A paved road to the top of Dongkha La

Dongkha La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.492m (18,018ft) above the sea level, located in the state of Sikkim, India, near the Chinese border. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Set high in the Sikkim Himalayan region, the road to the summit, also known as Donkia La Pass, was recently paved. Remember road conditions can change very quickly in winters. The pass is inaccessible during winters (November to February) and monsoons (June to September). Due its remoteness, keep an eye on your fuel levels. Atop the mountain pass one can capture the picturesque Tibetan plateau.

The pass connects Sikkim in India and Tibet in China. You may not find food in proximity here so be well stocked. In case of a breakdown, there is very little in the way of passing traffic or inhabitants around, and no cell phone service in parts. Located about 4 kilometers from India-China border, the pass is controlled by the Indian Army  and obtaining the permit for it is next to impossible. It regularly gets used by Indian Army vehicles.
Pic&video: Gourab Dutta