Planning a trip to Sikkim? If you are searching for the best Kolkata to Gangtok train journey, this detailed guide will help you understand the most practical and budget-friendly route based on our real travel experience.
This is the first part of our Sikkim series, where me and my wife Priyunka started our journey from Khatra and reached Gangtok via Bardhaman and NJP.
Kolkata to Gangtok Train Journey – Our Route Explained
Our journey was planned in a simple and efficient way:
- Khatra → Durgapur (Bus)
- Durgapur → Bardhaman (Train)
- Bardhaman → NJP (Overnight Train)
- NJP → Gangtok (Shared Taxi)
This Kolkata to Gangtok train journey route via NJP is one of the most popular and reliable ways to reach Sikkim.
👉 If you are from Kolkata (Howrah or Sealdah), you can directly board the same train 3 hours earlier, making your journey even easier.
Why This Kolkata to Gangtok Train Journey Route is Best
There are multiple ways to reach Gangtok, but this route stands out because:
- Budget-friendly compared to flights
- Comfortable overnight train journey
- Easy availability of shared taxis from NJP
- Suitable for solo travelers, couples, and families
From our experience, this is one of the best routes for Kolkata to Gangtok travel planning.
Bardhaman Station Experience During Kolkata to Gangtok Train Journey
We reached Bardhaman station around 9:00 PM.
The station was:
- Clean and well-maintained
- Less crowded compared to Howrah
- Easy for boarding long-distance trains
We used the upper-class waiting room, which had:
- Charging points
- Clean seating
- Washroom facilities
👉 Entry was allowed after checking our PNR, which is a good security system.
Real Travel Moment Before Train Journey
Before boarding, we had our dinner (home-packed food).
One small but memorable moment:
A street cat came near us while eating, and we shared some food with it.
These small experiences make your Kolkata to Gangtok train journey more meaningful and memorable.
Bardhaman to NJP Train Journey Experience
Our train arrived on time, and we boarded without any issue.
Since we were tired, we slept early.
Next Morning:
We woke up and realized the train had already reached New Jalpaiguri (NJP).
✔ On-time arrival
✔ Smooth overnight journey
✔ Comfortable experience
👉 This part is very important in any Kolkata to Gangtok train journey, as NJP is the main gateway to Sikkim.
NJP to Gangtok Travel Guide (Taxi Experience)
After reaching NJP, the next step is traveling to Gangtok.
Available Options:
- Private cab: ₹3000–₹4000
- Shared taxi: ₹400–₹600 per person
We chose a shared taxi to keep our journey budget-friendly.
Key Details:
- Travel time: 4.5 to 5.5 hours
- Drop point: Before MG Marg
- Scenic mountain roads
This is the most common route for travelers doing the Kolkata to Gangtok train journey via NJP.
First Mountain Experience – Beginning of Sikkim Journey
As we moved ahead, the surroundings changed beautifully:
- Curvy mountain roads
- Small rivers flowing beside the road
- Cool and fresh air
We stopped for a short break and had momos, which felt amazing in the mountain environment.
At that moment, we truly felt we had entered the Himalayas.
Road Conditions and Reality Check
Not everything was perfect during the journey:
- Some roads were rough
- There was a traffic jam
- Slight off-roading happened
But our driver handled everything well.
👉 If you are planning a Kolkata to Gangtok train journey, always keep extra time in your schedule.
Final Arrival in Gangtok
After a long journey, we finally reached Gangtok around 2:30 PM.
We were:
- Tired
- Excited
- Emotionally happy
This was our first long travel vlog journey, and reaching Gangtok felt like an achievement.
Important Tips for Kolkata to Gangtok Train Journey
✔ Book train tickets in advance
✔ Prefer night trains for comfort
✔ Carry power bank and light snacks
✔ Choose shared taxi to save money
✔ Keep buffer time for delays
Conclusion – Is Kolkata to Gangtok Train Journey Worth It?
Yes, absolutely.
The Kolkata to Gangtok train journey via NJP is:
- Budget-friendly
- Scenic
- Comfortable
- Perfect for travel lovers
This journey is not just about reaching Gangtok, but about experiencing the transition from plains to mountains.
What’s Next in This Series?
In the next part, I will share:
- Our Gangtok hotel experience
- Local sightseeing
- Travel tips for Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass & Baba Mandir
👉 For full video journey, visit our YouTube channel: Safarnama Travel Diaries
👉 For more travel blogs: SafarnamaOnline.in
3 thoughts on “Kolkata to Gangtok Train Journey – Complete Travel Guide from Khatra via NJP | Sikkim Tour Part 1”