River rafting is a thrilling sport to undertake in Sikkim. Rivers Teesta, originating from Lake Tsomgo, and Rangeet, originating from a glacier of Mt Kabru in the lower Kanchenjunga region, gush out of the Himalayan mountains and create rushing rapids that are suitable for white water rafting, both for beginners and seasoned rafters. These rivers converge at Triveni, near Teesta Bazar. While rafting also takes place at Triveni, the most popular spot for the sport on the Teesta is Melli. River Teesta has been deemed grade 4 for safe rafting on an international scale, so while difficult, it is quite secure for visitors. 

The route is lined with green forests on either side, and the cool, clean water refreshes you as the raft dips over levels of rock. While the journey itself is less than an hour long, it’ll leave you energised. At Triveni, the confluence of the river creates a sandy bank, which is also used as a camping site.

Yak riding is a popular and exciting experience in Gangtok. Near the Tsomgo Lake, one can find yaks decked up in colourful woollen sheaths with strings of bells around their necks. Tourists can ride them and explore the areas around the lake or up the mountains. The yak safari begins in the morning from Gangtok, going up to Gurudongmar Lake, past Chopta Valley and culminating at Thangu Valley. Visitors can stop at this lovely valley and soak in the splendour of the snow-capped Himalayas. 

The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, and a whole host of private agencies and tour operators offer prior booking of yak rides in Gangtok at affordable rates. 

One can experience the exhilaration of flying like a bird in the Himalayas, over the lush landscape of Gangtok, while paragliding. The operators offer tandem flights, which means that a trained and certified operator will accompany you. 

In Gangtok, there are majorly two forms of flights offered – the “Medium Fly” and the “High Fly”. The former commences from Baliman Dara near Gangtok, and takes you to an altitude of 1,300 – 1,400 m, allowing you to enjoy fresh mountain air and the white peaks of the Himalayas, before setting you down at Reshithang Sports Village. The latter starts from Bulbuley Dara, higher up from Reshithang village in Ranka, near Gangtok. This flight takes you to a height of 2,200 m, with astounding vistas enhancing your experience. 

Since Sikkim is not too expansive area-wise, one's best bet to explore any of its cities is on a mountain bike, a favourite among lovers of adventure. Recognising the rise in demand for this activity, the state has introduced a plethora of cycling tours starting from Gangtok. While a few are at moderate level, some routes require a lot of skill, so it is important to speak to those who have done this before to understand where you stand in terms of expertise. Some of the more common and recommended mountain biking routes from Gangtok take you to Hanuman Tok and Rumtek. The latter is as thrilling as it is difficult, and will bring you to the tea gardens of Temi. You can go further up from Temi to reach Tashiding monastery. One can take the following routes if Gangtok is their starting point: • Gangtok- Rumtek- Sang- Sirwani- Temi- Damthang- Rabong- Kewzing- Tashiding- Yusum- Pelling- Dentam- Rinchenpong- Soreng- Sombaria- Jorthang- Namchi- Rangpo. • Gangtok- Phodong- Rangrang- Dikchu Makha- Sirwani- Temi. • Gangtok- Rumtek- Sangh- Sirwani- Temi- Namchi- Jorethang- Mell • Gangtok- Rumtek- Sang- Sirwani- Temi- Namchi- Namthang- Rangpo

The bi-cable Zig-back ropeway, spanning a distance of 1 km, takes tourists to the highest point in Gangtok for a breathtaking view of the lush valley below. The lower terminal station is located at Deorali Market, the intermediate terminal at Nam Nang and the upper terminal station is below Secretariat (Tashiling). 

If you get lucky and the weather clears up, you will be privy to an unimpeded view of the Kanchenjunga mountain range, as well as the city of Gangtok laid out below. It truly is a worthwhile experience, especially for first-time visitors. 

Gangtok is the base for several treks that take visitors on a journey past some of the most beautiful and breathtaking vistas in the world. Scour the East Sikkim area by trekking across Rumtek Monastery, Ravang town, Tashiding Monastery and the village of Yuksom. A trekking tour of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Himalayas. Some of these treks, including the ones to Goecha la pass (4,940 m) and Yuksom Dzongri (4,200 m) are spread over 10 days or more. The Tosar Lake trek in North Sikkim will keep you occupied for as many as 18 days!

Since this particular activity is so popular in the state, there are several tour operators that curate different packages suiting all budgets and difficulty levels, and almost all these packages include food and accommodation.