Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim in northeast India, lies deep within the eastern Himalayas and boasts stunning vistas of snow-capped mountains, lush valleys and cascading waterfalls. At 5,410 feet (1.650 meters), Gangtok enjoys mild and pleasant climate year-round; thanks to stringent laws banning plastic bags or smoking in public places it also enjoys impressive cleanliness and greenery that stand out as hallmark features of Gangtok.
Gangtok is known for its vibrant culture, festivals and unique cuisine that blends Tibetan, Nepalese and Indian influences. Gangtok boasts well-maintained roads, bustling markets and prayer flags wafting gently in the wind - creating an inviting and distinct ambience in which to explore.
Gangtok serves as a hub to many popular tourist spots in Sikkim, including Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass and Yumthang Valley. Adventure enthusiasts can experience trekking, mountaineering, river rafting and paragliding activities within its mountainous environs.
Let's move onto an exhaustive Siliguri to Gangtok itinerary and the most direct routes available for reaching Gangtok from Siliguri.
- Bus Fare:- 250 - 350
- Taxi :- 1500-2000
- Drive :- 900-1300
Time Duration :- Bus :- 5- 6 hrs
Taxi :- 2.5 hrs
Drive :- 2.5 hrs
Total Distance : Siliguri to Gangtok :- 115 KM
Rail:
The nearest railway station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) which is located at a distance of 125 km from Gangtok. There are regular trains from Siliguri to NJP.
Road:
The most convenient way to reach Gangtok from Siliguri is by road. There are regular buses and shared jeeps available from Siliguri to Gangtok. The journey takes around 5-6 hours depending on the traffic.
If you want to know about how to reach Siliguri from Gangtok, then you'll need to take a look at this article. We go through the various modes of transportation available in India and cover trains, buses, and other means of transport.
Some of the trains that pass through the NJP railway station are:
- 22512/Kamakhya - Mumbai LTT Karmabhoomi Express (PT)
- 15644/Kamakhya - Puri Express (via Howrah) (PT)
- 13246/Rajendra Nagar Terminal - New Jalpaiguri Capital Express
- 07521/Siliguri Jn - Haldibari DEMU Special
- 15778/Alipurduar Jn. - New Jalpaiguri Tourist Express
- 15662/Kamakhya - Ranchi Weekly Express (PT)
Train: By Train from Siliguri to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station: When departing Siliguri by train, first reach New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), approximately 9-10 kilometers away. Siliguri Junction Railway Station (SGUJ) also exists but NJP provides better connections than both of them.
From NJP to Gangtok by Road: Once at NJP, the distance between NJP and Gangtok by road is roughly 120-130 kilometers and takes roughly four to five hours of travel time.
By Road (Siliguri to Gangtok):
From Siliguri to Gangtok by road travel can be done either via taxi or shared cab services. Here is how it should go:
- Siliguri to Gangtok: Travel from Siliguri to Gangtok in an organized taxi or shared cab service for an enjoyable mountainous journey that may include windy and steep roads.
- Permits: Before traveling to Gangtok, ensure you obtain all necessary permits. Indian tourists require Inner Line Permits (ILP), while foreign nationals will require Protected Area Permits or Restricted Area Permits in order to enter Sikkim.
- Route: To reach Gangtok from Siliguri, most visitors opt for the National Highway 10 (also known as Gangtok-Siliguri Road). Along this journey you will pass through Sevoke, Teesta and Rangpo before arriving in Gangtok.
- Travel Time: Travel times from Delhi can take anywhere between four and five hours to Gangtok depending on road conditions and traffic; however, on average it takes approximately four and half hours.
Transportation Options
There are many ways to reach Siliguri from Gangtok, and each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The most popular options are by rail and road transport.
Rail transport is the most common way to reach Siliguri from Gangtok. It is fast, efficient and comfortable. However, it can be expensive, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
Road transport is another option that is becoming increasingly popular. It is less expensive than rail transport and gives you the flexibility to stop and explore along the way. However, it can be slow and uncomfortable, especially if you are not used to long hours of travel.
How to Get from Siliguri to Gangtok by Rail
There are two ways to get from Siliguri to Gangtok by rail. The first is by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The second is by the more modern NJP to Darjeeling Toy Train. Both options take about the same amount of time, so it really comes down to which experience you prefer.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is definitely the more unique option. This heritage train takes you on a scenic journey through some of the most beautiful scenery in India. The downside is that it can be quite crowded, so if you're looking for a more relaxing trip, the Toy Train may be a better option.
The NJP to Darjeeling Toy Train is a modern alternative that takes you from Siliguri all the way to Darjeeling in just over two hours. This train is air-conditioned and has plenty of space, so it's a great option if you want a comfortable journey.
How to Get from Siliguri to Gangtok by Road Transport
The best way to get from Siliguri to Gangtok is by road transport. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most common is by bus. There are a number of different bus companies that operate between these two cities, so it should be easy to find one that suits your needs. The journey by bus will take around Four hours,
Arriving in Siliguri
The best way to reach Siliguri from Gangtok is by rail and road transport. The journey by road is a long one but it is worth it because of the beautiful scenery. The best time to travel is between October and November.
The Siliguri Railway Station is about 10 km from the city center and there are several trains that ply between Siliguri and Gangtok. The journey by train takes about 6 hours.
If you are planning to drive down, the route via Rangpo is the most scenic. The distance from Siliguri to Gangtok is about 180 km and the journey takes about 8 hours.
Arriving in Gangtok
If you're looking to travel to Gangtok from Siliguri, there are a few different transportation options available to you. While you can take a train from Siliguri Junction to New Jalpaiguri, the journey is significantly shorter by road. The journey by road will take you through some of the most stunning scenery in all of India, so if you have the time, we highly recommend it!
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is perhaps the most famous way to reach Gangtok from Siliguri. The toy train has been in operation since 1881 and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The journey takes around 4 hours and is definitely a unique experience. Tickets can be booked online in advance or at the station on the day of travel.
If you're short on time or are looking for a more comfortable journey, there are also several private bus companies that operate between Siliguri and Gangtok. The journey by bus takes around 5 hours and tickets can be booked online or through your hotel.
Why Travel from Siliguri to Gangtok?
Siliguri to Gangtok is an increasingly popular route among visitors who visit Sikkim, with Siliguri providing one of its main transportation hubs.
Travel from Siliguri to Gangtok can be quite a scenic journey, passing through lush forests and rolling hills of Darjeeling district. Along the way are tea gardens, charming villages, and stunning vistas of Himalayas.
Journeying from Siliguri to Gangtok by road trip is an amazing way to explore Sikkim's natural beauty and cultural diversity. The journey is both convenient and offers breath taking Himalayan views - making this route highly sought-after among tourists visiting this scenic corner of India. Enhance your trip experience while on this road trip from Siliguri to Gangtok by stopping off at various tourist spots along the way!
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tourist