Sikkim can be awe-inspiring, stunning and appealing enough to draw admirers to visit it throughout the clock. However, unlike other Himalayan regions that are difficult to reach, Sikkim is easily approachable throughout the year, from any region across the United States. There are many options to get to Sikkim and the most practical is the flight to Bagdogra and the most thrilling is a drive trip from Sikkim through NH 31A.
Travelers must choose an appropriate mode of transport to get to Gangtok from the closest and most convenient location i.e. Bagdogra, New Jalpaiguri, and Siliguri. Road, air and rail are three modes of transport that connect Gangtok.
BY AIR
Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal is the closest airport to Gangtok which is about 124 kilometers away. Jet Airways, Go Air, Air India, AirAsia as well as Indigo among the top well-known airlines that fly out of Bagdogra and major towns across India. When you arrive at Bagdogra Airport you are able to hire a private car or hop into a shared taxi to take you on a 2-hour trip to Gangtok. As we've mentioned before the drive along the roads is truly stunning with the majestic Himalayas and Teesta as the backdrop for the majority of the drive.
BY RAIL
Sikkim isn't just connected with the rest of nation via the road network, but also by the larger railway network. It is located 148 kilometers away of the capital Gangtok The New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in Siliguri district is well connected via rail to cities of major importance like Kolkata or New Delhi. From the station, you can hop on a state-owned bus or take a taxi to get to Gangtok.
From the state-owned shuttle buses, to the private taxis everything is there to assist you in reaching the stunning Himalayan paradise. Local buses are readily available at Siliguri Bus Station also known as the Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus. The trip by road to NJP to Gangtok is about 5-6 hours depending on the weather conditions.
BY ROAD
A road journey to Sikkim by bicycle or in a vehicle is the ideal choice for the adventurous or road travel lover. The reason is that this route takes in the best of the Himalayas and the views along the way are worth the effort. The majority of the way, NH 31A is well-maintained with the exception of some areas.
The duration and the fun of travel are dependent on where you're travelling to. Therefore, the majority of travelers go towards Sikkim by way of West Bengal, which means the route through Siliguri, Bagdogra, or NJP should be used. Private taxis as well as shared jeeps are accessible from Siliguri to the majority of important regions of Sikkim particularly South and West Sikkim.
Depending on the time of the year you travel in, a road trip from these locations can takes about 6 hours. Winter weather conditions make driving more challenging due to the fact that Sikkim receives massive snowfall. Traveling without adequate instructions extremely dangerous. It is therefore recommended to connect with an operator in your area for professional assistance and be aware of the current situation.