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SIKKIM SILK ROUTE Tour in East Sikkim – A Complete Travel Guide

Sikkim Silk Route Tour Guide

Last Updated on: Aug 8, 2021  

About this blog: Sikkim Silk Route tour is one of the most famous attractions in East Sikkim. Zuluk (also spelled as Dzuluk) was once an important stop on the Ancient Silk Road. Today Sikkim Silk Route is known for its clear and gorgeous views of the mountains, the dizzying zig-zag roads and hairpin bends and quaint villages on the route. Read this blog about Sikkim Silk Route Guide and get information on how to reach, where to stay, attractions and the tentative cost of Silk Route Tour.

We had explored Sikkim to a great extent. However, the Silk Route in East Sikkim seemed to elude us for a long time. While we explored the high altitude lakes, offbeat hamlets and the monasteries of Sikkim, we were yet to experience the famed hairpin bends of Zuluk. Finally, it was an impromptu decision that had us boarding the Darjeeling Mail to reach New Jalpaiguri and finally go for the Sikkim Silk Route trip.

View from Thambi Viewpoint Sikkim Silk Route Tour Guide

The Sikkim Silk Route tour can be started from either New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in West Bengal or Gangtok in Sikkim. We had decided to start our journey from NJP and end it in Gangtok and stop at Aritar, Zuluk and Nathang Valley for the night. Read on to know more.

Sikkim Silk Route in Visuals

History of Sikkim Silk Route

The Silk Route in East Sikkim that is open for the tourists to explore is actually a part of the ancient Silk Road. The Ancient Silk Road was actually a huge network of ancient trade routes that stretched from Asia to the Mediterranean traversing China, India, Persia, Arabia, Egypt, Greece and Italy. This route was formally established during the Han Dynasty of China in 130 BC. It linked regions of the ancient world in commerce between the periods of 130 BCE-1453 CE.

The Sikkim Silk Route as we see today was only an offshoot of the Ancient Silk Road. Infact, it is only a small part of the ancient silk route that connected Lhasa in Tibet to Tamralipta in West Bengal. Yes, Lhasa was once the hotspot of ancient trade and commerce. The nearest sea port to Lhasa was at Tamralipta, or present day Tamluk in West Bengal.

Old Silk Route

This entire Silk Route covered a distance of 900 km from Lhasa to Tamralipta starting from Chumbi Valley in Tibet, going across Nathu La and then through the hills of East Sikkim before finally entering into the plains of Bengal. The Chumbi Valley is connected to Sikkim to the southwest via the mountain passes of Nathu La and Jelep La. It is the thin slice of land between India and Bhutan that is known more for the Doklam issue between India and China.

A lot of commodities were traded along the Silk Road. The Chinese Silk was considered one of the luxury items and was traded from the east to the European countries. Other items included textiles, tea, spices, dyes, medicines, glassware, fruits and even camels. Apart from commodities knowledge, ideas and culture were also exchanged along these old routes. Well, the Silk Route is not of much significance today because of the geo-political boundaries.

Rhododendrons in Sikkim

Silk Route Sikkim Travel Guide

The Indian part of the Silk Route is open for tourists from Rongli to the Nathula Pass. The region is no doubt historically interesting, but it is the stunning vistas of the route that attracts tourists to this part of East Sikkim.

View of Kanchenjunga from Sikkim Silk Route

Although the Silk Route gets a lot of tourists from Bengal during the months of October (mainly due to the Durga Puja holidays), this part of Sikkim is relatively offbeat to tourists from other parts of India. There are actually no major towns enroute the Silk route circuit. Homestays are available all throughout the Silk Route in Sikkim that provides basic amenities to the tourists.

Zuluk on Sikkim Silk Route

The Sikkim Silk Route circuit basically starts from Rongli, located at an altitude of 5000 feet near Bengal-Sikkim border. You might have seen Sikkim Silk Route packages mentioning stays at Rishikhola, Icchey Gaon or Sillery Gaon. Well, these places are located in West Bengal and are technically not part of the Silk route. These beautiful villages are located at the foothills of the route and you can stop at any of the villages to break your journey.

Our Itinerary

As I mentioned above, we started from NJP for our Silk Route tour. Here is a detailed itinerary of our Sikkim Silk Route Tour.

Day 1: NJP – Aritar (110 km)

Aritar, Silk Route Sikkim

We spent our first night at Aritar, a beautiful hamlet of Sikkim. Aritar is also a slight detour from the actual ancient Silk Route, located at an altitude of 4000 feet. 

Our train to NJP was a bit late and we reached at around 10 AM. We had already booked a car for the entire Silk Route trip. The car was waiting for us at NJP and we started as soon as we reached there. It took about 4.5 hours to reach Aritar after crossing the Rangpo Checkpost at Sikkim border. By the time we reached Aritar, it was drizzling.

We checked into our homestay, had our lunch and then went to explore the village on foot. As it was already late afternoon, we decided to rest for the day. We decided to explore Aritar the next day.

Alternative Stop: Mankhim

Day 2: Aritar – Zuluk (42 km)

Exploring aritar.

Lampokhari Lake Aritar

We started early from Aritar. The weather was a bit dampener with dark clouds hanging over us. Aritar is known for Lampokhri Lake, an artificial lake surrounded by hills covered with pine trees. There is also a small monastery near the lake. You can also go boating at Aritar Lake.

There is another monastery on the hilltop by the Aritar Lake. There is a trekking trail from the side of the lake leading to the Mankhim Top viewpoint and the local monastery. You can also reach the monastery by car. There is also an old British dak bungalow at Aritar.

Buddha Statue at Mankhim Top

Mankhim is located about 3 km from Aritar and is famous for the Mankim Top viewpoint. A forested trail through a rough and muddy road actually leads to the Mankhim Top. Aritar Lake is located just at the foothills of the Mankhim top.

Mankhim is a small village located at the top of the hill inhabited by the Rai Community. There is a temple and a monastery at Mankhim. From the Mankhim Top, you will get a panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga ranges at the horizon. This is, perhaps, the best thing about the Sikkim Silk Route. Through the entire route, you will get viewpoints from where you can get unobstructed views of the snow-capped mountains.

Mankhim Monastery on Sikkim Silk Route

You will also get a view of the Lampokhari Lake from the viewpoint. There are several places on the trekking trail from where you will get great views of the lake.

There is a homestay just located a few metres from the Mankhim Top. It is a great place to stay, mainly for the views and the hospitality.

Note: Both Aritar and Mankhim are located before Rongli. So you do not need a permit to visit and stay at these places.

The Que Khola Falls is located just 2 km from Mankhim. It falls on the way towards Rongli. Que Khola is a small waterfall on the road side having a few tea stalls. You will get tea, coffee, momo and snacks at these stalls.

Flowers of Sikkim

Rongli was the next stop. This is an important town in East Sikkim. This small town is surrounded by greenery and the Rangpo River flows by the town.

Rongli is an important stop in the Silk Route because you have to get your mandatory permit from here. You can get your ILP (Inner Line Permit) from the SDPO Office for travelling beyond this point to Zuluk and Nathang Valley. We too stopped at Rongli to get our passes.

You can also stay at Rongli for the night. The town is quite peaceful and there are a number of forest trails from here.

After we got our permits from Rongli, the actual journey through the Silk Route started. The roads were smooth and we quite enjoyed our drive amidst the beautiful scenery of Sikkim. Just imagine, centuries ago, caravans laden with expensive goods would commute along these roads! That is definitely a goosebump inducing feeling! After Rongli, the increase in altitude starts.

The next village on this route is Lingtam. The permits are checked at the Lingtam Checkpost. This is a small village and a few homestays are found here. You can stop here for some time, take a few photographs before travelling further.

Checkpost at Padamchen

Padamchen, located at 8000 ft is one of the most beautiful villages in Sikkim Silk Route. It is only 15 km from Rongli and is surrounded by greenery all around. Padamchen has pleasant weather all throughout the year and the village offers a sweeping view of the surrounding valleys.

Padamchen is a good place to stay for the night at Sikkim Silk Route. There are a number of homestays in Padamchen that offer all the basic amenities for tourists.

List of homestays in Padamchen on Sikkim Silk Route

Padamchen has a few walking trails in the adjoining forests. If you are lucky enough, you might see a few Himalayan birds or even the elusive red panda.

We stopped at Padamchen for some time and then proceeded towards Zuluk, our final destination for the day.

Zuluk village on Sikkim Silk Route

The actual fun started after we crossed Padamchen and headed near Zuluk. The hairpin bends, that the Silk Route in Sikkim is so famous for, starts before Zuluk. After crossing a few bends, we finally arrived at Zuluk.

Zuluk is probably the most famous stop on the Sikkim Silk Route. And Zuluk also happened to be one of the major transit points in the past as well.

Located at 10000 feet, Zuluk is a small settlement on the Himalayan hillside. The place also has a huge army camp on the hill top.

Zuluk is known for its picturesque mountain views. The view of the sunrise from Zuluk is also quite breathtaking. During the spring, rhododendrons bloom in the region making the place a riot of colours. Being at a high elevation, Zuluk is often covered by mist and clouds. This was what we experienced mostly at Zuluk. In our entire Sikkim Silk Route tour, the weather was a bit gloomy with no sunshine. However, mist and clouds also have their own charm!

Mountain views from Zuluk Sikkim Silk Route

During the winter months, Zuluk experiences heavy snowfall and the entire region is covered in a blanket of snow.

There is a Shiva Temple at Zuluk that you can visit. Otherwise, it is quite pleasant to walk around the small village.

Shiva Temple Zuluk

It was late afternoon when we reached Zuluk. After checking into our homestay, we went out to explore the temple and the area. We walked aimlessly along Zuluk while enjoying the cool mountain air.

Day 3: Zuluk to Nathang Valley (24 km)

This was the curtain raiser day, when we would drive through the famous zig-zag roads of Sikkim Silk Route and view them as well from the Thambi Viewpoint . The viewpoint is also known for its spectacular view of sunrise. However, the weather did not improve and there was no chance of viewing a proper sunrise. So we did not bother to wake up early in the morning to view the sunrise.

Thambi View Point at Silk Route

If the weather is good and you want to view the sunrise from Thambi View Point, then you have to start quite early in the morning and reach Thambi by 6 AM.

Thambi View Point

1

Thambi Viewpoint is located about 14 km from Zuluk and it will take about 40 minutes to reach there. At 11600 feet, Thambi viewpoint naturally offers a breathtaking view of sunrise, as well as a majestic view of the loops. See the picture below!

Did you know, there are 32 hairpin bends on the way from Zuluk to Thambi Viewpoint?

About 2 km from Thambi is another viewpoint – Lungthung Viewpoint, located at 12000 feet. This is perhaps the best place from where you can get an all-encompassing view of the Kanchenjunga ranges.

Nathang Valley

Located at an altitude of 13500 feet, Nathang Valley will simply take your breath away. This beautiful hamlet was originally inhabited by Tibetan yak herders. Nathang Valley is known as the “Ladakh of the East” because of its similarities in landscape with Ladakh.

Mountain streams criss-cross the barren landscape of the valley. The valley changes colour according to season. During the spring, rhododendron blooms paint the landscape in a riot of red, pink and yellow hues. Autumn sees the valley in a golden-yellow hue. Winters are totally blanketed by white snow.

Way to Nathang Valley

Nathang Valley has only about 50 houses inhabited by people of Tibetan origin. There are a few homestays in Nathang Valley. If you are staying at Nathang Valley for the night, carry woolen clothes. The altitude makes the climate quite chilly and the winds are strong as well.

There is a Buddhist Monastery and Krishna Temple that you can visit at Nathang Valley.

Day 4: Nathang Valley – Kupup Lake – Baba Mandir – Gangtok (74 km)

This was our final day. We wanted to travel a bit slow, so we stayed at Nathang Valley at night. You can also opt to carry forward from Nathang Valley towards Gangtok on the same day. There are a few attractions near Nathang Valley that you should not miss:

Eagle Nest Bunker

Eagle Nest Bunker is located a few kilometres from Nathang Valley at an altitude of 13700 feet. This abandoned bunker is perched on a strategic location and gives a panoramic view of the Eastern Himalayas. You get a beautiful view of the Kanchenjunga ranges and other peaks of TIbetan plateau.

Kupuk Lake or Elephant Lake in Nathang Valley

Kupup Lake is quite beautiful and on a clear day, the lake looks clear blue. The lake is also known as Elephant lake, because of its shape.

Memencho Lake

Memencho Lake cannot be reached directly by car. You have to trek downhill about 4 km to reach the lake. Menmecho Lake is a beautiful Lake located amidst conifers on all sides.

Tukla Valley

Tukla Valley

Tukla Valley is located about 15 km from Kupup. This is a relatively unexplored valley located quite close to international borders. Only a part of the Tukla Valley is accessible to civilians. The place is as charming as Yumthang valley in North Sikkim, if not more.

There is another interesting attraction at Tukla Valley. There is an eighteen-hole golf course called Yak Course located at an altitude of 13025 feet making it the highest golf course in the world.

Old Baba Mandir

This is the actual bunker where Baba Harbhajan Singh resided. You can go inside the bunker and see Baba’s personal effects.

The New Baba Mandir is located about 10 km from the Old one and the Silk route merges with the conventional road towards Nathula and then towards Gangtok.

Tsomgo Lake or Changu Lake

Snow covered Tsomgo Lake

You can stop at Changu Lake or Tsomgo Lake on your way towards Gangtok. Tsomgo Lake is a beautiful lake considered sacred by the locals. The lake is a famous attraction of Sikkim and is visited by a lot of tourists.

Tentative Sikkim Silk Route Itinerary

The minimum days required for the Sikkim Silk Route is 2N/3D. You can extend your trip if you have more days in hand. We will share a few itineraries according to the number of days you have in hand.

Sikkim Silk Route Itinerary for 2N/3D *

  • Day 1: NJP – Aritar/ Mankhim
  • Day 2: Aritar/Mankhim – Zuluk
  • Day 3: Zuluk – Nathang Valley – Gangtok

*You can do this the opposite way as well

Sikkim Silk Route Itinerary for 3N/4D *

  • Day 1: Gangtok – Nathu La – Nathang Valley
  • Day 2: Nathang valley _ Zuluk – Padamchen
  • Day 3: Padamchen – Mankhim
  • Day 4: Mankhim – NJP

Sikkim Silk Route Itinerary for 4N/5D *

  • Day 1: NJP – Icchey Gaon/ Reshikhola
  • Day 2: Icchey Gaon/ Reshikhola – Mankhim
  • Day 3: Mankhim – Zuluk
  • Day 3: Zuluk – Nathnag Valley
  • Day 4: Nathang Valley – Gangtok

Zuluk East Sikkim

What is the Best time for the Sikkim Silk Route Tour?

March to May (Spring and Summer)

The best time to visit East Sikkim or Sikkim Silk Route is the spring time between March and May. During this time, the weather remains pleasant.  Rhododendrons bloom during the spring.

June – September (Monsoon)

This season is best avoided. Sikkim witnesses heavy rainfall as well as landslides during the monsoon. Roads are treacherous and often get blocked due to landslides. You will also not get good views of the mountains during monsoon.

October – November (Autumn)

Autumn is one of the best times to visit the Sikkim Silk Route. The weather remains pleasant and clear and is good for viewing the mountain ranges.

December – February (Winter)

Winters are usually harsh in the higher altitudes. Snowfall is experienced at Zuluk and Nathang Valley. Views are quite clear during December and January. However, during February, the weather remains foggy and you might not get good views. Also during the winter season, often roads are blocked due to excessive snowfall and you might not be able to complete your trip.

Where to Stay on the Sikkim Silk Route?

Homestays in Aritar

The only option to stay at Sikkim Silk Route circuit is the homestays. The homestays are basic in nature having all the basic amenities like comfortable beds, quilts and hot water facilities. Some of the homestays might also have televisions and geysers.

There are hardly any restaurants or eateries at any of the villages apart from Rongli. So the homestays are the best bet to have your meals. The homestays provide tasty and homemade food. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food is available. The homestays will provide breakfast, lunch, evening tea and dinner.

Usually, the homestays in the Silk Route circuit usually cost INR 800 – 1200 per head per day including food.

Momos of Sikkim

How to obtain permits for Sikkim Silk Route?

You will need Protected Area Permits to travel to Sikkim Silk Route. Permits can be obtained by going to the tourist Centre at Gangtok or contacting a travel agent. You will need an identity proof and passport size photographs to obtain the permit. You also need to keep the original ID proofs handy as it might be asked at the check posts.

Remember, that Adhar Card is not a valid ID proof for obtaining a permit. You can use Voter ID Card, Passport or Driving License to obtain a permit.

The Permits for the Old Silk Route are given out of both Gangtok and Rongli. However, the p[ermits for NathuLa are only given from Gangtok. So if you are entering from Rongli and exiting from Gangtok, then you cannot perhaps visit NathuLa. You can talk to your homestay owner or Driver to know more about the passes to Nathu La.

Currently, you also have to apply for a Travel Card for entering any area of Sikkim. This is an easy process and can be applied online . You have to carry a print out of the filled form with you while travelling to Sikkim.

Permit for Foreigners

While foreigners are allowed to travel in parts of Sikkim, they are not allowed in the Old Silk Route. Foreigners need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Sikkim. The ILP can be obtained from all Indian Missions, Sikkim Tourism Offices at New Delhi, Kolkata, District Magistrate’s Office of Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Rangpo on the strength of an Indian Visa.

How to reach?

Coronation Bridge Siliguri

New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest railway head. NJP is well connected by trains from all the major Indian stations. You can also fly into Bagdogra. You can start your journey from either NJP or Gangtok.

If you want to start from Gangtok, you can reach Gangtok from NJP/Siliguri or Bagdogra. You will get shared sumos from NJP Station and Siliguri SNT Stand to Gangtok. You can also book a car to Gangtok from Siliguri or Bagdogra or NJP.

Sikkim Silk Route Travel Guide (FAQs Answered)

The best time for the Sikkim Silk Route tour is the months of April and May as well as October and November. During this time the climate is perfect for road trip without the wrath of rains and snow. The months of April, May and October are the peak seasons for Silk Route Tour.

