Darjeeling to Gangtok?

Does anyone have an idea how long it would take by jeep between the above two cities? I am trying to plan a trip with some folks and seeing if it is feasible in terms of timing to push to Gangtok where we have friends and then back to Darjeeling. My searching did not turn up anything. We would be traveling the end of March 2007 in case weather conditions may effect travel time.

Thank you.

-Taz

Drive from Darjeeling to Gangtok is about 110 kms and it takes approx 3.5 hrs

I know you are asking about travel between Darj and Gangtok, but you might be interested to know that there is a daily helicopter flight between Bagdogra (the airport for Siliguri) and Gangtok which would save a good bit of time as well as being spectacular in itself. Then you would still have the drive back down to Darjeeling on the way back. Or, of course, you could always get to Darjeeling and then get the helipcopter back from Gangtok. We took the helocipter a couple of years ago and it was 1500 rupees per person then - amazing value. the price may have increased but not too much I don't think.

Foreigners need a special permit for Sikkim. It is free and easy to obtain but it is necessary to get it before you arrive in Sikkim

the price now is around 1700 and is worth all that money but from darjeeling you will have to come back to bagdogra and afternoon helicopter flight s only somewhere after 3.pm

and yes the jeep ride from darjling to silliguri is also around 3 to 3.5 hr s

and from darjling to gantok is also 3 hr s

Thank you all for the information. Not sure how psyched my fellow travelers will be about a copter ride, but my guess is that if the weather is right it would be an amazing ride. But I’ll let you know how it all unfolds upon my return.

-Taz

If we ride out of Bagdogra to Gangtok via helicopter, at what point would we pick up Sikkim visas (passes)? Could be get them once we land in Gangtok or wold be need them to board the flight? And just in case you know off hand, where does one look for helicopter flight times/companies?

Thanks

The schedule of copter ride is very un-predictable. I was there last month, and when I inquired I was told that copter flight has been cancelled.

i wouldn't personally take a charter flight on a chopper in india. i have heard at least some of the services crash semi regularly.

Nice! I will see what I can dig up. In any event, even if I book something weather might still necessitate a jeep to get around. Too bad I can't bring my Subaru over with me as well.

man dont we miss our cars on such trip s

totally agree with u

Correct information. There is also share jeep/taxi service available, which will be cost effective.

The road has some very picteresque views and one of my favorite road journeys, especially while driving from Darjeeling, between Ghoom and Teesta Bazar.

Good to know the drive is nice as well. One of my fellow travelers is not so keen on the idea of helicopters. For sure a shared jeep would be more cost effective.

cheers.

Be early, at least between 10-11 a.m. to reach Darjeeling Jeep Stand/Share Taxi Stand/Bus Stand to catch the share jeep. The service become irregular in the afternoon. One man can come down to the stand in the morning and book the seats according to his needs (timing, seat, etc.). and the whole team can come down later at the time of scheduled departure.

Remember to note the time of departure on your ticket.