A temple in Sikkim, northeast India, this very special place is not just for all followers of Lord Hanuman, one of the most popular Hindu gods, but it is also known for its phenomenal mountain views and peaceful atmosphere.
Just a short drive from Sikkim’s capital, Gangtok, It offers an amazing experience for anyone visiting Sikkim. Let’s find out what makes It unique and why it’s a must-see spot.
Hanuman Tok Visiting Timings:
- Opening Hours: 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for the most serene atmosphere and beautiful views
Aarti Timings:
- Morning Aarti: Around 5:00 AM
- Evening Aarti: Around 7:00 PM
The Legend of Hanuman Tok
Hanuman Tok is a legend-based temple dedicated to the Lord Hanuman. With his fabulous strength, loyalty, and braveness, Lord Hanuman seems to be the hero of Hindu stories. It is said that the temple of this place is associated with the tale of ancient Indian Epic Ramayana.
According to local folklore, this was the resting site of Hanuman when he was searching for the magical healing herb Sanjivani to save Lakshmana, brother of the Lord Rama, from death at war. Since Hanuman rested here, the site gained sanctity, and eventually, people built a temple in his name.
Where is Hanuman Tok?
Hanuman Tok is located approximately 11 kilometers from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. The temple is about 7,200 feet above in the mountainous region that offers an excellent view of the green valleys and snow-covered peaks of Sikkim.
You can see the celebrated Kanchenjunga mountain range from here, one of the world’s highest mountain ranges! To reach the temple, it takes around half an hour of driving time from Gangtok and on the way, you pass lots of beautiful views.
A sanctuary of calmness
One of the top features of Hanuman Tok is its silence and serenity. Most temples are hectic, but this is not the case with Hanuman Tok. Here, you find it a perfect venue for prayer, meditation, or just some quiet time.
Much thanks to the Indian Army keeping this place clean and respectful, making one feel almost spiritual. Therefore, It boasts an unrivaled discipline and calmness that can be very hard to find anywhere else.
What Hanuman Tok Looks Like
Hanuman Tok is a small temple, traditionally colored in red and white, similar to coloring Hindu temples. Inside, it has a little statue of Lord Hanuman where people come to pray and show respect to the god.
Along with all that, there is a viewing deck in the temple which can be an amazing place when gazing at mountains and valleys. If you are visiting early in the morning, then it is a very beautiful view because the first sun ray falls on the mountain covered by snow.
Why Hanuman Tok Special
It is not only a temple but also special for multiple reasons:
- Spiritual Importance: Many think that if they pray at Hanuman Tok, then there would be peace, strength, and blessings.
- Incredible Mountain Views: From Hanuman Tok, you can see Kanchenjunga mountains and beautiful green valleys.
- Cares for the Temple: The Indian Army cares for the temple. So it gives a proud and respectful feeling.
- Good Place for Nature Lovers: Environment around Hanuman Tok is very green. So it is a very good place for those who love nature and want to have a peaceful break.
What You Can Do at Hanuman Tok
There are many things you can do at Hanuman Tok:
- Appreciate the Views: The platform offers a great view of the mountains. Bring out your camera!
- Pray or Meditate: Quiet and serene are the perfect words to describe the environment ideal for quiet prayer or meditation.
- Take a Leisurely Stroll Around the Temple: Take your time around the temple for some fresh air and beautiful natural beauty.
- Explore Surrounding Places: Just near Hanuman Tok, is Enchey Monastery, which is a beautiful site of Buddhist culture with its colorful paintings.
Best Time to Visit Hanuman Tok
The ideal time for visiting Hanuman Tok is from March to June or September to November. During these months, the climate is welcoming, and the sky is clear, giving the best view.
Winters can be particularly cold in the region, and the monsoon season from July to August brings heavy rain which has a tendency to block travel routes due to landslides.
How to Reach Hanuman Tok
Here’s how to reach Hanuman Tok by road, train, and air:
By Road:
- From Gangtok: Hanuman Tok is about 11 kilometers from Gangtok, and the drive takes about 30 minutes. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus from Gangtok to reach the temple.
- From Nearby Cities: If you’re coming from nearby areas like Siliguri, Darjeeling, or Kalimpong, you can reach Gangtok by shared taxis or private cabs, and then continue to Hanuman Tok.
By Train:
- Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station in Siliguri, West Bengal, is the closest major railway station. It’s around 120 kilometers from Gangtok.
2. How to Continue: From New Jalpaiguri, you can hire a taxi or take a shared vehicle to Gangtok, which takes around 4–5 hours. Once in Gangtok, you can take a local taxi or bus to Hanuman Tok.
By Air:
- Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, located around 125 kilometers from Gangtok.
2. How to Continue: From Bagdogra Airport, you can take a taxi or shared vehicle to Gangtok. The drive to Gangtok takes about 4–5 hours. From Gangtok, you can hire a taxi to reach Hanuman Tok.
How to Book Aarti
Currently, there is no official online booking system specifically for aarti at Hanuman Tok, as it’s a small temple managed by the Indian Army. However, here are a few options for planning your visit and confirming aarti timings:
- Visit Gangtok Tourism Office: You can contact or visit the local tourism office in Gangtok for assistance with temple visit arrangements and up-to-date information on aarti timings.
- Contact Local Tour Operators: Some local tour agencies in Gangtok offer customized temple visits and may assist with aarti timing confirmations as part of the tour package.
For more information about planning your visit, you can refer to the official Sikkim Tourism website: sikkimtourism.gov.in.
Conclusion
It is special in the land of Sikkim that offers a serene environment with breathtaking mountain views and rich history; you can go there to pray, relax, or enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas.
Sikkim is a destination in itself, and one such destination among the many must be it. Really a place to find peace and natural beauty along with an attachment to the legends of ancient Indian land.