Sikkim, a state in northeast India, is known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. Nestled high above Gangtok, amidst the mist-laden hills of Sikkim, lies Hanuman Tok—a tranquil temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Perched at an altitude of nearly 7,200 feet, this spiritual retreat is more than just a viewpoint; it is a sanctuary of serenity where devotion meets the splendour of the Himalayas.
The Journey Uphill
Our journey to Hanuman Tok began with a scenic drive from Gangtok. The winding road, embraced by emerald forests and occasional patches of drifting cloud, felt like a path ascending into the heavens. With every turn, the air grew cooler, the landscape quieter, and anticipation more palpable.
Upon reaching the parking area, we were greeted by the gentle sound of temple bells echoing through the valley—a melodious prelude to the calm that awaited us. Benches lined the steep climb to the temple, offering travellers a chance to pause and soak in the view. The soft murmur of prayer chants drifted from above, blending with the mountain breeze to create an aura of deep spiritual peace.
The Legend of Hanuman Tok
Local lore holds that Lord Hanuman, while carrying the Sanjeevani herb to save Lakshmana during the Ramayana war, rested briefly at this very spot. In reverence to that divine pause, the temple was later built and came to be known as Hanuman Tok—a sacred place where prayers are believed to be answered.
In the 1950s, Sikkim’s then-political officer, Appaji Pant, reportedly had a dream of Lord Hanuman at this site. Guided by that vision, an idol of Hanuman was installed, and the place soon gained recognition as a wish-fulfilling shrine. Today, the temple is maintained by the Indian Army, whose devotion and discipline lend an added sense of purity and respect to the place.
Within the Temple
The entrance is marked by a towering statue of Lord Hanuman, his posture both protective and powerful. Inside the complex, a small shrine to Lord Shiva signifies the harmonious coexistence of diverse faiths within the same spiritual space.
The sanctum of Hanuman Tok is modest—a small chamber that accommodates only a handful of devotees at a time. Yet, the moment you step inside, you feel enveloped by an overwhelming calm. The idol of Lord Hanuman, adorned with garlands and vermilion, radiates a quiet strength that transcends the confines of the room.
A View from the Heavens
Stepping outside, we found ourselves greeted by a breathtaking panorama. Below lay the city of Gangtok, shimmering faintly through the mist. Beyond it, the snow-clad Kanchenjunga range loomed—its peaks momentarily revealing themselves through passing clouds, a divine glimpse that felt like a blessing.
Though the mighty mountain remained partly hidden, the sense of awe it inspired was unmistakable. Standing there, amidst drifting clouds and fluttering prayer flags, one could almost feel the veil between the mortal and divine gently lifting.
A Moment to Remember
As we prepared to leave, a deep sense of peace and fulfilment lingered. Hanuman Tok is not merely a place of worship—it is an experience, a confluence of nature, faith, and silence. For travellers seeking more than sightseeing, this hilltop sanctuary offers a retreat for the soul, a reminder that divinity often resides in the quiet corners of the earth.
Jai Hanuman!
