Viewpoints · Uttarey
Walk across the Singshore Bridge
Stop on the road between Dentam and Uttarey and walk across the Singshore Bridge, a suspension bridge said to be about 240 m long and 100 m above the gorge. It is a short, free outing with long views down to the forest and stream below.
The Singshore Bridge spans a deep gorge on the road from Dentam to Uttarey, linking two sides of a valley that once took hours to cross on foot. It is commonly described as about 240 m long and about 100 m high, and is said to be the highest suspension bridge in Sikkim and among the highest in Asia; we use those figures as reported rather than measured. Whatever the exact numbers, standing in the middle and looking down is enough to make most people grip the rail.
The bridge carries road traffic, so walk on the side, keep children close and step aside for vehicles. The best plan is to have your driver drop you at one end and wait at the other while you walk across. From the middle you look down into forest and a stream far below, and up and down the valley towards the farms and ridges. On clear days the light is best from mid-morning, once the valley mist has burned off.
Most visitors see the bridge on the way into Uttarey from Pelling and Dentam, so build in 30–45 minutes for the stop. There is usually a small tea stall or two near the bridge in season, but do not count on it. People with a fear of heights can admire it from the approach. Wind can make the bridge feel livelier than it is; it is built for vehicles. Take your rubbish with you.
Cost: Free
Questions people ask
Good to know
How high is the Singshore Bridge?
It is usually described as about 100 m above the gorge and about 240 m long, and is said to be the highest suspension bridge in Sikkim and among the highest in Asia. These are the commonly reported figures rather than our own measurements, but standing in the middle you will not doubt that it is very high.
Where is the Singshore Bridge?
It is on the road between Dentam and Uttarey in Sikkim's Gyalshing district, west of Pelling. Most people cross it on the way to Uttarey, roughly 1.5–2 hours from Pelling by car. Shared jeeps from Gyalshing to Uttarey also cross it, though they rarely stop, so a reserved car makes a proper visit easier.
Is it safe to walk across Singshore Bridge?
Yes, for most people. It is a road bridge built for vehicles, with railings along the sides. Walk on the edge, keep children close, step aside for jeeps and avoid it in strong wind or heavy rain. If you dislike heights, view it from the approach road, which still shows the gorge well.
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