Introduction
Siliguri is a city in the state of West Bengal.Siliguri is located on the foothill of himalayas near bank of river Mahananda.It lies between the border of Nepal,Bhutan and Bangladesh. It is known as “gateway to North-east India” as it connects other states to beautiful north eastern states like Sikkim, Assam,Meghalaya.
Gangtok is a small and beautiful city in the state of Sikkim, in the northeastern part of India. It is the capital city of Sikkim.Gangtok is also known for its Buddhist monasteries. Gangtok is a good place for people who love nature, quiet places, adventure, or learning about different cultures. It is clean, green, and very peaceful.
In this article you will find details about routes you should consider while traveling to Siliguri to Gangtok , Distance you need to cover ,best time to visit and some important travel tips.
Siliguri to Gangtok Time and Distance Overview
| Mode of Transport | Distance | Duration |
| By Road | 120 – 130 Km | 3 to 4.5 hours |
| By Train | No direct trains available | – |
Best Routes by Road
Route 1 via Sevoke – Kalimpong
This is the most commonly used highway. It passes through forests and tea gardens.The road is wide , smooth and has many food and fuel stops. Siliguri to Gangtok distance via this route is 130 km and time required to travel is 3 to 4.5 hours. The route is as follows:
Siliguri > Sevoke > Kalimpong > Rhenock > Gangtok
Route 2 via Sevok – Rangpo
This route passes through hills and small tea estates, valleys. The roads are well-maintained but hilly. Siliguri to Gangtok distance via this route is 120 km and time required to travel is 3 to 4.5 hours. The route is as follows:
Siliguri > Sevok > Rangpo > Chalamthang > Gangtok
Route 3 via Mirik – Jorpokhari
This route takes you through the Mirik Lake area, which is a popular tourist spot. It is a slightly longer route. People choose this route because of less crowds.The road is mostly smooth and scenic. Siliguri to Gangtok distance via this route is 140 km and time required to travel is 4 to 5 hours. The route is as follows:
Siliguri > Mirik > Jorpokhari > Gangtok
Route 4 via Teesta – Kalijhora
This route is ideal for those who want to avoid the busier routes and enjoy a peaceful drive.This is a shorter route,passing alongside the river. Siliguri to Gangtok distance via this route is 115 km and time required to travel is 3 to 4 hours. The route is as follows:
Siliguri > Teesta > Kalijhora > Gangtok
Modes of Road Travel
By Bus
Government (SNT) and private buses run from Siliguri to Gangtok. It’s a budget-friendly way to travel. Several buses run daily from Siliguri to Gangtok, usually with fixed departure times in the morning and afternoon.
You can board Buses from Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand in Siliguri. Fare usually ranges from ₹150 to ₹300 per person.
By Car
Many people consider private cars to travel from Siliguri to Gangtok as it provides comfort and flexibility.They are the best choice if you are traveling with your family. You can take short breaks at roadside dhabas for food and refreshments.
There are many cab/ Taxi services available on this route. These can be booked through their apps or website or local travel agencies. It might cost you ₹3,000 to ₹5,000.
By Shared Jeeps
Shared jeeps are an affordable and convenient option for solo travelers or small groups. You can find a Shared Jeep to Gangtok at Siliguri taxi stand.You must wait until the jeep is full. Fare ranges from ₹200 to 500 per person.
By Bike or Scooter
Many people prefer bikes to travel from Siliguri to Gangtok, this can be a fun road trip. They are the best choice if you are traveling solo. It might take slightly longer due to breaks and slower speed.Bike rentals are available in Siliguri.
Best Time to Travel
September to November are the best months to travel from Siliguri to Gangtok. This is an ideal time for a trip because the weather is pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and long drives, outdoor activities also it is a festival season.
From December to February, it’s perfect for snow lovers and adventure seekers.You can witness Snow-covered mountains but roads can sometimes be blocked due to heavy snowfall.
During July to August It may rain heavily in July and August, causing occasional landslides on hilly roads, which can disrupt travel.
Travel Tips
- Start your journey early in the morning to enjoy cool weather.
- Check Weather Before You Go.
- If you are traveling by road,make sure to fill your fuel tank as there are a limited number of fuel stations on hills.
- Book your hotel or resort in advance, especially during peak season.
- If you love taking photographs ,the journey is full of beautiful views, greenery.Keep your camera ready.
- Carry woollen clothes,it can be very cold over there especially in the morning and evening.
- Do not forget to download offline maps for remote areas.
- Carry basic medicines for motion sickness, cold, or allergies.
FAQs
How far is Gangtok from Siliguri?
It’s about 114-120 km from Siliguri to Gangtok.
How long does it take to reach Siliguri from Gangtok ?
The journey by road usually takes 4 to 6 hours,depending on the route you choose.
What are the different ways to travel from Siliguri to Gangtok?
You can travel by bus, private car, taxi, shared jeep, or bike.
Is there a train from Siliguri to Gangtok?
No, there are no direct trains to Gangtok.
Are there flights to Gangtok?
No direct flights to Gangtok.
Can I rent a car or bike in Gangtok?
Yes, you can rent cars or bikes in Gangtok.
Conclusion
Traveling from Siliguri to Gangtok is a wonderful experience. You’ll get to see the unique culture of Sikkim, with its beautiful monasteries, lovely mountain views, and cool weather.
Getting to Gangtok is easy, with several transport options available like buses, taxis, and shared jeeps. The road trip itself is exciting, and you will pass through stunning landscapes.
If you plan your trip well, you’ll definitely have a great time in this lovely hill station. Enjoy the journey and make the most of every moment.
