How to Reach Sikkim – Gangtok & Beyond Travel Guide | Sikkim Darjeeling Tour & Travel

How to Reach Sikkim

🌄 Your Path to Himalayan Tranquility

Sikkim is a heavenly land where clouds float over emerald hills, monasteries echo chants of peace, and nature paints scenes too beautiful for words. From the vibrant energy of Gangtok to the untouched valleys of Lachung and Yuksom, Sikkim is a place that touches the soul.

Getting to this peaceful paradise is quite straightforward, thanks to multiple entry points and well-connected routes. Whether you’re traveling from within India or flying in from abroad, here’s everything you need to know about reaching Sikkim.


Your Can Reach Darjeeling By


✈️ Reaching Sikkim by Air

There are two main airport options for traveling to Sikkim:

1. Bagdogra Airport (IXB) – Gateway to Sikkim
Located about 125 kilometers from Gangtok, Bagdogra is the most convenient airport for reaching Sikkim. With frequent domestic flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, and Mumbai, this airport serves as the primary entry point for most travelers.

From Bagdogra:

  • Hire a private taxi for a direct journey to Gangtok
  • Opt for shared cabs for budget travel
  • Enjoy scenic roads passing through Teesta River valleys, waterfalls, and forested hills

2. Pakyong Airport (PYG) – Sikkim’s Own Airport/strong>
Situated just 35 kilometers from Gangtok, Pakyong Airport is a relatively new greenfield airport offering quicker access to the capital city.

However, flight frequency is limited, so it’s best to check availability in advance.
  • Tips : If you’re landing at Bagdogra, start your drive before noon for safer hill travel and to avoid fog or landslides.


🚆 Reaching Sikkim by Train

Sikkim does not have a railway station of its own. The nearest and most accessible station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is around 120 kilometers from Gangtok.

From NJP:

  • Hire a private cab for comfort
  • Board shared jeeps from the taxi stand for budget-friendly options
  • You can also travel by bus, though services are limited and not recommended during the monsoon


🛣️ Reaching Sikkim by Road

Road trips to Sikkim are immensely popular due to the spellbinding beauty of the Eastern Himalayas. National Highway 10 (NH-10) is the lifeline that connects Siliguri to Gangtok, passing through charming stops like Rongpo, Singtam, and Ranipool.

Apart from Gangtok, you can also travel directly to:

  • 1. Pelling : 4.5 hours from Gangtok
  • 2. Namchi : Famous for Char Dham and the giant Shiva statue
  • 3. Lachung, Lachen & Yumthang : High-altitude destinations perfect for snow and natural wonders
  • 4. Yuksom : The historical town known as the gateway to Kanchenjunga National Park
  • 5. Ravangla : Scenic town surrounded by panoramic peaks