North Sikkim is a beautiful and remote region located in the northeastern part of India, known for its stunning landscapes and unique culture. Delhi, the capital city of India, serves as a major gateway for travelers heading to this serene destination. Many travelers choose this route to explore the untouched beauty of North Sikkim and experience its peaceful environment.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to North Sikkim. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival. This information will help you plan your journey confidently and enjoy a smooth trip.

Getting from Delhi to North Sikkim – Main Options

Train

Train travel from Delhi to North Sikkim is indirect but popular for those who want a comfortable and scenic journey to the nearest railhead. The train covers a large part of the distance, after which you must switch to road transport.

• The closest major railway station to North Sikkim is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in West Bengal, about 130 km from Gangtok, the gateway to North Sikkim. Trains from Delhi to NJP take approximately 30 to 36 hours.

• Popular trains include the Rajdhani Express and North East Express, offering air-conditioned coaches and sleeper options. Ticket prices range from ₹800 to ₹2,500 depending on class and availability.

• Trains run daily or several times a week, but booking in advance through IRCTC is essential, especially during peak tourist seasons like summer and winter holidays.

• From NJP, you will need to hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to Gangtok, which takes about 4 to 5 hours on NH10. Roads can be narrow and winding, so plan for possible delays during monsoon.

Bus

Buses are a budget-friendly option to travel from Delhi to North Sikkim, though the journey is long and involves multiple changes. It suits travelers looking for economical travel and local experience.

• There are no direct buses from Delhi to North Sikkim. You must first take a bus or train to Siliguri or Gangtok, then switch to local buses or shared taxis to reach North Sikkim.

• Delhi to Siliguri bus services operate from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, with journey times around 30 to 36 hours. Fares range from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 for non-AC sleeper buses.

• From Siliguri, Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) buses run to Gangtok and further to Mangan or Lachung in North Sikkim. These buses are frequent but can be crowded during peak seasons.

• Bus travel involves multiple stops and transfers, so it is advisable to carry snacks and water. Roads in Sikkim are mountainous, so buses move slower and may face delays during monsoon or winter fog.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to North Sikkim offers flexibility and the chance to explore scenic routes at your own pace. This option suits experienced drivers comfortable with long-distance and mountain driving.

• The distance from Delhi to Gangtok is approximately 1,600 km via NH44 and NH10, taking about 30 to 35 hours of driving time without long breaks.

• From Gangtok, North Sikkim is accessible by road via NH310, with destinations like Mangan, Lachung, and Lachen reachable within 3 to 6 hours depending on the location.

• Expect toll plazas on NH44 and NH10, and prepare for narrow, winding mountain roads in Sikkim. Driving in monsoon or winter requires caution due to landslides and fog.

• Fuel stations are available along major highways but are sparse in North Sikkim, so plan refueling carefully. Carry a physical map or GPS device as mobile signals may be weak in hilly areas.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach the region near North Sikkim, but there are no airports in North Sikkim itself. You will need to combine air travel with road transport.

• The nearest airport to North Sikkim is Pakyong Airport, about 35 km from Gangtok. It serves flights from Delhi and Kolkata, with flight times around 2.5 hours.

• Delhi to Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri is another common option, with multiple daily flights taking about 2 hours. Bagdogra is well connected and offers more flight choices.

• From Pakyong or Bagdogra, you must hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to Gangtok and then proceed to North Sikkim by road. The drive from Bagdogra to Gangtok takes about 4 to 5 hours.

• Flight fares vary widely, typically ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 one way, depending on booking time and season. Weather conditions like fog and rain can cause flight delays or cancellations, especially in winter and monsoon.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Delhi to North Sikkim. It will help you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common challenges.

• Book your train or flight tickets well in advance through IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats and get better prices. Early booking is crucial during holidays and festivals.

• If traveling by train, plan to arrive at New Jalpaiguri station and arrange a taxi or shared jeep to Gangtok. Confirm vehicle availability before arrival to avoid waiting.

• From Gangtok, obtain the necessary permits for North Sikkim travel at the Sikkim Tourism office. This step is mandatory and can take a few hours, so plan accordingly.

• Hire a local taxi or join a shared jeep from Gangtok to your North Sikkim destination. Roads are mountainous, so choose experienced drivers for safety and comfort.

• Pack light but include warm clothing, as North Sikkim’s weather can be cold, especially at higher altitudes. Carry bottled water and snacks for long road journeys.

• Keep your travel documents, permits, and ID handy throughout the trip. Mobile connectivity may be limited, so inform family or friends about your itinerary in advance.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber in Delhi and Siliguri to avoid overcharging and ensure safe travel. Negotiate fares carefully for local taxis in Sikkim.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey to prevent stomach issues. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill at trusted sources.

• Book train and flight tickets through official portals like IRCTC and airline websites to avoid scams. Avoid last-minute bookings during peak seasons.

• Local transport in North Sikkim is limited; shared jeeps and taxis are common. Confirm return timings and fares in advance to avoid being stranded.

• Pack light luggage that is easy to carry on multiple transfers. Use sturdy bags and keep valuables in your carry-on for safety.

• During monsoon (June to September), expect landslides and roadblocks in Sikkim. Check weather and road conditions before traveling and carry rain gear.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to North Sikkim is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Avoid the heavy monsoon season to reduce the risk of landslides and travel delays.

Winter months bring cold temperatures and occasional snowfall in North Sikkim, which can disrupt road travel but also offer beautiful snowy landscapes for adventurous travelers.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Christmas when transport services are crowded and prices rise sharply.

• Monsoon season (June to September) causes slippery roads and frequent landslides, especially on NH10 and NH310, leading to delays and cancellations.

• Early morning departures from Delhi or Siliguri help avoid city traffic and allow smoother connections to onward transport.

• Winter fog in December and January can delay flights to Pakyong and Bagdogra, so keep buffer days in your itinerary.

Arrival at North Sikkim & What to Expect

Upon arrival in North Sikkim, you will find a peaceful and less crowded environment compared to other tourist spots. The region is known for its natural beauty, traditional villages, and friendly locals.

Local transport options include shared jeeps and taxis, which are the main ways to move between towns like Mangan, Lachung, and Lachen. Accommodation ranges from guesthouses to small hotels, mostly concentrated near town centers. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are not common here, so negotiate fares carefully.

Conclusion

Traveling from Delhi to North Sikkim involves a combination of train, road, and sometimes air travel. The most efficient option is to take a train or flight to New Jalpaiguri or Bagdogra, then continue by road to Gangtok and onward to North Sikkim. This route balances comfort, cost, and travel time effectively.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, obtaining permits in Gangtok, and preparing for mountain road conditions will ensure a smooth journey. With the right preparation, you can enjoy the stunning landscapes and unique culture of North Sikkim with confidence and ease.