Singshore Bridge is a suspension bridge about 240 m long and more than 100 m above a forested gorge, on the road between Dentam and Uttarey in Gyalshing district (West Sikkim). Wikipedia calls it the highest bridge in Sikkim. It is about 26 km and 1–1.5 hours from Pelling. Allow 30–60 minutes.
Best months
Oct–Dec and Mar–May
Nights we suggest
0 (stop on the way to Uttarey)
From Gangtok
≈ 140 km · 6.5–7.5 h (≈ 26 km beyond Pelling)
Altitude
About 1,600 m (deck)
Known for
Highest bridge in Sikkim, gorge views, waterfalls
Permit
Not needed for Indians; foreigners need the Sikkim RAP
The road west from Pelling drops into the Dentam valley and then climbs towards Uttarey. Partway up, it crosses a deep, forested gorge on the Singshore Bridge, a single long span of steel and concrete that Wikipedia describes as about 240 m long and more than 100 m high, the highest bridge in Sikkim. The district administration repeats a common claim that it is the second highest bridge in Asia; we cannot verify the ranking, but standing in the middle, it feels high enough.
The bridge was built in the early 2000s to shorten the journey between the two sides of the gorge, linking the Dentam side with Uttarey. Before it, villagers faced a long walk or drive down to the stream and back up. Vehicles still use it, and it carries the shared jeeps between Gyalshing and Uttarey, school children, farmers taking produce to market and the occasional herd of cattle. We have not found a published record of its exact opening date or its builders.
For visitors it is a stop rather than a destination. Park at one end, walk across and back, look down into the gorge and at the waterfalls on its walls, and continue to Uttarey or return to Pelling. It is part of most day trips west of Pelling and sits naturally between Dentam and a night in Uttarey. In the monsoon, cloud often fills the gorge, so a clear morning from October to May gives the best view.
Highlights
What to see and do
Walk the 240 m span
Park at one end and walk across the bridge and back, about 15–20 minutes at an easy pace with stops. The deck is wide enough for vehicles, so stay on the edges and watch for jeeps. The middle of the span gives the best view straight down into the gorge.
Looking into the gorge
More than 100 m below, a stream runs through thick forest, and in the wetter months thin waterfalls streak the gorge walls. Morning light is softer and clearer; by afternoon cloud often fills the valley, which can be atmospheric in its own way.
The road from Dentam
The approach from Dentam climbs out of the farming valley through forest, with views back over terraces and villages. Stop on the bends above the bridge for a photograph of the whole span against the far side of the gorge.
On to Uttarey
Beyond the bridge the road climbs into oak, magnolia and rhododendron forest to Uttarey, at about 2,000 m. Lunch in a Uttarey homestay, a walk to the village monastery and a night there turn a quick stop into a relaxed day.
A good stop for families
There is no hike, no fee to speak of and no altitude to worry about, so the bridge suits grandparents and children alike. Hold children's hands on the deck, as railings are not designed for climbing, and keep clear of passing vehicles.
The story of Singshore Bridge
Why a bridge this high was built
West Sikkim's hills are cut by deep gorges, and for most of their history the only way across was down to the river and up the other side on foot. Wikipedia's article on the Singshore Bridge, drawing on the Incredible India site and press coverage, says the bridge was built in the early 2000s, of iron and concrete, to shorten the distance between the two sides of the gorge and connect Dentam with Uttarey. The result is a span of about 240 m, more than 100 m above the stream, which is why it is now known as the highest bridge in Sikkim. For the villages beyond, including Uttarey near the Nepal border, it turned a long journey into a short drive and put them on the map for travellers. We do not know of any written record naming its engineers or giving an exact opening date, and the claim that it is the second highest bridge in Asia, repeated by the district administration and the press, is hard to check. What is certain is the effect: on a clear day, families from across Sikkim stop here for photographs, and the gorge below still carries the sound of the stream.
Source: Wikipedia: Singshore Bridge, Pelling; Gyalshing district administration: Utteray
Little known
Things most visitors never hear
Wikipedia gives the Singshore Bridge's length as 240 m (787 ft) and its height as more than 100 m (328 ft), and says it was built of iron and concrete.
Source: Wikipedia: Singshore Bridge, Pelling
According to Wikipedia, citing Incredible India, the Alpine Cheese Factory, which makes Gouda cheese, is located not far from the bridge.
Source: Wikipedia: Singshore Bridge, Pelling
The Gyalshing district administration's own page on Uttarey spells the bridge 'Singsor' and calls it 'said to be the second highest bridge in Asia'.
Source: Gyalshing district administration: Utteray
Shared jeeps between Gyalshing and Uttarey cross the bridge, mostly in the morning, indicatively ₹150–250 a seat. Ask the driver to drop you at the bridge, but the next jeep may be hours away, so this suits travellers staying in Uttarey or Dentam.
Private car
From Pelling, about 26 km and 1–1.5 hours via Dentam. A half-day car to Dentam and the bridge costs indicatively ₹2,000–3,000; a full day on to Uttarey ₹3,000–4,000. From Gangtok, about 140 km and 6.5–7.5 hours via Legship and Gyalshing.
From Bagdogra / NJP
About 160–170 km and 7–8 hours via Melli, Jorethang, Legship, Gyalshing and Dentam. Almost everyone spends the first night in Pelling or goes straight to Uttarey. NH10 closes after heavy rain; the alternative road is via Darjeeling. Check current status before you travel.
Permits in West Sikkim
Indian travellers need no permit for Pelling, Yuksom, Khecheopalri, Tashiding or Uttarey. The Dzongri and Goecha La trek needs a Khangchendzonga National Park permit and fees, arranged at Yuksom through a registered trekking agency with a licensed guide. Foreign nationals need the Restricted Area Permit to enter Sikkim, applied for online via the e-FRRO portal after arriving in India, and a Protected Area Permit in a group of two or more for the Dzongri–Goecha La trek. Sikkim charges a ₹50 per tourist fee at check-in. Check current status before you travel.
There is nowhere to stay at the bridge itself. The closest beds are the family homestays of Uttarey, a short drive up the road beyond the bridge, at indicatively ₹1,200–2,200 per person with meals; we book them as Uttarey village homestays. Dentam, below, has a few basic homestays and lodges. Most travellers see the bridge on a day trip from Pelling, where Hotel Garuda is a budget base, Norbu Ghang Retreat and Spa a comfort option and The Elgin Mount Pandim the premium choice.
Singshore Bridge is in Gyalshing district (West Sikkim), on the road between Dentam and Uttarey, about 26 km and 1–1.5 hours by car west of Pelling. It spans a deep forested gorge. Although it is often called 'Singshore Bridge, Pelling', it is well beyond Pelling town.
How far is Singshore Bridge from Pelling?
About 26 km by road, roughly 1–1.5 hours each way via Dentam. A half-day private car from Pelling to Dentam and the bridge costs indicatively ₹2,000–3,000, and a full day continuing to Uttarey ₹3,000–4,000. Shared jeeps to Uttarey also cross the bridge.
Is Singshore Bridge the highest bridge in Asia?
No. Wikipedia calls it the highest bridge in Sikkim, at more than 100 m above the gorge, and it is widely described as the second highest bridge in Asia, a claim repeated by the district administration. Several much higher bridges exist in Asia today, so treat the ranking as a local saying.
How much time do I need at Singshore Bridge?
Thirty minutes to an hour is enough to walk across and back, take photographs and look into the gorge. Add an hour or so for the drive from Dentam and on to Uttarey. Most travellers combine the bridge with Dentam and Uttarey in a full day from Pelling.
Can vehicles drive across Singshore Bridge?
Yes. It is a road bridge, used by cars, taxis and shared jeeps between Dentam and Uttarey. Pedestrians share the deck, so walk on the edges and step aside when vehicles pass. Heavy vehicles may be restricted; check current status before you travel.
Is Singshore Bridge open in the monsoon?
The bridge itself stays open, but the roads to it from Pelling and Dentam can be blocked by landslides from June to September, and cloud often fills the gorge. If you visit in the monsoon, keep a flexible day and ask your driver about road conditions. Check current status before you travel.
Are there facilities at Singshore Bridge?
Very few. There may be a small tea stall or vendor in season, and parking at the ends, but do not count on toilets or food. Use facilities and buy snacks in Pelling or Dentam, carry water and take your rubbish with you.
Who built Singshore Bridge and when?
Wikipedia says it was built in the early 2000s, of iron and concrete, to shorten the journey across the gorge between the Dentam and Uttarey sides. We have not found a published record of the exact opening date or the engineers responsible, so we leave those details out.
Is Singshore Bridge suitable for elderly travellers?
Yes. The bridge is reached by car and walking across is flat and short, about 15–20 minutes at an easy pace. The main concerns are traffic on the deck and the long drive from Pelling on winding roads. Travellers who get car-sick should take precautions and sit in front.
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