Day 1: NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport to Zuluk
Your Zuluk Silk Route tour will start from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, Bagdogra Airport or from a pre-arranged place.
It is strongly recommended to arrive in the morning for those travelling to Zuluk that day. Please note, the most up-to-date suitable pickup time will be included in your booking confirmation. Late arrivals may need a second overnight stop at a lower-altitude location.
On reaching your driver, start the road trip to Sikkim. Typically, the trail winds through the foothills of the Himalayas towards Rangpo and Rongli. The operator will arrange the necessary permit process, but all travellers will be required to bring their original IDs.
The surroundings gradually become quiet after Rongli. The drive can continue through Lingtam and Padamchen, up to Zuluk. Much of this section of the trip is along forested roads, small settlements and mountain streams.
The transfer time depends on pickup location, traffic, formalities, meal stops, and road conditions, and may take about 7-9 hours. The first evening is left free and is usually taken to rest due to the considerable distances to be covered.
On reaching Zuluk, check in to your homestay or hotel. Have a warm drink, settle into your room and allow your body time to adjust to the higher altitude.
You are provided with a confirmed meal plan which is then followed at the property.
Day 1 highlights
- Pickup from NJP or Bagdogra. This is a scenic drive to the eastern part of Sikkim.
- Rongli permit formalities
- Lingtam and Padamchen route
- Arrival in Zuluk
- Local mountain accommodation
- Overnight stay: Zuluk. Meals: Dinner.
Day 2: Zuluk, Zuluk zig zag road, Thambi View Point, Lungthung and Nathang Valley
Get up early and get ready for the first day of your Zuluk tour at high altitude to see the sights. Post Breakfast, head up a lane to the famous Zuluk zigzag road. The hairpin turns are best seen from a safe vantage point at the high point of the road, not the narrow corners. Your driver will only stop for parking and/or photography.
Follow up towards Thambi View Point, one of the most famous viewpoints on the Old Silk Route. If you have a clear day, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the twisting road down, layers of mountain ridges, and distant Himalayan views.
The way then takes you to Lungthung. The forested area slowly turns to cooler, more open terrain as the car climbs higher. Conditions may rapidly change with wind, clouds and temperature around this level; bring a warm jacket with you.
Continue to Nathang Valley (if permitted and road access). The village is called Nathang and is located at a high altitude with wide mountain slopes. It changes colour throughout the year, covered in snow and frost during the winter and different colours in the spring and fall months.
There will be opportunities to view and take pictures at safe places. Do not walk strenuously until acclimated. If you have a continuing headache, nausea (vomiting), unusual dizziness or breathlessness, tell the driver right away. Depending on the package, lunch can be either a packed lunch or organised at a local stop.
By the afternoon, head back to Zuluk and stay at the homestay. Have dinner and a quiet evening in the village.
Day 2 attractions
- Zuluk village
- Zuluk zigzag road
- Hambi View Point
- Lungthung
- Nathang Valley
- Permitted roadside viewpoint
Overnight stay: Zuluk Time of day: Before school and after school Lunch: As stated in the last quotation
Day 3: Tukla Valley, Old Baba Mandir, Kupup Lake and Padamchen
Breakfast, then check out and start the main Old Silk Route tour.
The car will go down the upper road to Tukla Valley. All visitors to this section of the route will need to adhere to the instructions given at the checkpoints as it is near a sensitive border area. Ask your driver before taking photos in the vicinity of military areas.
The open mountain terrain and historical significance make Tukla Valley a notable place. In different seasons, not only can the surrounding terrain be completely different, but also the colour of the mountains. On some days, the area looks wide and brown under a clear blue sky, and in colder weather, sections of the landscape may be covered with frost or snow.
Head toward Old Baba Mandir - the memorial of Indian Army soldier Harbhajan Singh: respect and obey the signs at the site as expected.
The next important thing to see is Kupup Lake, also known as Elephant Lake from some angles. This is one of the most memorable stops on the way, with its high-altitude locale, changing clouds, and open space.
If allowed, your driver can stop at designated viewpoints within the Kupup area. Photography or entry may be limited at some sites.
Once on the excursion, start to head down to Padamchen. A lower-altitude stay on the third night will also make for a more comfortable night's rest after two days at a higher elevation in the upper Silk Route area.
Arrange accommodation, and dine in.
Day 3 attractions
- Tukla Valley
- Old Baba Mandir
- Kupup Lake
Approved high-altitude viewpoints. The process of entering the Old Silk Route through descent.The way into the Old Silk Route by descent. • Arrival in Padamchen
Overnight stay: Padamchen Meals: Breakfast and dinner Lunch: Packed or local meal, as confirmed.
Day 4: Padamchen to Gangtok
After breakfast, check out from Padamchen and begin the journey towards Gangtok.
The regular route is through the lower eastern corridor of Sikkim. Short stops may be made at secure spots in the village or at local cafés as conditions on the road and final itinerary dictate.
If a traveller opts for a customised package, they can ask for a stop in the town of Aritar or Lampokhari Lake. These extra features need to be verified before leaving for the trip—these additions can add to the driving time and package price.
The landscape gradually takes on a more developed character as you pass through the settlements of the Silk Road. This dynamic scenario contrasts with rural eastern Sikkim and its state capital, Gangtok.
Once you reach Gangtok, please book a room at the hotel and sleep. That night, it's an independent visit to MG Marg, depending on arrival time and energy level.
MG Marg is a nice place to take a stroll, eat local food, drink coffee and buy souvenirs. There is no need to have a car for the main pedestrian part.
Day 4 experiences
- Day 4 experiences
- A scenic drive from Padamchen.
- Village landscapes in Eastern Sikkim.
- Optional Aritar-area stop
- Arrival in Gangtok. Free evening at MG Marg
- Overnight stay: Gangtok Meals: Breakfast.
Day 5: Spent in Gangtok, either at the NJP Railway Station or at the Bagdogra Airport.
Post breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed for return transfer to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport.
According to the Government of Sikkim, Bagdogra and NJP (New Delhi) are the primary air and railway gateways that serve Gangtok. The road distance is about 124–125 kilometres,s and it takes about four to five hours in normal conditions. Because of traffic, road maintenance, weather, and seasonal road conditions, travel time may be extended.
It is best to reserve an evening flight/rain if possible, as well as keeping a comfortable travel buffer.
If time and conditions permit, a short stop can be made along the way, but safe arrival at the airport or railway station will be the focus.
The tour ends on arrival at your confirmed drop-off point.
Meals: BreakfastPick-upp: NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport
