A trip to Gangtok can be rejuvenating and refreshing. While the city has much to offer from adventure activities and scenic views to local brews and quaint monasteries, consider abandoning your touristy to-do list and taking a stroll along the quiet neighborhoods of the city, greeting welcoming and warm locals, and soaking in the beauty and quaintness that Gangtok has to offer.

　　This will also bring you closer to the real flavour of the city, something that might get lost in your run up to tick all checkboxes on your to-do list. Here's a list of off beat things that you must do on your trip to Gangtok.

　　Must-Visit Monasteries

　　On one end of the Gangtok ridge is Tsuklakhang Palace. It stands as the royal chapel of the Chogyals who ruled the Kingdom of Sikkim for more than three centuries. Though Sikkim is no longer a monarchy, the palace, which is also a monastery, remains an important symbol of its history and heritage. The four-storeyed monastery is built in traditional Sikkim temple architecture.

　　If you plan your visit in August or September, you will see the monastery come to life with the Pang-Lhabsol Festival that celebrates the consecration of Mt. Kanchenjunga as the guardian deity of Sikkim. It is a way to pay homage and respect to the highest mountain in India.

　　Among the many rituals performed during the festival, experience the vigorous and energetic warrior dance or Pangteod Cham that is performed wearing dramatic masks.

　　While there are many monasteries in the city, a visit to the Rumtek Monastery, located at a 30-minute drive away from the city, will allow you to spend time and observe the monks who live, pray, study, and work here. Not often frequented by tourists, a quiet time here will bring you closer to the monk style of life in Sikkim.

　　Enjoy Adventure Activities

　　Only a 90-minute-drive away from Gangtok is the Tsomgo Lake, also known as Tsongmo Lake or Changu Lake. It is a stunning glacial lake in the eastern district of Changu in Sikkim. Whether frozen in winter or blooming with a riot of yellow and blue poppies and rhododendrons, the ever-changing lake is majestic.

　　During winters, hop on a decorated yak to go around the lake and stop by at any of the kiosks serving food around it. You might also get lucky to spot a red panda on your visit to the lake.

　　Rafting along the Teesta River that flows through Gangtok is another fun experience. As you take a dip, follow along the troughs and crests of the river where picturesque views and dense forests provide a comforting view. One of the best spots for paragliding in Gangtok is the Bulbuley Dara. From here, you can enjoy an unobstructed views of Gangtok’s majestic mountain peaks.

　　Plan A Visit To The Temi Tea Garden Estate

　　Plan your visit to the only tea garden in Sikkim, widely credited as one of the world's best, and not just India's. Only a 1.5-hour-drive from Gangtok, the lush greens and the fragrance of the various types of tea leaves in the 440-acre tea estate will certainly win your heart.

　　Where To Eat?

　　MG Marg, that forms the heart and soul of Gangtok, is a one-stop shop for all kinds of restaurants that the capital city has to offer. Head to Taste of Tibet and Nine Native Cuisine for a classic Tibetan menu, Dragon Wok for their Pan-Asian food, Ohan Naga for their Naga delicacies, and Mu Kimchi for their traditional samgyeopsal (Korean grilled pork belly).

　　Only a ten-minute walk away from MG Marg will take you to Cafe Fiction. Run by Bookman's BnB, the cafe is a quaint spot where you can brood over a book while sipping their signature coffee and savouring a grilled sandwich. Tall bookshelves line the walls with plush sofas placed next to big glass windows that offer scenic views of the city and nearby monasteries. To know more places to eat in Gangtok, click here.

　　On your visit to Gangtok, trying their classic and famous HIT Beer is a must. It is manufactured in a local brewery owned by the Indian film actor and playback singer Danny Denzongpa, and is available at almost any brewery or local liquor shop in the city. With a delicate taste yet high alcohol content, the local's favourite HIT Beer 'hits' differently.