Hanuman Tok Temple

According to the local legends, when Hanuman was flying with the “Sanjeevani”( mythological life saving herb) mountain to save Rama’s brother Lakshmana he rested in the spot where his temple now lies for some time. The mandir is actually managed by The Indian Army.

Tok means a temple, so it’s a temple of Lord Hanuman. But it’s actually far more than that and known for its wonderful serene ambience and a viewing area that offers spectacular view of Kanchenjunga range. If you ask me which point in the whole of Gangtok area offers the best views of Kanchenjunga, I won’t hesitate to choose Hanuman Tok. It’s located at an altitude of 7,200 ft and on a road that branches off from the Gantok-Nathula Highway. It’s located at a distance of 11kms from Gangtok town.

From the parking lot when you start climbing the paved stairs of the temple, there are benches to rest and soak in the greenery around. However the climb is relatively easy and doable for all. Prayer bells hang from above. Ring a bell and it makes a resonating sound. Prayer chants and sometimes religious music are played through the fitted audio speakers. It’s a divine and heavenly feeling when you reach up to the main Hanuman temple and offer your prayers.

It is believed by the locals that Lord Hanuman took rest for a moment at this place when he was on his way to Lanka from the Himalayas. He was carrying sanjeevani herbs to cure Lakshman. The temple is popularly known as wish fulfilling temple. As the legend says, locals used to worship a stone here for centuries. In 1950s a political officer named Appaji Pant had a divine dream at this place and after that the idol of Lord Hanuman had been erected here. Since then the temple is locally known as the Hanuma Tok.

In 1968 this entire area was handed over to Indian Army. It is now maintained and preserved by the Units of 17 Mountain Division of the Army. There is a temple of Sirdi Saibaba here as well just right of Lord Hanuman Temple. Nearby and just before the entrance to the stairway is the cremation ground of erstwhile Namgyal Royal family of Sikkiim. You can see several stupas and chortens there.