1Option
Shared jeep
Shared jeeps leave Gangtok's Vajra stand in the morning for Gyalshing and sometimes Pelling directly. From Gyalshing, local jeeps cover the last 10 km to Pelling. Book a seat a day ahead in season and sit by a window.
Route · Sikkim
Gangtok to Pelling
Gangtok to Pelling crosses from the east to the west of Sikkim, via Singtam and Ravangla or via Rabongla and Legship. About 115–130 km and 5–6 hours. Shared jeeps run daily to Gyalshing and Pelling, and many travellers break the trip at Ravangla.
Photo: Santanu Paul · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsEvery way to go
Options compared
| How | Time | Cost, indicative 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Shared jeep | 5–6 h | ₹350–550 a seat |
| Private car | 5–6 h | ₹4,500–6,500 one way |
| Break at Ravangla | 2.5–3 h + 2–2.5 h | As above, split |
2Option
Private car
A reserved car lets you stop at Temi tea garden, Buddha Park in Ravangla or Rumtek on the way. Most drivers prefer the route via Ravangla and Legship, depending on road conditions.
3Option
Break at Ravangla
Spending a night in Ravangla turns a long drive into two easy halves and adds Buddha Park, Ralang and Temi to the trip.
At each end
The two places
Photo: IamBumba · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
1,650 m · City · Sikkim
Gangtok
Sikkim's ridge-top capital and base for the north and east
Best Mar – May · Oct – Nov2–3 nights
Photo: Santanu Paul · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
2,150 m · Town · Sikkim
Pelling
Kangchenjunga views, Pemayangtse and the ruins of Rabdentse
Best Mar – Apr · Oct – Dec2–3 nights
Questions
Asked about this road
How far is Pelling from Gangtok?
About 115–130 km depending on the route, 5–6 hours by road.
Is there a direct bus from Gangtok to Pelling?
Shared jeeps run to Gyalshing and sometimes Pelling. SNT buses have run on some routes; ask at the Gangtok stand.
What does a taxi from Gangtok to Pelling cost?
About ₹4,500–6,500 one way for a private car, more in peak season.
Can I visit Ravangla on the way to Pelling?
Yes, Ravangla lies on the usual route. Stop for Buddha Park or spend a night.
More in Sikkim
Other routes
Gangtok to Tsomgo LakeThe classic permit day trip from Gangtok: 40 km east on the Nathu La road, climbing about 2,100 m past army c…40 kmGangtok to LachungGangtok to Lachung is the first leg of every North Sikkim permit tour: north via Kabi, Phodong and Mangan to …115 kmPelling to YuksomA short, scenic drive from Pelling to Yuksom, Sikkim's first capital, past Rimbi and Kanchenjunga falls and t…35 kmGangtok to ZulukGangtok to Zuluk follows roads east via Rongli to the old Silk Route, then climbs through Lingtam and Padamch…90 km