Gangtok to Pelling
Your options
Ways to make the journey
5–6 h with the change at Gyalshing
Shared jeeps for Gyalshing leave from Gangtok's jeep stands in the morning, mostly between about 7 am and noon; buy your ticket the day before in season. At Gyalshing, change to a local shared jeep for the last 9 km and 25 minutes up to Pelling. It is the cheapest way by far, but seats are tight and luggage rides on the roof under a tarpaulin.
4.5–5.5 h
A reserved Bolero, Innova or small car lets you break the drive at Ravangla for the Buddha Park, or at Temi for tea, and stop where you want for photographs. Agree the route and stops before you leave, since some drivers prefer the Rorathang–Legship road. Splitting a car between four people brings the cost close to the shared jeep.
6–7 h
Sikkim Nationalised Transport buses run on some days between Gangtok and Gyalshing. They are slower than jeeps and timings change, but they are cheap, roomier and fine if you are not in a hurry. Ask at the SNT bus station in Gangtok the day before and check current status before you travel.
Worth a stop
- Temi Tea Garden (short detour)
- Ravangla Buddha Park
- Ralang Monastery (detour)
- Kewzing
- Legship and the Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple
- Gyalshing
Questions people ask
Good to know
How long does it take from Gangtok to Pelling
Plan on 4.5 to 5.5 hours by reserved car for about 120 km, and 5 to 6 hours by shared jeep including the change at Gyalshing. Landslides in the monsoon, roadworks and lunch stops can add an hour or two. Leave Gangtok by 9 am so you reach Pelling in daylight.
Is there a direct shared jeep from Gangtok to Pelling
A few run in peak season, but most shared jeeps from Gangtok go to Gyalshing, the district headquarters. From there local shared jeeps cover the 9 km up to Pelling in about 25 minutes for ₹50–80, indicative. Book the Gyalshing jeep a day ahead in October and May.
Which is the better route from Gangtok to Pelling
The route through Ravangla is more scenic and lets you visit the Buddha Park on the way; the route through Rorathang and Legship is sometimes quicker depending on road repairs. Ask your driver which road is in better shape that week. Both meet near Legship before the final climb to Gyalshing and Pelling.
How much is a taxi from Gangtok to Pelling
A reserved car costs about ₹5,000–6,500 one way, indicative for 2026, more for an Innova or in peak weeks. Rates are often fixed by the taxi syndicates, so bargaining room is small. Sharing with other travellers is the easiest saving. Check current status before you travel.