A trip to Sikkim by road is really something. You get to drive on roads that wind through mountains. You see lots of valleys and waterfalls. You even see snow on the peaks.. The villages are so peaceful. That is why Sikkim is a place for people who love road trips. Whether you take your car or your bike to Sikkim you will have a lot of adventure and freedom.. The views you see on the way are just amazing. Sikkim road trip is full of views and things to see. You will remember a Sikkim road trip, for a time.
This guide for a Sikkim road trip will tell you about the roads to take the permits you need to get what the roads are like and some important things to keep in mind so you can have a nice and safe trip to Sikkim. The Sikkim road trip is, about enjoying the journey and this guide will help you do that.
Why Choose a Road Trip to Sikkim?
A road trip is a way to see Sikkim. You can go wherever you want and stop whenever you feel like it. This way you can really explore Sikkim at your pace. You get to decide what you want to do. When you want to do it on your road trip, to Sikkim.
Top reasons to plan a Sikkim road trip:
Stunning Himalayan scenery
Freedom to stop at viewpoints
Adventure and thrill
Access to offbeat places
Perfect for bikers and self-drive travelers
Best Time for a Sikkim Road Trip
Choosing the right season is very important for road safety.
Best Months
March to June: Pleasant weather, clear roads
October to November: Best mountain views and stable roads
Avoid These Months
July to September (Monsoon): Landslides and roadblocks
Heavy winter (January–February): Snowfall in high areas
👉 For a safe road trip, plan between March–June or October–November.
Best Routes for Sikkim Road Trip
Route 1: Siliguri / NJP to Gangtok (Most Popular Route)
Distance: ~120 km
Time: 4–5 hours
Route:
Siliguri → Sevoke → Rangpo → Gangtok
Highlights:
The views of the Teesta River are really beautiful.
You can see the Teesta River flowing gently.
The Teesta River is a place to visit.
People like to go to the Teesta River to enjoy the views of the Teesta River.
Smooth roads
There are a lot of food stops. You can find food stops. These food stops are, over the place. The food stops have lots of things to eat. People go to the food stops to buy food. The food stops are very convenient. You can get food at the food stops.
👉 Best route for first-time travelers.
Route 2: Siliguri to Gangtok via Kalimpong
Distance: ~150 km
Time: 6–7 hours
Route:
Siliguri → Kalimpong → Rangpo → Gangtok
Highlights:
Less crowded
Scenic hill views
👉 Ideal for slow travelers and photographers.
Route 3: Gangtok to North Sikkim (Lachung & Lachen)
Route:
Gangtok → Mangan → Chungthang → Lachung / Lachen
Road Condition: Mixed (good + rough patches)
Highlights:
Snow mountains
Waterfalls
High-altitude views
👉 Only allowed with permit & registered vehicle.
Route 4: Gangtok to Pelling (West Sikkim)
Distance: ~130 km
Time: 5–6 hours
Route:
Gangtok → Ravangla → Legship → Pelling
Highlights:
The views of Kanchenjunga are really beautiful.
I love looking at Kanchenjunga.
The Kanchenjunga views are amazing.
Beautiful villages
Route 5: Gangtok to Namchi & Ravangla (South Sikkim)
Distance: ~80–100 km
Highlights:
Buddha Park
Char Dham
Smooth roads
👉 Best for relaxed road trips.
Permits Required for Sikkim Road Trip
Permits are mandatory for certain areas in Sikkim.
Places that need permits to do something are usually the ones with lots of rules. You will find that permits are required in different situations. For example construction projects always need permits. The government makes these rules so that people can stay safe. Permits are required for things like building a house or fixing a road. Sometimes permits are required for things, like putting up a sign. The main idea is that permits are required to make sure everything is done correctly and safely. Permits are required to protect people and the environment.
Tsomgo Lake
Nathula Pass
North Sikkim (Lachung, Lachen, Yumthang)
Zero Point
Documents Required
Valid photo ID (Aadhaar / Passport / Voter ID)
Passport-size photos
Driving license (for self-drive)
Important Permit Rules
Only registered Sikkim taxis allowed in restricted areas
You are not usually allowed to drive your vehicle in North Sikkim. North Sikkim has rules against self-drive vehicles. If you want to visit North Sikkim you will probably need to hire a driver or use transport. This is because North Sikkim has some bad roads and the government wants to keep people safe. So self-drive vehicles are not an idea, in North Sikkim.
