East Sikkim · Day excursion · sleep in Gangtok
Baba Mandir
The army shrine to Baba Harbhajan Singh at 13,200 ft, between Tsomgo and Kupup.
31 photos · Wikimedia Commons contributors. Click any photo to open the gallery.
- Altitude 13,200 ft
- From Gangtok 52 km · 2.5 hrs
- Best months March–June and October–December
- Stay Day excursion · sleep in Gangtok
1. Why visit Baba Mandir and what to expect
Baba Mandir is the memorial shrine to an Indian Army soldier believed to still guard the border. It sits on the Nathula–Kupup corridor and is covered by the same Tsomgo/Nathula or Silk Route permit, so it fits naturally into the East Sikkim day loop or the Zuluk circuit.
Top sights
- New Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial
- Old Baba Mandir bunker near Tukla
- Sherathang ridge
- Memencho Lake overlook
2. Getting there and where you sleep
| Altitude | 13,200 ft |
|---|---|
| From Gangtok | 52 km · 2.5 hrs |
| Stay | Day excursion · sleep in Gangtok — Gangtok guide |
| Checkpost / timing rule | Covered by the Tsomgo/Nathula PAP; same 10:00 AM 3rd Mile cutoff. |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | Possible, cloudy |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Open; snowy December–March |
Mountain roads in Sikkim average 20–28 km/h. Google Maps times are optimistic; use ours.
3. Permit, ID and medical checklist
4. Where to stay (base: Gangtok)
10 properties from ₹748 to ₹11,015 per night for two.
The Golden Crest Hotel (Gangtok Base)
4-Star Hotel · NH10, Deorali Bazar, Gangtok, Sikkim 737102
- Free Breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Travel Desk for Baba Mandir
₹1,059 / night ≈ ₹530 per person, twin share
Sherathang / Gnathang Eco Homestay
Mountain Homestay · Gnathang-Kupup Road, Near Old Baba Mandir, East Sikkim 737131
- Warm Blankets
- Home-Cooked Organic Meals
- Hot Water
₹1,600 / night ≈ ₹800 per person, twin share
LungZhong Retreat Silkroute
3-Star Retreat · Sudunglakha, Rongli (Silk Route to Baba Mandir), Sikkim 737133
- Restaurant
- Free Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Permit Assistance
₹4,213 / night ≈ ₹2,107 per person, twin share
Gangtok, East Sikkim
Magellan's Hotel Renam
Budget Hotel · Mahatma Gandhi Marg, near West Point, Arithang, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
- Walking distance to MG Marg
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restaurant
- Parking
₹748 / night ≈ ₹374 per person, twin share
Gangtok, East Sikkim
The Narayani Continental Hotel
3-Star Hotel · Upper Sichey Rd, opposite Tamang Gumpa, Sungava, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
- Free Breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Restaurant
₹778 / night ≈ ₹389 per person, twin share
Gangtok, East Sikkim
The Golden Crest Hotel
4-Star Hotel · NH10, Amdo Golai, Deorali Bazar, Gangtok, Sikkim 737102
- Free Breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Restaurant
- Room Service
₹1,059 / night ≈ ₹530 per person, twin share
Gangtok, East Sikkim
Zostel Gangtok
Backpacker Hostel & Private Rooms · Upper Sichey Rd, Sungava, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
- Rooftop Cafe & Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Laundry
₹1,429 / night ≈ ₹715 per person, twin share
Gangtok, East Sikkim
Udaan Woodberry Hotel & Spa
4-Star Hotel · Near Swastik Gate, Upper Burtuk, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
- Spa
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Room Service
₹2,043 / night ≈ ₹1,022 per person, twin share
Gangtok, East Sikkim
Udaan Alpine Resort, Gangtok
4-Star Hotel · Chongeytar, GRBA Road, Gangtok, Sikkim 737103
- Pure Veg Restaurant
- Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Room Service
- Airport Shuttle
₹2,305 / night ≈ ₹1,153 per person, twin share
Gangtok, East Sikkim
MAYFAIR Spa Resort & Casino, Gangtok
5-Star Luxury Resort · Lower Samdur Block, Ranipool, Gangtok, Sikkim 737135
- Free Breakfast
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa
- Casino
- Fitness Center
₹11,015 / night ≈ ₹5,508 per person, twin share
Baba Mandir FAQs
Is Baba Mandir included in the Tsomgo Lake permit?
Yes. The East Sikkim PAP for Tsomgo Lake normally includes Baba Mandir; Nathula Pass needs the additional special permit.
Can I visit Baba Mandir from Zuluk?
Yes. On the Old Silk Route loop you pass Old Baba Mandir and Kupup on the way from Nathang Valley to Tsomgo and Gangtok.
Keep exploring
Continue exploring East Sikkim
Day excursion · sleep in Gangtok
Tsomgo Lake
The sacred glacial lake 38 km from Gangtok — yak rides, a ropeway and a frozen surface in winter.
Day excursion · sleep in Gangtok
Nathula Pass
The Indo-China border pass at 14,140 ft on the Old Silk Route — closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Day excursion · sleep in Nathang Valley
Kupup Lake
The elephant-shaped lake beside the world's highest golf course.