Namprikdang set to host Sikkim Riders Meet, ILP mandatory for most foreign participants

ISABELLA GURUNG

GANGTOK,: Dirty Angels Motorcycle Club (DAMC), the organisers of the first edition of the Sikkim Riders Meet (SRM), have informed that an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory for riders coming from foreign countries, including Nepal. However, riders coming from Bhutan are exempted from the ILP, as India and Bhutan share a uniquely close relationship governed by the Indo-Bhutan Friendship Treaty.

The SRM 2026 is scheduled to take place from November 16 to 18 at Namprikdang Ground, Dzongu, North Sikkim. The three-day event, themed ‘One State, One Brotherhood, One Ride’, aims to strengthen bonds among bikers, promote responsible riding and bring together motorcycle clubs on a common platform.

The inaugural event will feature Bollywood star and celebrity rider Randeep Hooda as its showstopper. Other artists include Meghalaya’s rising rapper Reble, popular Italian DJ Olly Esse and Sikkim’s DJ Wang.

“Those coming from Nepal and other foreign countries will have to obtain ILPs at the Rangpo check post. It is mandatory, as without an ILP, international tourists cannot visit restricted and sensitive areas of Sikkim. However, Bhutanese riders do not need an ILP,” informed DAMC president Gelek Gyatso Bhutia at a press meet held in Gangtok on Saturday.

“Those attending SRM 2026 have been enquiring about the required Restricted and Protected Area Permits (PAP) to enter North Sikkim. Whoever wants to visit North Sikkim’s tourist destinations like Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang Valley, Lachen, Lachung, Zero Point, etc., will be provided permits free of cost by DAMC as a Diwali gift to our riders," said DAMC president Gelek Gyatso Bhutia.

“The second question was whether only motorcycles with an engine capacity of 300cc and above would be allowed. We want to clarify that bikes with an engine capacity of 300cc and below will also be allowed, but those bikes will not be permitted inside the venue. They can park their bikes in the parking lot outside the venue. Those interested can also come in their cars, for which parking facilities will be provided outside the venue,” added the DAMC president.

Locals are also welcome to join the event, with registration for SRM 2026 being mandatory.

Passes are priced at Rs 6,500 per rider. While online registration is closed, the organisers have opened a limited number of ‘gate-crasher’ slots for last-minute entries, priced at Rs 10,000.

“The Rs 6,500 pass will cover entry to all major festival zones and includes several essentials for all three days. These include three meals a day, access to a dedicated campsite operating on a Bring Your Own Tent (BYOT) basis, assistance and processing arrangements for the required restricted PAP to enter North Sikkim, and a swag (goodies) bag. However, gate-crashers will not be given swag bags and raffle tickets,” said Gelek.

So far, more than 2,000 riders have registered from across India and countries including Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia and Argentina.

“We will be creating history, as for the first time we are bringing more than 2,000 riders under one roof. This will benefit tourism in the State and revive the economy of Namprikdang, which was badly affected by the GLOF in 2023,” stated Bhutia.

Registered participants will automatically be entered into a lucky draw, with a BMW F450GS motorcycle as the grand prize, alongside two other bikes and multiple consolation prizes.

For riders coming from faraway places, the organisers have also prepared a Gangtok itinerary. All of us will proceed together towards North Sikkim on November 16, informed the organisers.

On the concluding day, Randeep Hooda will ride alongside the chief patrons and youth icons, including MLA Aditya Golay and MLA Erung Lepcha.

Other activities and entertainment lined up for the event include dedicated zones for off-roading, river rafting, waterfall hiking and stunt riding, a live motocross display, traditional Sikkimese sports, a local food festival, a rice-harvesting celebration and music featuring local and international acts, including bands like Transfix and Lasomungkup.

The organisers have thanked Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, the State government, the Tourism and Forest ministers, MLAs Aditya Golay and Erung Lepcha, and everyone who has supported DAMC in organising SRM 2026.