Gangtok and Darjeeling in One Trip: Route, Days, Itinerary and Tips (2026)
How to combine Gangtok and Darjeeling: the route from Bagdogra or NJP, how many days you need, a 6-day itinerary, the toy train, Tiger Hill and travel tips.
Gangtok and Darjeeling are about 100 km apart, a drive of 4 to 5 hours through the Teesta valley. Both are reached from the same hub, Bagdogra airport or New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station near Siliguri, so it is easy to fly or train in, see both, and leave from the same place.
You need at least 5 days for both, and 6 or 7 days if you want Tsomgo Lake or a slow day in either town. This guide covers the route, an itinerary, the toy train and Tiger Hill, and what to book in advance.
Which way round?
Both directions work. Many travellers start in Gangtok and end in Darjeeling, so the trip finishes with the Tiger Hill sunrise and the toy train, and the drive back to Bagdogra or NJP from Darjeeling is shorter.
| Leg | Distance (approx.) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bagdogra or NJP to Gangtok | 115 to 125 km | 4 to 5 hours |
| Gangtok to Darjeeling | 100 km | 4 to 5 hours |
| Darjeeling to Bagdogra or NJP | 65 to 70 km | 3 to 4 hours |
Roads in the hills are slow, and traffic around Siliguri and in both towns can add an hour, especially on weekends and in holiday season. Leave early on travel days.
A 6-day itinerary
- Day 1: Bagdogra or NJP to Gangtok. Arrive by afternoon and walk MG Marg in the evening.
- Day 2: Tsomgo Lake. A day trip to the lake, with Nathu La or Baba Mandir if your permit allows. Our snow in Sikkim guide covers the permit.
- Day 3: Gangtok sightseeing. Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, Tashi Viewpoint and the ropeway. See things to do in Gangtok.
- Day 4: Gangtok to Darjeeling. Drive down the Teesta valley and up to Darjeeling. Evening walk on the Mall and Chowrasta.
- Day 5: Darjeeling. Tiger Hill sunrise, Batasia Loop, the toy train joyride, a tea estate, and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and zoo.
- Day 6: Darjeeling to Bagdogra or NJP. Leave by mid-morning for an afternoon flight or train.
With a seventh day, add Pelling in West Sikkim between Gangtok and Darjeeling, or spend a day at a tea estate near Kurseong or Mirik.
The Darjeeling toy train
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most visitors take a joyride, a round trip of about 2 hours from Darjeeling to Ghum and back, with a stop at the Batasia Loop.
- Fares (2026): about Rs 800 for a diesel joyride and about Rs 1,300 to 1,500 for a steam joyride, depending on the route.
- Booking: on IRCTC, from Darjeeling (DJ) to Darjeeling Joyride (DJRZ). Seats are limited, so book as soon as your dates are fixed.
- Tip: steam joyrides are the most popular and sell out first in October and May.
Tiger Hill sunrise
Tiger Hill, about 11 km from Darjeeling, is where you watch the sun light up Kangchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain. Cars leave Darjeeling at about 3:30 to 4 am. It is cold and crowded on clear mornings, and views depend on the weather.
- Best months for a clear view: October to December, and March to April.
- Book your car the evening before. Your hotel can arrange it.
- Dress warmly, even in spring.
When to go
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| March to May | Pleasant, flowers, good views in the mornings. Busy in May. |
| June to September | Monsoon. Green, but cloudy views and landslide delays. |
| October to December | Clearest views of Kangchenjunga. Busy in October and late December. |
| January and February | Cold and quieter. Snow at Tsomgo Lake. |
Our best time to visit Sikkim guide goes month by month.
Permits
- Indian nationals need no permit for Gangtok or Darjeeling. Carry photo ID.
- Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La and North Sikkim need permits, arranged in Gangtok through a registered operator.
- Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit for Sikkim, issued at Rangpo or in advance.
Getting around
- Private cab: the easiest option, especially with luggage or children. Sikkim and West Bengal taxis have different permits, so check that your cab can do both legs.
- Shared jeeps: run between Siliguri, Gangtok and Darjeeling. Cheap, but they leave when full and have limited luggage space.
- Within towns: local taxis. Gangtok and Darjeeling are both steep and walking is slow.
Travel with Breeziah
Our Gangtok and Darjeeling Tour is 5 days, from Rs 15,999 per person. For a longer trip with Pelling, see the Gangtok, Pelling and Darjeeling Tour, from Rs 21,999. Couples can choose our Sikkim and Darjeeling Couple Getaway.
Helpful Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Darjeeling from Gangtok?
About 100 km by road, a drive of 4 to 5 hours through the Teesta valley.
How many days are enough for Gangtok and Darjeeling?
Five days is the minimum. Six or seven days lets you add Tsomgo Lake and a slower day in Darjeeling.
Should I visit Gangtok or Darjeeling first?
Either works. Starting in Gangtok and ending in Darjeeling is popular, as the drive back to Bagdogra or NJP from Darjeeling is shorter.
How do I book the Darjeeling toy train joyride?
On IRCTC, from Darjeeling (DJ) to Darjeeling Joyride (DJRZ). Diesel joyrides cost about Rs 800 and steam joyrides about Rs 1,300 to 1,500 in 2026.
Do I need a permit for Gangtok and Darjeeling?
Indian nationals do not. Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit for Sikkim. Tsomgo Lake and North Sikkim need separate permits for everyone.
Which airport is closest to Gangtok and Darjeeling?
Bagdogra, near Siliguri. It is about 3 to 4 hours from Darjeeling and 4 to 5 hours from Gangtok. New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest major railway station.
Plan This Journey
Turn this Gangtok guide into a trip that fits your pace
If this guide is part of the kind of holiday you want, Breeziah can help shape the route, travel flow and stay style around your dates, comfort level and destination priorities.