Nomadic Lives Local, Experiential India Travel Blog
2. Gangtok – Yuksom
Yuksom is a historic town in the north eastern frontier state of Sikkim. A state surrounded on 3 sides by 3 separate countries in Nepal, China & Bhutan, the 140 odd KM long route from the state capital of Gangtok to Yuksom, is a breath-taking course, cutting through the eastern Himalayas.
The 3 hour long drive is significant in many ways, because depending upon which side you travel towards, a small detour could easily land you up in another country altogether. The Yuksom side of the road will provide brilliant views of the legendary Kanchenjunga range – the 3rd highest peak in the world, whereas a few KMs east off Gangtok on the same route, and you will reach the Nathu La Pass – one of only 3 open passes between India & China, to cross into Chinese Autonomous Tibet.
There’s a striking Tibetan & Buddhist influence in this mountainous frontier state. The state is also a rich bio-diverse ecosphere for rare, ancient & extinction threatened species of flora & fauna like the snow leopard, Asiatic black bear, red panda, Himalayan musk deer, chestnut-breasted partridge, rhododendrons & several exotic orchids. A visit to the Khangchendzonga National Park will open you up to several popular, challenging trek routes deep within the Kanchenjunga valleys. Visit the Sikkim Tourism Board’s website for further details here .
Great post! India isn’t a country I would think of doing a road trip in but these routes sound great! Awesome photos as well- love the windy paths!
Hannah,
you’re right in a way – driving in India can be a challenge in
itself; especially the urban areas! I know so many westerners who marvel
at the way locals drive in this country, but some of these routes are
really breath-taking, you must try some day 🙂
Beautiful! I have only been to Northern India to date, but this post makes me want to explore a lot more of it!
Interesting! I wouldn’t think to be road tripping through India. We will be visiting India for 2-3 months in February, so nice to see what our options are for getting around.
great idea for a post! India is not the country one thinks in relation to road trips, but there are some amazing ones to do!
Awesome! I have only been to South part India – Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Vizag. This post makes me want to explore more in India!