You can start your Silk Route tour in Sikkim either from NJP or Gangtok. Starting from NJP, you can stop at Aritar for the first night. On the second day, get your permits for Silk Route from Rongli and then carry on towards Zuluk and Nathang Valley and finally to Gangtok. You can also start from Gangtok and return to Siliguri or NJP.

The height of Zuluk is 2865 m

Zuluk is a small village in East Sikkim and is an important stop in Sikkim Silk Route. Zuluk is beautiful with a handful of settlements, surrounded by moutains and gorgeous views. Zuluk is also famous for the famous hairpin loops of Silk Route. Zuluk has emerged as quite a famous hill station in East Sikkim and is definitely worth your time.

Yes, homestays are available along the entire Silk Route. Most of the villages have homestays these days offering basic and comfortable stays, hot water and good food. The most famous points of stay in Silk Route are Aritar, Mankhim, Rongli, Padamchen, Zuluk and Nathang Valley. You can stay at any of these places as per your plan.

Mobile network works satisfactorily on almost the entire Silk Route, except near Nathang Valley. Vodafone, Airtel, BSNL & Jio network works pretty well. However, internet speed is not that good.

You will find a number of ATMs between Siliguri and Rongli, as well as in Gangtok. Beyond Rongli, there are no ATMs

Sikkim Silk Route - East Sikkim

I hope this blog on Silk Route will help you plan your Sikkim Silk Route Tour. If you have any queries, drop us a comment below or send us an email. If you liked this post and found it useful, please share it with your family friends and neighbours.

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Sikkim Silk Route Travel Guide 1

Agni Amrita

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Ultimate Guide to Plan a Trip to Old Silk Route, Zuluk: The Best Kept Secret of Sikkim

About this blog : Old Silk Road Tour in Sikkim is a prized road trip experience. Traversing the high passes of Sikkim Himalayas that touch the sky at 14,000 feet high, the Old Silk Road Tour takes you to Zuluk, and further if weather permits. In this blog post, we would sketch the entire road trip plan, with a tentative cost of traveling to Zuluk, places to stop for the night on the old silk road map, and practical travel tips. For viewing pleasure, you can watch my YouTube series on Sikkim travel as well!

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Offbeat places to visit in india. Old Silk Route, Zuluk. Beautiful  destinations in india. Roadtrip in the Himalayas. best places to visit in Sikkim. #sikkim #zuluk #nathangvalley #oldsilkroute #highhimalayas

Falling in Love with old Silk Route, Sikkim: Why visit Zuluk?

Simply answering this question, we chose to visit old Silk Route of Zuluk for stunning landscape of Himalayas and intense cultural ties with Central Asia with this part of the world that began with the Han Chinese! The hair-pin bends of Zuluk look looked ethereal with a sprinkling of snow during winter months.

The Old Silk Route Tour invokes memories of days bygone, when caravan tracts reigned the high passes and arid desert lands connecting the Mediterranean to the orient shrouded in the mist of glitters and opulence. We are talking about days from the second century BC.

Somewhere at Zuluk. Old Silk Route in Sikkim.

Gone are the days of ancient history when the arduous road brought in fortune for traders in this part of the world. Old Silk Route in Sikkim lies dangerously close to the Indo-Sino international border which may turn into unspeakable mayhem at the turn of the day! A mellow memory of Tibet covers the land with a mist. Ancient history confronts modern politics eye to eye as incredible abundance of nature prepares the battle field!

If you have been in awe of the mighty Sleeping Buddha even once, the Old Silk Route would take your breath away! The mountain stands in close guard at the bend of every road! It is quite an adventure to cross each of the multiple hairpin bends on the old Silk Route. But once you do, you will be rewarded with an elusive view of the Sleeping Buddha. there, just there.. a little further up the road and you can touch her magnificence!

The Old Silk Route is an obscure remote land where not many tourist crowd has reached till date. To a large extend, you can find yourself alone, amidst some of the tallest ranges of the mountains of the world! If you desire to steal a few quiet moments like this from the world, Old Silk Route is where your home is!

Old Silk Route: Thambi View Point sunset during December

Also read: 20 Stunning pictures from Sikkim travels from December

Suggested 6 days 7 nights Old Silk Route Tour Itinerary

If You plan to return through Gangtok , you can plan a week exploring the Old Silk Route in the following order. This Old Silk Route Itinerary entails the best of the both world, jungles of Terai, verdant valleys and craggy high passes of High Himalayas!

  • Day 1: Reach NJP- Proceed to Reshikhola
  • Day 2: Reshikhola- Pedong
  • Day 3: Start for Aritar
  • Day 4: Ascend to Zuluk with permit from Rongli. Sunset at Thambi View Point
  • Day 5: Visit Nathang and head back to Thambi view point for another sunset. Stay at Lungthung if you are comfortable with the cold and limited amenities. You may choose to stay at Nathang valley as well. If you can brave the cold, omit Reshikhola from the plan and start from Aritar with an extra day allocated at Nathang Valley.
  • Day 6: Return to Gangtok with a stop at Tsomgo Lake (Changu lake). You may also start early and visit Nathula Pass
  • Day 7: Gangtok to NJP/ Bagdogra depending on further travel plan

This is the complete loop of old Silk Route. Nathula is now open for tourists where you may see the clear border between India and China as recognized by the world!

If you do not plan to visit Gangtok to complete the Old Silk Route loop but want to visit till Nathang (this ideally happens if you are visiting during peak winter when the entire stretch of Nathang valley is off limit to tourist) this itinerary can come handy.

  • Day 4: Ascend to Zuluk. Sunset at Thambi View Point
  • Day 5: Visit Thambi View Point. Stay at Lungthung or Zuluk
  • Day 6: Descend to Sillery gaon. Visit Ramitey for a beautiful view of Mt Kanchenjunga!
  • Day 7: Gangtok to NJP/ Bagdogra

Please note, this trip can be made reverse way as well, like starting from Gangtok. Do this if you are visiting North Sikkim first. However, weather has to be clear to be able to “do it all!” It makes sense to ascend to Zuluk from Bagdogra or NJP first as you would be making shorter trip to Aritar compared to Gangtok.

If time is not an issue, this is how the route actually looks like: NJP/ Bagdogra –> Icchey Gaon –>  Sillery Gaon (trek to Ramitey) –>  Kaagey –>  Pedong –> Reshi Khola –> Mankhim (Aritar) –> Rangli check point –> Lingtum check point –> Padamchen (8000 ft) –> Zuluk (9000 ft) –> Thambi View Point (11200 ft)–> Lungthung View Point–> Nathang valley (13,700 ft & many things to do here)–> Old Baba Mandir –> New Baba Mandir –> Nathula Pass –> Tsomgo Lake (12700 ft) –> Gangtok

As of now Sikkim does not have any railway but works are in progress to establish a railway route for faster movement of troops and then locals and then the tourists!

Old Silk Route: Zigzag Route during December

Also read : Offbeat day trips from Leh, a complete itinerary for 5 days!

Things to know before planning a trip to the Old Silk Route, Sikkim

Being one of the remote and obscure places tucked away in the Himalayas, you need to keep in mind few practical travel tips to visit the old Silk Route. This ranges from permits to safety tips to planning an effective itinerary etc.

Permit for Old Silk Route

You need to rent a local car to drive through the entire stretch of Old Silk Route. It is possible to take your own car but that entails a prolonged paperwork and a slurry of permits sanctioned by government officials.

Instead, we chose to go with a local car rental company. It was a decent experience with a mindful driver who also doubled as a kind photographer at times!

The travel agency would ideally help you get the permit done at Rangli. You also need to pass a check point as you cross the West Bengal and Sikkim border (if you are flying to Bagdogra). For permits, you need to provide a few hundred bucks, two passport sized photographs, your entire route map and recognized ID proof (passport, DL, Aadhar etc) for Indian nationals. Rangli is a nice little town with beautiful forest trails and lovely little doggos!

The permit to Old Silk route comes handy to control the tourist rush to the remote land where infrastructure is limited. Permit is also granted based on weather conditions. If a snow storm is predicted, you may not be allowed to visit Nathang valley or further.

Silk Route Guide: Lower Zuluk

Much like Tawang, traveling to Zuluk requires foreigners to follow a few specific rules. 

  • One must not be traveling solo. People must travel in a group. 
  • To apply for PAP (protected area permit), please apply with the tour operators who are registered with the Sikkim Tourism Department.
  • Required: passport, Valid Visa, Passport size photographs, application fees. 
  • Foreigners’ Registration Office (FRO) is located at Tadong which is 5 kms from MG Marg, Gangtok.
  • After India opens up for foreigners, there is a fair chance these rules would be different, especially for traveling to places as remote as Zuluk and old silk route!

Also read : Complete guide to explore Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Best time to visit the Old Silk Route

We visited old Silk route from 19 to 25th December and we loved that time. Sun shine washed the valley clean. there were instances of infrequent snow falls. It was extremely cold. but the weather was clear and we had extremely beautiful sunny sky that let us view Kanchenjunga and the entire sleeping Buddha range in prime glory!

Choose a time to visit Silk Route which is dry. The summer months of mid April to Mid June is a good time to visit the old Silk Route with roads blushing in red hue with blooming Rhododendron. Autumn in the mountain starts from late October to early November. Of course it changes with the course of monsoon. Wait till the monsoon has completely faded and then venture into the deep of the mountain. Ideally, till mid-January, you can safely plan a visit to Old Silk route and make it till Nathang valley. With increased snow fall, this route eventually closes down for tourists from February.

Check out: Sikkim Travel packages

Silk Route Guide: Lower Zuluk

Cost of a 6 days 5 night trip to Old Silk Route

Prices start from 30 thousand for an Innova for a 5 days trip to the mountains. With oscillating fuel price, vehicle prices change too. You need at least 4 nights to see the Old silk route properly. The more the merrier!

Prices for homestays starts from 2000 rs per night. Of course it varies with demand and supply model. Overall, for a 5 days trip to the Old silk route with a private vehicle, you should have an estimated cost of INR 40,000 which includes a vehicle with a driver, homestays with food and permits. If the vehicle is shared, prices drop down drastically. Shared vehicles are available from Gangtok for Old Silk Route.

Places not to miss on the Old Silk Route

Please do not miss Thambi View Point, especially a sunset from this place. You must pay a visit to Nathang valley and see the milk white ranges of Sleeping Buddha rising atop the arid valley. I absolutely loved the silence when we were flying on a cable car on top of the Tsomgo Lake. A night stay at Lungthung is a prized experience at the Old Silk Route where the first rays of the sun easily penetrates the glass panes of the windows! Do take a stop at the Elephant lake, among many other glacial lakes on your way back from Zuluk to Gangtok! Words fail to gather praise for such stunning natural wonders!

All the places on the way to Zuluk offer different charms. The greens of Reshikhola (a Terai area) paves way for slightly elevated Aritar where clouds often come down to play with the peaks. The golden brown bush starts welcoming you as you approach Zuluk, all the way to Nathang valley, which is also known as the Ladakh of Sikkim. The dry winters paint these places at high altitude with arid hues while the monsoon yields in beautiful blooms. Talking about spring, the mountains of Sikkim bloom in bright beautiful rhododendrons, which is a site hardly one should miss!

Zuluk Snow Lion Resort

Pro tip for Zuluk trip: If the cold becomes unbearable, ask the locals for a share of their moonshine. It is made of locally produced cherries and works better than brandy! They laughed and declared their children grow up drinking this! I do not doubt. I heard in Siberia they train their children to sleep on the ice!

Also read : Offbeat things to do in Goa, a complete guide!

Packing tips for Old Silk Route

Pack woolens. Enough woolens that you can withstand a night outside at sub zero temperature, braving gutsy winds!

There, I have said it. I have spent long, ice cold nights in Kargil, Ladakh . However, the hotel had basic amenities like a room heater, a centralized one and running water.

No matter which time of the year you plan your trip to the old Silk route, please be advised it is going to be lethally cold!

Especially the cold winds and the long lightless nights are going to be trying unless you are prepared to battle the cold. No matter what the weather prediction is, always carry enough woollens to fight bitter cold. Please carry the following in your luggage while packing for Old Silk Route:

  • Comforters for legs
  • Enough layers, with jackets and sweaters) 
  • Thermals (this is going to save your life)
  • A woolen cap that covers your ears
  • Sunglass (sun reflects harshly on the ice banks)
  • Socks with extra pairs in case one gets wet in the snow
  • Gloves (with backup pair)
  • Shoe that can withstand melting snow and with great grip to help you with small hikes
  • A thermal flask to carry lukewarm water to keep you hydrated
  • Portable Oxygen Cylinder (in case of breathing trouble this will be of immense help)

Carry cash with you since there is no AT along the way to Old Silk Route!

There is an absolute shortage of cash procurement, not just on the way to Zuluk through Old Silk Route but from Siliguri itself, especially during peak travel seasons, say Durga Puja and likes. Please withdraw enough cash in time to complete the trip. 

I wore a saree and a shawl on top and walked under beautiful sunshine. It all went fine until winds started to blow and sent chills to my bones. Always layer up. I can not put enough emphasize on this. Do not forget to drink water as well.

The owner of my homestay offered me melted yak butter that keeps the locals warm during winter. Apparently, yak butter helps in gouts too.

Zuluk travel guide: old Silk Route

Also read : Complete guide to Bhaktapur, Nepal, an ancient city from the Silk Road!

Food and lodging at the Old Silk Route, Sikkim

Please do not expect café and fancy dining places on the old Silk Route. It remains an offbeat destination frequented by mostly tourists from West Bengal.

Food is served by the homestays. they serve three meals and you may include that in your package. If you are planning to get ready to eat stuff, it might be a challenge to find warm water at Zuluk and areas further to that due to insufficient fuel.

Food is basic and suitable for vegetarians as well. For non vegetarians meals include chicken (for dinner) and egg curry (for lunch). The curries are fiery hot and can be had with roti or rice. You may choose to order simple Daal Chawal with bhajis. Save your appetite for the night you reach in Gangtok and head straight to the taste of Tibet for a gala dinner!

Meal prices range from INR 80 to INR 200 per person. There are pit stops at places where you may get some Maggi or hot tea, especially near the military camps. Due to Covid, these places were all closed.

The homestays usually serve this in set meals: Maggi or bread toast for breakfast. Anda curry with rice and dal and a sabji (local vegetables) for lunch. Dinner is similar with chicken replacing anda. 

We stayed at the following places on our trip to the Old Silk Route Sikkim.

  • Aritar: Orange Court Resort
  • Zuluk: Snow Lion
  • Gangtok: Fern Dzong
  • After Zuluk, you may stay at Lungthung homestay (optional) however amenities are really limited.
  • If you have to stay in Nathang, try to book Dafter Bungalow.

Old Silk Route: Offbeat places to visit in Sikkim

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Trip to Zuluk: How We Completed the Old Silk Road Loop from New Jalpaiguri to Gangtok

To visit the Old Silk Route in Zuluk, I started from Kolkata and S decided to join me from Bangalore. I took the night train to NJP station (New Jalpaiguri Station). The journey to Old Silk Road would span for next 4 days at least. It would take us to some of the most astounding heights of the Himalayan range in the lesser explored North eastern parts of India! Old Silk Route is a part of East Sikkim and straddles the border between India and China!

Aritar Que Khola Fall

The night train to New Jalpaiguri Station

In old times, the train, also known as Darjeeling mail, would witness a flurry of over enthusiastic tourists. We were traveling by the end of December. The wind had a hint of ice cold notes. Thanks to the present scare of pandemic looming large, tourist rush was considerably low. Even the ones who were traveling were actually heading towards Darjeeling , the tried and tested hill town of West Bengal which never fails to amaze even when pressed with the charge of over tourism. 

I started from Sealdah. Darjeeling mail was renamed as a special train as the Indian Railway was testing with limited locomotive engines in a post lock down world. We were not given any blankets. Food vendors were not to be seen anywhere close by. I bought a bed sheet for INR 80 from Behala hawker’s corner and decided to use it for the train journey. I was empowered with liters of hand sanitizers and packed food. I try to minimize water intake on the train just so that I do not have to frequent the washroom. However, the night train to Darjeeling had a surprisingly clean wash room. It was a new train, a new world!

Darjeeling Mail: Night train to NJP from Kolkata

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Sleeping in a locomotive comes easy to me. I wish I could measure the deep sleep time in all my train journeys. 

I woke up to find myself racing amid a scenic stretch of green valley. Paddy fields gently nodding. Silhouettes of towering mountains adorned the sky at a distance! Sunrays awashed the valley in golden hues. I looked out from the window and a cold breeze numbed my ear lobes. Promptly I put my head back and wrapped it with woollens. This is winter in the North. This is going to be an adventure! 

Teesta River: Old Sikkim Route

All I could hope for was for the roads on silk route to remain bereft of snow to ensure a smooth journey. I was eagerly waiting to experience all the thrills, the hair pin bends, the Jjilipi viewpoints, the entire range of magnificent Sleeping Buddha, the glacial lakes, the road to Nathula where Indo-Sino war ensued in 60s. 

At New Jalpaiguri Station, jam-packed crowd welcomed us. The night train from Kolkata to Alipurduar had just left the junction. The station was overwhelmed with wander-lusters and locals alike! I managed to carry my luggage and camera bags to the overhead footbridge and leave the station premises. An old school steam engine is installed outside the station, greeting people with a reminder of the past.

In olden days, New Jalpaiguri was one of the first junctions to be connected to the mainland India. This is where wagons filled with freshly plucked tea leaves passed through. The British further experimented with tea wherever they went, including Mauritius however seldom found a worthy contender to the mountain slopes of Darjeeling!

We had rented a cab from a local Sikkim Taxi rental company. They suggested a pick up from the NJP station itself. I waited for S at the Bagdogra airport for an hour and finished a quick lunch with Fish curry and rice. The curry was fiery hot. I think an ample amount of Dalley chilly (now GI tagged) had been used in the make of that curry! We started for Sikkim by 2 pm.

Also read : Practical tips you need to plan a trip to Egypt!

Teesta and Rangeet river view point. Sikkim Travel blog

About Silk Route: The 6400 km Silk Route extended from Xi’an (Sian), followed  the Great Wall of China to the northwest, bypassed the Takla Makan Desert, climbed the Pamirs (mountains), crossed Afghanistan, and went on to the Levant. Goods were shipped through the Mediterranean sea. Middlemen of each region helped progressing the caravans. From Europe, the Black Death pandemic moved to Asia through Silk Route! In this blog, we are talking about the Old Silk Route, a part of the ancient Silk Route.

The Ascend to Aritar and an unprecedented delay

NJP to Aritar: 110 km (time took 7 hours)

We were heading to Aritar for the night. I have already told you the routes you can take as you ascend to the Old Silk Route of Zuluk. If I could start at dawn, I would have gone to Reshikhola village and lived by the beautiful mountain stream of Reshikhola. The pictures reminded me of Jia Bharali river of Bhalukpong as we were visiting Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh . 

Reshikhola is famous for Birding opportunities, especially in the winters. All the Terai forestlands are spectacular in this aspect. For example, Kaziranga or Manas National Park in Assam or Chitwan National Park in Nepal . All of them are National Parks. To visit Reshikhola, you need to walk for a few hundred meters amidst a jungle. 

Orange County Resort Aritar

The lake in Aritar is also known as Lampokhari (Pokhri meaning a waterbody in Nepali language) which reflects the lush green surrounding area in its colour! Spend the day visiting Mankhim, the hill top of Aritar for a clear view of Kanchenjunga. We saw it from the road itself, the entire sleeping Buddha range and rushed towards Zuluk with glee.

If you have time, spend a day at Reshikhola

If you stay at Reshikhola , which happens to be a part of West Bengal, or to be more specific, straddles the border between West Bengal and Sikkim, count a day extra to visit Pedong, a small town in Kalimpong. Famous for the old Sangchen Dorjee monastery, Pedong came to be during the reign of British India as their tea factories were buzzing with tonnes of produce. In February, Pedong hosts a fair named Pedong mela where Bhutia and Lepcha tribes from distant villages come with their annual produce. Do not miss that for the world if you love cultural nuances! 

In Reshikhola, you can stay at Prakriti Eco Resort. To reach these homestays which use the word resort in the name you have to cross the Reshi river through a wobbly wooden bridge. It may be a bit dicey for the elderly people in the travel group. You may reach Reshikhola from the West Bengal side by crossing a dried up stream during summer months. But monsoon makes the river turn voluminous in the Bengal side.

Aritar. Old Silk route package for 4 days

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Things to do in Aritar: First stop on the way to Old Silk Route

However, we rushed to see Zuluk and decided to spend the first night at Aritar . Besides, our two weeks long Sikkim itinerary had many quaint village stays in Pelling and Temi Tea Garden. We drove past Teesta and Rangeet river confluence, where many people stops for a night to camp. We stopped briefly on the road for momo and tea. By the time we reached Rongpo , the sun had set. It was the proverbial pitch dark night, one in which you can not see your hand in front. Rangpo is a town between Sikkim and West Bengal where the authorities would check for Sikkim Travel Card and other necessary details including permits etc.

Rangpo is an industrial town in Sikkim with many manufacturing units and pharma companies. There was a huge traffic jam in front of the Rangpo check point, the first of many checkpoints where you have to produce your Sikkim travel card. The nightmarish traffic lasted for a couple of hours. 

While crossing Rangpo checkpoint, you can pick up alcohol from Lohapool. Alcohol is cheap in Sikkim. I had no clue why until I faced the biting cold of Zuluk! 

Aritar is famous for a man-made lake (Aritar lake) . Boating facilities are available here. You may rent a mountain bike and drive past the lake and the small tracts as well. The lake reflected the greens of the surrounding area! Aritar is situated at a height of 4000 feet. 

At Aritar, we stayed at the Orange Court Resort . It is a family run homestay. Do not be fooled by the resort tag. Almost all the homestays in this route carry the word resort in their names, whereas in reality they are far from what a real resort looks or feels like. I do not complain. A homestay is the best way to run tourism in the fragile ecology in Sikkim. 

The Owner of the Orange County resort sat with us in the evening, treated us to Chicken Pakora as her son and a beautiful German Shepherd Lucy kept us company. I am usually shit scared of dogs but Lucy took my heart away! A German shepherd dog could be so kind, so loving! I would have never believed it unless I would have met Lucy!

Aritar travel blog

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Geeting a permit for Old Silk Route

At Rongli, we stopped the car for about 40 minutes, produced travel card, route plan, government ID and passport sized photographs and procured our permit to visit Silk Route. Weather was permissible and we were told we could take the entire loop from Zuluk to Gangtok with a stop at Nathang Valley. If weather shows alert, the authority would not allow you a permit to visit Nathang valley.

From Aritar we started early in the morning. We finished a hearty breakfast with puri and bhaji and some piping hot tea! The road paved the way to the heights of Himalaya. Myriad shades of greens greeted us on the way. Some of the plants had turned their leaves in blood red hue. A few blood pheasants, state birds of Sikkim stood in alert. We crossed small streams, fountains, villages shaking off from slumber, young kids heading towards school. 

The mountain streams in the region are known as Khola in Nepali language. One of the important points is Que Khola Falls before you enter Lintham village. In winter sunshine, plenty of colorful blossoms bloomed by the makeshift tea joints. Wooden bridges covered in Buddhist flags bring down elusive peace of Earth. 

We drove past Padamchen , one of the larger habitats of the Old Silk Route at 8000ft. After Aritar, once you have procured your permit, you can only stop at places for which your permit has clear written mentions. For us, Padamchen was not mentioned in the permit and we could not stop even when we wanted to. This is a beautiful destination though, with pleasurable weather all through the year. Padamchen is also a sought after destination among the birders.

Que Khola Falls: Aritar Travel blog

The last marketplace with enough stock is located at Padamchen. At Rangli you may find many shops, serving almost everything from trekking gears to Rosogolla, that too freshly prepared! Stock up with enough snacks. Carry some Korpur and medicines as prescribed by doctors.Please do not carry maggi and stuff that needs to be cooked in boiling water because you may not get the option to boil water in this rough mountain terrain at all! For a geyser to work, you need to switch on power right at 3 am. 

Zuluk travel is tough love but it is very very much worth it if you plan it correctly is all I can say!

Also read : Complete travel guide to Hampi, a UNESCO world Heritage Site!

Zuluk, the Star Stuck Mountain Township!

Aritar to Zuluk: 41 km (time took: 3 hours with permit)

In olden times, Zuluk happened to be a small village inhabited by the shepherds and nomads who resided at this high altitude zone in the harsh winter months. Situated at 9000 feet high, Zuluk claims the fold of the mountain, where ice cold northern winds do not find a passage. 

A little ahead of Zuluk, serpentine roads take you to Nathang valley that straddles the Indo-Sino border at the Tibetan plateau. The proverbial silk route existing for thousands of years takes one to the forbidden Kingdom of Lhasa, Tibet. 

With the presence of the Indian army, Zuluk town developed to be what it is today. The army has established a permanent transit camp at Zuluk. If you drive for 20 minutes uphill from Zuluk, you can see China on the right side. The road takes further turns and reaches Doklam, infamous for the stand off between India and China from 2017. It connects Nathula if you drive straight, another sensitive international border point between the South Asian powerhouses.

Trucks of army personnel are transported to the army camps. They gradually scale a high of 14000 feet and higher. Zuluk town was planned to act as a transit camp to help the men acclimatize at this astounding heights.

The army arranged for a permanent water tank, a luxury in an area where inhabitants are dependent on sunrays to melt the tap water that turns into ice in the dark of the night. The water tank stands atop the mountain, like an alert eye assuring and safeguarding the valley and its inhabitants with an assurance of sustenance. 

Old Silk Route, Sikkim travel blog

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Army now but History came earlier!

The old silk route traversed a large distance of 900 km from Lhasa to Tamralipta. It mapped through Chumbi valley (now the conflict zone, Doklam) between India and Bhutan. Through the ancient trade routes, the Chinese and Tibetans traded silk, textile, livestock, chinaware, tea (read Jormer Chokh by Tillottama Majumdar) and ideas (Sri Atish Dipankara). Geopolitics of the twenty-first century may have stripped away importance from the old silk route but who can predict the course of history?

Thanks to the water supply, Zuluk developed two distinct places of stay. The Upper Zuluk Basti area , with a couple of hotels and a village that grows its own vegetables and manages its own waste with periodic visits to the nearby towns. Upper Zuluk has a military settlement just by the side, hence access to medical assistance (read need based oxygen supply) is a cakewalk here. Network was not available though, unless you are willing to wait by the main road for a while till a Jio signal picks up faint connectivity. 

Lower Zuluk Basti is a more crowded area, located a few km ahead of Upper Zuluk and a lower altitude zone. Lower Zuluk has a number of makeshift stay options, cheap homestays and a few grocery stores where local women with babies tied to their back sell toothpaste, maggi and cigarettes. 

Lower Zuluk resembled a haphazardly created locality to accommodate tourists. Most of the houses are in shambles. Bright blooms of myriad mountain flowers hanging from earthen hots at the entry of each house comes to rescue, to add hue to a foggy day. 

If I were to choose a place to stay in Zuluk, I would opt for upper Zuluk. The homestays range between 2500 to 5000 depending on demand. Food cost is extra. The homestays in lower Zuluk are cheaper alternative stays. However, do not expect luxuries like warm running water or room heater and stuff. 

It is imperative to choose a comfortable homestay in Zuluk. Zuluk is going to be one of the highlights of your trip. A few things you need to consider before booking a stay in Zuluk. 

  • The Homestay in Zuluk should have access to running water. 
  • The homestay in Zuluk should give you a room heater. 
  • The homestay in Zuluk should have local networks to provide you medical assistance in case of emergency, think low oxygen level or breathing troubles. 
  • Please ask your homestay provider if they have power back up. Usually power back ups provide for a faint light after sunset. Nights are long and dark in Zuluk and onwards.

Old Silk road trip during December | Sleeping Buddha range seen from Old Silk Road in December

Also read : Complete guide to Chitwan National Park for a first time visitor!

Things to know about traveling to Zuluk

  • Many people visit Zuluk, make it a base for the next two days, explore Nathang Valley and then head back to Padamchen and descend to West Bengal. I have already elaborated on this route plan. 
  • You may stay at Padamchen, if Zuluk seems tough. It may seem a bit tough if you are traveling with a baby or elderly people. The mornings are mellow. The valley is sun washed. However, sunset brings a different world to Zuluk. With cold gutsy winds and pin drop silence, it can be nightmarish. 
  • I can not emphasize enough on this, but please make sure you start early and reach Zuluk before sundown. 
  • In case you want to stay at Padamchen, which is located at a lower altitude than Zuluk, please mention that at the time of procuring your permit.

Old Silk Road Zuluk Travel blog

The quirky symmetry of 32 loops of Zuluk, which are part of the ancient 93 hairpin bends through which priceless silk used to be traded from Lhasa to modern day Tamralipto (Tomluk of West Bengal).

In Zuluk, you do not have much to see but a few chortens, a Shiva temple, army barracks.

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Is Zuluk worth Visiting?

Zuluk as a stand alone destination does not have much to offer however you need to visit Zuluk to experience the sheer beauty of high Himalayas that lies ahead at Lungthung and Nathang valley. Also, at 9000 ft height, Zuluk is the safest place to tuck in for the night if you can not stand the severe cold that Nathang Valley will unleash on you! 

Zuluk is located at the fold of the mountain. You can not see the Sleeping Buddha range from here. However, you can visit Thambi view point, a 15 minute drive from Zuluk and voila! It is a different world out there!  

gangtok silk route tour itinerary

Things to do in Zuluk

  • Visit Thambi view point and spend the evening there. It is at the Thambi view point, I had experienced the most ethereal sunset of my entire life. Many people spend the night at Zuluk and start at the crack of dawn to visit Thambi. The first sunrays kiss the peak of the Sleeping Buddha range. Pregnant clouds crowd at the bottom of the mountains. Standing at Thambi, you get to witness a sunrise show of a lifetime! I had seen similar views of sunrise from Switzerland on Instagram! 
  • From Thambi view point, you will also see the three level zigzag bends of the Old Silk Route. At the start of the day when the clouds are far up on the sky, you will be able to spot Zuluk town from a distance.
  • It is only fair to assume you will fall in love with Thambi as you witness the first sunset! You would ideally want to spend the night there to wake up to a magnificent sunrise. For that choose a homestay at Lungthung, a few km ahead of Thambi view point. For a thousand and a few hundred bucks, you may get a room at one of the local run homestays at Lungthung. The homestays have huge glass window pens through which you may get a stunning glimpse of the world outside! In hindsight, Lunthung can be lethally cold at night. Check the window pens and take a call accordingly. Running water is unavailable here. They give you a bucket of water which might get frozen at night. Staying at Lungthung may not be the most cherished memory but waking up to witness that sunrise is going to be a prized experience indeed! 
  • From Zuluk, you may visit Jelepla Pass, Kupup & Memencho Lake which are on the way to Nathang valley. Many people plan to stay in the Nathang valley. Some choose to stay back at Zuluk and visit Nathang as a day trip. Nathang Valley is situated at an even higher altitude. A handful of homestays are there. You may choose to spend one night at the Nathang valley before heading back to the plains.

Please note, be it sunrise or be it sunset, the look and feel are going to be the same from Thambi view point. thus, if you visit Zuluk on day one and witness sunset, schedule an early sunrise visit and to Thambi again and proceed to Nathang valley. Many people start the descend on day 2 itself however in my honest opinion that is a bit rushed affair. After Zuluk, allow some time to Nathang valley and plan for at least a couple of days at Zuluk if you want to complete the old Silk Route loop and end it at Gangtok. Alternately, you may choose to descend down and spend a night at Sillery gaon or Icche Gaon, quaint little hamlets in the West Bengal Himalayas.

Zuluk Golden Hour: Photographs from old silk route

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Nathang Valley: A forgotten no-man’s land!

Zuluk to Nathang valley: 23 km (3 hours)

I was spellbound at the Thambi View point and thought this is the high point of the entire Old Silk Route tour until we reached natahng. By the end of December, Fresh snow kissed the pathway as we approached the arid mountain top. A few bends upwards Zuluk, the mighty Sleeping Buddha range presides over the sky!

Nathang is an even more remote spot compared to Zuluk. Once a few yak herders roamed this land. Now the over enthusiastic tourists have started to come and live here, hence few homestays sprung up. Spending a night at Nathang can be roughly compared to that of living under the starry night on a mountain top, while even craggier peaks stand at adistance. Nathang is a valley bordered with towering hills but the real deal is Mt Kanchanjengha!

You may spend a day at natahng and make day trips to the glacial lakes. I suggest visit till the elephant lake, also known as Kupup and return back if you are to descend down. I must mention, you can only visit these routes if you receive permit from the check points. The official order is to issue permits only if the sky is clear for coming days. Otherwise, you might be turned back from Zuluk itself. Fear not since Thambi View Point is a treasure of this part of the Himalaya.

While many chooses to descend down from Nathang valley through Padamchen, and rest a few days at Icchegaon and Sillery Gaon, small quiant village stays in West Bengal, we chose to complete the loop and head for Gangtok.

Nathang valley travel guide: Offbeat destination in Sikkim

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Baba Mandir is standing in memory of Baba Harbhajan Singh where visitors irrespective of religious identity may visit and experience the magic! We are transient passengers in this mystic and harsh land. We must learn to shut up and listen to stories of motivation and faith prevalent among the locals, that includes inhabitants as well as army professionals. Loics fail when they state with confidence it is due to Baba’s blessing that nathang valley remains safe against intruders. I also try to gather the mellow tune that emerges from losing Tibet to the Chinese PLA. 

People of Nathang valley are originally descendants of the Tibetan tribesmen. Once upon a time a school was operational. But teachers referred to teaching in such extreme weather conditions. You can not really judge. On days one can wake up and see the entire valley is covered under the thick blanket of snow. Another day, merciless rain brings in thick fog. Cars get frosted. Batteries get damaged. Running water is a luxury. 

When it rains in Nathang valley, Oxygen level also drops in the air, causing trouble for tourists. The locals are made of iron lungs! 

I wonder what makes the old people of Nathang valley endure such extreme hardship. “This is my home!” An old lady grinned. Her toothless face lits up as she points out her son has gone to Gangtok, to study and work. 

Nathang valley to Gangtok

On our last day at Zuluk, we started at 11 from Zuluk and reached Gangtok by 5 pm. On the way, we stopped at Nathang valley and Changu (Tsomgo Lake) and saw Nathula as well. We did not venture to Nathula as we did not have permit and border was closed due to the ongoing lockdown issue. Recently, road to Nathula has been open and permits are given at check points. If you want to visit Nathula, mention the same at Rangli check point where your permit will be prepared.

Start early for the day and proceed to Gangtok. This way, you will have ample time to make multiple stops on the way. It is going to be one of the most beautiful road-trips in the Himalayas. I often compare this to the day trip to Bum La Pass from Tawang.

The road from Nathang is maintained by army and created by BRO. It is designed in a way that heavy duty army vehicles can easily operate on the high altitude terrain. Heavy snow and stuff do not usually perturb its make. I have heard many people complain that Sikkim has terrible road condition. I agree if you are talking about west Sikkim and the districts bordering with Indian states. But the international border is extremely well laid!

You can choose to stop at Baba Mandir. There are two, one is old baba Mandir and the other one is new baba mandir. The entire stretch is arid, with sparse vegetation. Wooly yaks roam with élan. A few shepherds appear out of nowhere. On the right hand, we had an entire valley covered with clouds. This happens in high altitude areas. We were told, that is China, once the stronghold of Tibet, the forbidden kingdom.

Zuluk Travel blog: upper Zuluk Basti

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Should one plan a night at the Nathang valley?

At a height of 14,000 feet, Nathang Valley stands as an ode to the poem, Life Finds a Way! Once only inhabited by the yak herders of Tibet, Nathang valley had makeshift night arrangements for the caravans of silk route. Now, a few homestays have taken over with meagre arrangements to sustain life for a limited time. Nathang is accessible by tourists only for a handful months of dry summer and early autumn. During winter, gutsy wind blows in to the valley from every corner of the world, making life, forget holidaying, an adventure! Our guide mentioned the time he was stuck here with his vehicle under 5 feet deep snow!

Staying at Nathang valley is a daring adventure, is what I hear from my friends who spend a night at one of the many homestays at Nathang Valley. It is a task to take out your feet of the blanket and feet the toes after sundown. During sunrise, you see Kanchenjunga and the entire sleeping Buddha range standing in alert at a distance. From Nathang valley, the Sleeping Buddha range feels closer and more magnificent than ever. May be Pelling comes to a close comparison, however Pelling is a touristy town.

From Nathang valley, driving down to Gangtok brings you closer to the Hati Lake (elephant lake), Memencho lake and a few more high passes. It was biting cold and I barely could put my nose out of the car!

If weather condition shows a bit of red alert, authorities would not issue permits to visit Nathang valley. You have to take your car back from Zuluk itself. Zuluk usually does not receive heavy snow. Thambi view point, on the other hand, may be covered with snow, making the ride to Thambi quite an exciting one!

Waste management at high Himalayas: Old Silk Route Zuluk near Changu lake

Places to visit near Nathang Valley

I laugh as I write this but Nathang Valley has the most of “Things to do” in the entire area. This is like nature being playful and throws a challenge. “Can you do this?” If you can not stand the cold, stay back in Zuluk, visit nathang valley as a day trip and see the following points. 

  • Baba Mandir
  • Trek down from Baba Mandir and visit Memencho Lake (4 km trek downhill)
  • A little monastery where a handful of local Buddhist monks live in Nathang Valley
  • The Eagle Nest Bunker (13,700 feet & a hard find). However, visit this place for an early morning sunrise view when you can have a 360 degree view of the entire valley, with kanchanjengha at one side and Tibet at another. I hear people say, you can even spot the mighty Bramhaputra river (Tsongpo River, his origin which is now in occupied Tibet). For astrophotography, eagle’s nest Bunker is a golden hunt!
  • Tukla valley: 15 km from Kupup, Tukla straddles shoulder with Chinese border and remains partly accessible by the tourists. An eighteen-hole golf course called Yak Course (13025 feet) makes Tukla the highest golf course in the world. The Yak Golf Course has found a place in the Guinness book of world records for being the highest in the world. Golfers do not use a car here, instead they ride a yak! Many compare Tukla to be similar to Yumthang of North Sikkim.
  • On a clear sky day, you may see Jelep la from Tuk La valley. Through Jelep La, one could travel all the way to Lhasa. Now the road is closed (under PLA). Old Trades have eventually paved way for short lived tourism.

gangtok silk route tour itinerary

Nathang valley is incredible! They say the mountains are different with the onset of a new season. I do not think you can witness the change any better anywhere else but nathang valley. A few mountain streams mark a boundary for this little village. Once a halt for the caravans coming from Lhasa, Nathang is now a brave halt for adventure seekers of plainlanders. 

The battle of Natahng was fought here in 1888, between the Tibetan & British forces. Legends of the fallen soldiers resonate in the air. 

In Nathang, please stay at the Daftar Bungalow! Once used by the British to collect custom duty (ugh the colonists) Daftar Bungalow is the only stone construction in the village where gutsy wind does not find a way in! It has been renovated by the department of tourism Sikkim Govt. In the peak of winter, winter skiing takes place in the valley. 

I recommend you visit Nathang on a clear sky day to truly experience the beauty of this vast land! But then mountains and her moods, we have no control over! If Nathang remains under thickets of fog, you will not be able to see many prime attractions on the road, including the Zuluk zigzag roads. 

Stop at the Changu lake (Tsomgo Lake) on the way back to Gangtok

Nathang valley to Gangtok: 5 hours ( with stop at Changu lake for an hour)

The highlight of returning to Gangtok from Zuluk was albeit a stop at Changu Lake. The glacial lake, a sacred waterbody to the locals, is a touristy spot. Much like the Pangong Tso, Tsomgo lake too changes its colour with the movement of Sun. Order piping hot Maggi, ride the largest cable car, get a picture with the decked up yaks or just walk close to the bank of the lake. Plan for a couple of hours to spend by the beautiful Changu lake!

Due to its close vicinity to Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake is frequently visited by a number of tourists, making is a bit underwhelming with the crowd and the usual touristy things. Despite being located at 12,300+ feet height, Tsomgo lake lacked the celestial vibe all thanks to the crowd.

Steal a few lone moment as you ride the highest cable car of Asia over Tsomgo Lake and reach for the table top plateau that lets you take a bird’s eye view of the high passes you have covered to make this journey a worthwhile!

make sure you reach back to Gangtok before sunset. Black ice starts to set in at the end of the day when sunlight do not abound the valley, making the ride a challenging one.

Tsomgo Lake Sikkim: Best places to visit in Sikkim

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A Responsible Traveler’s Guide to Old Silk Route, Sikkim

Needless to point it out but old silk Route happens to be one of the most fragile ecological zone in the entire world. To top on it, it is a dangerously protected zone, reminding you a sleeping demon may wake up at any moment, disbalancing the peace that prevails in the valley! The trade caravans have retreated their old tracts paving way for amphibious war vehicles reigning the distant emptiness.

Thankfully, the major crowd puller in Sikkim remains the road to North Sikkim that empties vehicles by the banks of Gurudongmar lake or the beautiful Tsomgo Lake. The later has been taking it one for the team for ages now!

Sikkim is famous as one of the cleanest states of the country. Inhabitants of Sikkim state are well disciplined and follow the decorum. However it will take a while to grow that civic sense among the tour parties who frolic around with empty plastic packets of chips and glass bottles of beers. Be it the scenic Thambi view point or the banks of Tsomgo, no place finds a respite from this unrelenting litter.

people in the mountain usually wake up early, say 5 am. Nights are long and dark with power supply being erratic. dinner would be served by 7 or at best 8 pm since the homestay owners have to finish kitchen work by 10. Please co operate with them.

One way to help save the chastity of the region is by not playing Hindi music in loudspeaker. Please?

Please do not click pictures of Military installments. It is written on boards too.

Refrain from night drives because the road is lonely and black ice is lethal.

There is no hospital in close vicinity. In case of medical emergency, locals and tourists usually rush to army camp.

Avoid staying at Nathang valley if you are traveling with a small kid. That thing air may not be suitable for young lungs.

PLEASE DO NOT LITTER. I am sure if you had been my reader for a while, you know this. But this is for the newer ones, plastic waste by one tour party seems to be an innocent mistake but in reality that litter goes on to live for thousands of years and eventually becomes a part of the ecology in broken down form, increasing the power to pollute to infinity.

Egg Curry cooked at the homestay of Zuluk Sikkim

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Medical facilities in the area is extremely limited with communication limited to faint network by the main road on certain network ones only. Please get your basic medication handy. Do not rush. DONT RUSH. Allow your body to acclimatize to the astounding heights of Old Silk Route and climb slow but steady. Not everyday you come so close to nature. It is absolutely okay to stay back and soak in the atmosphere!

Please get your Covid tests done, along with latest RTPCR report. Always keep the mask on when you are dealing with the locals. You have means to travel back to the city, quarantine, access to information and latest medical treatments. Locals in Zuluk do not have these privileges. Please get the test done. Do not be a rule flouter by any means.

The flags on the mountains are hoisted to bring peace to the valley. respect them, especially if they seem to be fallen off grid. If you have not received the permit to access a particular zone, do not try to play around. It is IAF we are talking about. Rules are meant to be adhered at old Silk Route.

If you are visiting the ancient monasteries, please respect the monks and the hand painted artefacts and thangkas. They are priceless to the locals and these antiquities date back to thousands of years!

Resources are scarce at the old Silk Route. Be mindful of what you can consume and take only that much on your plate. Homestay owners grow a little bit of vegetables including potatoes and cabbages which will be stored for the long bitter cold winter too. They will share a bit with your for a price.

Respect for locals and rule of the land comes imperative while you traveling to a remote land such as Old Silk Route. this not only sustains the tourism infrastructure of Zuluk but also ensures you have a safe ride back home!

Tsomgo Lake in December: Snowfall at Changu Lake

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FAQs on Planning a trip to Old Silk Route

Q: Best Time to Visit Old Silk Route?

-Plan your trip to the Old Silk Route during Dry months, from Mid Oct to Mid Jan and Mid April to Mid July

Q: Can I visit Old Silk Route During Mid December?

-I visited Old Silk Route during Mid December and the trip was worth it! The weather was clear. We did the entire loop from Aritar to Gangtok with Zuluk and Nathang valley in between.

Q: Should you stay at Nathang Valley?

-If you can withstand biting cold and gutsy winds, please choose to stay at Nathang Valley for a night. It is going to be an experience of a lifetime! Of course it depends if you can procure a permit to visit Nathang valley at Rongli check point.

Q: If Zuluk Safe for solo women travelers?

-Zuluk is sparsely populated. there is no hostel. Overall it is a safe place with hospitable and kind locals. Weather could be a challenge though. getting medical help is a challenge too at Zuluk.

Q:Is it safe to visit Old Silk Route?

-Old Silk Route is an ancient trade route that connected India and China through Tibet. It is famous for the hair pin bends known as Zuluk loop. Zuluk is a safe and offbeat destination in east Sikkim however due to increased altitude, there might be breathing troubles. Please acclimatize well as you ascend to Zuluk, Lungthung and Nathang valley.

Q: Is it expensive to travel to old Silk Route in Sikkim?

-You have to arrange for a car for the entire road-trip. Ideally you should get an Innova or a similar car and prices start from 30 thousand INR onwards. Homestays cost INR 2000 onwards. For meals, prices go up a bit higher. Everything is chargeable, starting from hot running water to room heater. Overall, traveling to to Old Silk Route is by no means a cheap travel however it is worth every penny you spend due to the beautiful scenic beauty the road entails!

Q: Is Silk Route Tour in Zuluk open in December?

-Usually Old Silk Route remains open in December however North Sikkim gets closed by the mid of December.

Q: Old Silk Route in Sikkim height?

-Zuluk stands at 9400 feet. Nathang valley is at 13,400 feet. Tsomgo Lake sits at 12,700 feet.

Q: Is Silk Route Worth Visiting?

-The Old Silk Route in Sikkim is one of the best offbeat destination in India. It is one of the stunning road-trips across Himalayas that lets you take a beautiful view of the entire Sleeping Buddha range throughout he journey!

Q: The Best places to visit on the old Silk Route?

-On the Old Silk Route, my favourite destinations are: Zuluk, Lungthung, Nathula and Tsomgo Lake.

Q: Can I travel from Zuluk to NJP in a day?

-Technically, you can however it is a long road with many possible road blocks and the journey would be too tiring. Instead, stop at Aritar for a day and break the journey in two parts. Safe journey and happy journey!

Q: Can I visit Silk route tour if it snows?

-If it snows lightly, you may be provided with a permit to complete the entire loop of Old Silk Route from Aritar to Gangtok. However, in case of heavy snow storm, you will only be able to ascend till the Thambi View point. Sometimes, permits are issued for Nathang valley as well. But the road onwards is heavily militized for proximity to international border and often limited for commoners due to increased safety risk.

Q: Should I stay at Zuluk or Nathang valley?

-Make your base at Zuluk and see if you can endure the extreme cold. If the answer is yes, head towards Nathang valley for a night stay or you can visit Nathang as a day trip destination too. It is only a 30 minutes drive from Zuluk.

Lungthung View Point at old Silk Route, Zuluk, Sikkim travel blog

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  • West Bengal

gangtok silk route tour itinerary

Silk Route Tour (Sikkim) – Attractions, Trip Itinerary

Swarnab Dutta

  • June 11, 2023
  • 10 min read

The Silk Route is a historic trade network that linked Central Asia and the Mediterranean Sea for centuries. A part of this 10000 kilometers long route is situated in East Sikkim. It has shaped the civilizations of the past by facilitating the exchange of goods and cultures.

This route is regarded as the world’s first information superhighway and offers some of the most spectacular landscapes.

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From the part of the Silk Route situated in Sikkim, you can get mesmerizing views of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga along with the marvelous horizon. Here you will also learn about the rich cultural and historical heritage of the place, where different civilizations met and exchanged goods and ideas.

The route is a paradise for tourists and travelers who are drawn to its beauty, tranquility, and heritage.

In this article, you will get to know the following points about the Silk Route in Sikkim,

  • Trip Itinerary
  • Permits needed

Let’s see each of these points in detail.

History of the Silk Route

gangtok silk route tour itinerary

The Silk Route in Sikkim is a part of the ancient trade route that was used by traders for more than 1500 years. The route originates from Central Asia and connected India, China, Persia, Arabia, Greece, and Italy before reaching the Mediterranean. This route is said to have been established during the Han Dynasty. They opened trading in 130 BCE. Business in these parts was still on when the Ottoman Empire closed off any kind of trade with the Western world.

The term ‘Silk Route/road’ was first used by German Traveller and Geographer Ferdinand Von Richthofen in 1877 CE. The words particularly mean a well-traveled pathway of trading silk between Europe and East Asia. The route crossed some of the most challenging terrains in the world, such as the Pamir mountains and Gobi Desert. Merchants carried silk from China to Europe, where it was transformed into luxurious clothing. They also brought porcelain, tea, jade, spices, and other valuable items with them from Asia. In return, they took back glassware, textiles, horses, and other manufactured goods.

The famous traveler Marco Polo also traversed along the silk route between 1254 CE to 1324 CE. This route has had a profound influence on the history of Europe and Asia. It was a conduit for the spread of ideas and religions among different countries. It also fostered the growth of towns and cities with diverse cultures along the way. It stimulated innovations and new technologies through the sharing of information and knowledge. This historic pathway has witnessed so much of the past and now some of its sections are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

You can know more about the history of the route on various books available online.

3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary of Silk Route (Sikkim) Trip

Here, I will be sharing our experience of how we explored the stunning Silk Route and what was our feeling regarding the same.

You can start your journey by traversing the routes of Zuluk, either directly from NJP, from Gangtok, or anywhere near Rongli.

We, as in our group of 5 people, had explored the west and north of the state. Now we wanted to see the east as well. We spent a night in Rangpo, where we arranged a car for our journey along the silk route. We also enjoyed some sightseeing and shopping in the town before we set off.

You can also stay at Gangtok and book a cab from there. If you directly want to start with Silk Route, on this day, reach your hotel, rest, and explore the local attractions. Then, get ready to explore the next day.

Our adventure began when the car we had booked the previous day arrived at 6:00 AM to take us to Rongli, where we had to get our permits . We made it to Rongli in around 40 minutes and went inside the office where the PAP (Protected Area Permits) is made.

Rongli is a charming town and is quite important because from here you can get permits such as PAP and the Inner Line Permit (ILP) from the SDPO office. ILP is mainly for Foreigners and is required if you want to go beyond this place to Zuluk and Nathang Valley. Bliss surrounds the place and is worth looking around.

We couldn’t due to the lack of time and headed straight to the silk route. The journey through the silk route was mind-boggling. The smooth road, nature’s lap, clear blue skies, and clouds covering the path all add to the experience along the way. We felt like we were in a dream.

As we drove past Rongli, the road climbed higher and higher until we reached the charming village of Lingtam. We took a break to stretch our legs and admire the scenic views.

There were some homestays available for travelers who wanted to stay overnight. We wished we had more time to explore, but we had to move on.

Padamchen was our next stop along the silk route, at an elevation of 8000 feet. We took a halt again to have a warm meal and soak in the stunning sights of the towering peaks and green valleys. We lingered there for a while before continuing our journey.

The next destination in our journey was Zuluk. The path leading up there brings the actual thrill. Here come the hairpin bends and the stimulation that the silk route is so famed for. 

When we reached Zuluk, at 10100 feet above sea level, we could see the zigzagging route below us, with clouds wrapping us up at times. It looked like a painting from afar. The scenery was heavenly. This was the essence of the silk route that we had come to experience.

We also saw a large army camp, with trucks parked inside the fence. It reminded me of a video game I used to play as a child. 

We spent the night at a homestay in Zuluk and prepared to leave for Nathang Valley the next morning. I loved Zuluk and explored it as much as I could. The tranquility rejuvenated me in every way. My friends missed out on this opportunity as they were busy resting.

Nathang Valley

The next morning, we left Zuluk and followed the winding silk route for 24 kilometers until we reached Nathang Valley, our next destination.

On the way, we stopped at Thambi viewpoint, where we had a breathtaking view of the historic road. We could see the loops of the silk route, which was an amazing sight. The magnificence was awestricken.

After 10 more kilometers, we finally got to the much-awaited valley. It was so beautiful that we understood why it is called the “Ladakh of the East.”

Kupup Lake and Baba Mandir

After the scenic beauty of the valley, we continued our journey toward Kupup Lake. It is a must to get down at this site or else you will miss out on the charm. The lake is also known as the Elephant Lake and it changes its color with the sky.

Then we drove past Tukla Valley, which was beautiful but we didn’t get out of the car. We were more interested in Baba Mandir, the next stop. This is the residence of Baba Harbhajan Singh. There is a fascinating real-life story related to it, which we learned in detail from the locals there.

We entered the Bunker and saw the belongings of Baba. It was an incredible experience that we will never forget.

Changu Lake

One of the most scenic places in the state, this lake captivated me with its natural beauty. I couldn’t stop taking pictures of the stunning views, especially at this lake, which also goes by the name Tsomgo Lake. It is often listed as one of the most beautiful lakes in Sikkim .

We were hungry after exploring the lake, so we decided to try some local cuisine at a nearby restaurant. The momos and the Chow Mein were delicious. Coffee was in our order too to sip on while looking at the remarkable lake and clouds that were coming down to touch the cool waters.

To get a better view of the lake, we took a ropeway ride that cost us ₹360. It was worth every penny. When we reached the top, it started to rain lightly, and we were surrounded by clouds. The cold breeze, the drizzles, and the temperature of 2 degrees made us feel alive. We were standing under the open sky on the rugged rock, at an elevation of 14,500 feet. It was an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.

It was already time for us to return and so all of us took to the road again. We looked back once again and started with our journey. The silk route joins the conventional road in the direction of Nathula; one goes towards the pass and another towards Gangtok. We had to end our Silk Route tour there as we turned towards Gangtok.

After about an hour and a half, we arrived at the city. We spent the night at a hotel and departed for NJP the next morning.

Permits and documents needed for Silk Route

There are two places from where you will be able to get the permits to enter all the restricted areas towards East Sikkim. These are Gangtok (MG Marg) and Rongli.

For the Indian Citizens:

If you are traveling through a travel agency or registered tour operator, then they will help you to get the PAP (Protected Area Permit). However, if you are on your own, you can ask your car driver to help you get the permit when you book the car for your trip. The fee is usually around ₹200 per person.

The documents that are needed are:

  • A valid ID proof (Aadhar Card, or any other kind of Id proof, except a Pan Card, as it is not accepted).
  • Two passport-size photos of yourself.

For Foreigners :

Foreigners need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit any area in Sikkim, and they are not allowed to enter the protected areas near international borders. The ILP can be obtained from the Foreigner’s Registration Office near MG Marg at Tadong.

It is valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days if needed.

You can learn more about the permit requirements from the official website of the Sikkim government.

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gangtok silk route tour itinerary

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Plan Himalayan

Silkroute tour with Gangtok

gangtok silk route tour itinerary

  • 06 Days 05 Nights

Sillerygaon

Nathang Valley

Baba Mandir

Tsomgo Lake

Tour Itinerary

Pick up from ixb/njp and transfer to sillerygaon.

Pick up from Njp/Airport and then transfer to Sillerygaon.Post lunch visit Ramitey view point (by walk)

Sightseeings and stay at Aritar

Today sightseeing at on road silent vally, pedong, Reshikhola, Siddhi Vinayak temple, aritar monastery and stay at Aritar.

Sightseeings and stay at Lingtam

Sightseeing at Mankhim view point and Shiva temple, aritar lake, dalapchand village on road, rongli market and then transfer to Lingtam.Post lunch visit lingtam monastery by walk

Zuluk,Zigzak road,Nathang valley,Kupup,Baba Mndir,Tsomgo lake sightseeings and stay at Gangtok

Sightseeing at keokhola waterfalls, nimachen, padamchen,Zuluk,zigzag road, thambi view point, lungthung, nathang valley, old baba mandir, tukla valley, elephant lake, Kupup village, jelepla pass & Memencho lake from roadside,Yak golf course,Tsomgo lake,New baba mandir and o/n stay at Gangtok.

Gangtok local sightseeings

Today Gangtok local sightseeings including Tashi view point,Ganesh tok,Hanuman tok, Ropeway point, Gonjang monastery, Waterfalls etc.O/n stay at Gangtok.

Drop to Njp/Ixb

After breakfast check out from hotel and then transfer to Njp/Airport

  • Hotel accomodation 
  • Meal Plan according to package you choose
  • Reserved vehicle for point to point pick up,drop & sightseeings 
  • Vehicle will be provided based on the itinerary
  • Vehicle toll tax
  • Any types of Permit and Entry fees
  • Extra food order separately or not mentioned in the "Inclusion"
  • Car parking fees in some places
  • For details visit our Terms and Conditions page

Things You have to Carry

Please carry your original ID proof like Votar ID,Aadhaar Card or Passport, passport size photograph, ( please note that Aadhaar Card is not treated as a valid ID proof only in Sikkim ) Child ID proof (Birth Certificatee,School ID proof) along with xerox copy for every indivudual tourist.

Package Food Menu

Non Veg/Veg food (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner) will be provided according to the package selected by you 

Tour Upcoming Date

Call our travel experts to get your customized tour plan according to your suitable date

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Gangtok with Tsomo lake & North Sikkim

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West Sikkim and South Sikkim tour

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We're truely dedicated to make your travel experience as much as simple and fun as possible.

gangtok silk route tour itinerary

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Sikkim Silk Route

gangtok silk route tour itinerary

  • 1.1 History
  • 1.2 When to go
  • 2.1 Fees and permits
  • 5.1 One-day tour
  • 5.2 Two day Tour
  • 5.3 Two-day round tour
  • 5.4 Two-day round tour from Gangtok
  • 6 Stay safe

The Old Silk Route or simply the Silk Route is a high-altitude road trip in the East Sikkim district of Sikkim . The 2-day- and 1-night-long road trip follows the ancient trade routes and offers spectacular views of the snow-covered Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world. The route passes several beautiful high-altitude glacial lakes, high passes opening into Tibet , China and a couple of temples dedicated to a fallen Indian soldier.

Understand [ edit ]

gangtok silk route tour itinerary

History [ edit ]

The tour covers part of an ancient trade route passing through the high passes of Nathula and Jelep La on the India Tibet ( China ) border. The route connected Eastern India with the famous Silk Route of Central Asia . The route also had strategic importance. In 1888 the rugged mountain served as a battleground between the Tibetans and the British. A small graveyard with a war memorial stands in the village of Gnathang (Nathanag) in memory of the fallen British soldiers. In 1903–04, this route was used by Francis Younghusband to invade Tibet and move onwards to Lhasa.

This was the route that George Mallory and his fellow mountaineers took during the Mount Everest expeditions of 1921, 1922 and 1924. Sir Francis Younghusband writes, in his book The Epic of Mount Everest , "But from Rongli they climbed steeply out of the tropical forest into the zone of flowering rhododendrons.... To flower lovers, like Howard Bury, Mallory and Wollaston, these were perpetual delight. They were all the more appreciated because they would be almost the last sign of luxuriance and grace they would behold before they to face the austerities and stern realities of rock and ice and snow, and the frosts of Mount Everest." The Silk Route also has stories from the recent past. The route has two temples dedicated to an Indian soldier who died from drowning in one of the fast-flowing streams of the region.

When to go [ edit ]

  • Mid-September to mid-December: Is the best time with clear skies and great mountain views. Lush green meadows covered with colourful flowers.
  • Mid-December to April: It is a fairly good time with heavy snowfall. Upper portions of the route can become inaccessible. Vehicles can get stuck.
  • May to mid-June: This is better than mid December - April with occasional snowfall or rains. Partially clouded sky with occasional views of snow-capped mountains.
  • Mid-June to mid-September: Not a good time. Heavy rainfall. No views, frequent landslides.

Prepare [ edit ]

Fees and permits [ edit ].

Indians need a Protected Area Permit to travel in the Silk Route. The permits can be arranged by the travel agents and hotels. The permits are issued from the Sikkim Tourism Office at Gangtok or from the SDPO Office in Rongli. The office remains open till 14:00 on weekdays, 11:00 on Saturdays, and closed on Sunday). The permit issued from Rongli doesn't cover Nathula while the one issued from Gangtok permits visits to Nathula. The tourist need to carry the following documents. 4 passport size photographs, photo ID card (passport, adhar card, voter card, driving licence), both original and photocopies. The permit takes less than half an hour but in tourist season there can be long quques. Foreigners are not allowed in this route .

Get in [ edit ]

Since 27.203572 88.701854 1 Rongli is the place where the permits are issued for the Silk Route tour, it saves a lot of time. But since Rongli is not very scenic the tour can also be started from 27.188 88.674 2 Aritar 27.133626 88.575554 3 Icche Gaon and 27.139555 88.580387 4 Sillery Gaon and a few other destinations in Sikkim or North Bengal . For tourist starting the tour from other destination needs to travel to Rongli for the permit and proceed along the Silk Route. The route can also be done in the reverse direction starting from Gangtok . however it is not a preferred choice. The road trip involves high altitude so necessary precaution for Altitude sickness needs to be taken.

Route [ edit ]

Map

  • 27.233597 88.761704 5 Lingtam (9 km from Rongli) — a small village with a couple of hotels and a monastery. It has a check post where permits of Silk Route are checked.
  • 27.236295 88.757413 6 Que khola falls —A small waterfall between Lingtam and Padamchen
  • 27.237384 88.767643 7 Phadamchen (12 km from Lingtam) — Scenic Himalayan village with a small monastery and a handful of hotels and homestays. Permits of the Silk Route are checked here for the second time.
  • 27.251848 88.777502 8 Zuluk (2865 m) (9 km from Padamchen) — Zaluk (or Dzuluk) marks the beginning of the high altitude. It is a fairly large village with many hotels and homestays. A good night's destination.
  • 27.26142 88.786448 9 Zigzag Road — From Zuluk to Thambi View Point the road gains an altitude of 600+m in just 13 km. The road is an engineering marvel consisting of a series of numerous hairpin bends. The combination of the hairpin bends creates an amazing geometry of zig zag patterns best viewed from the Thambi View Point.
  • 27.265924 88.785258 10 Thambi View Point (3415 mt) (13 km from Zuluk) — According to local sources, Thambi View Point is named after the civil engineer, who constructed the road, offers an extraordinary view of the Kanchenjunga and its sister peaks. But the view of Zuluk along with the meandering zig - zag road is definitely no less an attraction.
  • 27.267087 88.798171 11 Lungthung View Point (3963 m) 4 km from Thambi View Point — The zig - zag road continues a little beyond the Thambi View point and after which it head almost straight to Lungthung View Point Lungthung View Point. This view point located closer and higher than the Thambi View Point offers a better and closer view of the Kanchenjunga and its adjoining peaks. A huge army barrack is located next to the view point. Being a border area the entire route has a heavy military presence.
  • 27.288708 88.813014 12 Laxman Chowk — Just before the Gnathang valley the road bifurcates into two parts. The place is known as Laxman Chowk, and a memorial stands in memory of Lt. Col. Laxman Singh (Commanding Officer, 5 Mahar Borders) under whose command the unit pre-emptively secured the water shed opposite Chinese in General Area Dokala in 1965. The left road is the lower road and leads to the Gnathang valley and village. The upper road is on the right and leads to the Old Baba Mandir. Both the roads rejoin again just before the Kupup Lake.
  • 27.29864 88.817296 13 Gnathang (4116 m) (6 km from Lungthung View Point) — Gnathang (also called Nathang) Valley consists of the Gnathang (Nathang) village. The village houses several basic hotel and homestays. Both sides of the road are lined up with small eateries selling hot soups, momos and thupkas. The village has a heavy military presence.
  • 27.297945 88.815833 14 British War Memorial, Gnathang — According to historical records the Nathang area was captured by the Tibetans in 1886 and it was recaptured back by the British in 1888 and a memorial, along with a few graves, stands in the memory of the soldiers killed during the recapture. The memorial lies on the left hand side of the road for travellers travelling from the south. The complex consists of two memorials with shinning new granite plaques and fifteen graves. The epitaphs of the graves have long vanished. Sadly the original marble plaques have been replaced by granite plaques. An original marble plaque from one of the memorials can still be seen.
  • 27.314734 88.838428 15 Old Baba Mandir — Being a border area, the entire Silk Route has a heavy army presence. Working in these harsh conditions is never easy and no wonder they have their share of legends. Harbhajan Sing is the legend of the Silk Route with two temples dedicated to his name. According to army records On Oct 4, 1968, Harbhajan Sing, while escorting a mule caravan in the silk route region, fell into a stream and was swept away. On the fifth day one of his fellow soldier had a dream, where Harbhajan Singh informed him about his tragic death and also about the location of his body. Incidentally a rescue operation recovered his body from the very position that was mentioned in the dream. Later a samadhi was built, in his honor, at the bunker, where Harbhajan Singh had his last posting. Today the samadhi is reached by a flight of stairs and small shrine (old Baba Mandir) with the photo of Hrbhajan Singh stands at its base. Even today the legend of Harbhajan Singh lives on, there are stories of soldiers being slapped when they fall asleep during his duties. Harbhajan Singh is also said to inform his colleagues of bad weather and other calamities. Even his Chinese counterpart is aware and afraid of his presence. The Old Baba Temple lies on the high (right) road from Laxman Chowk just before meeting point of the high and low road.
  • 27.330534 88.846203 16 Kupup Lake (Elephant Lake) (4000 m) (6.4 km from Nathang) —The lake is located near the Kupup village and is locally known as Bitan Cho. It is shaped like an elephant, complete with a tail and trunk. Hence it is also popularly known as the Elephant Lake. It is one of the most sacred lakes of Sikkim and stunningly beautiful. The nearby Kupup village contains a golf course, which is said to be the highest in the world.
  • 27.365857 88.837919 17 New Baba Temple (5.6 km from Kupup Lake)—This temple is also dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh and came up in 1982 and is popularly known a New Baba Temple. The central room of the three-room shrine contains a large portrait of Harbhajan Singh along with photos of Sikh Gurus and Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
  • 27.346168 88.818616 18 Menmecho Lake —This lake is not on the main road and one has to trek for 4 km to reach it. The trail starts just beyond the New Baba Mandir and is on the left hand side of the road. The beautiful lake is surrounded by pine forest and the water changes colour several times a day. The lake is used by the Sikkim Fisheries Department for trout cultivation.
  • 27.368062 88.826464 19 Hangu Lake (not to be confused with Changu Lake) (3938 m) (2 km from New Baba Temple) — This glacial lake lies on the left hand side of the road. It has paddle boating facilities. There is an Indian Army memorial for forgotten soldiers atop a hill next to the lake.
  • 27.377981 88.819698 20 Ganju Lama War Museum (2 km from Hangu Lake) — Ganju Lama was a soldier from Sikkim who fought for the British Indian army during the Second World War. He was a recipient of Victoria Cross. The museum stands at the junction where the road to Nathula bifurcates from the Gangtok - Nathang road. At the entrance is marked with a statue of Ganju Lama. The museum runs a documentary throughout the day. There are other photos on display.
  • 27.386553 88.830857 21 Nathula (4310 m) (4.4 km from Ganju Lama War Museum) —Tourists coming from Zuluk side are not permitted to visit Nathula but those coming from Gangtok can visit Nathula. It is a pass on the India China ( Tibet ) border. The pass is part of an ancient trade route. The pass is marked by entrance gates of both countries and military bunkers on both sides of the gates. This is the only open border crossing between China and India, though it is only open for cross-border trade, and tourists may not cross the border here.
  • 27.375322 88.762955 22 Tsongmo (Changu Lake) (3753 m) (12.5 km from Ganju Lama War Museum) — One of the most spectacular lakes of Sikkim. The glacial lake changes colour with passing of the day. There are several eateries on the lakeside selling hot momos, thupkas and noodles. Snow boots can be hired and tourists can take a walk along the snowy ridge next to the lake. Yak rides are also available.
  • 27.331351 88.613811 23 Gangtok (1650 m) (36 km from Tsongmo) —The round Silk Route ends at Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim

Itineraries [ edit ]

There are several itineraries for the Silk Route:

One-day tour [ edit ]

A very hectic tour. Permits need to be arranged the previous day. Day 1: Start from Lingtem, Rongli, Aritar, etc. Closer the place better it is. Breakfast at the hotel and start early. Drive past Zuluk and zig-zag road halt at Thambi and Lungthung viewpoint. Take right road from Laxman Chowk, Visit Old Baba Mandir, tea break. Visit Kupup Lake. Turn back and head to Nathang, lunch break. Back to the hotel by late afternoon.

Two day Tour [ edit ]

A good option with lot of free time. Day 1: Start from Lingtem, Rongli, Aritar, etc. Breakfast at hotel, collect permit and reach Zuluk. Lunch, dinner and night stay at Zuluk. Day 2: Start very early. Reach Thambi view point before sunrise. Sunrise from Thambi view point. Great view of Kanchenjunga and zig-zag route. Move to Lungthung View Point and then on to Laxman Chowk. Take the high road on right and head to Old Baba Temple. Breakfast at Old Baba Temple. Continue to Kupup Lake. Turn around and take the lower road for the return journey. Visit Nathang on the return journey and follow the route back to Zuluk for lunch. After lunch continue to your hotel in Lingtem, Rongli, Aritar, etc., and reach by late afternoon.

Two-day round tour [ edit ]

This route has no backtracking. The second day is hectic. Day 1: Same as two day tour. Day 2: Same till Lakshman Chowk, after Lakshman Chowk take the lower route on the left. Breakfast at Nathang. Make a detour to Old Baba Mandir and get back to the road and head for Kupup Lake. The road continues to New Baba Mandir, Hangu Lake, Gunja Lama War Museum (visit to Nathula is not permitted), Tsongmo (Changu Lake) and finally to Gangtok.

Two-day round tour from Gangtok [ edit ]

Same as the two day round tour, but in the opposite direction. Nathula can be visited as the permit is obtained from Gangtok. Nightstay at Nathang, with sunrise views from Lungthung View Point.

Stay safe [ edit ]

  • The route involves high altitude of above (4000+ m) and there are chances of Altitude sickness , so proper acclimatization is required. Moving slow and drinking plenty of fluids helps. Avoid spending a night at Gnathang, unless you are well acclimatized.
  • The route is subject to regular landslides, especially during the monsoon months (June - August) In winter (December - April) the area receives heavy snowfall. Both landslides and snowfall can cut short the journey. The condition of the road is bad and the journey time can overshoot the scheduled time.

Go next [ edit ]

gangtok silk route tour itinerary

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gangtok silk route tour itinerary

IXB Airport, NJP Station

Covering places, aritar, zuluk, gnathang, gangtok., package price, private tour, rs 5399/- per head/ 8, rs 6199/- per head/ 6, rs 7799/- per head/ 4, rs 11,999/- per head/ 2, get a free quote, zuluk gangtok tour.

gangtok silk route tour itinerary

Start Price Rs 11,999/- Per Head (Double Sharing Basis)

Enjoy the scenic beauty of the eastern Himalayan trip. Welcome to a mysterious road journey to marvelous hill station of India. This time try something Buddhist & Nepalese mixing culture & food. Wear traditional dress & feel different from your regular life. Lost into a deep meditation while visiting the monastery. At night delicious food is waiting to change your mood.

Package Location

  • 3 Breakfast, Lunch or Dinners
  • Sightseeing on SUV

DAY WISE ITINERARY - EAST SIKKIM 2N3D

After pick up, start your wonderful trip to Silk route starting from a perfect destination for a tourist in search of enchantment, trekking, land of monastery, mystic rituals, festivals, Aritar is at an elevation of 4600ft, bounded by mount Kanchenjunga, the place characterized by lush forests, mountains, lakes. The distance between Sillerygoan to Aritar is 51km. The afternoon is free for leisure. Enjoy the nearby Lampokhori lake, which is worth visiting. Aritar is in East Sikkim district of Sikkim known for its natural and landscaped beauty, which is worth to visit. The Aritar Lake which is known as Ghati-Tso also is a nearby attraction.

Overnight stay at Aritar

Early morning, after breakfast, proceeds towards Zuluk covering sightseeing Kuikhola Waterfalls and en route covering Rongli for inner line permit. The distance between Aritar to Zuluk is 42kms and 2hours time to reach. Zuluk is a small village settled on snow-covered hills. It is said that it was a transit point to the historic Silk Route from Tibet to India. Zuluk is located at an altitude of 10,100 ft. is a remote village in East Sikkim. After lunch, explore Zuluk and enjoy the evening as leisure.

Overnight stay at Zuluk.

After early breakfast starts for the sightseeing and sunrise trip to Zig Zag road, 95 Turns, Thambi viewpoint and enjoy the beauty of Thambi viewpoint and continue sightseeing at Laxmi Chowk, Nathang valley, Tukla valley, Kalipokhri (lake), Old Baba Mandir, Jeelep-La Pass, zig-zag road and reach Kupup. Elephant Lake at Kupup. See the world’s highest Golf course, Yak golf course which is at 13,025 ft.

Visit New Baba Mandir, Changu Lake

After Reaching Gangtok, Check –in to Hotel, Evening is free for personal activities visits M.G. Marg.

Overnight Stay at Gangtok.

Wake up in the morning, After Early Lunch Proceed towards NJP/IXB from Gangtok with a sweet memory of the trip.

→    Transporation includings pickup & drop.

→    Accommodation on twin sharing basis.

→    Sightseeings as per the itinerary.

→    Breakfast & Dinner meal (Veg, Non Veg & Jain).

→    Exclusive private Non/Ac vehicle for transfers.

→   All permit fees, hotel taxes & GST.

→    Air Fare/Train Fare.

→    Personal Expenses such as tips & gratuity, mineral water, adventure activities and porterage.

→    Entrance fees.

→    Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

→    Additional sightseeing, other than mentioned in the itinerary.

→    Any cost arising due to natural calamities.

gangtok silk route tour itinerary

Our travel experts have core and intense knowledge about Sikkim Sector with over 10 years of experience that will help you choose the best possible itinerary as per your requirements.

gangtok silk route tour itinerary

Our travel experts are just one call away during your tour to help you with any kind of immediate assistance so that your tour is a more enjoyable and hassle-free tour.

gangtok silk route tour itinerary

Sikkim Tourism ensures best rates to all our esteemed guests since we have our own hotels and fleet of vehicles and drivers and there is no third-party involvement. This ensures personalized service and best rates.

OUR APPROVED DELUXE HOTEL

gangtok silk route tour itinerary

Gangtok Hotel

Welcome to Gangtok Hotel – a deluxe equivalent hotel in the lap of the Himalayas.

Situated in a peaceful location within the cityscape of Gangtok, it is a recently built hotel with 15 well-appointed rooms having all modern comforts. Each of the rooms offers unobstructed views of valleys and mountains – a rare phenomenon in any city hotel. Located just 3 km from the heart of the city and an ideal place to enjoy the serenity of the surroundings as well as experience Gangtok city life.

gangtok silk route tour itinerary

Zuluk Homestay

Amazing Deluxe homestay at proper Zuluk. Ideal facility to reach every vehicle nearby with proper parking facilities. Power Backup is also available. Veg-Non Veg foods are available, which are much more sufficient as per tourists' reviews. We "Adorable Silkroute" strongly recommend you to stay here & enjoy breathtaking hill views.

What Our Clients Say About Adorable?

Behind every review there is an experience, we shared here some of these

Our Silk Route tour was really great. We are satisfied with all the arrangements made from your end. Evrything was very well organized. The vehicles were in very good condition and the drivers were very well-mannered & friendly. Looking forward to more such trips.

gangtok silk route tour itinerary

Partha Sarathi

At first I would like to thanks Mr. Akash Dutta. He is such a Gentleman & very co operative, polite & nice person. I must say Please book your package at least once with Adorable Silkroute. I am sure you will love it. Last day I returned from silk route. My journey date was 06.01.2022 to 10.01.2022. Adorable Silkroute made my trip so comfortable. All over Adorable Silkroute is good choice for your travel or package. All the best 👍

gangtok silk route tour itinerary

Jayita Chakravorty

We took a 6nights 7 days trip through the Silk Route.It was a wonderful experience. Each place had its own beauty.The homestays were clean and strategically located. It was a wonderful experience overall.The trip was well organised and the team of Adorable silk Route ensured that we did not have any problems.

gangtok silk route tour itinerary

They planned and executed a superb Zuluk trip within our budget & time constraints. Homestays were amazing. The washroom was hygienic, the meals were tasty. The locations of homestays were superb. The drivers were skilled & experienced. They made our tour comfortable. I wish we had 1-2 more days to explore more.

gangtok silk route tour itinerary

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3 Night 4 Days Gangtok & Silk Route Tour

  • Silk Route: Ancient Trade Network

3 Night 4 Days Gangtok & Silk Route Tour

Bengali, English, Hindi

About this tour

The Gangtok and Silk Route tour is an enchanting expedition through the cultural and natural splendors of Sikkim. Your escapade commences in Gangtok, the alluring capital city nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. Here, you’ll delve into Buddhist sanctuaries like the Enchey Monastery and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, immersing yourself in the region’s rich cultural tapestry.

Embarking from Gangtok, your journey unfurls along the fabled Silk Route. This ancient trade corridor, traversed by traders from Tibet, China, and India, unfolds breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas, guiding you through quaint villages and serene landscapes.

As you traverse the Silk Route, you’ll encounter exquisite locales like the Nathang Valley, renowned for its unspoiled beauty and panoramic views, and Zuluk, a charming village steeped in history. Your itinerary also includes visits to the Kupup Lake, Tsomgo Lake, and the historic Thambi View Point.

Throughout your sojourn, you’ll be enveloped by Sikkim’s natural grandeur, with its snow-capped peaks, verdant forests, and vibrant meadows. You’ll have ample opportunities to interact with the warm locals, savor delectable local cuisine, and delve into the region’s captivating history and culture.

The Gangtok and Silk Route tour promises an indelible experience, leaving you with cherished memories. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history aficionado, or simply seeking adventure, this tour offers a plethora of delights. Join us on this extraordinary odyssey and uncover the beauty of Sikkim like never before.

In conclusion, the Gangtok and Silk Route tour is a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Sikkim. With its stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, and vibrant local culture, this tour offers a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or visiting Sikkim for the first time, this tour has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime!

  • Enjoying the cool, mountainous air and pristine nature in Aritar
  • Experiencing the unique culture and traditions of the local villages along the Silk Route
  • Admiring the colorful prayer flags and serene monasteries in Gangtok
  • Tasting local cuisine and shopping for souvenirs in Gangtok's bustling markets
  • Witnessing the stunning sunrise over the Himalayas from Zuluk
  • Learning about the history and significance of Changu Lake, Baba Mandir & Nathula Pass

Included/Excluded

  • Accommodation: Comfortable hotel stay in Gangtok for 3 nights.
  • Meals: Daily breakfast.
  • Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off from NJP Station or Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok.
  • Excursion to Silk Route: Guided tour with transportation to key Silk Route attractions.
  • Any Private Expenses.
  • All other services not mentioned in the inclusions.

Day 1: Arrival in Aritar

  • Arrival at Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station.
  • Transfer to Aritar (Approx. 4-5 hours drive).
  • Check-in at the hotel in Aritar.
  • Visit Lampokhari Lake (Aritar Lake) and enjoy the scenic beauty.
  • Explore the nearby areas and enjoy the tranquility of Aritar.
  • Overnight stay in Aritar.

Day 2: Aritar to Zuluk

  • After breakfast, check out from the hotel.
  • Travel to Zuluk via the famous Silk Route (Approx. 3-4 hours drive).
  • Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the zig-zag roads of Zuluk.
  • Check-in at the hotel in Zuluk.
  • Explore the local village and interact with the friendly locals.
  • Overnight stay in Zuluk.

Day 3: Zuluk to Gangtok

  • Drive back to Gangtok (Approx. 4-5 hours drive).
  • Explore Changu Lake, Baba Mandir & Nathula Pass (Optional).
  • Check-in at the hotel in Gangtok.
  • Explore the local markets and shops in Gangtok.
  • Overnight stay in Gangtok.

Day 4: Departure from Gangtok

  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Visit any remaining local attractions in Gangtok (optional).
  • Check out from the hotel.
  • Transfer to Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station for departure (Approx. 4-5 hours drive).
  • End of tour.

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Old Silk Route - Gangtok - North Sikkim Tour

Old silk route (2n) - gangtok (3n) - north sikkim (3n).

This tour will take you to parts of the old silk route that passes through East Sikkim and connects Lhasa, Tibet to Tamluk Port, Bengal. Traders used to use this route as early as the first century AD. In this tour you will visit certain places on the old silk route like Zuluk, Nathang Valley, Kupup Lake etc. 

After visiting the old silk route, move to Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. The setting of the place is spectacular with the fine views of the Kanchenjunga range. Gangtok is the hub of the tourism industry in Sikkim. The mesmerizing view of Kanchenjunga peak and the natural beauty around is the main attraction of the place. Thousands of tourists throng to the place to enjoy the natural beauty of this place which brings a soothing relief to both the eyes and heart.

In the last leg of the tour, visit North Sikkim, a high altitude region with magnificently beautiful places like Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley. Though North Sikkim has outstanding natural beauty, you need to take adequate preparation and  due to the high altitude of these places.

Major Attractions

Trail of Old Silk Route and North Sikkim in the same plan

Spend a day beside the beautiful Aritar Lake

Visit Zuluk, Nathang Valley, Kupup Lake and old Baba Mandir on the Old Silk Route

  • Visit  Rumtek Monastery  and other spots around Gangto k

Mesmerizing beauty of Gurudongmar lake  at  17100 Ft

Explore the valley and flowers of Yumthang and Zero Point

Places to Visit

Aritar Lake and the surrounding gardens

Aritar ... See Details

Zuluk Village

Zuluk ... See Details

Colorful building of Rumtek Monastery near Gangtok

Gangtok ... See Details

Reflection of mountains on the clear blue water of Gurudongmer lake under a clear blue sky

Lachen (Gurudongmar) ... See Details

River flowing through the Yumthang Valley with snow covered mountains in the back

Lachung (Yumthang) ... See Details

Distance Between Places - Silk Route and North Sikkim

Itinerary - silk route and north sikkim.

From a short visit to a lengthy leisure one – plan your travel that suits you best. Explore various options provided below to chose the best one for you ! These are some of the most popular itineraries suggested by IndiaTravelPage. Chose our recommended plan to explore, or make your own way with a custom travel plan

Day 1: Reach Aritar and look for a home stay. The main attraction of Aritar is the 350 m long Lampokhari Lake surrounded by thick forests. While taking a walk around the lake, visit the Budhha Temple beside the lake. You can also do a small trek to reach the top of the mountain beside the lake. From the top, you will get an impressive view of the lake and also the snow capped Himalayan peaks at a distance.

Day 1: After you reach Aritar, check in to your home stay. The main attraction of Aritar is the 350 m long Lampokhari Lake surrounded by thick forests. While taking a walk around the lake, visit the Budhha Temple beside the lake. You can also do a small trek to reach the top of the mountain beside the lake. From the top, you will get an impressive view of the lake and also the snow capped Himalayan peaks at a distance.

Day 2: The entire day is free for you to sit back and relax in this calm and peaceful place.

Day 1: Reach Zuluk and put up in one of the available home stays. If you have time, walk to Balasura point to watch the sunset. Next morning, go out for the silk route trail and visit Thambi View point, Laxmi Chowk, Zig Zag point, Gnathang Valley, Kalapokhari Lake, Old Baba Mandir, Tukla valley, Jepepla Pass View, Kupup Village (World’s highest Golf course), Hathi Pokhari Lake, New Baba Mandir and reach Tsangu Lake. After spending some time at Tsangu and having lunch, proceed for Gangtok.

Day 1: Reach Zuluk and put up in one of the available home stays. If you have time, walk to Balasura point to watch the sunset.

Day 2: Go out for the silk route trail and visit Thambi View point, Laxmi Chowk, Zig Zag point, Gnathang Valley, Kalapokhari Lake, Old Baba Mandir, Tukla valley, Jepepla Pass View, Kupup Village (World’s highest Golf course), Hathi Pokhari Lake, New Baba Mandir and reach Tsangu Lake. After spending some time at Tsangu and having lunch return back to Zuluk. Next morning, if you get a clear weather, go for the sunrise point to watch a spectacular sunrise on the majestic Mt Kanchenjunga

Day 2: Go out for the silk route trail and visit Thambi View point, Laxmi Chowk, Zig Zag point, Gnathang Valley, Kalapokhari Lake, Old Baba Mandir, Tukla valley, Jepepla Pass View, Kupup Village (World’s highest Golf course), Hathi Pokhari Lake, New Baba Mandir and reach Tsangu Lake. After spending some time at Tsangu and having lunch return back to Zuluk.

Day 3: Next morning, if you get a clear weather, go for the sunrise point to watch a spectacular sunrise on the majestic Mount Kanchenjunga. Rest of the day is free for you to enjoy this small and remote Himalayan village

Day 1: Reach Gangtok and transfer to the hotel. After getting freshed, if you have some time, go out to the mall and have a walk to get a feel of the place.

Day 2: You can either hire a car and go to visit Tsangu lake and Baba Mandir, or, you can opt for local Gangtok sight seeing including Rumtek Monastry, Enchey Monstry, Hanuman Tok, Tashi View Point, Do-drul Chorten and the cable car to see the beautiful Himalayan peaks.

Day 2: Hire a car and go to visit the Tsangu Lake and Baba Mandir at a distance of 40 km from Gangtok. Here, you will experience snow for the major part of the year.

Day 3: Go out for local Gangtok sight seeing including Rumtek Monastry, Enchey Monstry, Hanuman Tok, Tashi View Point, Do-drul Chorten and the cable car to see the beautiful Himalayan peaks.

Day 4: The day is free for you to relax or explore the nearby places of Institute of Tibetology, Banjhakri Falls, Temi Tea Garden etc.

Explore Lachen (Gurudongmar Lake)

Day 1: Lachen, at a distance of 125 km from Gangtok and takes approx 7 Hrs to reach. Lachen, at an altitude of 9500 ft is the base for visiting the famous and sacred Gurudongmar Lake. Upon reaching Lachen, move into one of the available home stays. Have an early dinner and go for sleep.

From Lachen, you are recommended to start by 3 AM for Gurudongmar (60 km from Lachen). After a brief halt and breakfast at a small village called Thangu, reach Gurudongmar in approximately 4 to 5 Hrs.

Upon reaching there, you will suddenly feel the lack of oxygen in the air making you exhausted easily. After spending your time, return back to Lachen by lunch time. This route is quite tough for most of the people and it is highly recommended that you listen to all the advises of your car driver.

After returning back to Lachen, have your lunch and then proceed to Lachung if you are also planned to visit Yumthang on the next day.

Explore Lachung (Yumthang)

Lachung, at a distance of 125 km from Gangtok,  is the base for your visit to Yumthang Valley, Zero Point and Katao. For going to these places, you have to spend the night at Lachung. Upon reaching there, move into one of the available hotels or home stays. Next morning, start early and reach Yumthang which is 25 km from Lachung. Plan your time accordingly if you are interested to visit Yumesamdong (Zero Point) at a distance of 15 km more from Yumthang. After finishing your visit, come back to Lachung and have lunch. Then proceed for your return journey to Gangtok.

Day 1: Lachung, at a distance of 125 km from Gangtok,  is the base for your visit to Yumthang Valley, Zero Point and Katao. For going to these places, you have to spend the night at Lachung.

Upon reaching Lachung, move into one of the available hotels.

Day 2: Since you have planned to stay one more day at Lachung, you can include Katao in addition to Yumthang and Zero Point in your travel plan for the day. Start early from Lachung and visit the three places to enjoy snow as well as the beauty of Yumthang. Return back to Lachung before evening for the night stay.

Transportation

Starting point for Silk Route and North Sikkim is New jalpaiguri / Siliguri. You have to reach New Jalpaiguri (train) or Bagdogra (Air) and take a hired car or shared jeep to reach Gangtok. For traveling in Sikkim, its best to hire your own car for the entire journey starting from New Jalpaiguri/Bagdogra. This way, your journey will be comfortable and hassle free. Local transport is not available in plenty with overcrowded shared Jeeps are available at certain intervals for point to point drops.

Important: Silk Route is in East Sikkim region while North Sikkim in in the Northern region of Sikkim. Normally, cars of East Sikkim are not allowed to run in North Sikkim and vice versa. Only cars with Tourist Permit can operate in both. So, if you are planning to hire one car for the entire tour, you have to mention that to the travel agent and select accordingly. Else, you will need one car for covering the Silk Route and then take a new one from Gangtok for North Sikkim.

Contact of some good drivers – Gangtok

TShreing – +91 96791 80999 Wangchu – +91 9933075176

Travel Agents for Car Booking – Gangtok

Sikkim Taxis +91-8436780362, +91-9932431887 www.sikkimtaxis.com

Mr Tinlay +91 8972463765 [email protected]

TAMU TOUR AND TREKS Lalit Gurung: +919832564013 / 9002069916 / 03592-206888

Top Destinations - Sikkim

– Aritar Lake – Gangtok – Lachung (Yumthang) – Lachen (Gurodongmar Lake) – Pelling – Zuluk

Popular Tour Plans - Sikkim

4-6 Days   1. Darjeeling-Gangtok (6N/7D)​   2. Gangtok-Pelling (5N/6D)   3. Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung (6N/7D) 7-10 Days  1. Darjeeling-Pelling-Gangtok (8N/9D)  2. Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung-Pelling (8N/9D)   3. Aritar-Zuluk-Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung (8N/9D)  4. Darjeeling-Kalimpong-Pelling-Gangtok (9N/10D)  5. Darjeeling-Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung (9N/10D) ​ >10 Days  1. Darjeeling-Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung-Pelling (11N/12D) ​

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  • Silk Route Tour From Gangtok

Silk Route Tour Package From Gangtok Rated 4.2 /5 (based on 19 reviews) Silk Route Tour Package From Gangtok

Explore Heaven On Earth 5 Days & 4 Nights

Beautiful Curvy roads on Old Silk Route, Silk trading route between China and India, Sikkim

Beautiful Curvy roads on Old Silk Route

Picturesque View of Village Sillery Gaon

Landscape view of amazing Reshikhola

Sightseeing at silkroutes

Hotel included in package:

  • Aritar (2D)
  • Silery Gaon (2D)

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₹19,000/- ₹20,652/-

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TravelTriangle has served 17729 + travelers for Sikkim - Gangtok - Darjeeling

Silk Route Tour Package From Gangtok

Situated at a high altitude, Silk Route cuts through the colossal Himalayan ranges and passes from the East Sikkim. This ancient network of trade routes was expected to have been discovered in the early First Century AD. Silk Route is one of the most charming and enjoyable places in northeastern India. Surrounded by lush green terrains, the place offers multiple religious attractions, stunning waterfalls, and not to forget the small hamlets like Zuluk and Nathang that compel tourists to visit this phenomenal destination. Planning a trip? Check out the finest Gangtok to Silk Route package today.

