Gangtok to Pelling: Distance, Route & Taxi Fare

Most Sikkim itineraries pair Gangtok with Pelling. The drive between them is long but beautiful, and with the right route you can see Buddha Park, Temi Tea Garden or Namchi’s Char Dham on the way instead of just sitting in a car.

Quick facts

Distance: about 115–131 km depending on route.
Time: 4.5–6 hours without stops; 7–9 hours as a sightseeing transfer.
Private taxi: roughly ₹3,500–5,000 for a direct drop; more with sightseeing stops.
Shared taxi: a few departures daily from Gangtok, roughly ₹500–800 per seat.

Route 1: via Singtam, Temi and Ravangla

Gangtok → Ranipool → Singtam → Temi Tea Garden → Damthang → Ravangla → Legship → Gyalshing → Pelling. This is the most scenic option, passing Sikkim’s only tea estate and the giant Buddha at Ravangla.

Stops: Temi Tea Garden (tea terraces and views), Buddha Park / Tathagata Tsal at Ravangla (a 130-ft Buddha statue in landscaped grounds), and optionally Ralang Monastery.

Route 2: via Namchi and Jorethang

Gangtok → Singtam → Namchi → Jorethang → Legship → Pelling. Slightly different scenery and good for pilgrims.

Stops: Char Dham / Siddheshwar Dham at Namchi (replicas of India’s four great shrines with a large Shiva statue) and Samdruptse (a giant Guru Padmasambhava statue).

A stop at a giant Buddha statue breaks up the Gangtok–Pelling drive.

Fares

Option	Typical cost	Notes
Shared taxi Gangtok → Pelling/Gyalshing	₹500–800 per seat	Limited daily departures; book a day ahead at the stand.
Private taxi, direct drop	₹3,500–5,000	Small car vs SUV; season-dependent.
Private taxi with sightseeing	Higher than a direct drop	Sikkim notifies maximum package fares for Gangtok–Pelling via Namchi/Ravangla; ask your operator for the current notified rate.

Rates change with season and vehicle size; confirm the total, waiting time and stops before departure. For local fares once you arrive, see our Pelling taxi rates guide.

Suggested timing

Leave Gangtok by 8–9 am.
Temi Tea Garden around 10:30 am; Ravangla Buddha Park around midday with lunch.
Reach Pelling by 4–5 pm, before dark.

Tips

Carry motion-sickness tablets — the road has many bends.
Keep snacks and water; long stretches have few eateries.
In monsoon, check road status with your driver the evening before.
Tell your Pelling hotel your route so they can guide your driver to the gate.

Coming from Siliguri instead? See how to reach Pelling. Then pick your base from the Pelling hotels directory.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Pelling from Gangtok?

About 115–131 km by road depending on whether you go via Ravangla or Namchi. The drive takes 4.5–6 hours without stops.

What is the taxi fare from Gangtok to Pelling?

A private direct drop typically costs about ₹3,500–5,000 depending on vehicle and season. Shared taxis cost roughly ₹500–800 per seat.

Which is the best route from Gangtok to Pelling?

The Ravangla route via Temi Tea Garden and Buddha Park is the most scenic. The Namchi route suits travellers who want to see Char Dham and Samdruptse.

Can I do sightseeing on the way from Gangtok to Pelling?

Yes. Many travellers stop at Temi Tea Garden and Ravangla Buddha Park, or at Namchi Char Dham, turning the transfer into a full sightseeing day.