Complete Silk Route Experience

Aritar – Zuluk – Nathang — The Full Old Silk Route Journey

4N/5D Sikkim Moderate 13,500 ft (Nathang)

Duration4N/5D

Start / EndNJP / Bagdogra

Group Size2–10 persons

Best TimeMar–Jun, Oct–Dec

Places covered: AritarLampokhari LakePhadamchenLungthungZulukNathang ValleyKupup Lake

Overview

The extended Silk Route experience includes Aritar's Lampokhari Lake, Phadamchen, Lungthung, the full 32-hairpin Zuluk ascent, Nathang Valley, and Kupup Lake — with two nights in the Silk Route zone for deeper immersion. For those who want to truly live the old trade route, not just drive through it.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Drive to Aritar via Rongli. Visit Lampokhari Lake, Aritar monastery, Mankhim hilltop temple. Quiet village evening.

140 km 5.5 hours 4,600 ft Dinner Homestay in Aritar

Day 2

Drive uphill through old Silk Route trading posts. Arrive Zuluk. Walk the village, visit monastery, mountain sunset.

45 km 3 hours 9,400 ft Breakfast, Dinner Homestay in Zuluk

Day 3

Dawn at Thambi for sunrise. Continue to Nathang Valley and Kupup Elephant Lake. Full day on the high plateau. Return to Zuluk.

50 km loop 6 hours 13,500 ft Breakfast, Dinner Homestay in Zuluk

Day 4

Descend the 32 switchbacks. Drive to Gangtok via Rongli. Evening MG Marg shopping.

120 km 5 hours 5,500 ft Breakfast, Dinner Hotel in Gangtok

Day 5

Transfer to NJP/Bagdogra.

125 km 4.5 hours Breakfast

What's Included

Inclusions

Hotel/lodge accommodation
All meals (Breakfast & Dinner daily)
Airport/station pickup and drop (NJP/Bagdogra)
All sightseeing by private vehicle
All applicable permits
Driver allowance & parking
All applicable taxes

Exclusions

Airfare / train fare
Lunch during sightseeing
Personal expenses & tips
Travel insurance
Adventure activities (optional)
Anything not mentioned in inclusions

Things to Carry

Warm layered clothing Sunscreen & sunglasses Comfortable walking shoes Power bank & camera Basic medicines & first-aid Valid ID proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID) 4 passport-size photos for permits