The short answer
NH10 along the Teesta is the main road from Siliguri and Bagdogra to Gangtok (125 km, 4.5 to 5 hours). It closes a few times a year for landslides, mostly June to September, and for planned repair work. When it does, our drivers take the hill road through Gorubathan, Lava, Algarah, Pedong, Rhenock and Pakyong, which is about 50 km longer and adds 2 to 3 hours. The fare does not change.
- Usual road
- NH10 via Sevoke, Melli and Rangpo · 125 km · 4.5 to 5 hours
- When it closes
- Via Lava, Pedong and Rhenock · ~175 km · 7 to 8 h
- Closure season
- June to September, after heavy rain
- Extra charge
- None. The fixed fare stands
Why NH10 closes
NH10 runs along the Teesta gorge from Sevoke to Rangpo, cut into slopes that slip in heavy rain. The stretches that fail most often are around 27th Mile, 29th Mile and Lohapul on the Bengal side and the 20th Mile (Bardang) stretch between Rangpo and Ranipool in Sikkim. The October 2023 Teesta flood washed away parts of the road and kept it shut for weeks. Since then the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation has run planned closures for slope work, such as the three-day shutdown between Rangpo and Ranipool from 17 to 19 July 2026.
How closures are announced
- Planned work: a notice from NHIDCL or the Kalimpong and Pakyong district administrations a few days ahead, usually with timings for one-way traffic or a full closure.
- Landslides: the police close the road at Sevoke, Rangpo or Melli within the hour; local news sites and the Sikkim and Kalimpong police social accounts carry it first.
- Partial closures: often only heavy vehicles are diverted, or traffic runs one way in timed slots, so a car can still get through with a wait.
The alternative road
| NH10 (usual) | Via Lava and Pedong (NH717A) | |
|---|---|---|
| Way | Sevoke, Coronation Bridge, Teesta Bazar turn-off, Melli, Rangpo, Singtam, Ranipool | Sevoke, Odlabari, Gorubathan, Lava, Algarah, Pedong, Rhenock, Rorathang, Pakyong, Ranipool |
| Distance | 125 km | About 175 km |
| Time by car | 4.5 to 5 hours | 7 to 8 hours |
| Road | Two lanes along the river | Single-lane hill road with hairpins above Lava; slow in fog |
| Sikkim entry | Rangpo check post | Rhenock and Rorathang; carry photo ID |
| Stops | Teesta viewpoints, Melli | Lava monastery, Pedong viewpoint, Rhenock |
A shorter diversion through Kalimpong (Teesta Bazar, Kalimpong, Algarah, Pedong) works when only the Sikkim-side stretch is shut and the Bengal side to Teesta Bazar is open. Your driver chooses on the day according to which section is closed.
What we do when the road is closed
- We check the road status every morning and message you on WhatsApp before your flight if it affects your trip.
- Your driver takes the open road. The fixed fare stands, whichever way we have to go.
- If a closure means you will reach Gangtok after dark, we say so before you leave the airport so you can decide to stay a night in Kalimpong or Lava instead.
- Shared jeeps and the helicopter stop when NH10 is shut or the weather is bad; a private car is the one option that keeps running.
Closures change by the hour. Ask us on WhatsApp for the current status before you fly. Last checked 24 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is NH10 open today?
Most days, yes. Closures last a few hours to a few days after heavy rain, mostly from June to September, and planned repair closures are announced in advance. Message us on WhatsApp for the current status and the route your driver will take.
What is the alternative route from Siliguri to Gangtok when NH10 is closed?
The hill road through Odlabari, Gorubathan, Lava, Algarah, Pedong, Rhenock and Pakyong (NH717A), about 175 km and 7 to 8 hours. When only the Sikkim side is shut, a shorter diversion runs through Kalimpong and Pedong.
Does the taxi fare go up when NH10 is closed?
No. The fare you booked is fixed. The detour is our cost.
Can I still reach Gangtok the same day if NH10 closes?
Usually, if you land before early afternoon. The detour takes 7 to 8 hours, so a late flight means arriving after dark; we suggest a night in Kalimpong or Lava in that case.
