The joy of experiencing new places and cultures on a bike is unparalleled with any other joy in this world. If biking is your way of exploring a new area, then you my friend are in for a treat. Biking in Sikkim opens the opportunity for unmatched adventure in the most varying weather conditions. While you might have seen endless bikers choose Gurudongmar Lake as their biking destination, which indeed is spectacular, there are many more routes in Sikkim that are charming and special in their own way.

One such route is the West Sikkim route. This motorcycle safari takes you through villages with traditional houses, age-old monasteries, tall statues, historic ruins, and other attractions of the region that you just cannot miss. So, opt for bike rental in Sikkim and let the journey begin!

West Sikkim Route: Gangtok – Pelling – Yuksom

Here’s a day-wise breakup of the bike route, which starts and ends at Gangtok.

Day 1: A 130-foot high statue of Buddha awaits

Ride from Gangtok to Namchi in South Sikkim to visit the noted Char Dham, a replica of four pilgrim sites of India with an 87-ft statue of Lord Shiva. Get your blessing here and ride towards Ravangla, where a much larger statue awaits.

The ride to Ravangla takes you through steep valleys loaded with lush trees and views of the spectacular snow-covered eastern Himalayan peaks. Tucked away atop the hill, you get a glimpse of a giant Buddha statue as soon as you enter Ravangla. Riding towards the statue, you reach Buddha Park, which looks divine. There is also a meditation center and a museum with a spiral gallery on the premises. On clear days you also get a view of Char Dham, located right across Buddha Park. The next stop is Pelling.

Buddha Park, Ravangla

Pelling from Ravangla is a short 1 hr 45 min ride through clean roads and green valleys. Located at an altitude of 6,800 ft, Pelling is the nearest motorable point to Mt. Khangchendzonga.

Retire for the day in one of the homestays of Pelling and get some rest. End your day with a hearty local dinner.

Day 2: Walk on India’s first Sky Walk

Start your day with a sightseeing tour. Pelling is home to India’s first glass skywalk and the world’s tallest statue of Chenrezig. Thereafter, head towards the first capital of Sikkim, Yuksom. En route lies the refreshing Khangchendzonga Waterfalls. Snap some pictures, rejuvenate, and head towards your endpoint—Yuksom.

Yuksom is a quaint little village with a rich history.  The remnants of the Coronation Throne of the 1st Chogyal of Sikkim is still present to this date. Other places to visit include Khangchendzonga National Park and Kathok Lake.

In the final leg of the journey, you will climb down from Yuksom and head back to Gangtok.

Glass skywalk, Pelling

Pro Tips for Bike Hire in Gangtok

Royal Enfield is the preferred bike for riding in Sikkim. Its extended height and laidback posture is comfortable on the bending roads of Sikkim. The engine also offers enough power to cover longer distances.

Popular bike routes in Sikkim: opt for a rental

Best Time to Visit

Autumn (mid-September to mid-December) and Spring (March to May) are the best times to take a bike ride in Sikkim. During these months, the weather is pleasant with better visibility.

Drop in your experience in the comment section below if you’ve ridden this bike route.

Also read: 

Ride the magical East Sikkim route by hiring a bike in Gangtok

Ditch the car ride to North Sikkim: Hire a bike in Gangtok

Elevate your vacation: Hop on a rental bike and ride the South Sikkim route