Biking in Sikkim is an experience that is second to none. There is nothing like a high-octane ride through the scenic villages of Sikkim or Gangtok’s soaring hills. Many bikers who’ve already toured Sikkim would agree when I say Sikkim’s biking routes are one of the best in the country, which is why bike rental in Sikkim is booming. The roads here test your riding skills to the limit as you gain altitude and are faced with challenging terrain and temperatures.

Among the many biking routes of Sikkim, the Silk Route is quite popular. This trading route was used by the merchants of China to export gold and salt to Europe. The route is dotted with quaint remote villages that are nothing short of a painter’s fantasy. From lush green valleys with river streams to hilltop destinations that offer panoramic views of the mighty Himalayas, the route has some excellent surprises for bikers to discover.

East Sikkim Route: Tsomgo Lake – Zuluk – Aritar

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

Day 1: Witness the magnificent Tsomgo Lake

Leaving the traffic and crowd of the capital behind, you will ride uphill towards Tsomgo Lake, located at an altitude of 12,000 feet. The 1 hour 30 min bike ride will take you high over the hills, with clouds floating beneath and the landscape slowly turning from green to white due to snow. The ascent is quick, so make sure you take it easy if you’re new to riding in the hills.

Tsomgo Lake, East Sikkim

During the monsoon and winter months, the roads can be a bit tricky due to sleet, so you must bring your A-game. Little further to Tsomgo Lake (16.6 km) is Baba Mandir, a memorial & temple honoring Indian army soldier, folk hero, and saint Baba Harbhajan Singh. Pay your respect here, collect some holy water, and ride towards Zuluk.

It will be evening by the time you reach Zuluk, so stay overnight at one of the homestays here. End your day with a hearty dinner.

Day 2: Conquer the Hairpin Bends of Zuluk

Rise and shine, get your bags on the bike, and get ready for the highlight of the day!

Descending from Zuluk is sheer pleasure. With numerous hairpin bends, the road looks like a real-life ‘Need for Speed’ track. The sharp bends again test your driving skills to the limit. The view you get of Mt. Khangchendzonga from this route is spell-binding. Mornings could be misty and cold but the weather soon starts to favor you with sunshine and better visibility when you reach Rongli, a small river town.

Winding roads of Zuluk

You then climb towards Aritar. The roads here are narrow and picturesque and you won't regret riding. Aritar gives you a perfect glimpse of rural Sikkim life with the landscape dotted with traditional houses and terraced fields. To take a break from riding, you can take a boat ride on the shimmering lake of Aritar.

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

Pro Tips for Bike Hire in Gangtok

A special permit—Protected Area Permit (PAP)—is required to enter Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La Pass in East Sikkim and Zuluk in North Sikkim. To get the permit, you have to personally visit the permit office in Gangtok. Take along photocopies and originals of vehicle documents and your verification document (voter ID, driver’s license), and 4 passport-size photos. However, if you plan on renting a bike from a travel agent, you just need to share your personal verification documents; the rest will be taken care of by the agent. I suggest you share the documents prior to your visit so as to avoid last-minute hassle.

Royal Enfield is the preferred bike for riding in Sikkim. Its extended height and laidback posture are 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: 

Discover West Sikkim on a motorbike: Bike rentals in Sikkim

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