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Old Silk Route & Zuluk, East Sikkim

Trace the centuries-old trade trail to Tibet — a hand-carved mountain road of 32 hairpin bends, sunrise over Kanchenjunga from Thambi View Point, the treeless sweep of Nathang Valley, and frozen alpine lakes at 13,000 feet.

5.0 ★ (Signature Himalayan Route)
5 Days / 4 Nights (Fixed Itinerary)
Zuluk & Nathang Valley, East Sikkim
Protected Area Permit Assistance
Destination

Zuluk, East Sikkim

Altitude

2,865 m (9,400 ft) at Zuluk

Highest Point

Nathang Valley 4,100 m

Best Season

March-May & Sept-Dec

Starting / Ending Point

NJP Station / Bagdogra (IXB)

Permit Required

PAP (Handled by IZOL)

The Zuluk zig-zag road and its hairpin bends under fresh snow, Old Silk Route, East Sikkim
The zig-zag road above Zuluk under fresh snow — 32 hairpin bends climbing towards Thambi View Point.

Tour Description

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of East Sikkim with our Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass & Zuluk tour. This carefully crafted itinerary combines the vibrant charm of Gangtok with the pristine beauty of the historic Silk Route, offering a perfect blend of nature, adventure, culture, and history.

Begin your holiday in the lively capital city of Gangtok, renowned for its monasteries, bustling MG Marg, and spectacular Himalayan views. Venture to the enchanting Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake nestled at an altitude of over 12,000 feet, before visiting the revered Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir. Subject to permits and weather conditions, experience the thrill of standing at the legendary Nathula Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world and an important Indo-China border crossing.

Continue your adventure along the iconic Old Silk Route to the picturesque mountain village of Zuluk, famous for its dramatic zigzag roads, breathtaking viewpoints, and serene Himalayan landscapes.

Witness a mesmerizing sunrise from Thambi View Point, explore the stunning Gnathang Valley, admire the beauty of Kupup (Elephant) Lake, and drive through pristine alpine forests that make this region one of Sikkim's most scenic destinations.

Whether you are a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, photographer, or simply looking to escape into the tranquility of the mountains, this tour promises unforgettable experiences, spectacular vistas, and lasting memories in the heart of the Eastern Himalayas.

Tour Highlights

  • Historic Silk Route experience
  • Zuluk's famous 32 hairpin bends
  • Sunrise from Thambi View Point
  • Gnathang (Nathang) Valley
  • Kupup Lake (Elephant Lake)
  • Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir
  • Tsomgo Lake excursion
  • Nathula Pass (Optional)
  • Scenic drive along the Teesta River
  • Gangtok city stay with MG Marg
  • Lush alpine forests and mountain landscapes
  • Traditional Himalayan villages and local culture

What Makes This Route Special

The Zig-Zag Road

Thirty-two stacked hairpin bends spiralling up the mountainside above Zuluk — the most photographed road in Sikkim.

Sunrise at Thambi View Point

First light striking the Kanchenjunga range from 11,200 ft, with the zig-zag road unfurling below you.

Nathang Valley & Kupup

A treeless high-altitude bowl at 13,500 ft, yak herds, Old Baba Mandir, and the elephant-shaped Kupup Lake.

Alpine Lakes

Menmecho, Kupup and the sacred glacial Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, frozen solid through the winter months.

Mountain Homestays

Family-run wooden homestays in Zuluk and Padamchen with bukhari heaters, hot thukpa and endless mountain tea.

Rhododendron Season

Spring travellers cross entire hillsides of red and pink blooms between Lungthung and Nathang.

What's Included

  • Private vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing.
  • NJP / Bagdogra pickup and drop.
  • Silk Route permit assistance.
  • Driver allowance, fuel charges, toll tax, and parking.

What's Excluded

  • Airfare or train fare.
  • Nathula Pass permit charges (if applicable).
  • Entry fees, yak rides, ropeway charges, and camera fees.
  • Lunch, dinner, snacks, and beverages (unless specified).
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, and telephone charges.
  • Costs arising due to landslides, road closures, weather conditions, or any unforeseen circumstances.
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions.

