Are you planning to visit the stunning capital city of Sikkim – Gangtok? If yes, then the one question that might be popping up in your mind is which is the nearest railway station to Gangtok? Since there is no railway station in Gangtok till now, tourists mostly rely on nearby railheads to reach their destination in the city. So, whether you are coming from Delhi, Kolkata, Patna, Mumbai, or any other major city in India, learning about rail connectivity might come in handy to you during the planning phase of your trip. Before boarding your train, don’t forget to check your Railway PNR status to stay updated on your ticket confirmation, coach details, and berth allocation for a hassle-free journey to Gangtok.
Here is the list of important things to know regarding Gangtok nearest railway station, including name, distance, route, travel tips, and other travel hacks.
Gangtok Nearest Railway Station Name
The nearest railway station name is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP). It is situated in the city of Siliguri, West Bengal. NJP is the most preferred railhead for travelers who are planning to travel to Gangtok or Sikkim. The station offers great connectivity to almost all major cities of India, like Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Patna, Chennai, and Mumbai.
The distance from NJP station to Gangtok is 120–125 kilometres. It generally takes 4-5 hours to cover this distance. For those who wish to reach the nearest railway station Gangtok, NJP is certainly the right choice.
Reasons Why New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the Best Nearest Railway Station to Gangtok
There are two primary reasons why NJP is the best railway station near Gangtok – first, it is well connected, and secondly, there are taxis and other forms of transport available just outside the station for travellers to take to Gangtok further.
Popular trains that connect NJP with other parts of India include:
- Darjeeling Mail Train from Kolkata
- North East Express from Delhi
- Guwahati Express
- Padatik Express
- Shatabdi Express
Thanks to its connectivity with all major parts of India, NJP enjoys maximum tourist footfall while they plan a Sikkim tour. Before starting their journey, many passengers check the live train status to stay updated on train arrival times and avoid delays. Availability of taxis and buses to travel to Gangtok once you get off the NJP railway station is another reason for travellers choosing NJP.
Distance Between Gangtok & NJP Railway Station
The distance between NJP railway station to Gangtok by road is around 120 to 125 kilometres. The journey takes 4-5 hours.
The journey between NJP and Gangtok is extremely scenic. It passes through mountain roads, rivers, hills, green fields, forests, small towns, and villages.
A few stops on the route are NJP → Siliguri → Sevoke → Teesta Bazaar → Rangpo → Gangtok
The journey becomes part of your vacation because of its spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges.
If travelling during the monsoon season, you need to consider increasing your travel time because of occasional landslides and rainfall in hilly regions. Therefore, tourists are advised to allocate extra time in their schedules.
How to Reach Gangtok from NJP Railway Station
After arriving at the nearest railway station, here are some modes of transport you can use to reach your destination.
Private Taxi
Taking a private taxi is convenient if you are travelling with a family or group. Many taxis at NJP will drive you directly to your Gangtok hotel.
Travel time: About 4–5 hours
A private taxi works well for families or tourists travelling with bulky luggage or children.
Shared Cabs
Taking a shared cab is also a popular option for those travelling alone or on a budget. Shared cabs usually depart from Siliguri and NJP. They are cheaper compared to private taxis.
Shared jeeps tend to wait until they get full passengers before leaving. Although less comfortable, you can save some money when taking them.
Bus Services
Government and private buses also run regularly between Siliguri and Gangtok. Even though bus travel is relatively inexpensive, buses might take a little more time to reach Gangtok than taxis. Individuals preferring to travel on a budget should opt for buses.
Another Nearby Railway Station to Gangtok
Apart from NJP, another railway station close to Gangtok is Siliguri Junction Railway Station. Siliguri Junction is located near Gangtok, around 110–115 km away. Nevertheless, NJP is preferred over Siliguri Junction because NJP connects well with other stations across the country, as compared to Siliguri Junction. Since Siliguri Junction serves regional train stations, NJP is definitely the more practical choice among the two railway stations near Gangtok.
Future Railway Connectivity in Sikkim
Sikkim is one among many states in India that does not have a railway station as of now. However, railway lines are being constructed in the state.
In the future, Rangpo Railway Station would be the first railway station in Sikkim. The station would be quite nearer to Gangtok as compared to NJP. The construction of railways in this part of India is anticipated to make travelling more convenient for tourists seeking the nearest railway station in Gangtok.
Once operational, travelers can enjoy convenient food on train service on eligible routes, and experience a smoother journey while exploring the beautiful state of Sikkim.
Best Time for Visiting Gangtok
Along with planning your journey to Gangtok from the nearest train station, timing plays a crucial role, too.
March to June: This period is considered the most suitable time to visit Gangtok. Pleasant weather conditions and blooming flowers make the city even more beautiful.
September to November: Clear views of the Himalayas in post-monsoon months make them perfect for spending quality time outdoors.
Winter Season: The winter season in Gangtok includes December to February, when low temperatures prevail. People who enjoy chilly weather prefer winter trips to Gangtok.
Monsoon Season: High chances of rain in this period between June and August might lead to landslides, thus creating road blocks.
Some Important Travel Tips for Visitors
Planning your journey to Gangtok becomes easy when you take into account the tips mentioned below.
Pack Warm Clothes
It is better to pack warm clothes regardless of whether you travel in winter or not, because the temperature gets colder in Gangtok.
Bring Some Money
Cash payments are not rare in some remote places where digital payments may not work.
Begin Your Journey Early from NJP
It is recommended that travellers start their road journey from NJP early in the morning, as the mountain roads become tough to travel after nightfall.
Pre-book Taxis in Advance
Due to increased tourist traffic, taxis are in huge demand during peak travel seasons. It is better to pre-book them.
Carry Motion Sickness Medicine
The zigzag path from NJP to Gangtok can make travellers feel uncomfortable due to multiple bends.
Tourist Attraction Sites in Gangtok
Once the tourists reach the destination city of Gangtok from the nearest train station to Gangtok, they can visit some famous tourist attractions in the region.
MG Marg Street
The MG Marg is a major commercial hub in the heart of Gangtok and is one of the cleanest market streets in India.
Tsomgo Lake
The Tsomgo Lake is a spectacular glacial lake located about 40 km from Gangtok and surrounded by snow-clad hills.
Nathula Pass
Nathula Pass is an important tourist attraction located near Gangtok and connecting India with Tibet.
Rumtek Monastery
A famous Buddhist monastery, Rumtek Monastery, attracts many travellers who love photography and spirituality.
Ropeway Ride
One can view the amazing views of Gangtok city and its surroundings on the Gangtok Ropeway.
Why Trains to Gangtok are Better Than Flights
Trains can be a better choice for travel since they are comparatively cost-effective and comfortable. Since NJP Railway Station is well-connected to other cities in India, it is easy for people to make economical travel plans to Sikkim.
Travelling by train also allows travellers to witness beautiful landscapes in their journey. Travellers who cannot afford airfare find it easy to make a trip to the nearest railway station to Gangtok. Moreover, many trains travel to NJP every day.
Conclusion
To ensure a pleasant travel experience, you need to learn about the Gangtok nearest railway station. New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) is the nearest railway station to Gangtok and connects Gangtok with other Indian cities. Situated at about 120-125 kilometres from Gangtok, NJP becomes the primary entry point for Sikkim travellers.
Travellers can visit Gangtok from NJP through shared cabs, private taxis or buses. From whatever your purpose of visit might be, travelling through the nearest train station to Gangtok becomes convenient for you.
With beautiful landscapes, peaceful monasteries, vibrant markets, and Himalayan charm waiting ahead, Gangtok promises an unforgettable travel experience for every visitor.
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