Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is a natural add-on to a holiday in the Darjeeling hills. It is about 4 hrs from Darjeeling and 5 hrs 30 min from Mirik, with high-altitude lakes and passes that you can't reach from the Darjeeling side. Here is how to fit it in.
How to plan it
- Give Gangtok two nights at least: one day for the town and monasteries, one for Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La.
- Darjeeling first, then Gangtok: drive across via Teesta Bazaar, then down to Bagdogra or NJP from Gangtok to fly or take the train home.
- Or finish in Mirik: after Sikkim, come back via Siliguri for a quiet last night by the lake, under two hours from the airport.
- Start permits early: Tsomgo and Nathu La permits are arranged through registered agents in Gangtok, usually a day ahead.
Places to see in and around Gangtok
A glacial lake at about 3,750 m, 40 km from Gangtok, frozen in winter and ringed by rhododendrons in spring. Needs a permit, arranged through a registered tour operator.
The high mountain pass on the India–China border, usually combined with Tsomgo Lake. Open to Indian nationals only, on set days, with a permit applied for in advance.
A museum and library of Tibetan Buddhist art, manuscripts and icons, in a traditional building surrounded by forest.
A short drive from town, with a wide view across to Kanchenjunga on clear mornings.
One of Sikkim’s important monasteries, on the North Sikkim highway about 30 km from Gangtok, known for its old murals.
In town, walk the pedestrian M.G. Marg in the evening, visit Enchey Monastery and the Do Drul Chorten, and take the cable car for views over the valley. Rumtek Monastery, the seat of the Karmapa lineage, is about an hour away.
A sample 6-night hills holiday
- Nights 1–2, Darjeeling: Tiger Hill, the toy train, the Mall. See our Darjeeling itinerary.
- Nights 3–4, Gangtok: town sights, then Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La.
- Nights 5–6, Mirik: lake, monastery and tea gardens; then an easy drive to Bagdogra.
Book your Darjeeling and Mirik nights with us directly, and our desk can help arrange cars between the towns. See how to reach Mirik and Darjeeling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a hotel in Gangtok?
Not any more. Our hotels are in Mirik and Darjeeling. Many guests stay with us and add Gangtok as a two or three night side trip.
How far is Gangtok from Darjeeling?
About 95 km, roughly 4 hrs by road via Teesta Bazaar. Shared jeeps and reserved taxis run between the two towns.
Do I need a permit for Sikkim?
Indian citizens do not need a permit to visit Gangtok, but do for Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La and North Sikkim; tour operators arrange these with your photo ID and passport photos. Foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit, issued at Rangpo or online.