From Tracks to Trails: My Scenic Ride from NJP to Gangtok

Journey to the Clouds: My Trip from NJP to Gangtok

The morning mist was just beginning to lift as I stepped out of New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station. After hours on the train, I was both tired and excited—tired from the long ride, but thrilled about the adventure ahead: a road trip to Gangtok, the serene capital of Sikkim.

Booking the Ride

Right outside the station, Book cabs and private taxis which booked in advance to whisk travelers away to the hills. I opted for a shared cab which is very uncomfortable as 10 persons sitting capacity—budget-friendly and perfect for soaking in the experience with fellow travelers. The fare was around ₹400–₹500 per person, and soon enough, we were rolling. Book your private cab around ₹3500 -₹4000 small cab.

The Scenic Drive

The journey from NJP to Gangtok is about 120 kilometers, but don’t let the distance fool you—it’s a winding 4-5 hour ride through the Himalayan foothills. As we moved out of Siliguri, the flat plains slowly gave way to rolling hills, lush greenery, and tea gardens stretching as far as the eye could see.

We drove alongside the Teesta River for a good part of the trip, its turquoise waters adding a splash of magic to the already stunning landscape. Every turn in the road brought a new surprise—tiny hamlets, colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, and occasional waterfalls gushing right beside the road.

Midway Breaks

We took a break at a small roadside dhaba near Rangpo, the gateway to Sikkim. With steaming plates of momos and hot chai in hand, it was the perfect pitstop to stretch our legs and breathe in the mountain air.

At the Rangpo checkpost, everyone had to show their ID—Indian citizens need a valid photo ID, and foreign nationals require an Inner Line Permit (ILP). The process was quick and hassle-free.

First Glimpse of Gangtok

As we climbed higher, the air grew cooler, and soon, the colorful town of Gangtok came into view, nestled comfortably amidst the hills. The moment we entered the city, I could feel the calm vibe—clean streets, smiling faces, and a rhythm that was refreshingly unhurried.

By late afternoon, I reached MG Marg, the heart of Gangtok. The road trip may have ended, but my Himalayan adventure had just begun.

When deciding whether to book a car with Siliguri Travels or DBS Travels from Siliguri to Gangtok, here’s a comparison to help you choose:

Siliguri Travels

Reputation & Reviews: Strong client feedback—rated 5/5 overall for their North Sikkim tours, with clients praising their politeness and availability throughout the trip Instagram.
Services: Offers a full suite—airport/railway transfers, sedans to SUVs, door-to-door pick-up/drop-off, and tour planning SafarCabby.
Contact: Phone: +91 99334 35779 / +91 94340 86128; Email: support@siliguritravels.com .

DBS Travels

Reputation & Reviews: Listed on SafarCabby with a 4.5★ rating from 40 reviews—recognized for reliable service .
Services: Part of the same group as Siliguri Travels, specializing in car rentals, tour packages across Sikkim, Darjeeling, Nepal, Bhutan siliguritravels.com. Offers friendly drivers and tailored pricing .
Contact: Located at Sonakshi Apartment, Hakim Para; Phone: 94340 86128; Email: travelsdbs@gmail.com .

Quick Comparison

Feature	Siliguri Travels	DBS Travels
Rating & Feedback	5/5 praised for service continuity	4.5★ from ~40 users on SafarCabby
Fleet & Availability	Sedans, SUVs, airport/rail transfer	Same fleet—part of same travel group
Service Flexibility	Polite, responsive, tour planning	Custom ride pricing, friendly drivers
Best For	Travelers wanting full-package support	Budget-conscious travelers wanting local style

Which to Choose?

Choose Siliguri Travels if you prefer a slightly higher-rated, full-service provider with strong customer support and tour planning included.
Choose DBS Travels if you want flexibility in pricing, friendly drivers, and reliable pick-up/drop-off with a solid reputation.

Both services are under the same management and share contact info and resources. The difference lies mainly in booking preference and reviews.

Next Steps

Get quotes from both via their numbers or emails.
Ask about extras like driver meals, tolls, night charges, and route preferences.
Check vehicle condition and confirm strictly door-to-door service.