This package includes a visit to the many attractions of the city. The route stretches from China through India, Asia Minor, Mesopotamia, to Egypt, the African continent, Greece, Rome, and Britain. The scenic ride from China to India will include wonderful views and the package also includes a visit to the Hamlet of Zuluk, the Zig Zag Road and Kuikhola Waterfalls.

Getting the urge to explore scenic valleys and spend some leisure time with your friends or family? The unparalleled beauty of the Silk Route makes it the perfect destination to spend your precious holidays. So why wait any longer? Start planning your trip today, explore Gangtok to Silk Route package and do something memorable with this year.

  • Explore the famous Padamchen and Zuluk
  • Enjoy the incredible Viewpoints
  • Witness the beauty of Mankhim
  • Savor the stunning views of sunrise
  • Go for sightseeing at Monastery

Padamchen: Arrival, Transfer

  • Sightseeing

Other Benefits (On Arrival)

Enjoy the whole day at leisure, surrounded by a lush green environment.

A pickup car will be available for you as you reach the NJP railway station. From there the tour commences by traveling towards the small village of Padamchen/ Zuluk. Enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the Kuikhola Waterfalls. Have your delicious meal and relax during the night at a hotel in Padamchen/ Zuluk.

Silk Route: Visiting Zuluk, Transfer

Explore the eternal beauty of the valley

On the 2nd day of your Gangtok to Silk Route package enjoy the captivating morning sunrise trip to Thambi Viewpoint. After that, the tour continues sightseeing at the beautiful hamlet of Zuluk. The Lungthung and Zig Zag road are the most famous spots frequently visited by thousands of tourists every year. After Zuluk, set course towards hypnotic Nathang. This incredible place has multiple attractions like Old Baba Mandir, Kupup, Tukla Valley, Lake, New Baba Mandir, Menmecho Lake, Jelepla Pass, Yak Golf Course, and Ice Hockey Field. Have your meal and stay overnight at a hotel in Aritar.

Padamchen: Trip to Lungthung, Transfer

Experiencing the small hamlets

The 3rd day of your Gangtok to Silk route package starts by traveling towards the spectacular Mankhim. Enjoy the incredible morning sunrise trip to Lungthung. After that return to your hotels to have your breakfast and prepare to visit Mankhim. Mankhim also contains numerous attractions like the fascinating Aritar Lake, Monastery and the Aritar Bungalow. At the end of your day, relax and sleep at a hotel.

Icchey Gaon: Transfer

A walk through charming villages

Experience the breathtaking sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga on the morning of your 4th day from Mankhim. After which you visit the fabulous Icchey Gaon. On the way to Icchey Gaon, enjoy sightseeing at Pedong, Sillery Gaon and the well known Reshikhola. At the end of your long day, enjoy your delicious dinner and overnight stay at Silery Gaon.

Icchey Gaon: Departure

Take back priceless memories with your loved ones

The last day of your Gangtok to Silk Route package starts by witnessing the panoramic views of the mesmerizing sunrise above Mt. Kanchenjunga from Icchey Gaon. After that, the tour explores the beautifully landscaped of Delo. The town hides various attractions and activities in its cradle. In the end, transportation will drop you at the NJP/ Bagdogra.

Note: Our agents will provide you these or similar hotels depending on availability

Zuluk dil maya homestay

Zuluk dil maya homestay

Dil maya homestay, 737131 Zuluk, India

Trip Advisor

Shanti kunja

Maity Village, Kheselakha, Aritar, Sikkim, India

Silery gaon

Spot on 66619 sillery gaon retreat

Spot on 66619 sillery gaon retreat

Paiengaon Forest, Sillery, Gaon

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FAQs for Sikkim - Gangtok - Darjeeling

Is zuluk and silk route the same.

Zuluk and Silk Route are technically not the same as the former is a small settlement on the route that recently rose to fame as an offbeat destination and the latter is an ancient trade corridor that in Sikkim starts from Lhasa to the port of Tamluk in West Bengal.

What is the best time to visit Silk Route Sikkim?

Explore the Silk Route in Sikkim between the months of May and October for the best weather, pleasant temperature and bustling vibe due to the tourist season.

Which are the most beautiful viewpoints on Silk Route?

The whole valley is a treasure. You can find stunning views from all across the region. If you want to visit the famous spots try the Thambi Viewpoint, which is located about 14 km from Zuluk. And about 10kms from Zuluk, Lungthung also holds spectacular panoramic views.

What is the altitude at which Nathang valley is located?

One of the most amazing places in the silk route “Nathang Valley”, is situated at a height of about 13,500 ft above sea level. It is also widely known as Gnathang Valley

Which month is best to visit Silk Route?

If you're looking to escape from the scorching heat, visit this place during the pleasant summers. Visit during the monsoon, if you wish to experience nature at its best. Also, don't forget the miraculous winters that transform the whole place into a paradise.

Where is Zuluk situated?

Situated at an altitude of about 10,000 ft above sea level in East Sikkim on the famous Silk-Route. Located at the foot of the Himalayas, Zuluk is a small hamlet close to the Indo-China border.

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gangtok silk route tour itinerary

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  • Silk Route Sikkim Guide

If you are planning a quest to discover the lesser-known parts of the Himalayas, Silk Route Sikkim takes you to places that will take your breath away with their natural charm. The route that once connected Sikkim to Bhutan and China for trade is now a box full of surprises for those who have never been to this part of the country. You can check our Tour Package of Silk Route Sikkim (Flat 16% Off). The route is dotted with quaint remote villages that are nothing short of a painter’s fantasy. From lush green valleys with river streams to hilltop destinations that offer panoramic views of the mighty Himalayas, the route has kept away some excellent surprises for explorers to discover. Whether you are interested in sightseeing or you want to explore the unexplored by embarking on a journey through the woods on foot, there is no dearth of scenic places. The route takes you to some villages that exhibit the rustic charm of the Himalayas like Pedong, Mankhim, and Reshi Kola. 

It also takes you to popular tourist spots like Nathula Pass and Tsomgo Lake. So, if you are traveling solo or its is your family or your gang accompanying you on your sojourn, you can choose the Silk Route and leave no room for regrets. Stay in the lavishing Gangtok resorts where you can relax and enjoy the culture of  Sikkim. You can even take a tour to North Sikkim, as some part of Sikkim Silk Route is in North Sikkim and it is full of awesome tourist attractions to awestruck you.

Here, we are presenting a detailed guide for Silk Route Sikkim: 

Quick navigation.

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Old Silk Route Distance

Old Silk Route Distance

Undoubtedly the most important trade route in the history of Asia, the Old Silk Route connected India with Bhutan and China. It is one among the large network of Silk Roads across the continents of Asia, Africa, and Europe. 

This particular stretch starting from NJP extends till Zuluk lying at a distance of 150 km before reaching Bhutan, and covers a number of picturesque places en route. The route is consist of many beautiful resorts in Sikkim where you can rest and enjoy the actual taste of Sikkim.

You may also have a look at various places to visit in East Sikkim which will delight you and will offer uniqueness in every attraction! For memorable Sikkim holidays Checkout 6 Days Enthralling Group Tour of Sikkim                                                                             Sikkim Honeymoon Packages

Best Time To Visit Silk Route Sikkim

Best Time To Visit Silk Route Sikkim

The Silk Route can be visited during all times of the year except for rainy season and the peaks days of the winter season when the roads are blocked with heavy snow. 

However, the most ideal time to get the maximum out of your Silk Route trip are the months of May and October when the climate is perfectly pleasant for exploration and the roads are immune from the wrath of rain and snow.

The months of April, May, and June are the peak season with high influx of tourists. Another good time window is the months of October and November before the onset of the winter season. Explore the North East by booking 7 Days Tour of Gangtok Pelling and Darjeeling                                                             Family Trip To Sikkim   

Icchey Gaon

Icchey Gaon

More commonly known as Echey Gaon, Icchey Gaon is a small but beautiful village in Kalimpong district of West Bengal, inhabited by approximately 30 families. Located at an elevation of 5,800 feet, this village is known to offer breathtaking views of towering Himalayan mountain peaks including Kanchenjunga to its visitors.

The scenic landscape of the village and the views of the snow-blanketed Himalayan peaks it offers make it a great destination for nature lovers and landscape photographers.

The dense forests of Pine, Birch, and Juniper trees surround the village, so it is a perfect destination for a holiday in the lap of Himalayas.

Location: 17 km from Kalimpong city center Check out our full guide on the best places to go in north east india  which will help in planning your trip.  Checkout More:  North East India Honeymoon Packages

Silk Route Map

Silk Route Map

Icchey Gaon – Sillery Gaon – Kaagey – Pedong – Reshi Khola – Mankhim – Lingtum – Padamchen – Zuluk – Thambi View Point – Langthung Dhupidara – Nathang valley – Old Baba Mandir – New Baba Mandir – Nathula Pass – Tsomgo Lake – Gangtok city . Be sure to check out our best North East tour packages for a trip according to your wish.  Book Now:  North East Tour Packages For Family

Sillery Gaon

Sillery Gaon

Another picturesque village located in Kalimpong district of West Bengal that also happens to be a great place to take a halt on your journey to explore Silk Route Sikkim. 

The village boasts an elevation of almost 6,000 feet, so you can expect a pleasant climate even during the summer season. The village is engulfed in dense forests of Pine trees, ensuring a fresh air to detoxify your body and soothe your soul.

With the rising popularity of this village among tourists which was not known to many till a few years back, the locals have started to refer to it as New Darjeeling. Most importantly, the village has a hill top from where 360 degree vistas of the great Himalayas can be enjoyed. Adventure junkies can also go for rafting in sikkim , which is an amazing experience. 

Location: 23 km from Kalimpong city center Inculcate the thrill inside you by booking Paragliding In Gangtok, Sikkim Also Recommended:  Meghalaya Couple Package

 Kaagey

Popular as a weekend getaway for the people residing in the nearby cities, Kaagey is a tiny hamlet within the realm of Neora Valley National Park falling on the famous Silk Route Sikkim. 

Thapas inhabit this village located near Kalimpong. With lush green forests, orchids, and flowers adorning the land of this village, it becomes an ideal spot for some quality time in the company of the Himalayan nature. 

Apart from the unblemished nature, what is there to see here includes a church that is 300 years old, a Buddhist monastery and meditation center, and a waterfall known with the name of Jhakri. Kaagey is a beautiful place where you can spend a day or two on your trip.

Location: 21 km from Kalimpong city center

Also, don't miss to check our full article on how to reach sikkim  bt various transportation modes.  Checkout & Book:  Meghalaya Tour Packages For Family

Pedong

L ocated in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal at an elevation of 4,070 feet, this town is majorly known for Damsang Fort that overlooks it. The fort was built by Lepchas which now serves as a major tourist attraction.  

The word ‘Pedong’ translates to a place full of Fir trees. For culture vultures, the town has an old Buddhist monastery built in the year 1706. Pedong is a potpourri of different cultures which makes it an interesting place to visit. 

You can also find some good hotels here should you decide to take a halt. Do drop in at this small town to experience nature in all it glory on your Silk Route Sikkim expedition.

Location: 21 km from Kalimpong city center Must Book:  Tawang Packages                       Gangtok Tour Packages For Family

Reshi Kola

Location: 37 km from Kalimpong city center Here's the list of best places to visit in meghalaya , for having an amazing trip to meghalaya .  Check More:  Gangtok Tour Packages For Couple

Mankhim

Overlooking Darapchand Village, this hilltop destination is worth giving your heart to. It is one of the most beautiful stopover options on the Silk Route Sikkim.

If you are visiting the famous tourist destination, Aritar, you should definitely spend some time in Mankhim as this small place has so much on offer. From the views of Mount Kanchenjunga to the fun of paddle boating in the emerald waters of Lampokhari Lake, Mankhim gives you plenty of reasons to visit it at least once.

Besides, you can also spot a variety of exotic bird species while you are here. And if you breathe for adventure, you can trek to a serene lake called Mulkarkha Lake from here.

Location: 37 km from Kalimpong city center. You may also have a look at various  tourist places in cherrapunji which will delight you on your trip. Also Visit:  Darjeeling Holiday Packages                    Darjeeling Tour Packages For Couple

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Also spelled as Lingtam, Lingtum is a small hamlet lying on the Silk Route with breathtaking scenery to behold. Tiny wooden houses, surrounded by dense forests of pine, and erected over velvety green grounds – this quiet valley looks bewitching, especially during the sunrise. 

What prettifies the village further is the sound of the fluttering prayer flags, rustling of the pine trees, and the sight of the picture-perfect fields of rai leaf and corn.

 A small river named Bakhuter Khola also passes by this village located at an altitude of 5,000 feet. Apart from a gompa, there is also a waterfall lying at a distance of approximately 5 km from the village known as Kiukhola Falls. 

Location: 23 km from Zuluk city center There are plenty of amazing places to visit in shillong which will add sparkle to your trip. You Can Also Book:  Family Trip To Darjeeling                                    Assam Trip Packages

Manali

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This high altitude village perched on the slopes of Himalayas boasts a height of 8,000 feet, and is absolutely a treat for mountain lovers. Padamchen offers awe-inspiring views of the mighty Himalayan mountains draped in the covers of snow which also makes it a great choice for you if you are a photography enthusiast.

The place has several homestays and hotels where you can relax for a while and relish the aura of the untainted nature. The residential area is surrounded by dense Himalayan forests, so you can take strolls in the woods where you will be greeted by some bird species you may not have seen before. 

For all the right reasons, this is an important stopover on the Silk Route.

Location: 8 km from Zuluk city center Here's our full guide on  the best places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh , which will help in planning your  trip to arunachal .  Checkout More:  Shillong Trip Packages                              Kaziranga Trip Package

Ladakh

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Thambi View Point

Thambi View Point

Proceed further to cover a distance of approximately 18 km from Padamchen and you will reach Thambi view point. 

The spot claims an elevation of 11,200 feet and offers some unusual vistas of the grand Himalayas, especially Mount Kanchenjunga, that make it a popular view point among the tourists in the region.

Apart from that, the views of the zig-zag roads below are worth capturing on your camera. If you are planning to explore the Silk Route, this place cannot be skipped. A visit to this place in winter will offer you views of dazzling snow all around.

Location: 14 km from Zuluk city center Also Book:  North East Packages From Mumbai                     North East Trip From Delhi

Darjeeling

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Langthung Dhupidara

Langthung Dhupidara

One of the most captivating places on the Silk Route for the lovers of snow, Langthung Dhupidara is a village that rests in the cold embrace of snow from December to April. 

Only 1 km away from the famous Thambi View Point, this village is ideally tucked on a hilltop at an altitude of 11,500 feet, so you can expect some really amazing vistas of some of the most prominent Himalayan peaks including Mount Kanchenjunga. 

If you want to witness a riot of colours with vibrant flowers and green vegetation, the period of July to September would be ideal. Whenever you are here, do not miss the magical sunrise over Mount Kanchenjunga.

Location: 17 km from Zuluk city center Do check out our best sikkim holiday packages for a trip to remember.  Also Book:  North East Tour Packages From Bangalore                      North East Holiday Packages From Chennai

Gangtok

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Nathang Valley

Nathang Valley

A valley where the beauty of nature reigns, Nathang Valley is one of the most charming places in Sikkim , visited by thousands of tourists with the case of wanderlust.

What was once the abode of traditional yak herders from Tiber is a major tourists destination now, with landscape beautiful enough to call them heavenly. There are a few tourist attraction in the valley in the form of a monastery, a temple, and a bridge looming over a stream of water.

Since the altitude of this place is 13,500 feet, you can expect heavy sheets of snow here during the winter season that are bound to allure the spirit within you. If you want to get some rest here, there are homestays available with all basic facilities.

Location: East Sikkim Checkout More:  North East Tour Packages From Ahmedabad                               North East Holiday Packages From Kolkata

Meghalaya

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Old Baba Mandir

Old Baba Mandir

One of the most famous attractions on the Silk Route Sikkim, Old Baba Mandir calls for a short halt in your journey. Often visited by people travelling to Tsomgo Lake, this temple is located at a distance of 52 km from Gangtok.

The temple is dedicated to an Indian Army martyr, Baba Harbhajan Singh, and is located on the site of the bunker where he was posted. He had slipped and fell into a flowing stream, and had died there.

The shrine, surrounded by the colossal Himalayas, is more popular among the locals than tourists, and has huge reverence among the devotees. It is one of the must visit places near gangtok , so make sure to drop by.

Location: East Sikkim Also Recommended:  North East Tour Packages From Hyderabad                                       Mumbai To Meghalaya Tour Packages

North East India

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New Baba Mandir

New Baba Mandir

The samadhi of the martyr Baba Harbhajan Singh was reconstructed at another site in the year 1982 for the convenience of tourists. The temple is thronged by devotees and tourists every year. 

This shrine, dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh, is located on the trail that leads to Menmecho Lake, and is popular as New Baba Mandir. It is believed that baba has been guarding the Indo-China border since his death and sends signs to army men through dreams to warn about unfavourable circumstances. 

There are lot more interesting tales that are nothing short of miracles which you can get to hear when you visit this shrine.

Location: Kupup Gnathang Road, East Sikkim Must Check:  Meghalaya Tour From Kolkata                         Meghalaya Tour Package From Bangalore

Pelling

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Nathu La Pass

Nathu La Pass

An iconic landmark of Sikkim on the Silk Road, Nathu La Pass is a high-altitude pass located at an altitude of 14,140 feet above the sea level on Indo-China border.

“Nathu” translated to “listening ears” in English and “La” means “pass”. Due to its proximity from Gangtok and the fame it has gathered over the past few years, the pass is visited by a number of tourists all round the year. 

