Kalimpong to Gangtok
Your options
Ways to make the journey
3–3.5 h
Shared jeeps for Gangtok leave Kalimpong's motor stand in the morning and early afternoon, when full. The route drops to Teesta Bazaar, follows NH10 up the Teesta through Melli and Rangpo, and climbs to Gangtok, where you are dropped at a central taxi stand. Foreigners must stop at Rangpo or Melli for their Sikkim permit, so tell the driver.
3–3.5 h
A reserved car goes door to door and can stop at Teesta Bazaar for tea or at the Melli riverside. For a family with bags, it is often the better value. Note that West Bengal-registered taxis may face restrictions on local sightseeing in Sikkim, so plan a Gangtok-based car for Tsomgo and Nathu La.
4–4.5 h
When NH10 is closed by landslides or flood damage, drivers take the hill road east through Algarah and Pedong, cross into Sikkim at the Reshi river, and continue via Rhenock, Rorathang and Pakyong to Gangtok. It is slower but scenic and follows part of the old trade route. Check current status before you travel.
Worth a stop
- Teesta Bazaar
- Teesta riverside at Melli
- Rangpo checkpost (Sikkim permits for foreigners)
- Singtam bazaar
- Ranipool
Questions people ask
Good to know
How far is Gangtok from Kalimpong
Gangtok is about 70–80 km from Kalimpong, usually 3–3.5 hours by road via Teesta Bazaar, Melli, Rangpo and Singtam. A shared jeep costs about ₹250–400 a seat and a reserved car about ₹3,500–5,000, indicative for 2026. Monsoon landslides on NH10 can add hours.
Do I need a permit to go from Kalimpong to Gangtok
Indian citizens do not need a permit to enter Sikkim, though a small tourist fee may be collected at hotels. Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit, issued free at the Rangpo or Melli checkposts with passport and photos, or online in advance. Check current status before you travel.
Which is the alternative route from Kalimpong to Gangtok
When NH10 along the Teesta is closed, cars use the road through Algarah and Pedong, cross into Sikkim at the Reshi river and go via Rhenock, Rorathang and Pakyong to Gangtok. It takes about 4–4.5 hours. Another option is via Lava and NH717A toward Rhenock. Check current status before you travel.
Is it better to visit Kalimpong before or after Gangtok
Either works. Many travellers go Siliguri–Kalimpong–Gangtok–Siliguri, since Kalimpong is closer to the plains and makes a gentle first stop. Others do Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Gangtok in a loop. Kalimpong to Gangtok is only 3–3.5 hours, so it is an easy transfer day with a stop at Teesta Bazaar.