Darjeeling to Pelling
Your options
Ways to make the journey
5–6 h with a change at Jorethang
Take a morning shared jeep from Darjeeling's jeep stands near Chowk Bazaar to Jorethang, about 30 km and 1.5–2 hours downhill. At Jorethang, buy a seat for Gyalshing or Pelling. Most West Sikkim jeeps leave Jorethang before about 1 pm, so start by 8 am. Foreign nationals need the Sikkim permit before crossing.
4–5 h
A reserved car from Darjeeling is the comfortable choice, especially for families. Check that the car has a permit to enter Sikkim; West Bengal-registered taxis sometimes hand over to Sikkim cars at the border or at Jorethang. Agree this before you pay. Leave by 8 or 9 am to arrive in daylight.
8–9 h
Some drivers suggest going down to Siliguri and up again. Do not: it nearly doubles the distance. The direct road through Jorethang is shorter, quieter and passes tea gardens and the Rangeet valley. Use the Siliguri route only if the Jorethang road is closed by a landslide.
Worth a stop
- Ghum
- Tea gardens on the descent to the Rangeet
- Jorethang market
- Legship
- Gyalshing
Questions people ask
Good to know
How long is the drive from Darjeeling to Pelling
About 4 to 5 hours for roughly 75 km by reserved car via Jorethang, Legship and Gyalshing. By shared jeep it takes 5 to 6 hours with the change at Jorethang. The road is narrow in places and slower in the monsoon, so leave Darjeeling by 8 or 9 am.
How do I go from Darjeeling to Pelling by shared jeep
Take a shared jeep from Darjeeling to Jorethang, about ₹150–200 a seat, indicative, then another from Jorethang to Gyalshing or Pelling for ₹150–250. Leave Darjeeling early, because the Jorethang jeeps into West Sikkim mostly leave before about 1 pm. Check current status before you travel.
Where do foreigners get the Sikkim permit on the Darjeeling–Pelling road
Apply online through e-FRRO before you travel, or get the Restricted Area Permit at Melli or Rangpo checkposts. The Jorethang route crosses into Sikkim near Jorethang itself, so it is wise to have the permit before leaving Darjeeling. Indians only need photo ID. Check current status before you travel.
Is Darjeeling to Pelling a good route for a combined trip
Yes. It saves you a day compared with going back to Siliguri, and it passes through tea country and the Rangeet valley. A common plan is two nights in Darjeeling, then Pelling for two nights, then down to NJP, or on to Gangtok via Ravangla.