East Sikkim · Road guide
Gangtok to Martam
Gangtok to Martam is about 29–34 km, 1–1.5 hours, via Ranipool and Rumtek to a farming village of paddy terraces and family homestays. Most guests take a reserved car or a host pickup; a few shared jeeps run towards Rumtek and Sang.
Photo: Subhrajyoti07 · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Your options
How to make the trip
Shared jeep
≈ 1.25–1.5 h · ≈ ₹80–150 a seat
Shared jeeps run from Gangtok towards Rumtek and Sang, passing near Martam, mainly for villagers. They leave in the morning and return in the afternoon, with timings that change, so confirm with the stand and your homestay host. Fine for light packers on a budget. Carry small notes for the fare.
Reserved small car
≈ 1–1.5 h · ≈ ₹1,500–2,000 one way
A reserved small car from Gangtok takes you to your homestay door, with time at Rumtek on the way if you like. Your host can also arrange a pickup for a similar fee. On the way out, a direct car from Martam to Bagdogra or NJP costs about ₹3,500–4,500. Check current rates before you travel.
Fares are indicative. Landslides, snow and check-post timings change journeys: check current status before you travel.
On the way
Stops worth the time
- Ranipool junction
- Rumtek Monastery
- Old Rumtek Monastery
Ask your homestay for exact directions or a pickup, since houses are spread across the valley and not all are on the main road.
Questions travellers ask
Gangtok to Martam: questions
How do we get from Gangtok to Martam?
The easiest way is a reserved small car via Ranipool and Rumtek, about 1–1.5 hours for ₹1,500–2,000 one way, or a pickup arranged by your homestay. Shared jeeps towards Rumtek and Sang cost about ₹80–150 a seat but run on changing timetables. Check current rates before you travel.
Can we walk from Rumtek to Martam?
Yes. Many guests drive to Rumtek, visit the monastery, then walk down to Martam on village roads and footpaths, roughly 6–8 km in 2.5–3 hours. A local guide is advised, since paths branch through private farms. Send luggage ahead with the car.
Can we go directly from Bagdogra to Martam?
Yes. Turn off NH10 at Ranipool and continue via Rumtek, about 4.5–5 hours from Bagdogra (IXB) or NJP, for about ₹3,500–4,500 for a small car. NH10 closes after monsoon slides; the alternative is via Kalimpong or Algarah. Check current status before you travel.
Is the road to Martam good?
It is a paved but narrow hill road beyond Rumtek, with some rough patches and steep bends. Small cars manage it well. After heavy rain, minor slides can slow it. Drive times of 1–1.5 hours from Gangtok are realistic. Ask your host about the final stretch to the house.
Get my price
Tell us your dates and your budget
Who is travelling, when, and roughly what you want to spend. The Gangtok desk replies within one working day with a day-by-day plan and an itemised price.
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