Sikkim New Route: The Shortest and Most Scenic Way to Explore North, South, and West Sikkim

The Sikkim New Route has opened up a new way of exploring the Himalayan state, famous for its breathtaking landscapes, snow-capped mountains, vibrant culture, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Until recently, one major challenge faced by travelers was the time-consuming travel routes. If you visited North Sikkim, you had to return all the way back to Gangtok before heading to West Sikkim. This not only added hours of travel but also meant missing out on South Sikkim’s unique destinations.

The newly discovered Sikkim New Route, also called the North–South–West Corridor, is a game changer. It shortens travel time, offers a traffic-free journey, and covers some of the most incredible attractions of South Sikkim on the way. As a local travel expert, I can confidently say that this new corridor will reshape how tourists experience Sikkim.

How the Sikkim New Route Saves Time

The biggest advantage of this new corridor is the shorter distance:

• Mangan to Pelling via Gangtok: ~173 km
• Mangan to Pelling via Yangang (Sikkim New Route): ~124 km

That’s nearly 50 km shorter, which translates to several hours saved on mountain roads. Instead of the old detour through Gangtok, you can now travel directly from Mangan (North Sikkim) to Pelling (West Sikkim) via Yangang (South Sikkim).

But what makes this even more exciting is that the new route doesn’t just save time—it adds more destinations to your journey.

Sightseeing Along the Sikkim New Route

The Sikkim New Route connects North, South, and West Sikkim, giving travelers the opportunity to explore hidden treasures that were often left out in traditional itineraries. Here are the major attractions you can cover on the way:

1. Yangang – Bhaleydhunga Ropeway

Yangang is the heart of the Sikkim New Route and an emerging tourism hotspot. Its highlight is the Bhaleydhunga Ropeway, regarded as Asia’s 2nd toughest ropeway. The thrilling ride offers panoramic views of mountains, valleys, and forests, making it an unforgettable adventure.

Yangang is also home to the upcoming World’s Highest Skywalk, which is under construction and is set to place this small town on the global tourism map. Apart from adventure, Yangang is known for its rural tourism, cultural diversity, and natural beauty—waterfalls, rivers, monasteries, trekking trails, and even butterfly-rich habitats.

2. Organic Temi Tea Garden

From Yangang, travelers can visit the famous Temi Tea Estate, Sikkim’s only tea garden and one of the most renowned organic tea producers in the world. Spread across rolling green hills with the mighty Kanchenjunga in the background, Temi Tea Garden is both picturesque and historically significant. Visitors can walk through the plantations, taste freshly brewed organic tea, and enjoy panoramic views.

3. Rabongla – Buddha Park (Tathagata Tsal)

Further along the route lies Rabongla’s Buddha Park, home to a magnificent 130 ft tall statue of Lord Buddha. Surrounded by manicured gardens, prayer flags, and Himalayan peaks, this park offers peace and spirituality in abundance. It’s also a perfect photography spot for travelers.

4. Namchi – Char Dham (Siddheshwar Dham)

Namchi’s Char Dham is a unique pilgrimage site that replicates the four major Dhams of India (Badrinath, Dwarka, Jagannath, and Rameshwaram), along with the 12 Jyotirlingas. A towering statue of Lord Shiva sits at the center of this complex, making it both a religious and cultural marvel. Whether you are a pilgrim or simply an admirer of architecture, this stop is a must on the new route.

Why the Sikkim New Route is a Game Changer

1. Shortest Distance – Saves nearly 50 km compared to the Gangtok route, making it the fastest connection between North and West Sikkim.
2. Traffic-Free Drive – Avoids Gangtok’s traffic and offers a smoother, scenic journey.
3. Maximum Destinations – Covers North Sikkim (Lachen, Lachung, Gurudongmar, Yumthang), South Sikkim (Yangang, Temi Tea Garden, Buddha Park, Char Dham), and West Sikkim (Pelling, Rabdentse Ruins, Pemayangtse Monastery) in one loop.
4. New Tourism Opportunities – Promotes lesser-known destinations like Yangang, supporting rural tourism and local communities.
5. Time Efficiency – Perfect for travelers with limited days, as they can cover more attractions in less time.

Suggested Itinerary Using the Sikkim New Route

• Day 1–3: Explore North Sikkim (Lachen, Gurudongmar Lake, Lachung, Yumthang Valley).
• Day 4: Travel from Mangan → Makha → Yangang. Visit Bhaleydhunga Ropeway and explore Yangang’s local culture.
• Day 5: Visit Temi Tea Garden, then head to Rabongla Buddha Park.
• Day 6: Stop at Namchi Char Dham before continuing towards Pelling in West Sikkim.
• Day 7–8: Explore Pelling (Skywalk, Rabdentse Ruins, Pemayangtse Monastery, Kanchenjunga viewpoints).

This loop ensures you don’t just travel across Sikkim—you truly experience its diversity.

The Sikkim New Route is more than just a shortcut. It represents a new way of exploring Sikkim, where travelers don’t waste time backtracking but instead discover new destinations, cultures, and landscapes. By combining the adventure of Yangang, the serenity of Temi Tea Garden, the spirituality of Buddha Park, and the devotion at Char Dham, this route turns your journey into an unforgettable experience.

If you are planning a trip to Sikkim, make sure to include this route in your itinerary. It’s not just about reaching faster—it’s about experiencing North, South, and West Sikkim in one seamless journey.

Also Read: Forget Manali! Discover the Lesser-Known Magic of Yangang South Sikkim