Hotels can take care of permits for you. You can get help from local travel agents to get the permits you need. The hotels or the local travel agents can make all the arrangements, for the permits.
👉 You should always check the permit rules before you go on your trip. This way you know the permit rules, for your trip.
Bike Road Trip to Sikkim – Important Points
Sikkim is very popular among bike riders.
Best Bikes for Sikkim
Royal Enfield
Himalayan
Adventure bikes
Bike Travel Tips
Carry valid driving license
Wear proper riding gear
Avoid night riding
Check fuel availability
You should know that fuel pumps are not that common, in North Sikkim. The number of fuel pumps is really limited in North Sikkim. So if you are planning to go to North Sikkim you need to be aware that fuel pumps are limited in North Sikkim.
Road Conditions in Sikkim
The road conditions in Sikkim are really different in areas. It also depends on the time of year you visit Sikkim. The roads can be very bad in some places and at times of the year. Road conditions in Sikkim can be a problem, for people who want to travel around the state.
Gangtok & South Sikkim: Mostly good
West Sikkim: Narrow but scenic
North Sikkim: Rough and challenging
👉 Drive slowly and carefully on mountain roads.
Safety Tips for Sikkim Road Trip
Safety should always be your top priority.
General Safety Tips
Avoid night driving
Start early in the morning
I want to check the weather updates to see what the weather is, like today. The weather updates will help me know if it is going to be sunny or rainy. I need to check the weather updates so that I can plan my day accordingly.
Drive slowly on curves
Maintain safe distance
Health & Altitude Safety
Stay hydrated
Avoid alcohol at high altitude
Take proper rest
Carry basic medicines
Vehicle Safety
Check brakes, tires, lights
Carry spare tire & tools
Keep fuel tank half-full
Essential Items to Carry
Warm clothes (even in summer)
Rain jacket
First-aid kit
Power bank
Offline maps
You can use cash. You should know that there are not many ATMs around.
Suggested Sikkim Road Trip Itinerary (7 Days)
Day 1: Siliguri / NJP → Gangtok
Day 2: Gangtok sightseeing
Day 3: Gangtok → Tsomgo Lake → Nathula Pass
Day 4: Gangtok → Lachung
Day 5: Yumthang Valley → Gangtok
Day 6: Gangtok → Pelling
Day 7: Pelling sightseeing & return
Cost of Sikkim Road Trip
Approximate cost per person:
Fuel & transport: ₹4,000–₹6,000
Stay: ₹1,000–₹2,000 per night
Food: ₹300–₹500 per day
👉 Total budget: ₹12,000–₹18,000 (excluding North Sikkim package)
Dos and Don’ts for Sikkim Road Trip
Dos
Respect local culture
I need to carry permits when I am doing something that requires them. The permits are very important because they tell me what I am allowed to do. I have to carry the permits with me so that I can show them to people who need to see them. The permits are, like papers that say I can do certain things like carry the permits.
Follow traffic rules
Keep environment clean
Don’ts
Do not overspeed
Do not litter
Do not drive after dark
Avoid risky shortcuts
Is Sikkim Safe for Road Trips?
Sikkim is a great place to go on a road trip. The roads in Sikkim are very good. People who live in Sikkim are very nice and always ready to help. There is not a lot of crime, in Sikkim. So you do not have to worry about things happening to you. If you plan your Sikkim road trip carefully and drive safely you will have a good time. Your Sikkim road trip will be a lot of fun. You will not feel stressed. Sikkim road trips are really fun because Sikkim is such a place to visit.
Final Thoughts
A road trip to Sikkim is really great because it has a bit of everything. You get to see some natural beauty and have exciting adventures. The roads that go along the Teesta River are easy to drive on.. The roads in North Sikkim are very tough and go up really high into the mountains. Every road you take in Sikkim is an experience. You see something interesting on every road trip, to Sikkim.
With this Sikkim road trip guide, you now know the best routes, permit rules, and safety tips to plan a successful journey. Pack your bags, start your engine, and explore the beauty of Sikkim on wheels.
