Darjeeling to Gangtok - A Detailed Travel Guide

If you’re travelling from Darjeeling to Gangtok by road, you can opt for a private or shared cab, or state run buses. The drive is typically about 4 - 5 hours long, and quite scenic.

It is preferable to board a Sikkim state registered vehicle, which takes you directly to Gangtok, rather than a Bengal state registered vehicle, which drops you off at Deorali. From Deorali, you must board a Sikkim state registered vehicle to reach Gangtok.

Bus and taxi fares start from around as low as INR 200, and may go upto INR 3,000.

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The nearest rail head to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is located roughly at a distance of 120 km from Gangtok.

New Jalpaiguri is well connected to the major cities of India like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore, while the frequency of trains is also decent. 

From the station, you can board a bus, private taxi ro shared cab to take you to Gangtok.

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The nearest airport to Gangtok is Bagdogra (IXB), located about 125 km away. A good number of flights ply between Bagdogra and other major cities of the country like Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata. Bagdogra airport is also well connected to neighboring countries like Bhutan. From Bagdogra airport, you can board a state run bus or a private or shared cab to reach Gangtok. The journey takes about 4 - 5 hours.

Alternatively, from Bagdogra, you can also opt to take a helicopter ride right up to Gangtok, which takes you about 20 minutes. This facility is maintained by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation.

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Summers in Gangtok begin from May and last up to the first week of July. The weather is not very hot, but rather quite warm and pleasant with temperatures not surpassing a maximum of 28 degrees Celsius.

Gangtok also makes for the perfect getaway in summers, especially for those seeking respite from the scorching heat of the cities. During summers, the western and northern parts of Sikkim are the most visited, as they are usually inaccessible during winters.

With nights being considerably cooler than days, Gangtok is one of the best places to visit during summers. Golden sunlight and warm mountain breeze welcome you.

Min. temp: 12 degrees celsius

Max. temp: 28 degrees celsius
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Winters in Gangtok begin from October and extend up to March. The weather is very cold, with extreme temperatures which range from 3 to 8 degrees Celsius on average.

There is also a high possibility of snowfall during winters, which means you're in for some great snow adventures! The weather is quite chilly, but pleasant enough, with a light dose of warm sunlight during daytime. If you want to see some festivals in Gangtok, count on the winter season.

Min. temp: 0-2 degrees celsius

Monsoon season in Gangtok begins from July, and lasts upto September. Although the monsoon weather is nice and pleasant, it is a dangerous season to visit Gangtok as it is prone of heavy rainfall and subsequent landslides.

You can expect several routes to be blocked due to landslides, delaying your journey by hours. With average temperatures ranging from 12 to 24 degrees, there is a slight chill in the atmosphere during and after rains.

If you're okay with the hassles and delays though, there's much beauty in Gangtok to be unveiled during monsoons. A word of caution: Stay constantly updated with the weather forecast to avoid any accidents.

Min. temp: 12 degrees celsius

The Nathula Pass is one of the oldest and most popular mountain passes of India, and an offshoot of the legendary Old Silk Route itself. Perched at a mind-blowing altitude of 14,140 ft., this route was originally an ancient trade route between India and Tibet.

Flanked by the beauty of the looming Chomolhari peaks of Bhutan, a clear sky day opens a window far and wide into Bhutan, and the sinuous trails of Chumbi Valley, right beyond the Indo-China border.

You should also pay a visit to the world’s highest ATM at Thengu, which falls on the way to Nathula. A word of caution - considering the extreme altitude, it is advisable to carry portable oxygen cylinders to battle altitude sickness.

Timings: Open on all days except Monday and Tuesday

Entry Fee: The permit fee is about INR 200 per person.

Location: East of Gangtok, Sikkim 737101

Locally known as ‘Changu Lake’, Tsomgo, perched atop 12,310 ft. in the heart of Sikkim is a beautiful glacial lake that falls enroute Nathula pass. One of the most frequented sites in Sikkim, the lake waters carry stellar reflections of the neighbouring Himalayan peaks, adding a magical appeal to the already mesmerising setting.

