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Go Backpacking > Destinations > Asia > India > Friday Flashback – Sikkim Adventures

Friday Flashback – Sikkim Adventures

October 16, 2009 By Dave

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Ever wondered who defied death to build these roads? BRO that leads the way.
"Ever wondered who defied death to build these roads? BRO that leads the way."

Sikkim is a former Buddhist kingdom nestled along the Himalaya, bordered to the west by Nepal, the north by Tibet, and the east by Bhutan and China.  About 30 years ago, India took the reigns, yet its unique identity is still reflected throughout the state.

Narrow, winding roads are etched into the sides of steep mountains prone to landslides.  Despite the dangerous conditions, the roads are paved and often surprisingly smooth.  The Border Roads Organization (BRO) take immense pride in these results and there are street signs throughout the state which praise the laborers and also caution people against driving dangerously.

4×4's are the primary form of transport.  I took two jeep tours – the first a day trip, and the second a 3-day journey into the northern reaches of the state.  Sikkim is also home to the world's 3rd tallest mountain, Mt. Kanchenjunga, which I was able to catch glimpses of from Gangtok.

To discover Sikkim, please follow these links:

Sikkim Bound (the jeep trip from Darjeeling)

Good Time Gangtok (exploring the capital city)

Yak Rides at Tsomgo Lake

Big Waterfalls, Long Drive (1st of a 3-part series)

The Tsopta Valley and Jeep Drama (part 2 – includes our jeep breakdown)

Yumthang – Valley of the Flowers (part 3)

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking uses and recommends:

  • G Adventures for small group tours
  • Skyscanner for researching flights
  • Hostelworld for booking hostels
  • Airbnb for renting rooms and homes
  • Rail Europe for train passes
  • World Nomads for travel insurance

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Filed Under: India

About Dave

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 65 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Originally from New York, Dave now calls Austin, TX home. Find him on Instagram and Twitter.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. BlakesJourney says

    October 16, 2009 at 12:59 pm

    That sure is a lot of content about a place I hadn't heard of. I've got some reading to do. Sounds intriguing, Dave. Thanks! Did you run in to any aclimatization issues up there in the Himylayas?

    Blakesjourney / tBD

  2. Rico Travel Blog says

    October 21, 2009 at 7:40 am

    Can't wait to goto Nepal this is one of the top priorities on my list

  3. Dave says

    October 21, 2009 at 11:36 pm

    Nepal is not the easiest country to get to because there are no direct flights from the West (that I know of) but it's soooo worth it.

  4. Botswana Tours says

    October 23, 2009 at 4:49 am

    Would love to see more pics of the roads if you got any?

  5. Dave says

    October 23, 2009 at 2:20 pm

    I have tons of photos, however for now, I'm just going to share the link to my Flickr photoset.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/gobackpacking/sets…

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/gobackpacking/sets…

  6. Nazi Hunting Society Haifa says

    October 24, 2009 at 1:30 am

    saw a nazi sign highlighted on right top hand corner. Is there a crytptic neo nazi message re death, labor, etc.. can someone decipher please

  7. Luke says

    October 26, 2009 at 12:05 pm

    great articles. i remember these signs when i was heading up to the town of Yuksom…. 16 people squeezed into a jeep going along not so wide roads! Was incredible though, particularly driving along the main river sitting in the back seat with 5 others! Sikkim is truly incredible and I hope to go back there someday – found an awesome little guesthouse up at one pagoda, no signs, no marketing, pure word of mouth!

  8. Dave says

    October 26, 2009 at 2:42 pm

    Yes, I loved those signs. I wanted to keep a list of all the phrases and warnings, and then print up t-shirts with them, but didn't want to keep asking our jeep driver to slow down. We hired a guide and our own jeep so it wasn't as crowded as yours.

  9. New York Hotels says

    November 1, 2009 at 12:00 am

    Another nice article! well people should really thanked those he roads. I need to visit the place also and of course i need again LMT to find me a good hotel with a good price where i can stay while having a vacation there..

  10. Used Road Bikes says

    November 24, 2009 at 10:59 pm

    You mentioned that you can pass on narrow winding roads so it means the road is dangerous. Drivers should be very careful in driving because of the condition of the road.

  11. Pallavi says

    February 15, 2010 at 3:02 am

    I was there in Jan this year..the roads are a lot more worse now..BRO is building 4-lane roads..so loads of cutting n digging…our driver drove as if he was on some express way..was scary but fun…You should have gone up till Nathula pass..its breathtaking up there at 14140ft…!

  12. Pallavi says

    February 15, 2010 at 9:02 am

    I was there in Jan this year..the roads are a lot more worse now..BRO is building 4-lane roads..so loads of cutting n digging…our driver drove as if he was on some express way..was scary but fun…You should have gone up till Nathula pass..its breathtaking up there at 14140ft…!

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