Bakthang Waterfall – Tucked along the North Sikkim Highway (NH10), Bakthang Waterfall is one of those rare travel spots that asks nothing of you — no long trek, no steep climb, no entry ticket — and still manages to leave a lasting impression. It's a quick, easy stop that fits neatly into any Gangtok sightseeing itinerary, whether you're headed toward Tashi View Point or setting off on a longer journey to North Sikkim. This guide covers everything you need to know: where it is, how far it is from various points in Gangtok, what it costs, when to go, and what past visitors have to say about it.
Where Is Bakthang Waterfall Located?
Bakthang Waterfall sits in a small locality called Swastik, right next to the army cantonment area on the outskirts of Gangtok, Sikkim. It flows alongside the NH10 highway (the road that connects Gangtok to North Sikkim), which is precisely why it's so convenient to visit — you don't need a special detour, since the waterfall is essentially visible from the roadside as you drive past.
The name itself tells a story. "Bakthang" comes from two Sikkimese words: Bak, meaning forest, and Thang, meaning meadow. Together, they describe the setting rather perfectly — a cascade tucked into a patch of forest and open meadow, just off a busy mountain highway.
Geographically, the waterfall is fed by the Ratey Chu, a stream that originates at an altitude of roughly 12,500 feet and serves as one of the primary water sources for the greater Gangtok area. Unlike waterfalls that plunge from a great height, Bakthang is not particularly tall. What makes it memorable instead is its width — the water spreads out across a broad rock face draped in green creepers before collecting in a shallow pool at the bottom. It's this horizontal, curtain-like flow that photographs so well and gives the falls its distinct character.
The waterfall is also close to another well-known Gangtok attraction, Tashi View Point, which offers panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range. Many travelers combine both stops in a single short outing, since they lie along the same stretch of road.
Bakthang Waterfall Distance From Gangtok
Distance figures for Bakthang vary slightly depending on which part of Gangtok you're measuring from, but most sources place it somewhere between 4 and 7 kilometers from Gangtok town, translating to roughly a 15–25 minute drive by taxi or private car. A commonly cited figure is around 5 km from the Gangtok SNT Bus Station.
To put it in more practical terms:
- From MG Marg (Gangtok's main market area): around 5–6 km
- From Gangtok SNT Bus Station: approximately 5 km
- Drive time: roughly 15–25 minutes, traffic and road conditions permitting
Because it lies directly on the NH10 highway, you don't need to plan a dedicated half-day trip — it works well as a brief stop on the way to or from North Sikkim destinations like Lachen, Lachung, or even just Tashi View Point.
If you're arriving from farther afield:
- By air: The nearest airport is Pakyong Airport, roughly 30–35 km from Gangtok, followed by an onward drive to the waterfall.
- By rail: The nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in West Bengal, about 120 km away. From NJP, it typically takes around 4–5 hours by road to reach Gangtok, from where Bakthang is a short additional drive.
- By road: Buses operated by Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT) connect Gangtok to Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Bagdogra. From the Gangtok bus station, a local taxi will get you to Bakthang in a matter of minutes.
Bakthang Waterfall to MG Marg Distance
MG Marg, Gangtok's pedestrian-only main street lined with shops, cafés, and hotels, is the most common starting point for travelers exploring the city. The distance from MG Marg to Bakthang Waterfall is approximately 5 to 6 kilometers, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic on the highway. This makes it an easy half-day (or even a couple-of-hours) excursion if you're based near MG Marg and want to fit in a quick nature stop along with other nearby attractions like Ganesh Tok or Tashi View Point.
Shared taxis heading toward Mangan or North Sikkim often pass this route, and drivers are generally familiar with dropping passengers near the falls, since it's a well-known local landmark.
Bakthang Waterfall Ticket Price
One of the best things about Bakthang Waterfall is that it costs nothing to visit. There is no entry fee or ticket price for the waterfall itself — it's a public roadside attraction, freely accessible to anyone passing by.
That said, there are a couple of optional paid extras at the site:
- Rope sliding: A short zip-line-style rope slide is available for thrill-seekers, priced at approximately ₹100 per person. It only lasts a few seconds but offers a fun aerial view of the surrounding valley and waterfall.
- Traditional Sikkimese attire rental: Local vendors near the falls rent out traditional Sikkimese clothing for those who want souvenir photographs in local dress. Prices are generally nominal and negotiable.
- Parking: If you're driving yourself, a small parking fee (around ₹50) may apply.
Beyond these small, optional add-ons, there's no cost barrier to enjoying the waterfall itself, the footbridge views, or the walk around the area.
Bakthang Waterfall Timing
Reported opening hours differ slightly across sources, which is common for informal, open-air attractions like this one. Broadly, Bakthang Waterfall is accessible from early morning until early evening, with some listings citing hours as wide as 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and others narrowing the ideal visiting window to 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
A few practical timing tips:
- Best time of day: Late morning to mid-afternoon is ideal, both for better light for photography and for comfortable temperatures.
