This route covers Gangtok, West Sikkim and Darjeeling in 7 days without North Sikkim, which needs its own extended trip — see the note at the end if you want to add it. Road times below are driving estimates only; add time for stops, checkpoints and traffic, especially in the monsoon months. Before you go, check our packing list for this route.
Days 1-2: Gangtok
Fly into Bagdogra or take the train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), then a road transfer of roughly 3.5-5 hours up to Gangtok — the road runs alongside the Teesta River for most of the way, so build in time rather than trusting a straight-line distance estimate. Spend day 1 on MG Marg and settling in; day 2 on a Tsomgo Lake day trip if your permit is arranged, or Rumtek Monastery and the ropeway if it isn't. See our Sikkim travel guide and things to do in Gangtok for the detail, and where to stay in Gangtok for picking an area.
Days 3-4: West Sikkim (Pelling/Yuksom)
The road from Gangtok to Pelling covers roughly 113-130km and takes anywhere from 3 to 5 hours depending on the route and conditions — treat it as a half-day journey rather than a quick hop. Use day 3 for arrival and the Pelling Kanchenjunga viewpoint, day 4 for Yuksom and Khecheopalri Lake. See our West Sikkim guide and where to stay in Pelling.
Days 5-6: Darjeeling
Pelling to Darjeeling is the shortest transfer on this route, roughly 72-74km and about 2.5-3 hours by road. Day 5 for Chowrasta, Tiger Hill sunrise the next morning, and a tea garden visit; day 6 for the toy train joy ride to Ghum and any remaining sights. See our Darjeeling travel guide and where to stay in Darjeeling.
Day 7: Kalimpong or straight to departure
If your flight or train out is in the afternoon or the next day, Kalimpong is a short detour on the way back to Bagdogra/NJP and needs no extra permits. Otherwise, head straight to Siliguri for your onward connection.
If you have 9-10 days instead of 7
Add Lachen or Lachung in North Sikkim — but plan for it as its own multi-day leg from Gangtok, arranged through a registered tour operator, not a side trip you slot in. See our North Sikkim guide and Nathula Pass and Tsomgo Lake permit guide before committing days to it. If you're still deciding how much time to give each side of the trip, our Sikkim vs Darjeeling comparison covers the trade-offs, and the best time to visit covers seasonal timing.
Frequently asked questions
Is 7 days enough for Sikkim and Darjeeling?
Enough for a first trip covering Gangtok, West Sikkim (Pelling/Yuksom) and Darjeeling at a reasonable pace, without North Sikkim. Adding Lachen or Lachung realistically needs 9-10 days rather than 7, since each is close to a full day's drive each way from Gangtok.
Which direction should I travel — start in Darjeeling or Gangtok?
Either works, since both share the same Bagdogra/NJP gateway. Starting in Darjeeling and finishing in Sikkim (or the reverse) avoids backtracking through Siliguri — pick whichever end has the better flight or train options on your travel dates.
Do the road times in this itinerary include stops?
No — they're driving-time estimates only. Mountain roads mean actual travel days run longer once you add photo stops, checkpoints and food breaks, so treat arrival times as approximate and avoid booking anything time-sensitive on a travel day.
