West Sikkim · Road guide
Gangtok to Pelling
Gangtok to Pelling is about 115 km and 5–6 hours by road, via Singtam and either Ravangla or Jorethang and Legship. Shared jeeps run to Gyalshing; a private car is easier and lets you stop at Ravangla or Temi.
Photo: Santanu Paul · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Your options
How to make the trip
Shared jeep
5–6.5 h · ≈ ₹350–500 a seat
Shared jeeps (Sumos and Boleros) leave Gangtok for Gyalshing mostly in the morning, with a few going on to Pelling. Book a seat the evening before at the taxi stand or through your hotel, and ask for a front or window seat if you get carsick. From Gyalshing a local shared taxi covers the last 10 km to Pelling for indicatively ₹50–80, or a reserved one for ₹300–500.
Private car
5–6 h · ≈ ₹5,000–6,500 a car
A reserved small car or SUV is the most comfortable way, and the price covers the whole vehicle. The usual road runs Gangtok–Ranipool–Singtam on NH10, then climbs to Ravangla and drops to Legship before rising to Gyalshing and Pelling. The alternative goes Singtam–Melli–Jorethang–Legship. Drivers choose by road condition on the day.
Fares are indicative. Landslides, snow and check-post timings change journeys: check current status before you travel.
On the way
Stops worth the time
- Temi Tea Garden
- Ravangla and Buddha Park
- Legship and the Rangeet river
- Gyalshing bazaar
NH10 between Gangtok and Singtam can be blocked by slides in the monsoon, so leave early, keep a buffer day and check current status before you travel.
Questions travellers ask
Gangtok to Pelling: questions
How long does it take from Gangtok to Pelling?
Allow 5–6 hours by private car and up to 6.5 hours by shared jeep for about 115 km. Hill roads average 20–25 km/h, and works or slides add time. Leave Gangtok by 8–9 am to reach Pelling in daylight. In the monsoon allow a full day and check current status before you travel.
Is there a direct shared jeep from Gangtok to Pelling?
A few jeeps go direct to Pelling, but most run to Gyalshing, the district headquarters 10 km below Pelling. From Gyalshing, shared local taxis or a reserved car take you up in 20–30 minutes. Seats sell out in October and May, so book the day before. Expect ₹350–500 a seat from Gangtok.
Which is the better road from Gangtok to Pelling?
The Ravangla road is usually shorter and passes Temi Tea Garden and Buddha Park, good for a break. The Melli–Jorethang road is lower and sometimes in better repair. Drivers decide on the day depending on works and slides. Both use NH10 between Gangtok and Singtam, which can close in heavy rain.
Can I visit Ravangla on the way to Pelling?
Yes. With a private car, Ravangla's Buddha Park and the Temi Tea Garden fit into the Gangtok–Pelling drive as 30–60 minute stops, making it a 7–8 hour day. Tell us in advance so the driver plans the route that way. Shared jeeps only stop briefly for tea and lunch.
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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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