Adventure · Ganesh Tok
Walking down from Ganesh Tok to MG Marg
After the zoo, skip the taxi and walk back down the ridge to town, passing Enchey Monastery on the way. About 5 km, mostly downhill, with views over Gangtok and a stop for prayers or tea.
Photo: Laluttam · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Walking downhill at Gangtok's altitude is far easier than walking up, and the ridge road from Ganesh Tok makes a pleasant return to town. Head down past the TV tower to Enchey Monastery, about 2 km and 30 minutes, where you can stop for the monastery and its pine-shaded courtyard.
From Enchey, continue down through the residential lanes of the upper town towards the Secretariat side and MG Marg, another 3 km or so. Ask locals for the footpath shortcuts, which cut out several road bends; most people are happy to point the way. Allow about 1.5 hours in all with stops.
Keep to the side of the road on the highway stretch, wear shoes with grip for steep footpaths, and carry water. If you tire, any passing taxi will stop for a short ride. Avoid the walk in heavy rain, when footpaths are slippery and drains overflow.
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Questions travellers ask
Before you book
How far is the walk from Ganesh Tok to MG Marg?
About 5 km, mostly downhill, via Enchey Monastery and the upper town. Most people take 1.5 hours with stops. Shortcuts down footpath stairways save time but are steep, so take them slowly and only in dry weather. Carry water and keep to the side of the road.
Do we need a guide to walk from Ganesh Tok to town?
No. The route follows the ridge road to Enchey and then town lanes, and locals readily point out footpath shortcuts. A map app works well. Walk in daylight and keep to the roadside on the highway section. Avoid it in heavy rain.
Is walking in Gangtok hard?
Uphill walking is tiring because the town is built on steep slopes at about 1,650 m, but downhill walks like this one are easy for most fit people. Wear shoes with grip, carry water, and take a taxi for any long climbs.
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