Best Places to Visit in Old Silk Route, Sikkim – A Journey Through Hidden Himalayan Beauty
The Old Silk Route in Sikkim is one of India’s most magical and lesser-explored Himalayan journeys. Once an ancient trade route connecting India with Tibet via the Chumbi Valley, this rugged and scenic stretch in East Sikkim today offers a spellbinding blend of natural beauty, history, adventure, and spirituality.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or a peace-seeker looking for offbeat travel experiences, a trip along the Old Silk Route is a bucket-list-worthy escape.
In this blog, we explore the best places to visit in the Old Silk Route, Sikkim, and why you should consider this route on your next travel plan.
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📍1. Rongli – Gateway to the Old Silk Route
Your journey typically begins at Rongli, a small town nestled in East Sikkim. It acts as a permit checkpoint for travelers heading towards Nathang Valley, Zuluk, and beyond.
🛡️ Permit processing point for foreign tourists
🏞️ Calm riverbanks and traditional Sikkimese lifestyle
Travel Tip: Spend a night here if you want to acclimatize before heading to higher altitudes.
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🏔️2. Zuluk – The Zig-Zag Wonder
Tucked away in the rugged terrain of East Sikkim, Zuluk offers breathtaking views of snow-covered mountains, winding roads, and misty valleys. It’s one of the first villages on the historic Silk Route to offer homestay facilities, making it a perfect base for explorers. From here, travelers can access the famed Thambi View Point, which offers a panoramic sunrise view over Mt. Kanchenjunga.
To experience this enchanting village and its surroundings with ease, check out our Zuluk Travel Package — complete with permits, guided sightseeing, and comfortable stays.
🌄 Sunrise view from Thambi View Point
🐾 Spot Himalayan yaks and monals
🏠 Homestay culture and local hospitality
Why Visit: For the unique terrain and panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga on a clear day.
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🌸3. Nathang Valley – The Ladakh of East Sikkim
Nathang Valley, situated at around 13,000 ft, is often called the “Ladakh of the East”. Surrounded by snow during winter and golden grasslands during autumn, it’s a surreal high-altitude plateau with dramatic landscapes.
🏞️ Ideal for snow-lovers (Nov to Feb)
🕍 Visit the centuries-old Buddhist monastery
🌠 Stargazing during clear nights
Pro Tip: Due to the high altitude, it's best to stay here only if you’re acclimatized.
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🛤️4. Lungthung & Thambi View Point
From Lungthung, you get some of the clearest views of the Kanchenjunga range, especially during sunrise. Thambi View Point, located at 11,200 ft, offers an epic vantage of the Zig-Zag Road and surrounding peaks.
🌄 Golden sunrise over snowy peaks
📸 Perfect for photography enthusiasts
🐦 Bird watching and tranquil nature walks
Don't Miss: Capture the aerial curves of the entire Silk Route road from here.
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🧭5. Kupup Lake – The Elephant Shaped Wonder
Also known as Elephant Lake due to its shape, Kupup is a glacial lake at 13,066 ft near the Indo-China border. It remains partially frozen most of the year and is revered by locals.
🛕 Near to Baba Mandir and Tukla Valley
🛣️ Part of the Jelep La Pass trade route
🐎 Near India’s highest golf course (Yak Golf Course)
Note: It lies close to restricted border areas; permits are essential.
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⛩️6. Tukla Valley – Battlefield and Beauty
Tukla Valley is not just scenic—it’s historically significant. This was the site of the Anglo-Tibetan war, and remnants like war memorials can still be seen.
🪖 British war memorial
❄️ Snow-covered in winter, ideal for snow activities
🧘 Silent and meditative atmosphere
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🌿7. Padamchen – Forests & Warm Homestays
At a lower altitude, Padamchen is perfect for travelers seeking pleasant weather, lush greenery, and a relaxed vibe.
🌲 Dense forests and nature walks
🏠 Comfortable homestays and warm meals
🐒 Rich biodiversity including red pandas (rare sighting)
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🧳 What Makes Old Silk Route Special?
Unlike Gangtok or other tourist-heavy areas, the Old Silk Route offers:
🚫 Less crowd, more connection with nature
🧳 Simple mountain life and homestay experiences
📷 Raw, untouched photography spots
🛣️ Thrilling roads and high-altitude adventure
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✅ Travel Tips for Old Silk Route, Sikkim
Permits are mandatory – Get ILP (Inner Line Permit) via a registered tour agent.
Best time to visit:
April to June: Rhododendron bloom
October to December: Clear views, cold breeze
Jan–Feb: Snowfall season
Pack wisely – Layered warm clothes, motion sickness tablets, ID proofs
Network is limited – BSNL and Jio may work at few points
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🚘 How to Reach
Nearest Airport: Pakyong (35 km from Rongli), or Bagdogra (approx. 130 km)
Nearest Railhead: New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
Recommended Route: NJP → Rongli → Zuluk → Nathang → Kupup → Gangtok or return via Kalimpong
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🎒 Final Thoughts
A trip along the Old Silk Route in Sikkim is not just a journey—it’s an experience that touches your soul. With its captivating landscapes, deep history, and authentic local charm, the route offers something that no mainstream destination can match.
Whether you're an adventurer or a peace-seeker, the Old Silk Route promises you stories and sights that will stay with you forever.
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📞 Plan Your Silk Route Trip with Madhu Tours and Travels
We’re a Sikkim-based travel agency with local expertise and customizable tour packages. Whether it’s a 3N/4D or 5N/6D Old Silk Route itinerary, we take care of everything—permits, stays, transportation, and local support.
👉 Contact us today and let us craft your unforgettable Silk Route experience!
Comments (4)
Jalsha -
Jul 10th, 2025
This blog is really helpful for first-time travelers to East Sikkim. The highlights of Zuluk, Kupup Lake, and Thambi View Point are well explained. It would be even more useful if you could add details about travel budget. Still, a great guide for planning a peaceful escape to the Old Silk Route.
Angela -
Jul 10th, 2025
Wow, what a dreamy place😍 This blog just gave me serious travel goals. Zuluk and those winding roads look magical. Can’t wait to go with my friends and click 1000 photos Thanks for the inspiration.
Rajib Bar -
Jul 11th, 2025
Thanks for your information blogs and guidance it's really helpful for Us .
Rapden -
Jul 11th, 2025
Tnks for your kind information mr rosen gurung owner of madhu tours & travel,very helpful article for visitors & above show pics are Best Destination Places in Sikkim provide one of India’s most serene and scenic destination of East sikkim..so i personally prefer all new travelers to contact madhu tours & travel for futher yours happy successful journey..