Best Photo Spots in Gangtok
Gangtok's photos come from two very different heights: monasteries and a car-free street at 1,650 metres, and a glacial lake and a border pass above 3,700 metres. Cloud decides most shots here, so plan for early starts.
Low crowdEntry Free
Enchey Monastery
- Best timeMorning, when light comes through the pines onto the painted front and the courtyard is quiet; on Cham days, the first hour of the dance.
- ColorsMaroonSaffronWhite
Entry Free
MG Marg
- Best timeEarly evening, when the street lamps come on and the shopfronts light up; early morning for an empty promenade and clean lines.
- ColorsRedCreamCharcoal
Medium crowdEntry Via permit
Nathula Pass
- Best timeEarly morning, when the sky over the pass is most often clear; avoid the afternoon, when cloud and wind usually close in.
- ColorsRedWhiteBlack
Medium crowdEntry ₹10
Rumtek Monastery
- Best timeMorning, when the sun lights the golden roofs and the courtyard is quiet; late afternoon for warm light across the valley.
- ColorsMaroonSaffronWhite
Medium crowdEntry Via permit + guide
Tsomgo Lake
- Best timeMid-morning, once the sun clears the ridge and before the cloud rolls in; winter mornings for a frozen, snow-ringed lake.
- ColorsRedWhiteCharcoal
In town
MG Marg is the easiest shot in Gangtok. It is a straight, car-free promenade with flower beds down the middle and lamps along both sides. It looks best just after the lamps come on, and again early in the morning, when it is almost empty. Enchey Monastery, about 3 km uphill, is a morning place. Light comes through the pines onto the painted front, and prayer flags hang across the path.
Rumtek
Rumtek Monastery is across the valley, about 24 km away. Security staff check ID at the gate, and photos are not allowed inside the prayer hall or the Golden Stupa room. The courtyard, the painted outer walls and the view down the valley are fine to shoot. Go in the morning, when the golden roofs catch the sun.
The high road
Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La are on the same permit-only road east. Cloud usually builds by late morning, so the best frames come early. Your operator sets the start time, so ask for the earliest slot. In winter the lake freezes, and in late May and June it is ringed with rhododendrons and primulas. At Nathu La, the army decides where you may point a camera. Follow the soldiers' instructions and keep military posts out of your frame.
Weather and light
Gangtok is often in mist, in the monsoon and on winter mornings. A misty day is not wasted, because prayer flags and pines look good in fog. Clear views of Kanchenjunga are most likely from October to December. From June to September you may not see the peaks for weeks.
Photographing people
Ask before you photograph monks, yak herders or anyone in traditional dress. Some yak owners at Tsomgo charge for photos with their animals, so agree first. Don't use flash during prayers, and never step in front of a masked dance to get a shot.
Questions
Gangtok — FAQ
Is photography allowed inside Gangtok's monasteries?
Usually not inside the prayer halls. At Rumtek it is not allowed inside the main hall or the Golden Stupa room. Courtyards and outside walls are generally fine. When in doubt, ask a monk.
Where can I photograph Kanchenjunga near Gangtok?
From the upper ridge on a clear morning, at viewpoints like Ganesh Tok and Tashi Viewpoint, or from many hotel roofs. October to December gives the best chance.
Can I take photos at Nathu La?
Yes, in the areas the army allows. Rules at a border post can change, so follow the soldiers' instructions and don't photograph military posts or equipment.
Is a misty day in Gangtok worth going out for photos?
Yes, in town. Enchey's prayer flags and pines and MG Marg's lamps work well in mist. For Tsomgo and Nathu La, a clear morning matters much more.