Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok

Gangtok is dotted with innumerable viewpoints, which offer spectacular vistas of the surrounding hills, especially Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. Ganesh Tok, 7 kilometres northeast of Gangtok, is the best of the lot. Decorated with Buddhist prayer flags, it also has a small restaurant selling tea and snacks. Located right next to Ganesh Tok, the Himalayan Zoological Park is a must-visit for animal-lovers and families with kids. Spread across an area of 205 hectares on the mountain, this open zoo houses rare animals such as Himalayan bears, snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, and red pandas. Another viewpoint called Hanuman Tok lies four kilometres above Ganesh Tok, and offers spectacular views and walking trails. It also has a small Hanuman temple.