Itinerary (5 Days / 4 Nights)

Day 1: NJP / Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok

Upon arrival at NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport, meet our representative and drive to Gangtok, the vibrant capital of Sikkim. Enjoy the scenic journey along the Teesta River.

After check-in, spend the evening at leisure. You may visit MG Marg, enjoy local cuisine, or explore nearby cafés.

Overnight Stay: Gangtok

Day 2: Tsomgo Lake – Baba Mandir – Nathula Pass Excursion

After an early breakfast, proceed for a full-day excursion to:

  • Tsomgo Lake (12,400 ft)
  • New Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir
  • Nathula Pass (14,140 ft) — optional, subject to permit availability, weather conditions, and open days

Enjoy the breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, snow-covered mountains (seasonal), yak rides (optional), and ropeway (optional) at Tsomgo Lake. Return to Gangtok in the evening.

Overnight Stay: Gangtok

Day 3: Gangtok to Zuluk via Rongli

After breakfast, drive towards the historic Silk Route through Rongli, where permits are checked before entering the restricted area. En route visit:

  • Rongli
  • Lingtam
  • Padamchen
  • Thambi View Point
  • Zig-Zag Hairpin Bends
  • Zuluk Village

Check in to a cozy homestay or hotel and enjoy the peaceful Himalayan surroundings.

Overnight Stay: Zuluk

Day 4: Zuluk Sightseeing to Gangtok

Wake up early for a spectacular sunrise (weather permitting). Visit:

  • Thambi View Point
  • Lungthung
  • Gnathang Valley
  • Tukla Valley
  • Old Baba Mandir (View Point)
  • Kupup Lake (Elephant Lake)
  • Menmecho Lake (subject to accessibility)
  • Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary (drive through)

Continue towards Gangtok and check in to your hotel.

Overnight Stay: Gangtok

Day 5: Gangtok to NJP / Bagdogra Airport

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport for your onward journey.

Your memorable journey through the Eastern Himalayas comes to an end.

Travel Tips

  • Carry warm winter clothing throughout the year, especially for Zuluk, Nathula, and Tsomgo Lake.
  • Carry valid government-issued photo identification.
  • Permits are mandatory for Nathula Pass and the Silk Route.
  • Nathula Pass remains closed on Mondays for tourists.
  • Sightseeing is subject to weather, military regulations, and road conditions.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated due to the high altitude.
  • Mobile connectivity may be limited in Zuluk and other Silk Route areas.
  • Carry sufficient cash, as ATMs are limited beyond Rongli.

Silk Route Travel FAQs

The nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in Siliguri and the nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB), both roughly 130 km away. The drive takes 6-7 hours via Rangpo, Rorathang and Rongli. We arrange private 4WD and SUV vehicles with experienced hill drivers for the full route.
Yes. Zuluk, Nathang Valley and Kupup sit inside a protected border zone. Indian nationals need a Protected Area Permit issued through a registered Sikkim tour operator and processed at the Rongli check post — carry two passport-size photographs and a valid photo ID (Aadhaar or Voter ID). Foreign nationals are currently not permitted on the Zuluk-Nathang-Kupup sector; we will plan an alternative East Sikkim route instead.
March to May brings rhododendron blooms along the Lungthung and Nathang stretch. Late September to early December gives the clearest skies and the sharpest sunrise views of Kanchenjunga. January and February bring heavy snow — spectacular, but the higher passes can close at short notice.
Nathang Valley is around 4,100 m and Kupup about 4,000 m, so mild breathlessness is common. The itinerary gains height gradually — first night at Aritar or Rongli, second at Zuluk — which aids acclimatisation, and the highest points are kept as day visits. Guests with heart or respiratory conditions should consult a doctor before booking.
Layered woollens and a windproof jacket year-round (Nathang can drop below freezing even in summer), gloves, a warm cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, sturdy shoes, a power bank, and any personal medication. Mobile network is patchy above Padamchen and ATMs are limited, so carry cash from Siliguri or Gangtok.