The Indian Army is responsible for maintaining the well-known Hanuman Tok temple in Gangtok, which bears the name of Lord Hanuman. The Kanchenjunga peak, the third-highest mountain in the world, stands in stark contrast to the regal temple, which is 7,200 feet high. Hanuman Tok’s unique beauty allows you to fully enjoy it while being in touch with nature.
When you get to the top of the towering hills that surround the capital city of Gangtok, you’ll be in awe of the Himalayas’ breathtaking range and the snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga. To witness the breathtakingly beautiful sunrise, you can arrive at Hanuman Tok before five in the morning. You will be left stunned by the place’s magnificent look. Hanuman Tok’s tranquility makes it the ideal place to unwind, practice meditation, and recharge.
According to legend, Lord Hanuman rested in Hanuman Tok while transporting Sanjeevni from the Himalayas to Lanka. Before Appaji Pant, an officer, constructed a statue of Lord Hanuman in the 1950s after having a dream about this hallowed location, people used to worship a stone that was existing here, in the open, for a very long period. Hanuman Tok, which draws many residents and pilgrims from all around the nation, is thought to be the place where all wishes come true. This land was turned over to the Indian army in 1968, and the army has been maintaining and preserving it ever since.
Hanuman Tok’s advantageous location provides a full 360-degree view of the hills and valleys around it. There are stairs leading up to the temple, and bells are placed along the pavement. Some locations have installed speakers that play chants and bhajans repeatedly. The temple is a circular building with a lengthy hall painted red and yellow and featuring several images depicting Lord Hanuman’s life. Small statues of Hindu gods and goddesses can be found in another chamber.
The circular Hanuman Tok overlook is tastefully decorated with a wooden ceiling, tiles, and a few chairs set aside for guests to unwind on. This is also the location of Shirdi Baba’s shrine. Lukshyama, the Sikkim royal family’s cremation grounds, is also located close to Hanuman Tok. This is the cremation ground where the mortal remains of Namgyal dynasty members were burned.
The months of January through March are ideal for visiting the Hanuman Tok because of the nice and comfortable weather.
Since Hanuman Tok is a well-known tourist destination in Gangtok and is typically covered in sightseeing excursions, it is easily accessible. About 11 kilometers from the main city, it is situated on the Gangtok-Nathula Highway. To get to Hanuman Tok, you can take a taxi from the hotel where you are staying. You must ascend the cemented stairs to the summit after you arrive at the parking lot. But don’t worry—the ascent is manageable and simple, and there are seats to relax on the paved stairs.
Timings : 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM