📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Original: Yoghya
Derivative work: UnpetitproleX
Travel
Renault Duster AWD Tackles North Sikkim’s Rugged Roads in Team‑BHP’s Latest Road Trip
✍️ Team-BHP
🗓 28 Oct 2026, 06:36 PM
👁 7
Team‑BHP documented a challenging drive through North Sikkim using an older Renault Duster AWD, highlighting the vehicle’s performance on high‑altitude terrain.
Team‑BHP set out from Gangtok early in the week, heading towards the remote districts of North Sikkim with an ageing Renault Duster equipped with all‑wheel drive. The crew chose the Duster for its proven capability on steep gradients and unpaved tracks, aiming to test the car’s limits in a region where weather can shift rapidly and road surfaces range from gravel to snow‑covered passes.
The journey covered key points such as the Thangu Valley, Gurudongmar Lake and the high‑altitude village of Lachen, with elevations exceeding 4,500 metres. Drivers reported that the Duster’s ground clearance and torque delivery helped maintain momentum on steep climbs, while the AWD system provided stability on slippery sections near the lake’s frozen shoreline.
Despite the vehicle’s age, the team noted that routine maintenance—particularly brake checks and tire pressure adjustments—proved essential for safe navigation. The trip also underscored the growing interest among adventure motorists to explore Sikkim’s lesser‑known routes, balancing thrill with responsible driving practices.
Team‑BHP concluded the expedition with a detailed review, recommending the Duster as a viable option for seasoned travelers seeking rugged performance without the premium price tag of newer SUVs.
The journey covered key points such as the Thangu Valley, Gurudongmar Lake and the high‑altitude village of Lachen, with elevations exceeding 4,500 metres. Drivers reported that the Duster’s ground clearance and torque delivery helped maintain momentum on steep climbs, while the AWD system provided stability on slippery sections near the lake’s frozen shoreline.
Despite the vehicle’s age, the team noted that routine maintenance—particularly brake checks and tire pressure adjustments—proved essential for safe navigation. The trip also underscored the growing interest among adventure motorists to explore Sikkim’s lesser‑known routes, balancing thrill with responsible driving practices.
Team‑BHP concluded the expedition with a detailed review, recommending the Duster as a viable option for seasoned travelers seeking rugged performance without the premium price tag of newer SUVs.