🏔️ Explore the Hidden Beauty of Zuluk: Old Silk Route’s Best Places to Visit in 2025
The Old Silk Route in East Sikkim is a rare destination that beautifully blends adventure, history, and raw Himalayan charm. Once a part of the ancient Indo-Tibet trade route, this region today is a haven for peace-seeking travelers and mountain lovers. In 2025, if you're planning an offbeat trip, Zuluk and the Silk Route circuit must be on your bucket list.
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🌄 Top 5 Must-Visit Places in the Old Silk Route
1. Zuluk
Perched at 10,000 ft, Zuluk is a small, quiet village that greets you with its iconic Zig Zag Road. This serpentine road features over 30 sharp bends and offers a surreal view of mist-covered valleys. Though you may not always see the peaks, the drive itself is an unforgettable experience.
2. Thambi View Point
Located just above Zuluk, this spot is ideal for sunrise views and panoramic scenery. The viewpoint overlooks the winding road below and is a photographer’s paradise, especially during clear mornings.
3. Kupup Lake (Elephant Lake)
This glacial lake, shaped like an elephant’s head, is located at around 13,000 ft. It’s calm, silent, and icy blue. A quick stop here lets you feel the grandeur of high-altitude Sikkim.
4. Gnathang Valley
Often called the "Ladakh of East Sikkim", this high-altitude valley is one of the most peaceful places in the region. Expect golden meadows, grazing yaks, and cozy homestays with a view.
5. Tukla Valley and War Memorial
This historical valley features a memorial to Indian soldiers who fought in the Indo-China war. The wide valley, filled with prayer flags, is both emotional and scenic.
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🧭 Ideal 3N/4D Travel Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Gangtok
Day 2 – Transfer to Zuluk via Rongli (permit check), overnight in Zuluk
Day 3 – Explore Zuluk, Thambi, Kupup, and Gnathang. Overnight at Gnathang
Day 4 – Return to Gangtok via Tsongmo Lake ,baba mandir
Tip: You must obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to travel this route. Always book through an authorized travel agent.(Madhu tours & travel)
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🍴 Food and Stay Recommendations
In Zuluk and Gnathang, you'll mostly find homestays. These are warm, family-run stays where you can enjoy hot meals like momos, thukpa, and traditional Sikkimese rice dishes with Gundruk , Sinki ,Squash all organic. Power cuts can happen, so carry portable chargers and extra layers for the cold.
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🕙 Best Time to Visit
Spring/Summer (April–June): Clear skies, ideal for sightseeing
Autumn (October–November): Golden landscapes, chilly air, fewer tourists
Avoid monsoon & peak winter due to landslides and roadblocks
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..
