Transport in Sikkim
The state of Sikkim is accessible through both airways and roadways. There is however, no direct transportation service to Sikkim by railways. Being a very hilly region, the communication services of Sikkim are still at a budding stage but undergoing developments with the best efforts from the government.
Sikkim Roadways
The state of Sikkim is connected by National Highway 31A which links
Siliguri in West Bengal to
Gangtok in Sikkim. There are bus and truck services run by the Sikkim National Transport. There are also privately run bus, jeep and tourist taxi services throughout Sikkim. The state is connected to Tibet by the Nathu La pass. The highway that links Gangtok with Sevoke is National Highway 31A. It is the only highway that runs through Sikkim today.
Sikkim Nationalised Transport
Regular buses, taxis and cabs are available to make journey to Sikkim and within Sikkim. Sikkim Nationalised Transport (S.N.T.) is one of the organized service providers on road in Sikkim. Apart from the nationalized transport service, private services are also in Sikkim which makes it easier for the tourists and visitors to have a smooth experience here. South and west Sikkim can be easily accessed by jeeps and taxis available for hiring purpose in the stands. The best part of the Sikkim tour is that the tourist places are accessible by roads which are motorable roads and need no trekking or mountaineering.
To book tickets in Sikkim, one can visit Sikkim Nationalised Transport (S.N.T.)
Website.
Sikkim Railways
There are no railway connections and lines in Sikkim. The nearest railway station is located in Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri. New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station is located 125 kms away from Gangtok and Siliguri is located 114 kms away. However, booking tickets is a trivial affair via online or the Sikkim Nationalised Transport Office on all working days.
Sikkim Airways
Though Sikkim does not have any airports because of its tough terrain, there is, however, a helipad in Gangtok which is the only civilian helipad in the state. The closest airport to Sikkim is in Bagdogra near the town of Siliguri in West Bengal. The Bagdogra airport is located about 124 kms from Gangtok.
The helicopter services not only are for transport and communication but also for sightseeing purposes. It provides wonderful trips to tourists making memories for them to cherish. These helicopters which can accommodate 5 passengers for a single trip are flown by experts hired.
For Helicopter services, contact details:
Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC)Mr. Tejpal Pradhan(Manager Ops): 9647883992
Ms. Deo Maya: 9775901379
Mrs. Tshering Wangmo: 9475011220
Gangtok Booking Office: 03592 - 203960
Head Office.: 03592 - 201372
Fax No.: 03592 - 200325
Email: stdctravels@gmail.com
Also Read: Transport in Gangtok