Hanuman Tok

Hanuman Tok in Gangtok (celebrated across Eastern Himalayan spiritual lore and mountain viewpoints as 'Hanuman Tok' translating to 'Hanuman Peak / Mound', perched at an elevation of 2,195 meters / 7,200 feet atop a forested ridge in Upper Gangtok, world famous for the ancient Ramayana legend recounting that Lord Hanuman briefly rested at this sacred spot while flying with the Sanjeevani herb mountain from Dronagiri in the Himalayas to Lanka to revive wounded Lakshmana, impeccably maintained shrine complex lovingly administered by the Indian Army's 17th Mountain Division since 1968, peaceful circular glass viewing pavilions, manicured flower gardens, and unobstructed panoramic vistas of Mount Kanchenjunga and the entire Gangtok city bowl below), located along the Upper Tashiling ridge in Gangtok in Sikkim, stands as Gangtok's highest and most revered Hindu temple and mountain viewpoint.

Originally established as an ancient local nature stone shrine, the modern temple was handed over to the Indian Army in 1968 following miraculous spiritual apparitions experienced by military officers, transforming it into an exemplary model of cleanliness, patriotic reverence, and devotional peace.

It's the home of the paved hillside walkway lined with spiritual music systems broadcasting devotional bhajans and Ramcharitmanas chants through pine woods, the brass belled central sanctum housing a bright orange idol of Lord Hanuman, the glass viewing gallery offering 360 degree sweeps across snow covered Himalayan peaks on clear dawn mornings, the historic royal cremation grounds of Sikkim's Namgyal dynasty (Lukshyama) situated discreetly nearby, and an intensely peaceful, deeply meditative spiritual atmosphere that rejuvenates every visiting traveler.

It represents a rich Sikkim Hindu Army heritage, Ramayana mountain geography, and Himalayan viewpoint tourism where 7,200 foot ridge shrines, Indian Army discipline, Kanchenjunga vistas, and Gangtok sightseeing travel unite in Hanuman Tok.

Located 11 km northeast of Gangtok city center (MG Marg) and 5 km above Ganesh Tok, it sits 8 km from Tashi Viewpoint, 25 km from Rumtek, and 130 km from Siliguri / NJP, easily reached in 30 minutes by private taxi or sightseeing cab along the well paved army road.

The Sanjeevani Legend & Indian Army Administration

According to local tradition, Lord Hanuman stopped at this high ridge to catch his breath while carrying the medicinal Sanjeevani herb mountain across the skies.

Maintained with military precision by Indian Army personnel, the temple complex features spotless paved walkways, free hot herbal tea for pilgrims, and disciplined spiritual aartis performed daily at sunrise and sunset.

Truth is, watching morning sunlight turn the snow white crest of Mount Kanchenjunga into molten gold from the Hanuman Tok observation deck is pure bliss.

Lukshyama Royal Cremation Grounds & Ganesh Tok Link

Royal Cremation Ground: Just below the temple ridge lies Lukshyama, the historic cremation ground where the mortal remains of Sikkim's royal Chogyal monarchs were consigned to the flames.

Ganesh Tok Sister Shrine: Located 5 km down the ridge, the sister temple of Ganesh Tok offers complementary views of Gangtok and houses a charming hilltop cafe.

Gangtok Twin Ridge Spiritual Circuit

The Morning Ridge Plan: Depart hotel early (6:30 AM) -> sunrise prayer and Kanchenjunga view at Hanuman Tok (7:00 AM to 8:30 AM) -> Ganesh Tok & Himalayan Zoo (9:00 AM to 11:30 AM) -> Tashi Viewpoint -> lunch in Gangtok -> Do Drul Chorten & Tibetology (2:00 PM to 4:30 PM).

Photography Perspectives: The outdoor circular patio provides one of the widest unobstructed panoramic angles of Kanchenjunga without foreground telephone wires or tall buildings.

After seeking blessings at Hanuman Tok, visit Ganesh Tok, explore the Himalayan Zoological Park, or tour Gangtok.