Gangtok is a beautiful city tucked amidst mountains and valleys in the Northern part of India as the Capital of the state of Sikkim. It is a city that reflects serenity and calmness and inculcates a Buddhist culture and lives according to the traditions of the same. Many tourists from across the world visit Gangtok to learn methods of meditation and to seek solace and inner peace. Not only this, but Gangtok is also a great place for hikers, trekkers, and mountaineers as there are many steep slopes and lanes where one can discover natural trails and enjoy the scenic beauty of this city. There are many places one can explore in Gangtok but we feel there are many more incredible places one can explore during the month of May.
There are quite a lot of places to visit in Gangtok in May that embrace the underlying beauty of Gangtok. May is the time when flowers bloom to their optimum and valleys sparkle the most as they are not frozen, unlike winters. Some places in Gangtok celebrate “Saga Dawa” on the fourth week of Tibetan Lunar Calendar which generally falls in May. On this day, the people of Gangtok celebrate Gautam Buddha’s birth, enlightenment & nirvana. The monks celebrated this day by making procession walking around several towns.
Weather In Gangtok In May
Weather in Gangtok in May is a confluence of summer and spring; there are clear blue skies that let sunshine peak in. The average temperature in May fluctuates between a minimum of 5 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 18 degrees Celsius. The roads are clear and so is the view during May allowing you to experience the captivating essence of Gangtok in comfort.
8 Places To Visit In Gangtok In May
Gangtok is filled with amazing places for your enjoyment and relaxation from your daily stress. In this blog, we will provide all the details about the top & best places to visit in Gangtok in May. All these places are unique and you will never get tired of being awestruck with their beauty!
1. Tsomgo Lake
According to Bhutan language, “Tso” means “Lake” and on the other hand, “Mgo” means “head” which completely says, “source of water”. This lake’s water source is from the mountains and it is high altitude lake which is 1240 ft above the sea level. Tsomgo Lake is a glacial lake that is renowned for its color-changing waters and it is one of the best places to visit in Gangtok in May because of its religious significance among the people of Gangtok. It is said that the monks used to predict the future after analyzing the water of Tsomgo Lake. During winter, Tsomgo Lake freezes to ice whereas, during the monsoon, the lake is full of water. Besides this, Tsomgo Lake’s water is covered with beautiful and vibrant color flowers during summer or mid-May.
Location: Gangtok, India
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2. Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Monastery is considered to be one of the finest monasteries, which is nearly 23 Km from Gangtok. It is situated on the top of the Rocky Mountains from where you can have an entire view of Gangtok city. Rumtek Monastery is originally known as “Dharma Chakra Centre” which actually belongs to the Kagyu of Buddhists since the 12th century. This fine architecture aims to spread the Buddhist teachings to the world. Tourists, pilgrims, and monks used to do “Kora”- walk around the monastery through the walkway. There is a large prayer hall that is worth seeing for all the visitors and Rumtek Monastery has a store room where all the world’s unique architecture, sculptures, etc are stored.
Location: Tsurphu Labrang Pal Karmae Sangha Dhuche, Dharma Chakra Centre, Sikkim 737135
Suggested Read: 7 Luxury Villas In Gangtok Which Are The Ultimate Staycation In Sikkim!
3. Nathu La Pass
It is one of the top & best places to visit in Sikkim Gangtok in May. Nathu La Pass connects Sikkim & China and has a profound scenic beauty. Throughout the year, the temperature is low and there are some waterfalls while traveling from Gangtok towards Nathu La Pass. The main attraction of this pass is the snowy peaks which add glaze to the area. Besides wildlife, different floras are found in the Nathu La Pass.
Location: India ( Sikkim)- China
Suggested Read: 11 Gorgeous Hill Stations Near Gangtok For That Perfect Getaway
4. MG Marg
It is a one-stop place for shopping in Gangtok. It has a line of shops, restaurants, hotels with cleanliness as the main aim to promote. There are various sculptures namely Statue of Unity which depicts peace, harmony & love and also a statue of Mahatma Gandhi. The market is designed with Victorian lamps and benches to enjoy the beauty.
