Sikkim Eastern Highlands — Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake & NathuLa.
Distance
110 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
2,700 m
Sikkim Eastern Highlands — Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake & Nathu La.
A spectacular day ride from Gangtok up to the Tibetan border — to the glacial Tsomgo Lake (3,753m) and the historic Nathu La pass (4,310m), once a key Silk Road branch and now a working India-China border crossing. The road climbs 2,700m through bamboo cloud forest and rhododendrons into alpine meadows. Permit required from Sikkim Tourism office in Gangtok the day before. Indians only beyond Tsomgo Lake.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance110 km
Days1
Total climb2,700 m
DifficultyModerate
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The route.
GangtokStart · Start in Gangtok (1,650m). Obtain border permit from Sikkim Tourism office on MG Road the day before. Foreigners must turn around at Tsomgo Lake.
Tsomgo LakeScenic Point · Sacred glacial lake at 3,753m. Frozen in winter, mirror-blue in summer. Yak rides for tourists at the lakeshore — ride past them and continue up.
Nathu LaMountain Pass · 4,310m pass on the Indo-Tibetan border. Indian and Chinese soldiers face each other across an iron gate. Open Wed–Sun for Indians only. The view down into the Chumbi Valley in Tibet is unforgettable.
Tsomgo Lake returnPhoto Spot · Stop for hot tea at one of the lakeside stalls. Try momos and butter tea before the descent.
GangtokEnd · Return to Gangtok. The descent through pine and rhododendron forest is one of the great motorcycle moments in eastern India.
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