Thanks to its elevation, you can find plenty of snow here during the winter season.  This pass served as the major passage between India and Tibet till the year 1962 when it was closed. 

Acclimatizing before visiting this site is recommended due to low oxygen levels on this altitude. Checkout & Book:  Meghalaya Packages From Chennai                                  Delhi To Meghalaya Tour Package

Arunachal Pradesh

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Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo Lake

Also known as Changu Lake, this is the most famous lake in Sikkim. ”Tsomgo” translates to “source of water” in English. 

It is a glacial lake located at a whopping elevation of 12,400 feet. The sub zero temperatures during the winter season freeze the lake, while it stay surrounded by mountains fully covered in white blankets of snow. If you are shutterbug, you are going to have a really good time here freezing the moments at the freezing lake in frames. 

Otherwise, even during the summer and spring seasons, the lake looks equally beautiful with flowers bordering its azure waters catching the reflection of the mighty mountains that surround the lake. Adding grace to your visit is the scenic road that leads to this lake which is truly amazing.

Location: 40 km from Gangtok Also Book:  Arunachal Tour Package From Guwahati                     Kolkata To Arunachal Pradesh Tour Package

Gangtok

The capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok has a lot on offer ranging from colourful monasteries that will help you take a plunge into the world of cultural vibrance and spirituality to unusual vantage points that will let you soak in the beauty of the enchanting realm of Himalayas in the best possible manner. 

The city is located at an altitude of 1,650 meters and ensures a pleasant climate throughout the year. Apart from the bountiful nature, the city has a number of man-made or man-developed attractions. 

Some of the best places to visit here are Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Enchey Monastery, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, and Rumtek Monastery. The cosmopolitan town also has a number of great accommodation options for a wonderful stay.

Checkout the favorite season to visit Gangtok to manage your trip accordingly.

Location: Sikkim

Book Now:  Siliguri To Gangtok Tour Package                      Darjeeling And Gangtok Tour Packages From Kolkata  

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Adventure in sikkim.

Enjoy paragliding in Gangtok

Trekking in Sikkim

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Sikkim Top Attractions

Sikkim

If you are a true mountaineer, you can’t miss the chance to be a part of this expedition. Due to high level of precipitation the peaks of Kanchenjunga is mostly glaciated. You can simple enjoy an epic scenery which is truly going to leave you jaw dropped.  Highlights: Preservation of the rich flora and fauna is also important and you will get to witness them too during trekking. It is difficult to comprehend the scale of both valleys and mountains here. Difficulty Level – High. Best time to visit: October and November. Prices: USD$985 per person.

Goecha La

The first phase of the trek to Goecha La will take you from Yuksom to Sachen. Yuksom is situated at an altitude of 5,700 feet and Sachen is situated at an elevation of 7, 200 feet. The trekking trail passes through a route of immense natural beauty. You will come across lush green fields, valley of the Rathong River and thick forests. From Sachen you will need to climb ahead to Tshoka which is at an altitude of 9,650 feet.This trek is quite enjoyable in the initial phase but becomes tryingly steep towards the later phase. On reaching Bakhim, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Yuksom valley. As you trek on ahead, you pass through Dzongri and Phedang. You will also be able to enjoy the beauty of some of the densest rhododendron forests in India and get a breathtaking view of the highest mountains in the Himalayan range. You will pass through the beautiful Samiti Lake which will mesmerise you with its sparkling blue waters.The entire journey from Yuksom to Goecha La is a treat to the eyes. Despite being a test of physical stamina, the route is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful routes that you can come across while trekking in the Himalayas.Best Season: September- November & March-AprilDifficulty Level: Moderate to ChallengingMax. Elevation: 5002 mBest Offers on Goecha La Trek

Tsomgo Lake

Discover the ethereal charm of Tsomgo Lake, a shimmering glacial wonder cradled amidst the majestic landscapes of Sikkim, India. At an awe-inspiring altitude of 12,400 feet, this serene lake, also known as Changu Lake, captivates with its pristine blue waters and surrounding snow-capped peaks.Embrace the breathtaking views and immerse yourself in the tranquility of this sacred lake, revered by the locals for its spiritual significance. Tsomgo Lake offers more than just visual splendor; it invites adventure seekers to indulge in yak rides and explore nearby attractions like the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary.For nature lovers and travelers seeking a respite from the mundane, Tsomgo Lake is a quintessential destination that weaves a tapestry of natural beauty, spirituality, and Himalayan allure.

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Sikkim Silk Route

Tourism & Trade for 2000 years

  • Silk Route History
  • Maps & Route
  • Lampokhari Trek
  • Premlakha Trek
  • Mulkarkha Trek
  • Accommodation Photos
  • Baba Mandir
  • Changu Lake
  • Eagle’s Nest Bunker
  • Four Lake Point
  • Jelepla Pass
  • Lampokhari Lake
  • Laxman Chowk
  • Menmecho Lake
  • Nathula Pass
  • Strawberry Lake
  • Thambi View Point
  • Tukla Valley
  • Yak Golf Course
  • Younghusband’s Track
  • Nathang Valley
  • Lungthung-Dhupidara
  • Mulkarkha Lake
  • Memencho Lake
  • Sillery Gaon
  • Icchey Gaon
  • 2 Nights / 3 Days
  • 3 Nights / 4 Days
  • 4 Nights / 5 Days
  • 5 Nights / 6 Days
  • Customised Packages

Gangtok, Sikkim

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is tucked within the Himalayan foothills at an altitude on 5,800 feet facing Mt. Kanchenjungha. Gangtok is mostly chosen as a central point from where tourists travel to other spots of Sikkim and our trip to the Silk Route would commence from here. However, Gangtok itself offers plenty of sightseeing options to the tourists like Tashi viewpoint , Enchey Monastery , zoo, Hanuman Tok , Institute of Tibetology and numerous parks and gardens like Ipecac Garden, Sarmsa Garden and Nehru Botanical Garden. Day trips to nearby Rumtek Monastery (one of the largest monasteries in India), Changu Lake (Tsomgo Lake) and Nathula Pass would be rewarding too.

What to see in Gangtok:

From most of Gangtok, you would get a good view of Mt. Kanchenjungha but the most panoramic view of the whole of Mt. Kanchenjungha range and the peaks of North Sikkim can be got from Tashi Viewpoint, just 5 kms away. Other great viewpoints located around Gangtok are located in Hanuman Tok – a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Ganesh Tok  – a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh and Enchey Monastery beside the TV Tower. It would be quite rewarding, if you spare a day or two in Gangtok for local sightseeing and visit Rumtek Monastery, The Institute of Tibetology, Bakhthang Waterfalls, Ban Jakhri Waterfalls, Lingdum Monastery, Nehru Botanical Garden, the zoo, MG Marg, Ropeway and few other interesting areas. Rumtek Monastery, established in 1922 is located 22 kms from Gangtok. This spectacular three storey monastery has a large praying hall and every corner of this monastery is laced with big or small statues, Thangkas and superb wall paintings. If you are fond of monasteries, then drop at Enchey Monastery and Lingdum Monastery too. For shopaholics, a trip to MG Marg and Lal Market could be on cards and if you are planning to buy some authentic traditional wood works then the emporium at The Institute of Tibetology. The Institute also has a huge collection of 30,000 books and documents related to Tibet and Buddhism.

Our trip to Silk Route would start from Gangtok and reach the famous Changu Lake (Tsomgo Lake) and then to New Baba Mandir, Nathula Pass and then trace along the rest of the route through Tukla, Nathang and Zuluk.

Accommodation in Gangtok:

Our hotel located about 10 minutes from M G Marg facing Mt. Kanchenjungha has 24 deluxe rooms, each one having wall-to-wall windows, LCD TV, Wi-Fi connectivity, tea maker, wardrobes and a king-sized bed. A striking lobby leads to deluxe rooms, super deluxe rooms or suites of the hotel. The hotel flaunts its terrace that offer a view of Mt. Kanchenjungha and the valleys around. Bathrooms are western in style, having showers, geysers and all other facilities. Its parking space is an advantage for people travelling by car. A widespread dinning hall serves all kinds of food from Bengali and South Indian dishes to authentic Sikkimese dishes. The hotel’s reception is open 24 hours to help out their guests at any time. The whole hotel is Wi-Fi and offers a travel desk and transport arrangements to anywhere in Sikkim.

Best time to visit Gangtok:

If you are fond of watching beautiful wild flowers blooming in Gangtok then, visit during the Spring time, from the mid of February to April. However, winter is also very enjoyable from October to mid of December. You can experience the cool temperature of Gangtok and witness the frozen lakes.

Silk Route Sightseeing

  • Eagle’s Nest Bunker
  • Younghusband’s Track

Silk Route Trek

  • Lampokhari Lake Trek
  • Premlakha Village Trek
  • Mulkarkha Lake Trek

Photos of Gangtok

Gangtok at night

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gangtok silk route tour itinerary

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gangtok silk route tour itinerary

Silk Route Zuluk Sikkim Tour Package

gangtok silk route tour itinerary

  • Silk Route Zuluk

Standard Inclusions

  • Sight Seeing
  • Accomodation

Package Overview

Budget Silk Route ad Zuluk tour package Sikkim. Starting from Rs.9500/- pp (Min. 04 heads) off-season rate. Rs.14000/- pp on season time. Rongli [Altitude: 5200 ft.] - Rongli is an east Sikkim small township located on the bank of river Rongli. The inner line permit for visit towards Nathula granted over there. Rongli Dam - The Rongli dam is a concrete dam on the Rongli river with a height of 41m and can hold 45,200 cubic meters of water. Lingtam [Altitude 5082 ft.] - Lingtam is a small village next after the Rongli permit zone at an altitude of 5000 feet from sea level. It's known for his sun kissed peaceful weather surrounded by the hills of all it four sides. You can visit Lingtam Monestry also. Keukhela Falls - The Keukhela falls or Kali Khola falls located on the way of the old silk route in between Lingtam and Padamchen. This fall is 100m in heights and beautifully surrounded by scenic nature. Reach zuluk before lunch. Zuluk [Altitude: 7000 ft.] - A small village in East Sikkim, part of Old Silk Route 10000 ft. above the sea level gaining popularity amongst the tourists because of its natural virginity, unspoiled nature and amazing Himalayan beauty. Catching a glimpse of the snow capped mountain ranges or sun rising on the sea from the window of the hotel room is something that you might have experienced a lot of times. Overnight stay at Zuluk Homestay Zig Zag Road - Zig Zag Road or Bhulbhuliya is a one in kind of road in the entire Sikkim. This spiral road has so many hairpins bent (almost 32) and counts as the top 10 dangerous roads in the world. One can get a splendid view of Zuluk from every hairpin bend of the road. zuluk zig zag tour, east sikkim from - NatureWings Thambi Viewpoint [Altitude: 11,200 ft.] - At a distance of 14 km from Zuluk and at a height of 11200ft Thambi viewpoint offers a splendid view of Mt Kanchenjhangha and another snowcapped mountain. It is located on a famous hairpin bent named zigzag road or bhulbhuliya and a must-see spot. Lungthung [Altitude: 11,500 ft.] - Lungthung is a small village located at a height of 11600ft on the old silk route and it offers a panoramic view of Mt Kanchenjhangha. Tukla Valley [Altitude: 12,500 ft.] - Another must-stop destination is Tukla valley at an altitude of 11600 ft. You also find a war memorial over there in the memory of British soldiers fought in the War of Tukla. Jeelpla Pass View [Altitude: 13,999 ft.] - Jeelp-la pass which means The Lovely Level Pass located nearby Tukla valley at an altitude of almost 14000ft. It is a mountain pass between India and Tibet Autonomous Region (China). It directly connects India to Lhasa in Tibet and used by ancient traders of the Silk route. Although it is higher than Nathula pass but the easiest pass among the entire pass in Sikkim. Nowadays the pass is prohibited for civilians. Old Baba Mandir [Altitude: 13,123 ft.] - Old Baba Mandir is dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh the martyr of 23 regiments of the Indian army. It is the original bunker of Baba where he stayed during the Indo China War in 1962. The temple is maintained by the Indian army. Finally, reach Gnathan valley before lunch. Nathang Valley [Altitude: 13,200 ft.] - Or Nathang Valley is popularly called the "Ladakh of East India". Situated at the height of 13,000 ft. above the sea level, Nathang Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Old Silk Route Tour surrounded by snow-capped hills and mountain landscape. Nathang Valley is the most scenic destination in the whole of Old Silk Route. Few streams crisscross the valley and prayer flags flutter on the mountain edges on this vast plain of nothingness. Nathang Valley appears in different colors at different times of the year. In autumn it looks golden when the grass dries up, in the rainy season it's covered in flowers and in winter it is buried in 5 feet of snow. After a full day excursion, return back to Homestay in Zuluk in the evening for Night Stay.

Additional Destinations Covered

  • Nathanf Valley

Additional Attractions Covered

  • Aritar lake lam phokari
  • Makhim view point
  • Qukhola waterfalls
  • Zuluk zig Zag road
  • Thambi view point
  • Gnathang valley
  • Old baba mandir
  • Tukla valley
  • Elephant lake

Day-wise Itinerary Details

*Package Name: SILK ROUTE - ZALUK*  *Duration: 5D4N*

*ITINERARY*

Day 1: NJP to Mankhim or Phadamchen

Day 2: Sightseeing and Transfer to Zaluk. Stay

Day 3: Sightseeing and transfer to nathang. Stay

Day 4: Transfer to Reshikhola/Rolep. Stay

Day 5: Drop to NJP

*ATTRACTIONS POINTS* :  Aritar lake lam phokari Makhim view point Qukhola waterfalls Zuluk zig Zag road Thambi view point Gnathang valley Old baba mandir Tukla valley Elephant lake Kupuk

*INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE:* -Vehicle wagonR/tatsumo or simialr private -Rooms per night -All Meals -Stay at all places -Driver’s food, accommodation & daily allowance -Fuel charges-Pick up and drop-Sightseeings-Transfers -Permit and Parking fees and Travel Card Passes

*EXCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE:* • Air Fare / Train fare. • Personal Expenses such as Laundry, telephone calls, tips & gratuity, mineral water, soft & hard drinks, rafting, rock climbing, paragliding, joy ride (Toy Train), porterage. • Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle, other than mentioned in the itinerary. • Any cost arising due to natural calamities like, landslides, road blockage, political disturbances (strikes), etc (to be borne by the client, which is directly payable on the spot). • Any increase in taxes or fuel price, leading to increase in cost on surface transportation & land arrangements, which may come into effect prior to departure. • Insurance. • Anything which is not included in the inclusion

Detail Itinerary >  https://travelgangtok.com/tours/popular/5days-zuluk-silk-route-tour

Other packages by TravelGangtok Tourism

gangtok silk route tour itinerary

Silk Route Tour Package from NJP

Silk Route Tour Package from NJP

Silk Route Tour Package from NJP- This package, spanning 4 nights and 5 days, is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive experience in the remote region of Sikkim. With added destinations like Mankhim, offering opportunities for boating on an emerald lake, staying in a pine forest, and taking a brief trek to spot rare bird species at Icchey Gaon, it is undoubtedly going to be the best holiday of your life. Go through this detailed tour itinerary.

Tour Itinerary

Njp to icchey gaon transfer.

Arrive at Icchey Gaon from NJP. Enjoy a leisurely walk in the picturesque Pine Forest. You will be having your lunch and dinner at the hotel. Spend the night at Icchey Gaon after a memorable and joyful day.

Icchey Gaon to Mankhim

Experience the breathtaking sunrise over Mount Kanchenjungha from Icchey Gaon. Have your breakfast at the hotel. Take a scenic detour to visit Pedong, Sillery Gaon, and Reshikhola. Spend the night at Mankhim. But before that, you will be served your dinner.

Mankhim to Padamchen/ Zuluk

You will be awakened by the stunning sunrise over Mount Kanchenjungha at Mankhim. Explore the surrounding area and visit the breathtaking Kuikhola Waterfalls, the peaceful Lingtum, the picturesque Lampokhari lake, the historic British Bungalow, the sacred Rai Temple, and the serene Monastery. Spend the night at Padamchen or Zuluk after your dinner.

Padamchen to Nathang Transfer

Start the morning with a trip to the Thambi Viewpoint from where you will be getting a bewitching panorama of the mighty Himalaya. With this Silk Route Tour Package from NJP, continue the sightseeing tour in Zuluk, marvel at the winding Zig Zag road, visit Lungthung, and finally reach Nathang. Spend the night in Nathang.

Nathang to Gangtok

Enjoy an early morning adventure to see the sunrise at the Eagle’s Nest Bunker. Return to Nathang for breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, depart Nathang for Gangtok. On the way, visit the historic Old Baba Mandir, the tranquil Kupup Lake, the New Baba Mandir, the picturesque Menmecho Lake, and the sensational Tukla Valley. You will be also visiting Jelepla Pass, Yak Golf Course, and Tsomgo Lake. Drop off in Gangtok. Silk Route Tour Package from NJP ends.

Included/Exclude

  • Pick-up & Drop- NJP or Bagdogra.
  • Reserved vehicle for transfer and sightseeing.
  • Sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Experienced driver cum guide.
  • Accommodation for 4 Nights.
  • Accommodation Type- Homestay.
  • Meals- Breakfast, lunch, snacks & dinner.
  • Permits & Taxes.
  • Entrance fees at sightseeing places.
  • Additional sightseeing charges.
  • Room heater, mineral water, etc.
  • Personal expenses such as alcoholic drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips, portage, camera fees etc.
  • Any other not mentioned in Inclusions.

What’s included in this Silk Route Tour Package from NJP?

What is the duration of this tour package, what type of food can i expect in this region, how can i customize this tour itinerary.

4 nights / 5 days

Tour ID: ZTHP20

Icchey Gaon, Mankhim, Nathang Valley, Phadamchen

:: Tour Includes ::

Zuluk Tour is a renowned Travel Agency based in Siliguri. We have expertise in offering affordable tour packages of Silk Route as well as its adjacent tourism centric destinations like Kalimpong, Aritar, Icchegaon, Zuluk, Reshikhola, etc. We provide tailor made packages to our customers and the packages are skilfully designed according to the requirements of our clients.

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