The trail to Lake Tsomgo was once a treacherous climb, but now can be accessed via well a maintained motorable road. The drive up to the lake, however, is still a challenge. Another spot to visit while heading to Tsomgo Lake is the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, which is home to several exotic flora and fauna.

Location: East of Sikkim, Near Gangtok, Sikkim 737103

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MG Marg in Gangtok is the most iconic attraction when it comes to shopping in Gangtok. The place has gone through massive transformation over the years, and has become the most frequented shopping destination in Gangtok, lined with exquisite shops, cafes, restaurants and street vendors.

Gangtok Food and Culture Festival, the most popular annual event is also held at MG Marg during the month of December. If you want shopping with some peace, quiet and zero pollution, MG Marg is the place to hit.

Also, it a welcome change from the busy, bustling city streets that one must navigate while shopping.It is a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike.

Timings: 08:00 AM to 07:00 PM, everyday except Tuesdays.

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Location: MG Marg, Gangtok

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Housed in the Rumtek district of Sikkim, Rumtek Monastery is one of the grandest and most popular ones in Sikkim. 

Located about 23 km away from Gangtok, it belongs to the Kargyu sect of Buddhists in Sikkim. One of it’s most striking features is the unmistakable resemblance to Tibet’s magnificent Tsurphu Monastery.

The monastery also offers some of the most jaw-dropping views in all of Gangtok, with several bordering mountains rising up to greet you. From the entry gate, you must embark on a half kilometre’s uphill hike to reach the monastery, which spans four stories and overlooks the settlement of Gangtok. Also known as Dharma Chakra Centre, the monastery is an experience to cherish.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Entry Fee: INR 10 per person

Location: Tsurphu Labrang Pal Karmae Sangha Dhuche, Dharma Chakra Centre, Sikkim 737135

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Situated inside a beautiful dense forest about 10 km away from the main town of Gangtok, Banjhakri Waterfall is one of the most popular tourist and picnic spots in Gangtok.

Falling enroute Ranka Monastery, the waterfall plummets down from a height of 40 meters, with a reverberating road. The name ‘Ban Jhakri’ literally means ‘healer of the forest, adopted from a myth that speaks of a man that dwells in the forest rocks, keeping evil at bay.

A man made lake guards the bottom of the lake, at the centre of which is a beautiful dragon statue. The park is grounded well in Shaman culture and tradition, which doubles the fascination.

Timings: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM everyday.

Entry Fee: INR 50 per person

Location: Gangtok, Sikkim 737101

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Amongst some of the finest research centres in the field of Tibetan history and language, the Namgyal institute of Tibetology sits amidst verdant forests of oak and birch, at a distance of 2 km from Gangtok.

The sprawling edifice features a grand museum, preserving some of the rarest and oldest artefacts, manuscripts, coins and statues. Several of these manuscripts are inked in Tibetan, Chinese as well as Sanskrit.

A magnificent library also graces the interiors of the building, stocked well with a diverse range of books on Tibet history, culture and mountains.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM, from Monday to Saturday.

Entry Fee: INR 10 per person

Location: Deorali, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101

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A beautiful 200 years old Buddhist monastery lying in the folds of Gangtok, Enchey Monastery was formerly owned by Lama Dhrupthob Karpo.

The building features the classic Chinese Pagoda design, luring in thousands of tourists and architecture enthusiasts every year.The large hall carries several portraits of Gods and Goddesses, along with a few ancient Tantric Mantras and carvings.

During the reign of Sidkeong Tulku, around 1909, the monastery was renovated with striking touches of the Chinese architectural styles. The monastery is also home to about 90 monks!

Timings: 06:00 AM to 04:00 PM everyday.

Entry Fee: No entry fee

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One of the most magnificent views in Gangtok is the mighty Mt. Kanchendzonga and the surrounding Kanchendzonga Range.

The much sought after Himalayan trek to Goechala, near the base camp of Mt. Kanchendzonga also stems from Gangtok, winding through the lush beauty of Kanchendzonga National Park.

