Transportation in Sikkim

Getting to Sikkim

By air

If this is your chosen mode of travel, consider the circuitous journey an intrinsic part of the Sikkim experience! Kolkata in West Bengal is where international travellers can fly in direct; alternatively, other major international airports like New Delhi, Mumbai or Chennai, offer excellent domestic air connections to Kolkata.

From Kolkata, regular flights operate to Bagdogra Airport, near Siliguri (West Bengal), about 120 km (75 miles) away from Gangtok. The final leg of the journey is accomplished by helicopter, a half hour flight. Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation operates one daily service that carries 4-5 persons. It's worth bearing in mind though that the efficacy of the service is subject to favourable weather conditions.

By rail

New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station to Gangtok, about 125 km (78 miles) away. To reach this town, take an overnight train from Kolkata. From Sikkim, tickets can be bought at the Sikkim Nationalised Transport office on any working day.

By road

National Highways 31 and 31A connect Siliguri and Gangtok. The state-owned Sikkim Nationalised Transport runs regular bus services. Private transport - buses, jeeps and taxis - ply from Sikkim to Siliguri. The highway snakes through green, wildflower spattered slopes along the banks of River Teesta; on the other side gleaming, white Himalayan peaks present a spectacular sight. Definitely, a ride to savour.

Sikkim is also connected by road to the popular hill stations of Darjeeling and Kalimpong in West Bengal.

Getting around Sikkim

Virtually all destinations within are linked by roads that can be covered by Sikkim transport. Like mountain people worldwide, Sikkim's residents favour their own two feet as the best way to get around. You'll also see two-wheelers and bikes on the roads of Gangtok. Sikkim Nationalized Transport offers reliable and frequent bus services to all parts of the state. Share taxis operate on the 31A National highway with halts at specific points - a relatively inexpensive option for transport in Sikkim to get to your destination of choice. Alternatively, look for private taxis or jeeps on M. G. Road to take you around. Chartered taxis offer a fixed-rate service.

Sikkim Helicopter Service offers a more exclusive mode of Sikkim transport to view the grandeur of the landscape. Get up close to Mount Khanchendzonga, the world's third highest peak, take in an aerial view of Gangtok or enjoy the beauty of Yumthang, the Valley of Flowers from on high.