Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple is also known as Baba Mandir. It is one of the most fascinating and spiritually unique places to visit near Gangtok.
It is both a temple and a memorial shrine dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh, an Indian Army soldier who is remembered not just as a martyr but also as a protector whose spirit is believed to continue guarding the border region.
The temple is situated near the Nathula Pass–Jelepla Pass area, high in the Himalayan mountains. On a clear day, you can see the beautiful views of the mountain ranges, and valleys. It is not only a place of reverence but also a beautiful stop for nature lovers and photographers.
You can usually visit Baba Mandir on the way to Nathula Pass or as part of a day trip with Tsomgo (Changu) Lake and Nathula Pass.
Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple is located roughly 50–60 km from Gangtok, on the road that leads toward Nathula Pass and Jelepla Pass.
The temple sits at around 13,000+ ft above sea level. Because it is close to the Indo–China border, this area is sensitive and requires a special permit to visit.
So this place should be the must visit in your Gangtok Tour.
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History of Baba Harbhajan Singh
Baba Harbhajan Singh was a sepoy in the 23rd Punjab Regiment of the Indian Army, posted in the high Himalayan border region near Sikkim.
In October 1968, while leading a group of mules carrying supplies, he went missing in a glacial area. After a massive search, his body was found three days later, and it is believed that he actually guided the search party to his own remains before he died.
Over the years, many soldiers posted in the region claimed that Baba Harbhajan Singh continued to appear to them in dreams, protecting them and warning them of danger.
Because of these experiences, his comrades built a samadhi (memorial shrine) at the site, and it eventually developed into a temple that many people now visit from across India.
There are many stories around Baba Mandir such as that he warns troops of impending attacks, that his spirit still visits the site, and that even his belongings sometimes show signs of being moved or used. Because of these beliefs, many soldiers treat him as a living guardian of the harsh mountain border.
Best time to visit Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple
Before planning your Gangtok trip, it’s important to understand how the weather and altitude affect your tour. The temple is located in the high Himalayan mountains near Nathula Pass so the weather can change rapidly, influencing both travel comfort and road conditions. So choosing the best time is necessary.
Summer (March–June)
Summer is one of the best seasons to visit Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple. The weather remains pleasant and cool throughout the day, making sightseeing comfortable.
Roads are generally open and safe during this period, allowing smooth travel from Gangtok to the high-altitude region. Clear skies offer beautiful views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and mountain terrain.
Overall, summer is best for photography, sightseeing, and enjoying the natural beauty of East Sikkim.
Monsoon (July–September)
Monsoon is not recommended for visiting Baba Mandir. This season brings heavy rainfall, which can make the mountain roads slippery and unsafe.
Landslides and road blockages are common during these months. In addition, thick clouds and mist often cover the mountains, blocking the scenic views that visitors come to enjoy. Due to these, most travellers avoid planning a trip during the monsoon season.
Autumn (October–November)
Autumn is another best time to visit the temple. After the monsoon ends, the weather becomes clear, crisp, and refreshing, offering excellent visibility and comfortable temperatures.
This season provides beautiful mountain views, vibrant valleys, and lush forests, making it one of the most beautiful times for nature lovers and photographers.
The stable weather conditions and pleasant climate make sightseeing more enjoyable.
Winter (December–February)
Winter in this area is extremely cold, with frequent snowfall. Road closures are common due to snow fall, especially on the route between Nathula Pass and Baba Mandir.
Travel during winter is not always possible, and accessibility depends entirely on weather and road clearance.
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How to Reach Baba Mandir
If you are planning to visit Gangtok and Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple, you must understand the transportation system of Gangtok and the high-altitude areas around Nathula Pass.
Baba Mandir is located far from the main city and at a high elevation, so planning your journey in advance will make your trip easy, comfortable, and hassle-free.
Reaching Baba Mandir requires first reaching Gangtok. After that, you can travel toward Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, and then Baba Mandir. Here are all the ways to reach:
By Flight
There are no airports inside Gangtok city, so you have to reach the nearest airport first. The closest airports are Pakyong Airport (the nearest) and Bagdogra Airport (the major airport). You can fly to any of these airports from your location.
At both airports, you will easily get taxis or cabs to Gangtok. Once you reach Gangtok, you can book a local taxi or hire a tour cab that goes specifically toward Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple.
Since Baba Mandir is located in a restricted high-altitude zone, you will also need a permit.
By Train
There are no railway stations in Sikkim because trains do not operate in this mountain region. So you must reach the nearest major railway station, New Jalpaiguri (NJP) or Siliguri.
From any NJP or Siliguri, you can hire a taxi or shared cab to reach Gangtok. Once you arrive in Gangtok, book a local taxi or join a group tour that covers Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, and Nathula Pass.
By Road
Traveling by road is the best and most convenient way to reach Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple. From Gangtok, the temple is located around 50–60 km, and the journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on weather and road conditions.
The road to Baba Mandir passes through scenic mountain routes, including the stretch near Tsomgo Lake, and further toward Nathula Pass.
Roads are mostly smooth but can be steep and winding due to high altitude. You can hire a private taxi, shared jeep, or a tour cab.
Tour Package
For a stress-free and comfortable experience, many visitors prefer booking a Gangtok Tour Package that includes Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple in the itinerary.
These packages cover transportation, permits, sightseeing timings, and all major attractions like Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass. This makes your journey easy, safe, and well-planned.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
These are nearby places to visit in Gangtok and Baba Mandir.
FAQs
Why is Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple famous?
It is famous because it is a temple and memorial for a brave Indian soldier.
Where is Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple located?
The temple is located near Nathula Pass about 50–60 km from Gangtok at high altitude in the Himalayas.
What is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit is March–June and October–November when weather is pleasant and roads are open.
Is there an entry fee or permit needed?
There is no entry fee, but a Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required because the temple is close to the Indo–China border.
