Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is nestled in the eastern Himalayas, known for its stunning mountain views and vibrant culture. Pune, a bustling city in Maharashtra, serves as a major gateway for travelers heading to northeastern India.

This route is popular among tourists seeking a mix of urban life and serene hill station experiences. This guide will help you plan your journey from Pune to Gangtok using various transport options, including trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical travel tips.

Getting from Pune to Gangtok – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a budget-friendly and comfortable option for most of the journey, though it requires transfers and additional travel to reach Gangtok. It suits travelers who prefer scenic routes and have flexible schedules.

• You can board trains from Pune Junction (PUNE) to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), the nearest major railway station to Gangtok, covering about 2,000 km in roughly 36 to 42 hours depending on the train chosen.

• Popular trains include the Howrah Express and Darjeeling Mail, with fares ranging from ₹800 for sleeper class to ₹2,500 for AC 3-tier, offering different comfort levels and catering to various budgets.

• New Jalpaiguri station is well connected to Gangtok by road, about 125 km away, reachable by shared taxis, buses, or private cabs, with travel time around 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic and weather.

• Train frequency is good, but booking in advance via IRCTC is essential, especially during peak tourist seasons like summer and winter holidays to avoid waitlists and last-minute hassles.

• Monsoon season (June to September) can cause delays due to landslides in the Northeast, so plan extra buffer time if traveling during this period.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and economical way to travel part of the route, but there is no direct bus from Pune to Gangtok. You will need to combine bus and other transport modes.

• From Pune, you can take MSRTC buses or private operators to Siliguri, the gateway city near Gangtok, covering around 2,000 km in 40 to 45 hours with fares between ₹1,200 and ₹2,000 depending on bus type.

• From Siliguri, Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) and private buses run frequently to Gangtok, taking about 4 to 5 hours and costing ₹150 to ₹300 per seat.

• Bus travel can be crowded and less comfortable for long distances, so choose Volvo or deluxe buses when possible for better seating and air conditioning.

• Night buses are available but can be tiring; daytime travel allows you to enjoy scenic views en route, especially on the hilly stretch from Siliguri to Gangtok.

• During winter and monsoon, road conditions may worsen, causing delays, so check weather forecasts and road status before booking buses.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Pune to Gangtok is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want flexibility in stops and sightseeing. It covers diverse terrains and requires careful planning.

• The distance by road is approximately 2,200 km via NH 27 and NH 10, taking around 40 to 45 hours of driving time spread over multiple days with overnight stops.

• Major highways include NH 48 from Pune to Delhi, then NH 27 towards Siliguri, and NH 10 from Siliguri to Gangtok, passing through toll plazas and several states with varying road conditions.

• Plan stops in cities like Nagpur, Varanasi, and Siliguri for rest, food, and fuel; these cities have good hotels and eateries offering local and familiar cuisine.

• Driving through the mountainous roads near Gangtok requires caution, especially during monsoon due to landslides and slippery roads; avoid night driving in hilly areas.

• Ensure your vehicle is well-serviced, carry essential documents, and use GPS or offline maps as mobile signals may be weak in remote areas.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach near Gangtok from Pune, though it requires connecting flights and additional road travel to reach the city itself.

• Pune Airport (PNQ) offers direct flights to Delhi and Kolkata, major hubs for connecting flights to Bagdogra Airport (IXB), the closest airport to Gangtok, about 125 km away.

• From Bagdogra, you can hire taxis or take shared jeeps to Gangtok, which takes about 4 to 5 hours on hilly roads, with fares ranging from ₹1,200 to ₹2,000 depending on vehicle type.

• Flight duration from Pune to Bagdogra via Delhi or Kolkata is around 6 to 9 hours including layovers, making it the fastest overall option compared to train or road travel.

• Booking flights well in advance through online portals or airline websites helps secure better fares, especially during peak tourist seasons like summer and winter holidays.

• Bagdogra Airport has limited public transport options, so pre-booking airport transfers or using app-based cabs like Ola or Uber is recommended for hassle-free last-mile connectivity.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Pune to Gangtok, helping you navigate the journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets early using IRCTC or airline websites to secure confirmed seats and avoid last-minute price hikes or waitlists.

• If traveling by train, plan to arrive at Pune Junction at least 30 minutes before departure to manage crowds and find your coach comfortably.

• Upon reaching New Jalpaiguri or Bagdogra, arrange your onward transport to Gangtok in advance through trusted taxi services or Sikkim Nationalised Transport buses to avoid inflated fares.

• Pack light but include essentials like warm clothes, rain gear, and comfortable shoes, as Gangtok’s weather can be unpredictable and involves walking on uneven terrain.

• Use mobile apps like Ola, Uber, or local taxi aggregators for last-mile connectivity in Siliguri and Gangtok to ensure safety and fair pricing.

• Keep your ID proofs and travel documents handy throughout the journey, as Sikkim requires permits for entry which can be obtained online or at entry points.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water during the journey to prevent stomach issues, especially when traveling by train or bus through multiple states.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs at arrival points to avoid being overcharged by local drivers unfamiliar to you.

• Book tickets well in advance during peak seasons like summer vacations and festivals such as Losar in Sikkim to avoid unavailability and inflated prices.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying valuables in crowded trains or buses; use lockable bags and keep important items close to you.

• Be prepared for sudden weather changes in Gangtok by carrying layered clothing and waterproof jackets, especially during monsoon and winter months.

• Respect local customs and regulations, including permit requirements for Sikkim, to ensure a smooth and hassle-free visit.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Pune to Gangtok depends on weather and tourist seasons. Summer months from March to June offer pleasant weather in Gangtok and are ideal for sightseeing.

Monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rains and landslides, causing delays on roads and railways. Winter months from November to February are cold but clear, attracting tourists for snow views.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals or holidays like Diwali and Christmas when trains and flights are crowded and prices surge.

• Early morning departures from Pune help avoid city traffic and allow better connections for onward travel.

• Fog in the eastern Himalayas during winter mornings can delay flights and road travel, so plan buffer time if flying into Bagdogra.

• Summer months provide the best road conditions and clear skies, making the journey safer and more comfortable.

Arrival at Gangtok & What to Expect

On arrival in Gangtok, you will find a small but busy town with limited public transport. Most travelers use shared taxis, private cabs, or local buses to reach their hotels or explore the city.

Popular areas to stay include MG Road, Deorali, and Tadong, which offer easy access to markets, restaurants, and sightseeing spots. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola are available but limited; negotiating fares beforehand is common practice.

Conclusion

Traveling from Pune to Gangtok involves a combination of transport modes, with flights to Bagdogra plus road transfer being the fastest and most convenient option. Train travel offers a scenic and economical alternative but requires more time and planning.

Careful booking, awareness of seasonal conditions, and local travel tips will help you enjoy a smooth journey. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip and experience the beauty of Gangtok without stress.