangtok from the Tashi Viewpoint. Located 8 kilometers from central Gangtok, tourists can witness the mesmerizing view of Mount Sinilochu and Mount Kanchenjunga. Tashi Namgyal, the ruler of Sikkim between 1914 and 1963 built this iconic viewpoint in the hills of Gangtok. Tashi Viewpoint derived its name from King Tashi. The Viewpoint is filled with local people during weekends, the sunset looks even more alive from Tashi Viewpoint. The scenic vistas and the serene atmosphere attract tourists from different regions. The Tashi Viewpoint is well-maintained by Sikkim’s Tourist Department. Make Tashi Viewpoint a must-visit place on your Gangtok Trip.

Distance from Hanuman Tok: 8.4 kilometers
Timings: 5:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M.
Entry Fee: Free

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2. Ganesh Tok

 Bird's-eye view of Gangtok city from Ganesh Tok

Image Credit: Subhrajyoti07 for wikimedia commons

Embark on a religious journey by visiting the Ganesh Tok. This sacred Hindu temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Ganesh, perched on a quaint hill in Gangtok that offers mesmerizing views of Mount Kanchenjunga. The structure of the Ganesh Tok is small, but people go there to enjoy the majestic view and the pristine atmosphere. After you visit Hanuman Tok, consider visiting this sacred temple just a few kilometers. The colorful flags decorated on the stairway make it unique. The Ganesh Tok is situated at an altitude of 7200 feet and Hundreds of devotees gather here during the auspicious Ganesh Chathurthi.

Distance from Hanuman Tok: 3.7 kilometers
Timings: 6:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
Entry Fee: Free

4. Sikkim Zoological Park

Entrance of Padmaja Himalayan Zoological Park in Sikkim

Image Credit: Romitchandrakar for wikimedia commons

The Sikkim Zoological Park or Himalayan Zoological Park is located 3 kilometers from Gangtok and is an ideal place for Wildlife enthusiasts. The Zoological Park is situated at 1780 meters and offers tourists the most amazing view of the splendid Mount Kanchenjunga. The Sikkim Zoological Park is one of the highest zoological parks in the North-East region of India. The Zoological Park is spread over 205 hectares of land and is considered a perfect place to seek solace amid nature. Tourists can watch a variety of animals in their natural habitat including snow leopard cats, goral, Himalayan Palm Civets, the rare Himalayan Red Pandas, Himalayan Monal Pheasants, crimson-horned pheasant, and Himalayan Black Bears.

Distance from Hanuman Tok: 6.2 kilometers
Timings: 9:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M; closed on Thursday
Entry Fee: INR 50
Small Vehicle: INR 40, Big Vehicle: INR 100

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5. Namgyal Institute Of Tibetology

Front view of Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in Sikkim, featuring traditional Tibetan architecture

Image Credit: Subhrajyoti07 for wikimedia commons

The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology preserves the cultural heritage of Gangtok. If you want to take a closer look at the glorious past of the region, this is the place you should visit on your Gangtok Trip. The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is an ideal place for history enthusiasts. The Library inside the Institute is the main attraction, but tourists are not allowed to rent any books from the library. The architecture of the Institute is inspired by traditional Tibetan-style architecture. As you enter the Institute you will come across many artifacts including the -135-volume Encyclopedia Tibetica and pictures of Five Great Men of Buddhist Culture, three founding Lamas of Buddhism, and the splendid image of Manjushri also known as the enlightened Buddha.

Distance from Hanuman Tok: 9.5 kilometers
Timings: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed on Sundays, Second Saturdays and Government Holidays)
Entry Fee: INR 10

6. Black Cat Museum

Black Cat Museum is must-visit destination in Gangtok

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After visiting the historical Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, the Black Cat Museum is another must-visit attraction on your Gangtok vacation. The Black Cat Museum preserves the history of the secretive special frontline force that played a huge role in the Indo-China War in 1967. Visiting the Black Cat Museum honors the brave soldier who fought for the Motherland. As you step inside the Black Cat Museum you will come across the weapons, pictures, etc. Tourists can also take a look at the traditional Sikkimese artwork. The museum walls are adorned with Tibetan Paintings, wooden masks, and handwoven textiles. For the convenience of tourists, the museum offers facilities like audio and video guides.

Distance from Hanuman Tok: 11.4 kilometers
Timings: 9:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
Entry Fee: Free

You May Also Like To Read: Places To Visit In Gangtok

Gangtok is the capital of the mountainous terrain and a popular tourist attraction that attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. Gangtok offers access to famous tourist destinations including Buddhist monasteries, picturesque viewpoints, and religious temples. The Hanuman Tok in Gangtok is a sacred Hindu temple where one can find peace amid the verdant valleys and enjoy the scenic vistas of the splendid Mount Kanchenjunga. Now that you have a complete guide on Hanuman Tok about its history, legend, and nearby attractions, plan your trip to Gangtok  to experience an unforgettable vacation.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hanuman Tok

What are the timings of Hanuman Tok Gangtok?

The timings are from 5:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. The best time to visit is during the morning hours as the skies are much clearer with pleasant weather.

What is the Hanuman Tok Entry Fee?

There is no Entry Fee for visiting the religious temple. It is free for all the visitors and devotees.

What is the best time to visit Hanuman Tok?

The best time to visit is between January and March when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear to watch the splendid Kanchenjunga Mountain.

How to reach Hanuman Tok?

As the it is a very popular tourist attraction in Gangtok, it is easily accessible to tourists. The temple is located on the Gangtok-Nathula Highway, 11 kilometers from the central.

What are the attractions near Hanuman Tok?

There are many attractions near the temple which can be covered in a day the places include Tashi Viewpoint, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Ganesh Tok, Black Cat Museum, and Sikkim Zoological Park.

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