Chewabhanjyang Pass: A Multi-trade Economic Corridor
Chewabhanjyang pass, situated in West Sikkim at the Indo-Nepal border is a international mountain pass connecting remote areas of both India and Nepal and serves as a trade route between the two nations. Located at 10,300 feet above sea level, Chewabhanjyang pass offers breathtaking views of several mountains including Mount Everest, Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Lhotse, and Mount Makalu.
Unlike other passes connecting India with China that require strict vigilance, Chewabhanjyang has an open border with friendly Nepal under the Indo-Nepal Treaty of 1850. In the olden times it used to be known as Cheewa-Fangzong, which means “peeping valley” in Limboo language.
The nearest village is Uttarey which lies 18 km downhill and acts as a base camp for various high-altitude trekking routes, including Uttarey-Singalila, Uttarey-Phoktey Dara and Uttarey- Dzongri-Yuksom, among others.
The Uttarey-Chewabhanjyang trek is a picturesque trek in dense forest covered with rhododendron and other alpine trees. It is one of the shortest treks in the initial phase of series of treks starting from Uttarey. Traversing the razor-edged ridges offers breathtaking views on both sides of India and Nepal. The rhododendron’s flowering season brings an abundance of bird and insect species, making it a true delight for nature enthusiasts.
Shiva Panchayan Mandir in nearby secluded Sopaka village is a pilgrimage site attracting devotees from both countries while Uttarey’s Kyagu Gompa is revered by locals as a place of worship. Other attractions include Singshore Bridge (Asia’s highest suspension bridge over a gorge), Chitrey known for trout cultivation, traditional Limbu villages and Mainbus Waterfall.
Numerous lodges and resorts cater to nature enthusiasts seeking scenic surroundings such as hilltops, waterfalls, rivers and mountain hamlets. The three homestay villages: Bandukey Limbu Tribal Heritage Village; Sherpa Gaon Tribal Heritage Village; and Ferek Lepcha Tribal Heritage Village offer comfortable homestays for nature lovers.
Recently, Chewabhanjyang pass caught the media’s attention when Sikkim’s Chief Minister, Prem Singh Golay, explored the possibility of creating a multi-trade corridor between India and Nepal. This is crucial since Sikkim and Nepal share a nearly 100 km border, where historically people relied on yaks for business transactions across challenging terrains.
The proposed corridor aims to benefit both countries in areas such as business, education, healthcare, tourism, and cultural exchanges. In support of this project, a forest guest house has been constructed near the existing tourism guest house.
Chewabhanjyang serves as the origin point for the two important roads Uttarey-Chewabhanjyang in India connecting Gangtok and Mid Hills (Pushpalal) Highway in Nepal linking the East-West Nepal Highway.
This economic corridor will enhance trade and commerce activities between West Sikkim’s border towns and Eastern Nepal. There is also potential for religious tourism along its route including pilgrimages to Pathibara in Eastern Nepal. In addition to boosting religious tourism, other infrastructure developments like a climate study center at Chewabhanjyang are planned.
The Chewabhanjyang pass route will offer easier international connectivity for health services to Eastern Nepalese residents due to its quicker access to Gangtok compared to Kathmandu. This initiative presents numerous opportunities for both sides to capitalize on their available resources.
Chewabhanjyang pass has the potential to be developed into a a vital trade route between India and Nepal. With the open border and friendly relations between these two nations, this Chewabhanjyang pass fosters a unique sense of connectivity and cooperation. The surrounding region offers stunning views of majestic mountains, making it a desirable destination for trekking enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The recent developments, including the proposal for a multi-trade corridor and various infrastructure projects, highlight the potential for economic growth, cultural exchanges, and enhanced tourism in the area. As Chewabhanjyang pass continues to evolve and expand its role, it holds the promise of fostering greater connectivity and prosperity for both India and Nepal, while preserving its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
