Lachung is a beautiful mountain village located in North Sikkim, known for its stunning landscapes and serene environment. NJP, or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, is the main gateway for travelers coming from West Bengal and other parts of India to reach Sikkim.

This route from NJP to Lachung is popular among tourists seeking to explore Sikkim’s natural beauty and culture. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel between these two points, including trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical tips for a hassle-free journey.

Getting from NJP to Lachung – Main Options

Train

Train travel is suitable for reaching NJP from major cities, but there is no direct train to Lachung due to its remote location. You will use the train to arrive at NJP, then switch to road transport to reach Lachung.

• New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) is well connected to Kolkata, Delhi, and other major cities, with trains running frequently throughout the year.

• Train travel to NJP takes about 10-14 hours from Kolkata and 20-24 hours from Delhi, with fares ranging from INR 500 to INR 2000 depending on class and train type.

• Trains to NJP are generally comfortable, but booking in advance via IRCTC is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons and festivals.

• From NJP, you will need to arrange road transport to Lachung, as no trains run further into Sikkim due to mountainous terrain.

• Keep in mind that NJP station can be crowded during holidays, so plan your arrival time carefully to avoid rush hours.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to travel from NJP to Lachung, though the journey involves multiple changes and can be long due to hilly roads.

• State transport buses operated by Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) run from Siliguri or NJP to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, taking about 4-5 hours and costing INR 150-300.

• From Gangtok, shared taxis or buses to Lachung take around 6-7 hours, covering approximately 120 km on National Highway 310, with fares between INR 300-600.

• Buses and shared taxis to Lachung are less frequent and often fill up quickly during peak season, so arriving early at the bus stand is advisable.

• The road journey includes steep and winding mountain roads, so be prepared for slower travel and occasional delays due to weather or landslides, especially during monsoon.

• Rest stops along the way offer basic food and tea stalls, but carrying snacks and water is recommended for comfort.

Car / Self-Drive

Hiring a private car or self-driving from NJP to Lachung offers flexibility and comfort, making it a preferred choice for many travelers.

• The distance from NJP to Lachung is about 130 km, and the drive typically takes 7-8 hours via NH 10 and NH 310, depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Private taxis can be booked from NJP or Siliguri, with fares ranging from INR 3500 to INR 6000 for a one-way trip, including driver allowance and tolls.

• Self-driving requires careful navigation of narrow, winding mountain roads with frequent hairpin bends, so experience driving in hilly terrain is important.

• There are toll plazas on NH 10 and NH 310, and you will pass through several check posts where permits for Sikkim are verified, so keep your ID and permits handy.

• Stops for meals and refreshments are available at Rangpo and Mangan towns, which have decent restaurants and restrooms.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Lachung, but you can fly to Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri and then continue by road to Lachung.

• Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to NJP, located about 16 km away, with regular flights from Delhi, Kolkata, and other major cities.

• From Bagdogra, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to NJP or directly towards Lachung, which takes about 7-8 hours by road.

• Flight fares to Bagdogra vary widely, typically between INR 2000 and INR 6000 depending on the city of origin and booking time.

• Bagdogra Airport has basic facilities, and pre-booking a taxi or cab via Ola or Uber is recommended for a smooth onward journey.

• Weather conditions like fog in winter can cause flight delays, so plan your arrival with some buffer time before starting road travel to Lachung.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers making the journey from NJP to Lachung, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip.

• Book your train ticket to NJP well in advance through IRCTC to secure a confirmed seat, especially during peak tourist seasons or holidays.

• Upon arrival at NJP, arrange for a private taxi or shared cab to Gangtok; this helps avoid waiting long for public buses and ensures timely travel.

• From Gangtok, book a shared taxi or private vehicle to Lachung, as direct buses are limited and taxis offer more comfort on mountainous roads.

• Carry your Sikkim Inner Line Permit (ILP) or ensure it is arranged beforehand, as it is mandatory for travel beyond Gangtok towards Lachung.

• Pack light but include warm clothing, water, and snacks for the journey, as road travel can be long and stops are limited.

• Start early in the morning to avoid night driving on mountain roads, which can be risky due to poor visibility and narrow paths.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a valid photo ID and Sikkim ILP, as police check posts are frequent on the way to Lachung and can delay travel if documents are missing.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey to avoid stomach issues, especially when stopping at small roadside eateries.

• Book your transport tickets and taxis in advance through trusted agents or apps like Ola and Uber where available, to avoid last-minute price hikes.

• Use local taxis or shared cabs within Lachung for short distances, as public transport is limited and walking can be tiring due to altitude.

• Pack your luggage in waterproof bags or covers, since sudden rain or fog is common in the mountains and can damage belongings.

• During monsoon months (June to September), check weather and road conditions before traveling, as landslides can cause delays or road closures.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from NJP to Lachung is during the dry months, when roads are clear and weather is pleasant. Monsoon and winter seasons can pose challenges due to rain and fog.

Planning your trip outside major festivals and holidays helps avoid crowded transport and higher prices, making your journey more comfortable.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (June to September) due to frequent landslides and slippery roads on NH 310.

• Winter months (December to February) bring cold temperatures and fog, which can reduce visibility and slow down travel.

• Peak tourist seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November), so book transport and accommodation well in advance.

• Start early in the day to avoid night driving, as mountain roads are narrow and poorly lit, increasing risk after dark.

Arrival at Lachung & What to Expect

When you arrive at Lachung, you will find a small but welcoming town with basic amenities and stunning natural beauty. The main arrival point is the town center near the bus stand and taxi stand.

Local transport options include shared taxis and private cabs for nearby sightseeing. Most visitors stay in guesthouses or small hotels close to the town center, which is within walking distance from arrival points.

Prepaid taxis are rare, so agree on fares before starting your journey within Lachung. App-based cabs like Ola or Uber are not available here, so cash payments are standard.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Lachung from NJP is by combining train travel to NJP with a private taxi or shared cab for the mountainous road journey. This option balances comfort, safety, and flexibility, allowing you to enjoy the scenic route at your own pace.

Planning ahead by booking train tickets, arranging permits, and choosing reliable road transport will help you avoid common challenges like crowding, weather delays, and permit issues. With proper preparation, you can confidently embark on this beautiful journey from NJP to Lachung and experience the charm of North Sikkim without stress.