Gangtok is one of those beautiful towns which is adorned like a pearl in the crown of Himalayas and is located amidst the highest of Sikkim mountains. This little hill station is loved by travelers thanks to its mesmerizing landscapes, beautiful culture, and host of adventure activities. Unwind in the Wide Open Spaces of Khillon and Pass Peacefully at the Tsomgo Lake in Gangtok. If you crave panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga, solace at the mystical Tsomgo Lake, or something as simple as getting lost in the local markets, Gangtok is your best bet. So, pack your bags and let us walk you through how you can get to this exotic destination!
How to Reach Gangtok
Part of the adventure is getting to Gangtok! Nearest Airport: Bagdogra (124 kilo meters) Nearest Major Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) You must get to Gangtok using various means from there.
By Air: Soaring High
If you’re flying in from one of India’s busiest cities — think Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Trivandrum, Kolkata or Bhubaneswar — you’ll need to book a flight to Bagdogra Airport (IXB). The beautiful drive to the airport is a preview of what is to come!
– Delhi to Bagdogra: About 2 hours.
– Mumbai–Bagdogra: About 21/2 hours.
– Bangalore–> Bagdogra: Approx 3.5 hrs
– Chennai → Bagdogra: About 3 hrs.
– Kolkata to Bagdogra: Approximately 1 hour.
– Hyderabad–Bagdogra — About 3 hours.
– Bhubaneswar to Bagdogra: 1.5 hours or so.
– Trivandrum to Bagdogra: Almost 4 hours.
After landing in Bagdogra, you can book a taxi in advance, or you can board one of the shared jeeps that regularly zip up to Gangtok. It takes about 4-5 hours by car and the drive is a scenic delight with winding roads and lush green hills. MakeMyTrip, ClearTrip and EaseMyTrip are the best options if you wish to book your flights.
By Train: Taking the Scenic Route
But if you are a rail enthusiast and also love scenic views from the train windows, then the best way to reach is to take a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP).
– You can take the Rajdhani Express or Shatabdi Express which is around 17-20 hours journey from Delhi.
– Travelers from “Mumbai” can take “Konkan Kanya Express” Around 22-24 hrs.
People in Bangalore and Hyderabad, might find it easier to take a combination of trains to NJP, which usually takes anywhere between 36-40 hours.
– If you are coming from Kolkata, it’s a 12-14 hours train ride.
Once you reach NJP, you can hire a cab or take a shared vehicle to Gangtok. The ride from NJP is as captivating as the train trip.
By Road: The Adventure of Driving
If you enjoy the excitement of a road trip, so driving to Gangtok can be quite an adventurous experience. The roads run through the quaint villages that dot the mountains and give way to sweeping vistas, each mile a memory waiting to be made.
– From Siliguri: Approximately a 4-hour drive to Gangtok with ample opportunity for selfies and snacks.
– From Darjeeling: The distance is approximately 100 km and it takes between 3 to 4 hours. Its winding hill roads make for a ride!
Either drive your own car or take a taxi. If you want to get a little adventurous, take a group tour that includes transportation in the attraction package.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Gangtok Trip
- Plan Ahead: Check the weather before your trip! The most desirable time to visit Gangtok is during March to June and September to December. That way, you get to experience clear skies and fair weather.
- Eat Local: After reaching Bhutan, get a taste of local dishes like momos, thukpa, and gundruk. The flavors are as rich as the land!
- Get Out of the City: Gangtok is a gateway to a number of amazing destinations. Do visit Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass and the colourful monasteries. Each is a unique experience!
- Stay Connected: If you plan to visit remote areas, be sure to get a local SIM card for coverage. But keep in mind that network coverage could be spotty in some areas.
- Be Smart About Packing: Weather in the mountains can change dramatically so pack layers and a good pair of walking shoes, and of course don’t forget the camera — just be mindful of where you point and click!
- Travel forums– Websites like Trip Advisor and Thrillophilia are Good Places to read insights provided by fellow travelers and plan your itinerary.
Well, are you excited to start this journey for Gangtok? Not only is the journey itself exhilarating, but when you get there you’re greeted with a world of beauty! Safe journeys, and I hope you have a memorable time in Gangtok!
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