Where we drive
Destinations we drive to
Short, practical guides written by the people who drive these roads every day: best time, days needed, permits and how to reach from Bagdogra.
2,042 mDarjeeling district, West BengalDarjeelingDarjeeling is a hill town 70 km from Bagdogra Airport, famous for its tea estates, the UNESCO-listed toy train and sunrise over Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill. Two to three days covers the main sights.2 to 3 days
1,650 mEast SikkimGangtokGangtok is the capital of Sikkim, 125 km from Bagdogra Airport, and the base for trips to Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass and North Sikkim. Plan at least three nights to include one high-altitude day trip.3 to 4 days
1,250 mKalimpong district, West BengalKalimpongKalimpong is a quiet hill town 75 km from Bagdogra Airport, known for its flower nurseries, monasteries and views over the Teesta valley. It is a calm base for Lava, Lolegaon and the Silk Route.1 to 2 days
1,495 mDarjeeling district, West BengalMirikMirik is a small lake town 52 km from Bagdogra Airport, the nearest hill station to the airport and the easiest drive. Sumendu Lake, orange orchards and tea gardens make it a good half-day or overnight stop.Half a day to 1 night
1,458 mDarjeeling district, West BengalKurseongKurseong, the "land of white orchids", is 45 km from Bagdogra Airport on the road to Darjeeling. It is a quiet tea-estate town with heritage schools and the toy train running through its main street.1 day
2,150 mWest Sikkim (Gyalshing district)PellingPelling is a West Sikkim town 145 km from Bagdogra Airport with the closest, clearest view of Kanchenjunga in the state. The glass skywalk, Pemayangtse Monastery and Rabdentse ruins are within a short drive.2 days
2,700 to 5,430 mMangan district, SikkimNorth Sikkim (Lachung, Lachen, Yumthang)North Sikkim covers Lachung, Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake, 5 to 6 hours north of Gangtok. Every trip needs a protected-area permit and a Sikkim-registered vehicle, and most visitors book a 2-night package from Gangtok.2 to 3 nights from Gangtok
90 to 300 mJalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts, West BengalDooars (Gorumara, Jaldapara)The Dooars are the forest and tea-garden plains east of Bagdogra, home to Gorumara and Jaldapara national parks. Lataguri is 2.5 hours from the airport and the best base for jungle safaris and rhino sightings.2 to 3 days
About 1,400 to 4,000 mEast SikkimSilk Route and ZulukThe Silk Route is a circuit through Aritar, Zuluk, Nathang valley and Kupup in East Sikkim, along part of the old trade road to Tibet. It is about 6 to 7 hours from Bagdogra Airport, needs a protected-area permit, and is best done over 2 to 3 nights.2 to 3 nights
About 2,000 to 2,350 mKalimpong district, West BengalLava and KolakhamLava is a forest village about 4 hours from Bagdogra Airport, at the edge of Neora Valley National Park. Kolakham, a short drive below, has homestays facing Kanchenjunga. Together with Lolegaon and Rishop they make a quiet 2 to 3 night trip.2 to 3 days
About 300 m (Phuentsholing) to 2,300 m (Thimphu)Bhutan border, via JaigaonPhuentsholing and BhutanPhuentsholing is the Bhutan border town opposite Jaigaon, about 4.5 to 5 hours from Bagdogra Airport. Indian citizens enter with a passport or voter ID and get an entry permit there for Thimphu and Paro. Indian taxis generally go only to Phuentsholing, and a Bhutan-registered car is used beyond.1 day for Phuentsholing, 5 to 6 days for Thimphu and ParoGallery
See where the road goes
- Kanchenjunga at dawnDarjeeling tea gardens
- The toy trainDarjeeling Himalayan Railway
The ropewayOver the Darjeeling tea gardens
Dali MonasteryDarjeeling
Shared jeepsDarjeeling
Plucking first flushA Darjeeling tea estate- Tea on the hillsideKurseong
- Sumendu LakeMirik
- Town on the ridgeKalimpong
- Kagyu Thekchen Ling MonasteryLava
Sunrise on KanchenjungaRishop, near Lava- MG Marg at duskGangtok
A town built on the hillGangtok
Tsomgo LakeEast Sikkim, 3,753 m
Tsomgo Lake in winterEast Sikkim
Nathula PassIndia–China border, 4,310 m- Kanchenjunga from PellingWest Sikkim
Kanchenjunga up closeSikkim, 8,586 m
Chenrezig statuePelling- The road to YumthangNorth Sikkim
Yumthang ValleyNorth Sikkim, 3,564 m
Gurudongmar LakeNorth Sikkim, 5,430 m
Lachung MonasteryLachung- Morning on the Silk RouteZuluk
The zig-zag roadZuluk, Old Silk Route
Buddha ParkRavangla
Rumtek MonasteryNear Gangtok- One-horned rhinoJaldapara National Park
Elephant safariJaldapara, Dooars- Punakha DzongBhutan
Where every trip startsBagdogra Airport (IXB)
Outside the terminalBagdogra Airport
Folk art in the terminalBagdogra Airport
Bagdogra from the airThe plains around the airport
Coronation Bridge over the TeestaSevoke, on the road to Gangtok
Through the tea gardensDarjeeling hills
