Nature · Enchey Monastery
Ridge walk from Enchey to Ganesh Tok
Walk the upper ridge road from Enchey to Ganesh Tok, past the TV tower and through conifers, with views over the town and, on clear mornings, the Kangchenjunga range. Easy to moderate, about 2 km uphill, with a taxi back down.
Photo: Laluttam · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
After the morning prayers at Enchey, set off up the ridge on the road towards Ganesh Tok. It is a public road, NH310, so walk on the side and watch for army trucks and taxis, but traffic is light early in the day. The road climbs gently through an avenue of conifers and passes the TV tower, with gaps in the trees looking over the roofs of Gangtok and across the valley to Rumtek.
The distance is about 2 km with a climb of roughly 120 m, which takes most people 40–50 minutes at an easy pace. At about 1,900–2,000 m you will breathe a little harder than at home, so stop often. On clear days between October and March, the Kangchenjunga range shows to the north-west.
At Ganesh Tok, climb the short flight of steps to the shrine and the viewing terrace, then cross to the Himalayan Zoological Park if you have time for the red pandas. A taxi back to MG Marg costs about ₹250–350. We do not suggest this walk after dark or in heavy monsoon rain.
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Questions travellers ask
Before you book
Is it safe to walk from Enchey to Ganesh Tok?
Yes, in daylight, if you keep to the side of the road. It is a public highway used by army vehicles and taxis, with patchy pavement. Walk single file on bends, wear bright clothing in mist, and avoid the walk after dark or in heavy rain, when visibility drops quickly.
How long is the walk from Enchey to Ganesh Tok?
About 2 km with a gentle climb of roughly 120 m. Most people take 40–50 minutes with photo stops. The return is easiest by taxi, about ₹250–350 to MG Marg, or you can walk downhill in around 35 minutes. Carry water and a light jacket.
Can children and seniors do the Enchey to Ganesh Tok walk?
Older children usually manage it well. Seniors who walk regularly at home can do it slowly, but the traffic and lack of pavement make it less relaxing than it sounds. For families with small children or less steady walkers, take a taxi between the two and walk the short paths at each site.
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