Siliguri (NJP and Bagdogra) to Pelling
Your options
Ways to make the journey
5.5–6.5 h
Shared jeeps for Gyalshing and some for Pelling leave from the stands around the SNT and Tenzing Norgay bus terminus in Siliguri, mostly in the morning. Buy tickets early in season and ask for a seat in the middle row. From Gyalshing, local jeeps cover the last 9 km. From NJP or Bagdogra take an auto or cab to the stand first.
5–6.5 h
Prepaid and syndicate cars wait at NJP station and Bagdogra airport. It is the easiest option if you land after mid-morning, when most shared jeeps have gone. Stop for lunch near Melli or Jorethang. Foreign nationals must stop at the Melli checkpost for the Sikkim permit if they do not already hold one.
5–6 h
Sikkim Nationalised Transport runs about one bus a day from Siliguri towards Pelling or Gyalshing, leaving in the morning. It is the cheapest option and gives a fixed seat, though it is slow. Buy the ticket at the SNT terminus a day ahead and check current status before you travel.
Worth a stop
- Sevoke Coronation Bridge
- Teesta valley
- Melli checkpost
- Jorethang on the Rangeet
- Legship
- Gyalshing
Questions people ask
Good to know
How far is Pelling from NJP and Bagdogra
Pelling is about 140 km from NJP and Siliguri and about 150 km from Bagdogra airport, taking 5 to 6.5 hours by road. The route runs up the Teesta valley, crosses into Sikkim at Melli, and climbs through Jorethang, Legship and Gyalshing. Monsoon landslides can add hours, so travel early in the day.
How much is a shared jeep from Siliguri to Pelling
About ₹400–550 a seat to Gyalshing or Pelling, indicative for 2026, plus ₹50–80 if you have to change at Gyalshing. Jeeps leave mainly in the morning from the stands near the SNT terminus. Reserved cars cost ₹5,500–7,500. Check current status before you travel.
Do foreigners need a permit to go from Siliguri to Pelling
Yes. Foreign nationals need a Sikkim Restricted Area Permit, which is free and valid for 30 days. You can apply online through e-FRRO or get it at the Melli checkpost on this road, or at Rangpo. Indian nationals need only photo ID. Check current status before you travel.
Is there a bus from Siliguri to Pelling
Yes, Sikkim Nationalised Transport usually runs a daily morning bus from the SNT terminus in Siliguri to Pelling or Gyalshing, costing about ₹300–400, indicative. It takes 5–6 hours. Book a day ahead at the counter. Schedules change, so confirm the departure time locally.