Gangtok serves as an excellent base for visiting places like Chomgo Lake, Lachung, and the Yumthang Valley.
Rumtek Monastery
located 22 km from the town, (http://www.rumtek.org/). One of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and head seat of the Karma Kagyu school in Sikkim. Originally built in 1740, it fell into disrepair. The current structure dates from 1959. Sangye Guest House, near Rumtek is a small, friendly, family run hotel.To reach Rumtek one can hire an taxi. There are share taxi's which run from MG Marg taxi stand to Rumtek. One way fare is around Rs. 30 per person. It is a cheaper alternative but you need to return from the Rumtek Monastery before 4pm to get shared taxi to MG Marg again.
ranka monastery is a newly built monastery and a treat to watch out for
Ask around travel agents as they sometimes field requests from travellers looking to share jeeps to cut costs. It's an excellent way to meet people too.
