How to Reach Sikkim

Sikkim, a mesmerizing Himalayan state located in Northeast India, attracts travelers with its snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, monasteries, and peaceful charm. Despite being a mountainous region, reaching Sikkim is surprisingly easy for most of the year. There are several options to reach this breathtaking destination, with the most convenient being a flight to Bagdogra Airport and the most exhilarating being a road trip via NH 31A.

Whether you’re planning a relaxed holiday, a honeymoon, or an adventurous road trip, this detailed guide explains how to reach Sikkim comfortably from anywhere in India.

How to Reach Sikkim by Air:

The nearest airport to Sikkim is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in West Bengal, located approximately 124 km from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Bagdogra Airport is well-connected with major Indian cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Leading airlines like Indigo, Air India, and AirAsia operate frequent flights throughout the year.

How to Reach Sikkim by Train:

Although Sikkim does not have its own railway station yet, it is well-connected via New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), the nearest and most convenient railhead. The NJP to Gangtok distance is about 148kmand it takes around 5 to 6 hours. NJP Railway Station is connected to major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Guwahati, Chennai, and Bangalore through regular express and superfast trains.

How to Reach Sikkim by Road:

A road trip to Sikkim is one of the most exciting ways to reach this Himalayan paradise. Well-maintained highways connect Sikkim to West Bengal, making road travel smooth for most of the year. Most travelers choose the highway via Siliguri, Bagdogra, or NJP from West Bengal to reach Sikkim. Shared jeeps and private taxis are available from Siliguri to various vital parts of Sikkim, especially the South and West. The road journey from these places takes around 6 hours, depending on the season and weather conditions. The most commonly used route is NH10 (formerly NH31A), which offers breathtaking views of hills, rivers, tea gardens, and waterfalls.