Sikkim to Host First-Ever High-Altitude Supercar Rally

Sikkim is set to host its first-ever high-altitude supercar rally, featuring 17 of the world’s most iconic high-performance vehicles, including Lamborghinis and Porsches. The event has been organised under the Ministry of Defence’s ‘Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan’ initiative, which aims to promote battlefield and border tourism across India.

The rally, a self-funded and self-driven expedition, will be flagged off from Sukna in West Bengal on December 12 and is scheduled to conclude on December 15. Participants will traverse the Siliguri-Gangtok-Cho La-Nathu La-Gnathang-Zuluk circuit, offering an immersive experience of Sikkim’s rugged mountain terrain, scenic landscapes, and historically significant passes.

Cho La Pass, situated at 5,420 metres, is a key highlight of the route. The pass was a strategically important site during the 1967 India-China clashes and has recently gained attention among travellers interested in battlefield history and high-altitude driving. Nathu La Pass, another strategic border location, along with the scenic villages of Gnathang and Zuluk, known for its series of hairpin bends, will also feature prominently along the circuit.

The rally has been organised by the Mumbai-based Super Car Route Group and is supported by the Black Cat Division of the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps and the Sikkim state government. While the event is not part of any international motorsport or rally series, it is designed to attract automotive enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and travellers keen on India’s historical and border regions.

To ensure smooth conduct of the rally, heavy vehicle movement on the 52-km stretch of NH-10 from Sevoke (West Bengal) to Rangpo (Sikkim) will be restricted. On December 12, restrictions will apply from 6 am to 12 pm, and on December 15, from 3 pm to 9 pm, according to an official notification.

Globally, high-altitude and exotic car rallies exist, such as the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the United States, Gumball 3000 in Europe and Asia, and the Carrera Panamericana in Mexico. However, the Sikkim rally is unique as it combines luxury supercars, high-altitude Himalayan terrain, and historically significant border sites, under a government-supported tourism initiative.

The event is expected to showcase Sikkim’s natural beauty, strategic heritage, and adventure tourism potential, while providing participants with an unforgettable driving experience along one of India’s most dramatic high-altitude routes.