Key hubs
Lachung airport and railway station
- Nearest airport
- Gangtok Airport is about 125 km away, roughly 4–5 hours by road depending on permits and traffic. Most travellers fly to Bagdogra (Darjeeling) in West Bengal, which is farther but has more flight options, then drive north to Sikkim.
- Railway station
- Siliguri Junction (West Bengal) is the nearest major station, about 150 km away. From there, hire a taxi or join a group tour to Lachung. There is no direct rail connection to North Sikkim.
- Getting around
- Hire a private car and driver for the whole trip; roads are steep, narrow and landslide-prone, especially in monsoon. Day trips by vehicle to Yumthang and Zero Point are standard from Lachung; Thangu and Gurudongmar are reached from Lachen, on the other branch of the road at Chungthang.
How to reach Lachung by air
Bagdogra, in West Bengal, is the main air gateway, with a day or more of onward road travel into North Sikkim; Gangtok's small airport is closer but has limited flights and permit requirements.
How to reach Lachung by train
Siliguri Junction is the nearest major railhead, about 150 km away, with onward travel to Lachung by hired taxi or group tour.
How to reach Lachung by road
The road north from Gangtok to Lachung is steep, narrow and landslide-prone, especially in the monsoon, and is covered by hired car and driver.
Getting around Lachung
A private car and driver handles day trips to Yumthang and Zero Point; trekking is the only way into the higher valleys and passes.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Lachung
- Hire a private car and driver for the entire trip. Do not rely on shared taxis or group tours; you need flexibility to rest, stop for water, or turn back if needed.
- Carry warm clothes in layers: thermal underwear, sweaters, a windproof jacket, a hat and gloves. Even in spring and autumn, mornings and evenings are cold.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.