The city of Gangtok is accessible for travelers who take the NJP route, located in West Bengal and it is at a distance of about 120 km from it. It is easy to travel to Gangtok from the NJP station via taxis and shared cabs for the rest of the journey. A station located 111 km away from Gangtok is Siliguri Junction.To get to Gangtok, passengers can board trains such as Darjeeling Mail and Kanchan Kanya Express and take a cab or local transport. Besides, the DHR tour is an exciting adventure, starting from the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and then traveling by road to Gangtok.
See also: Nearest railway station from Vaishno Devi
Nearest railway station to Gangtok
| Railway Station | Location and distance from Gangtok | Arriving train numbers & name | Facilities and Amenities | General Information |
| New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Junction | New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal
Distance – approx 120 km |
-12041/12042 (New Jalpaiguri Shatabdi)
-12505/12506 (Northeast Express) -12377/12378 (Padatik Express) |
-Free Wi-Fi
-Cloakroom -Dormitory -Parking available Restaurants -Ticket counter |
Station code: NJP
No of platforms: 8 (6 Broad Gauge/2 Narrow Gauge) Tracks: 45 Zone(s): Northeast Frontier Railway zone Division(s): Katihar Structure type: On-ground station |
| Siliguri Junction | City of Siliguri, West Bengal.
Distance- approx 111 km |
-12343/12344 (Darjeeling Mai)
-13149/13150 (Kanchan Kanya Express) -15719/15720 (Alipurduar Express) |
– Ticket counter
– Waiting rooms – Food stalls – Restrooms – Parking available – Accessible |
Station code: SGUJ
No. of platforms: 6 (5 Broad Gauge/1 Narrow Gauge) Tracks: 10 Zone(s): Northeast Frontier Railway zone Division(s): Katihar Structure type: On-ground station |
| Darjeeling Himalayan Railway | Darjeeling, West Bengal
Distance – approx 98 km |
-N/A (DHR or the Toy Train is a heritage narrow gauge railway) | -Ticket counter
-Waiting rooms -Food corner -Dormitory rooms |
Station code: DHR
No. of platforms: 17 Tracks: Not defined Zone(s): Mountain Railway of India Division(s): Darjeeling Structure type: On-ground station |
How to reach Gangtok?
By train
As Gangtok lacks a train station, tourists should reach New Jalpaiguri (NJP). From there, they can take a taxi or shared cab to Gangtok. Trains from NJP connect to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
By air
Since Gangtok doesn’t have an airport, tourists can fly to Bagdogra Airport (IXB). After landing, they can take a local bus or taxi to Gangtok. Flights to Bagdogra are available from cities like Delhi, Kolkata, & Mumbai.
By road
To reach Gangtok, Visitors can drive to Gangtok from Siliguri via National Highway 10, passing through Sevoke, Kalimpong, & Rangpo the journey takes around 4-5 hours. Taxis are easily available in Gangtok for convenient local travel. while Local buses are accessible for short-distance travel within Gangtok.
Gangtok’s nearest railway station: Tips for a smooth journey
- The New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) can be reached by a shared or private cab hire and takes four to five hours to reach Gangtok by roadway.
- There are taxis available outside NJP station, so the price has to be negotiated before starting the ride. Shared cabs are a cheaper choice. Passengers should know when to depart and try to make reservations.
- Bring water, snacks, 7 any drugs that you may require. For travel necessities, one must carry a photocopy of ID proofs.
- Bring a sufficient amount of cash because some places may only accept cash. For further cash requirements, ATMs are there in Gangtok.
- To avoid health problems, be careful with street food & drink bottled or boiled water.If you want maps & advice, go to tourist information centers in the area.
Best time to visit Gangtok
The ideal time to explore Gangtok is from March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant, offering clear skies and comfortable temperatures for a delightful experience.
Places to visit in Gangtok
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, presents a blend of cultural richness, natural beauty and thrilling adventures. Check out these cool places to explore in and around Gangtok,
Tourist attractions
- MG Marg: A busy street lined with stores, coffee shops, cafes and restaurants. Perfect for strolls, shopping and trying local cuisine.
- Tsomgo Lake: A pretty glacial lake surrounded by mountains. Visitors can ride boats and enjoy stunning views; accessible from Gangtok.
- Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple: A special temple dedicated to an Indian army soldier. An emotional and patriotic site with a unique history.
- Himalayan Zoological Park: Home to the red panda, snow leopard and Himalayan bears. A great place for wildlife enthusiasts and families.
- Seven Sister Waterfalls: Check out the seven sisters falls, a series of waterfalls coming down the hills. A scenic spot, perfect for photography.
- Do Drul Chorten: A place with a golden top and cool carvings. Visitors and locals go there for prayers and spin the wheels.
Local markets and shopping destinations
- Lal Bazaar: Explore this local market for traditional Sikkimese goods, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
- New Market: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, find clothing, accessories, and local snacks in this bustling market.
- Old Market: Discover traditional Sikkimese items, including prayer flags, local spices, and handmade crafts.
Adventure activities in and around Gangtok
- River Rafting: Experience the thrill of river rafting in the Teesta River, offering exciting rapids for adventure enthusiasts.
- Paragliding: Soar through the skies and enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas with paragliding activities.
- Trekking Trails: Explore various routes around Gangtok, offering a chance to witness the natural beauty and local villages.
- Cable Car Ride: Take a cable car ride for spectacular aerial views of Gangtok and its surrounding landscapes.
Gangtok’s real estate scenario
Residential real estate
Investing in residential property near the nearest railway station – New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in Gangtok – offers convenient access to railway services and potential appreciation in property values. The development of amenities and tourism-related activities further enhances the quality of life for residents. Choosing a residential property near NJP presents an opportunity for a well-connected and potentially appreciating real estate investment in picturesque Gangtok.
Commercial real estate
Investing in commercial property near Gangtok’s nearest railway station, New Jalpaiguri (NJP), is a strategic move for businesses. These properties offer diverse options with a range of prices, accommodating various budgets. The proximity to NJP not only ensures convenient access for clients and employees but also streamlines logistical operations.
Commercial spaces in this area have the potential for value appreciation, driven by the high demand for well-connected business locations. Whether for retail outlets or offices, choosing a commercial property near NJP provides businesses in Gangtok with a competitive edge in a dynamic market.
The price range of properties in Gangtok
| S.no | Price of properties | Amount |
| 1 | Avg. Price/sqft for buying residential property | Rs 11,445/sq.ft |
| 2 | Average Rent for apartments | Rs 2,796 |
| 3 | Price range of rent for apartments | Rs 2000 to Rs 22,000 |
FAQs
Which is the closest railway station to Gangtok?
New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) is the nearest railhead to Gangtok.
Does NJP have any transportation options to Gangtok?
Passengers can also find private taxis or board shared cabs to travel to Gangtok in comfort.
What languages are spoken in Gangtok?
English and Hindi are often understood, but a few local phrases can further smooth the trip.
Does the train to Gangtok go directly, or is a road trip from NJP required?
Now, there are no Gangtok direct trains. Travelers normally arrive in NJP and then travel by road to their final destination.
What is unique about the DHR or Toy Train?
The DHR is known for its old-fashioned steam locomotives and picturesque narrow-gauge tracks that provide panoramic views of the Himalayas.
What is the best transportation for large groups traveling from NJP to Gangtok?
Large groups are advised to hire a private car or book a super-capacity shared cab.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |