How to Reach Gangtok

How to Reach Gangtok by Air

Gangtok is not directly served by air. The closest airport is at Bagdogra, West Bengal which is served by regular flights from Kolkata, Guwahati and Delhi operated by Indian Airlines and Jet Airways. The 124 km drive to Gangtok takes 5 hours and is facilitated by numerous taxis, shared jeeps and hired cars with chauffeurs. Helicopter services are also available from Bagdogra to reach Gangtok and vice-versa.

How to Reach Gangtok by Rail

New Jalpaiguri, is the nearest mainline railhead which is about 125 kms from Gangtok (about 4 hrs). One can also take a train to Siliguri, located at a distance of 114 kms from Gangtok. Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri are well connected with all the cities in India. Once here, from the station itself, tourists can get on to the tourists buses, coaches, taxis and jeeps to reach their final destination.

How to Reach Gangtok by Bus

The drive to Gangtok from Siliguri (West Bengal), 114 km away, is the shortest. Darjeeling, the beautiful and oft-visited hill station in West Bengal is also connected by road to Gangtok. Taxis, buses and hired cars with drivers ply regularly on these routes as they inch past the narrow but well maintained mountain roads. There are regular Sikkim state transport buses between Gangtok and Siliguri. The drive is very scenic with the Teesta River flowing on the left hand side and the green hills on the right. As you get closer to Gangtok, look out for the multihued flowers that dot the landscape, especially in spring. Note: Roads can get blocked due to landslides during the rainy season (June to September) and you can get stuck in Sikkim but not for more than 2 or 3 days. The army bulldozers get to work immediately and clear up roads, which are the lifeline of Sikkim.

Getting Around Gangtok

Hire a private jeep or taxi for getting around locally. Most of the local transport is centered around the Lall Mall area. Sikkim helicopter service operates sight-seeing flights to different points in Sikkim