- Avoid after dark: Since the waterfall sits right on a busy highway with regular vehicular traffic, it's best to avoid visiting after sunset, both for visibility and safety reasons.
- Best season: Many locals say the waterfall looks its most dramatic during and just after the monsoon season, when water volume peaks. However, monsoon travel in Sikkim comes with its own risks (slippery paths, landslide-prone roads), so summer (March–June) and post-monsoon autumn (October–November) are generally considered the most comfortable and reliable times to visit.
- Winter visits: The falls remain accessible in winter too, though temperatures in Gangtok can dip quite low, so warm clothing is a must.
Bakthang Waterfall Photos
Bakthang is a favorite among photography enthusiasts, and it's easy to see why. A few features make it particularly photogenic:
- The wide, curtain-like cascade: Rather than a narrow, plunging fall, Bakthang spreads across a broad rock face, making for striking wide-angle shots.
- Green creepers and moss-covered rock: The vegetation draping over the falls adds texture and color contrast against the white water.
- The footbridge viewpoint: Most visitors photograph the falls from a footbridge positioned right in front of the cascade, offering a clean, symmetrical view.
- Traditional attire photo ops: Local vendors renting Sikkimese clothing near the falls make for popular keepsake portraits with the waterfall as a backdrop.
- Mountain backdrop: On clear days, parts of the surrounding hills and even glimpses of the Kanchenjunga range are visible from the vicinity, adding depth to landscape shots.
If you're specifically chasing photographs, early-morning or late-afternoon light tends to work best, avoiding the flat, harsh light of midday.
Bakthang Waterfall Reviews
Visitor feedback on Bakthang Waterfall is generally positive, especially when set against reasonable expectations. Most reviewers describe it as a small but pretty waterfall — not a grand, thundering cascade, but a peaceful, easily accessible spot worth a short stop. Common themes in traveler reviews include:
- Convenience: Its roadside location on the way to Tashi View Point or North Sikkim makes it an easy, no-effort addition to a sightseeing itinerary.
- Family-friendly: The terrain around the waterfall is relatively flat and safe, without steep or risky sections, making it suitable for families with children and older travelers.
- Good food stop: The government-run cafeteria opposite the falls, serving tea, momos, and light snacks, is frequently mentioned as a pleasant place to pause.
- Not a "wow" destination on its own: Some reviewers note that if you're expecting a massive, powerful waterfall, Bakthang may feel modest. It's best appreciated as a quick, scenic stopover rather than a full day's destination.
- Crowd levels: Reviewers describe it as busier during weekends, holidays, and peak tourist season (spring and post-monsoon autumn), but rarely overwhelming.
Overall, most visitors rate it as a worthwhile, low-effort addition to a Gangtok trip rather than a must-see marquee attraction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Bakthang Waterfall famous for?
Bakthang Waterfall is best known for its broad, horizontal cascade rather than its height. Instead of a tall, narrow plunge, the water spreads wide across a rock face covered in green creepers before collecting in a shallow pool. It's also popular for its easy roadside accessibility along NH10, its proximity to Tashi View Point, the short rope-sliding activity available on-site, and the opportunity to take photographs in rented traditional Sikkimese attire.
Which is the highest waterfall in Sikkim?
Phamrong Falls, located near Yuksom in West Sikkim, is widely regarded as the highest waterfall in the state. It cascades down from the Kanchenjunga mountain ranges, and reaching its viewpoint involves climbing a steep staircase of roughly 200 steps. Some sources also highlight the nearby Kanchenjunga Falls, near Pelling, for its powerful year-round flow, though Phamrong is generally cited as the tallest.
How crowded does Bakthang Waterfall get?
Bakthang Waterfall tends to see moderate footfall, especially since it's a quick, easy stop for anyone heading toward Tashi View Point or North Sikkim. It gets noticeably busier during weekends, public holidays, and the peak tourist seasons of spring (March–June) and post-monsoon autumn (October–November). That said, because it's a roadside attraction rather than a confined ticketed venue, it rarely feels tightly packed — visitors typically spend a short amount of time here before moving on, which keeps the flow of people fairly steady rather than congested.
Where is Kanchenjunga Falls located?
Kanchenjunga Falls is located in West Sikkim, near the hill town of Pelling, roughly 24 km from Pelling and about 10 km from Yuksom, along the Pelling–Rimbi road. It's a perennial waterfall believed to originate from the glaciers of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak, and drops from a height of around 100 feet into a pool below. It's a separate attraction from Bakthang Waterfall, which is located near Gangtok in East Sikkim — the two are roughly a several-hour drive apart, so they're typically visited on different legs of a Sikkim trip.
Note: Timings, prices, and distances for informal, open-air attractions like Bakthang Waterfall can change or vary slightly depending on the source and season. It's a good idea to confirm current details with your driver, hotel, or a local tourism office before your visit.
