Reaching Gangtok via Darjeeling route is also a better option in my view. From my on road findings, the Darjeeling to Gangtok distance is 125 kilometers and road conditions are good.
The journey duration is 4 to 5 hours (3 hours non-stop) ,provided, you do the site seeing on the way as well. Lamhatta park and River rafting in Teesta may be a time consuming affair on the way.
The routes goes through Teesta Bazaar – Meli – Rangpo – Singtam-Ranipool and finally Gangtok.Rangpo is the checkpoint between West Bengal and Sikkim.
1 Flower Decorated Houses
On Darjeeling-Sikkim road, as soon as the Sikkim areas begin, you will start noticing the beautiful colorful houses decorated with flower pots.
Balconies of houses in Sikkim are adorned with flowers due to their deep cultural significance in the region. This tradition connects with Sikkim’s religious and spiritual beliefs, with flowers often used in ceremonies and offerings.
The aesthetic appeal of flower-decorated homes enhances the visual charm of the area and is attractive to tourists. Additionally, Sikkim’s favorable climate and flower availability year-round make it practical to maintain this tradition, which has been passed down through generations, preserving the region’s cultural heritage.
Just to add, the state of Sikkim is also a house of 5,000 species of flowering plants!
2 Prayer Flags
During my journey from Darjeeling to Gangtok, I was captivated by the colorful Buddhist prayer flags adorning the road sides.
These flags, known as “lungta,” carried sacred mantras and symbols, representing the elements and bringing blessings to the surroundings. I was told that the flag colors symbolize each of the five elements of nature.
Against the backdrop of lush forests and towering mountains, the sight of fluttering prayer flags created a serene and meditative atmosphere, adding a unique dimension to my trip to Gangtok.
You can notice this kind of flags all over Sikkim.
3 Erratic Traffic Jams
Gangtok to Darjeeling by road can be a picturesque yet challenging adventure.
You may experience huge traffic jams on narrow stretches while approaching or returning from Gangtok.
The road to Gangtok via Darjeeling , although less busier than Siliguri-Gangtok one , is not free from jams. The cause of jams is often due to a landslide or some military convoy movement .
Therefore, it’s advisable to plan your travel accordingly, keeping in mind the potential delays caused by these factors, and perhaps consider alternate routes or flexible schedules to ensure a smoother journey.
4 Lamahatta Eco Park
Lamhatta Eco Park is a pleasant surprise on the way to Gangtok from Darjeeling. To my surprise, Kanchenjunga range was clearly visible from this park. The place also offers home stay/ tent for tourists.
On its top there is a lake that is amazing , however, it takes an hour and up-hill journey to reach the top and not possible to cover quickly unless you do not make a stay here.
This eco park serves as a peaceful and refreshing pitstop on the journey from Darjeeling to Gangtok, offering a memorable and rejuvenating experience for travelers seeking to connect with the Himalayan landscape and its ecological wonders.
5 Teesta View Point
The attraction is also called ‘Lovers View Point’ aka Teesta river view point.
The Teesta River Viewpoint located on the Darjeeling-Gangtok road offers a mesmerizing glimpse of one of the region’s most important and scenic rivers, the Teesta. This viewpoint is strategically situated to provide travelers with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Teesta River as it flows through the rugged terrain of the Himalayan foothills.
Visitors to the Teesta River Viewpoint can take in the majestic sight of the Teesta’s emerald-green waters meandering through deep valleys and thick forests. The river is known for its pristine beauty and is a vital water source for the region.
The viewpoint serves as an excellent vantage point for capturing the natural grandeur of the Teesta and the surrounding landscape, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts.
This is also the place from where you can look down to view the merging of Teesta and Rangeet river. Teesta river originates from Tso Lhamo lake of Sikkim while Rangeet river originates from Kachenjunga.
6 Fruits on the way
Continuing along the Darjeeling-Gangtok road, you might also come across other delectable fruits. Outside Teesta View Point I spotted these fresh green peaches by the roadside.
If you are lucky, you may also find Oranges during the season. These roadside fruit stalls often showcase the region’s agricultural diversity. Local vendors are known for offering not only fresh fruits but also unique snacks allowing travelers to savor the local flavors throughout their journey.
A small temporary shop outside this attraction is famous for ‘Chana-Masala’ dish here.
7 River Rafting Locations
Teesta Bazaar and Melli have several river rafting adventure sports provider , because , at Rangpo near Coronation Bridge Teesta river develops very strong current entering Sevoke.
It is categorized as one of the finest rafting starches in the world these spots provide the tourists spectacular scenes along the river courses through the gorges and valleys .
Useful Travel Tips And Information : [Taxi, Hotels, Bus, Train]
Any West Bengal number plate bearing taxi will only drop you till Deorali Taxi Stand. From there, you will need to hire some local cab to get to your hotel or place.
- Hotels rooms in Gangtok normally do not have air-conditioners.
- Roadside dhabas do not have refrizerators to serve you a chilled soft-drink
- During the season the Darjeeling to Gangtok taxi price may shoot up between Rs 3000 (small car) – Rs 4000 for vehicles like Bolero.
- There is no Darjeeling to Gangtok toy trainm, neither, buses ply on this route.