Running through verdant and expansive meadows lined with rhododendrons, amongst several other floral species, the trek opens up to stunning vistas of the Himalayan beats and its neighbours.The trail begins from Yuksom, and climbs up to Goechala within 10 days.
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Resting atop a dizzying altitude of 13,123 ft., Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, also known as Baba Mandir, is flanked by the Nathula on one side and Jelepla on the other.

Dedicated to the great army soldier Baba Harbhajan Singh, the temple is one of the most popular tourists spots in Sikkim, attracting several devotees and pilgrims every year.

Post his death while on army duty, his spirit is said to be wandering the mountains in constant vigil, warning on duty soldiers against attacks.

Location: Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, East Sikkim, Sikkim 737131

Timings: The temple timings are 08:00 AM to 02:30 PM, everyday

Entry Fee: No entry fee is charged to visitors

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Reigning atop a lovely, lush hillock, Do Drul Chorten is one of the most popular stupas in Sikkim, and sits in close proximity to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.

The dwelling place of the stupa i.e. the hillock, was believed to have been haunted by evil spirits before it was actually built. The natives had believed that the haunted hill caused the deaths of several tourists that visited it.

When the great Guru Padmasambhava also known as Guru Rinpoche had passed by this hill, he blessed the place, cleansing it of all evil. Thus was born the legendary Do Drul Chorten in 1945. Carrying a magnificent golden dome, the place is visible from nearly all spots in Gangtok.

Timings: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM everyday.

Entry Fee: No entry fee.

Location: Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
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A stunning greenhouse centre, the Flower Exhibition Centre in Gangtok is a popular haunt amongst botany and nature lovers. The seemingly endless stretch of lush greenery is a soothing treat for the mind, body and soul. 

The famous Sikkim Flower Show is also hosted here annually during the month of March, when several botanists, nature and plant lovers flock to Gangtok in herds to witness it. During March, the beautiful orchids are in full bloom, their beauty almost unparalleled. It is a colourful festival to attend.

Timings: 09:00 AM to 05:15 PM

Entry Fee: INR 10 per person

Location: Arithang, Gangtok, Sikkim 737111
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A stunning greenhouse centre, the Flower Exhibition Centre in Gangtok is a popular haunt amongst botany and nature lovers. The seemingly endless stretch of lush greenery is a soothing treat for the mind, body and soul. 

The famous Sikkim Flower Show is also hosted here annually during the month of March, when several botanists, nature and plant lovers flock to Gangtok in herds to witness it. During March, the beautiful orchids are in full bloom, their beauty almost unparalleled. It is a colourful festival to attend.

Timings: 09:00 AM to 05:15 PM

Entry Fee: INR 10 per person

Location: Arithang, Gangtok, Sikkim 737111
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One of the most favourite spots amongst locals and tourists is the beautiful Tashi View Point. It is a window to incredible views of the majestic Kanchendzonga Range along with the mighty Mt. Kanchendzonga.

The best time to visit Tashi View Point is at dawn, right before sunrise. The breaking of the day’s first sun rays on the snow capped peaks bathes everything in a soothing golden hue, and is an experience to cherish.

The beautiful neighbouring peaks also keep changing colours throughout the day, from orange to yellow to pink. It’s advisable to carry a pair of binoculars to make the most of this phenomenal view.

Timings:  05:00 AM to 06:00 PM

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Location: Gangtok, Sikkim 737107

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Installed as a tribute to the Hindu God Hanuman, Hanuman Tok is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Sikkim. Lord Hanuman, the name sake of the temple, is believed to have graced this place with his presence during his journey back to Lanka with the legendary mountain of Sanjeevani.

The temple is looked after and maintained by the Indian Army. Steeped in Hindu mythology, the atmosphere of the temple is filled by calming melodies and music, making you feel right at home.

The majestic Mt. Kanchendzonga can also be seen rising outside the temple to greet you

Timings: 07:00 AM to 09:00 PM everyday

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Location: Gangtok, Sikkim 737103

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