Silk Route — Zuluk & Nathang Valley

The Ancient Trade Route to Tibet — 32 Hairpin Bends & Infinite Views

3N/4D Sikkim Moderate 13,500 ft (Nathang Valley)

Duration3N/4D

Start / EndNJP / Bagdogra

Group Size2–10 persons

Best TimeMar–Jun, Oct–Dec

Places covered: ZulukThambi ViewpointNathang ValleyKupup LakeLungthungGangtok

Overview

Drive the legendary Old Silk Route that once connected India to Tibet — through 32 hairpin switchbacks from Zuluk, across the desolate beauty of Nathang Valley at 13,500 ft, past Kupup Lake (Elephant Lake) and Thambi Viewpoint. The sunrise from Zuluk over the Kanchenjunga range across a sea of cloud is one of the most photographed moments in the Eastern Himalayas. This is off-the-beaten-path Sikkim at its most dramatic — a landscape that shifts from lush forest to high-altitude steppe in a single morning.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Pick up and drive to Zuluk via Rongli and Pedong. The road climbs from the plains into dense forests and eventually opens to mountain views. Check in at a homestay in the tiny hilltop village. Clear night skies reveal the Milky Way.

165 km 6 hours 9,400 ft Dinner Homestay in Zuluk

Day 2

Wake at 4 AM for the iconic Zuluk sunrise — watch Kanchenjunga glow gold as clouds fill the valleys below. Then drive the 32 hairpin bends up to Thambi Viewpoint (11,200 ft). Continue to Nathang Valley — a barren windswept plateau resembling Ladakh. Visit Kupup (Elephant Lake) and Old Silk Route markers.

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

Day 3

Drive to Gangtok via Rongli. Afternoon free for shopping and leisure. Farewell dinner.

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

Day 4

Transfer to NJP/Bagdogra. Tour ends.

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 Warm jacket (even in summer at Nathang) Torch/flashlight for 4 AM departure

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, an Inner Line Permit is required. We arrange this — just carry your ID and photos.

Yes, though the 4 AM wake-up and rough roads require a sense of adventure. The homestays are simple but warm.

Silk Route roads can close in heavy rain or snow. We monitor conditions and reroute to Gangtok sightseeing if needed. Refunds or alternatives are offered for closures.