"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)
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)
Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours.
- World Nomads for travel insurance.
- Hostelworld for booking hostels.
- Rail Europe for train passes.
Pallavi
Monday 15th of February 2010
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...!
Pallavi
Monday 15th of February 2010
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...!
Used Road Bikes
Tuesday 24th of November 2009
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.
New York Hotels
Sunday 1st of November 2009
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..
Dave
Monday 26th of October 2009
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.