Location: Gangtok, Sikkim
Suggested Read: Delhi To Gangtok Trains: The Search For A Picturesque Journey Comes To An End
5. Kangchenjunga
It is considered to be the third highest mountain peak in the world which is 8,568 m high. Kangchenjunga means ‘the five treasures of snow’ and these treasures likely, gold, silver, gems, grain & holy books. The various trekking routes of Kangchenjunga where every visitor gets attracted to the scenic natural beauty.
Location: Taplejung District, Nepal; Sikkim, India
Suggested Read: 9 Fulfilling Things To Do In Gangtok In June For A Wholesome Sikkim Trip
6. Ganesh Tok
Ganesh Tok is one of the most splendid places to visit in Gangtok in May which is surrounded by landscapes, hills & mountains. Ganesh Tok is a temple for the devotees of Lord Ganesh and situated at a height of 6500 meters. There is a big lounge as well as a balcony with the temple from where you can enjoy the view of Kangchenjunga, especially in the early morning.c
Location: Gangtok, Sikkim 737103
Suggested Read: Gangtok Honeymoon: A Handbook About This Ultimate Paradise In Sikkim!
7. Seven Sisters Waterfalls
According to its name, it includes seven waterfalls in a distinct way along the wide rugged cliff. This amazing scenery makes this spot one of the photographic spots in Gangtok. These seven sisters’ waterfalls are located 32 Km from Gangtok on the Gangtok-Lachung highway. These waterfalls run through the green vegetation and fall on the rocks which makes a roaring sound. The waterfalls become lively during summer as snow from the mountains starts to melt and flow with the waterfalls.
Location: Sikkim, India
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8. Magnan
Magnan is a small town on the way for trekkers before trekking. The view of Kangchenjunga makes the town populated with tourists. The snowy mountains around this town enhance the beauty of Magnan. In Magnan, a three-day-long festival is celebrated where there is an exhibition of handicrafts, music & dance as well as a food festival.
Location: Gangtok, Sikkim
Further Read: 13 Honeymoon Places In Gangtok And Darjeeling For Your Romantic Trip
Gangtok is a beautiful place that sets you on a journey of natural endeavours. There are many places to visit in Gangtok in May, because that is a good time to witness the alluring beauty of the city in clarity and amidst lush greenery. These places will not only add to the exploration quality of your trip, as you delve deeper into the culture and stories of such places, it will also fill up your soul. So, the next time you plan a trip to Sikkim, do check out these awesome tourist spots!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gangtok
What is the best time to visit Gangtok?
The best time to visit Gangtok is between October and mid-december because the weather is pleasant and the sky is clear during this time.
Why is Gangtok famous?
Handicrafts & Tibetan carpets which have a touch of art & culture of the city make Gangtok famous among the tourists.
What are the places one can explore on honeymoon in Gangtok?
Some of the best honeymoon places in Gangtok are:
1. Tea Gardens
2. Tiger Hill
3. Ghoom Monastery
4. Saramsa Garden
5. Yumthang Valley
6. Peace Pagoda
What are the shopping places one can visit in Gangtok?
Some of the famous shopping places in Gangtok are:
1. Sypraj Plaza
2. MG Marg
3. Tashi Takgye
4. Metro Point Shopping Complex
5. Golden Tips Tea
What are the temples one can visit in Gangtok?
Some of the famous temples in Gangtok are:
1. Thakurbari Temple
2. Ganesh Tok
3. Hanuman Tok
4. Shiv Mandir
5. Parbateyswar Shivalaya Temple
Which are the best waterfalls in Gangtok?
Some of the famous waterfalls in Gangtok are:
1. Seven Sister Waterfalls
2. Bakthang Waterfalls
3. Ban Jhakri Waterfalls
4. Paglajhora Waterfalls
5. Chunnu Summer Waterfalls
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A budding entrepreneur, Raminder has completed his studies from Delhi and gradually developed interest in writing. His zeal and experience is what has made him a successful writer today.