Nestled near Yangyang in South Sikkim, Bhaleydunga, a new site is quickly gaining recognition as a must-visit destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers visiting the Himalayan state, courtesy of a cable car ride that offers a bird’s-eye view of the idyllic landscape.

The site offers a breathtaking mix of thrills, serene beauty, and cultural charm, giving travellers an unforgettable experience beyond Sikkim’s conventional tourist trails.

The journey to Bhaleydunga begins with a ride on the Bhaleydunga ropeway, considered one of India’s world’s steepest and longest ropeway. The 18-gondola ropeway offers an exhilarating three-and-a-half kilometre-long journey that starts from Dhapper, a site located 5,938 feet from sea level to the Bhaleydunga peak at 9,918 feet.

“The ten-minute ride in one of the gondolas provides panoramic views of the lush valleys, the picturesque town of Yangyang, and beyond. Upon arrival at Bhaleydunga Peak, visitors are rewarded with captivating views, pristine air, and the thrill of standing on a cliffside that few have ventured to before,” said Samrat Sanyal, general secretary, Himalayan Hospitality & Tourism Development Network (HHTDN).

Those associated with the tourism sector said the destination is not just about the adrenaline rush but also provides a chance to connect with local culture and spirituality as Bhaleydunga holds historical and religious significance for the people of south Sikkim.

The cable car ride, sources said, runs from 8 am to 12 pm and from 1 pm to 3 pm. It remains closed on Thursdays. The charge for a round-trip is 750 rupees.

The Bhaleydunga-Dhapper ropeway, which was built with a cost of around Rs. 210 crores, is also a testament to engineering ingenuity. In February this year, it was virtually inaugurated by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Sikkim chief minister P S Tamang.

“The project initially faced financial hurdles but eventually, it was salvaged and brought to fruition by the state government in 2019, with financial support from the Prime Minister’s Development for North East Region (PM-DevINE),” said a source.

A Sikkim-based company took up the project in collaboration with a French firm and all the construction materials were imported from France to ensure the highest standards of safety, the source added.

“Each of the 18 gondolas can accommodate up to eight passengers and travel at a maximum speed of six metres per second,” the source added.

Sanyal, while elaborating on the project, said this cliffside marvel was gaining popularity among tourists.