Old Silk Route & Zuluk
NJP / Bagdogra → Zuluk → Gangtok → NJP
About this trip
Day-by-day plan
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Day1
NJP / Bagdogra to Zuluk
Your journey along the historic Silk Route begins with a pick-up at NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport, followed by a scenic drive via Rongli, where the compulsory protected-area permits are processed (all arranged by us). From here the road begins its dramatic climb toward Zuluk, a remote mountain hamlet perched at 10,100 ft. As you ascend, the road narrows, the forests thin out and the mountain air grows crisp and cold. On arrival, check into a cosy local homestay — expect simple, warm rooms, a wood stove and wonderfully hearty home-cooked meals. Rest well, as tomorrow starts before dawn.
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Day2
Thambi View Point, Nathang Valley & Kupup
Set out before sunrise for the unforgettable Thambi View Point, where — on a clear morning — you'll watch the first golden light strike Mount Kanchenjunga, with the famous stack of thirty-two hairpin bends coiling down the hillside below you. It is the defining image of the Silk Route and worth every bit of the early, chilly start. Continue on through Lungthung to the stark, beautiful Nathang Valley at 13,500 ft, then visit the serene Kupup (Elephant) Lake, the old Baba Mandir, and the windswept Tukla Valley. Return to your Zuluk homestay for a warm dinner and a restful night.
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Day3
Zuluk to Gangtok
After a leisurely morning in the mountains, descend the far side of the range via the picturesque villages of Padamchen and Rongli, then make the climb up to Gangtok, the vibrant capital of Sikkim. On arrival, check in and freshen up before heading out to spend a pleasant evening on MG Marg — the clean, traffic-free promenade lined with cafés, shops and benches, ideal for unwinding after the rugged terrain of the past two days.
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Day4
Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir
Today you take the classic East Sikkim excursion. The road climbs to the glacial Tsomgo Lake at 12,400 ft — frozen in winter and ringed with fluttering prayer flags the rest of the year — followed by a visit to the revered Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir. For those who wish to go further, Nathu La Pass can be added as an optional extension on a separate permit (open Wednesday to Sunday, weather permitting). Return to Gangtok by evening, with the rest of the day free to explore or relax at your own pace.
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Day5
Gangtok to NJP / Bagdogra
After breakfast, begin the descent back to the plains, following the Teesta river through the valleys the whole way down. We drop you at NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport in good time for your onward journey. To keep the day relaxed, we suggest allowing at least three hours between your drop and your train or flight departure — leaving you with lasting memories of one of the Himalaya's most spectacular mountain roads.
What is included
Inclusions
- Private vehicle for the entire trip with an experienced hill driver
- Hotel stay on twin/double sharing basis
- Breakfast and dinner at the hotels (MAP plan)
- All permits arranged and paid for wherever applicable
- Fuel, toll, parking, state entry taxes and driver allowance
- Airport / railway station pick-up and drop
- 24x7 on-trip support from our Siliguri desk
Exclusions
- Air fare and train fare
- Lunch, snacks and any personal expenses
- Monument entry tickets, camera fees and safari charges
- Anything caused by roadblocks, landslides or weather (extra night halts, detours)
- Tips, laundry, telephone bills and room service
- Anything not written in the inclusions list
Terms & conditions
- Booking is confirmed only after an advance of 30% is received; the balance is payable on arrival.
- Rates are for the number of passengers quoted. Adding a guest may change the vehicle and the rate.
- Hotels are subject to availability at the time of booking; a similar category hotel is provided if the named one is full.
- Protected-area permits need a valid photo ID for every guest (voter ID, passport or driving licence; Aadhaar alone is not accepted in Sikkim).
- Children below 5 years travel free without a bed. Children 5 to 11 years are charged 60% with an extra bed.
- Sightseeing beyond the itinerary is charged extra on a per-day basis.
- North Sikkim, Nathu La and the Silk Route depend on daily road and permit conditions; if a road is closed we suggest the nearest alternative and no refund is applicable.
- Cancellation: 15 days or more before travel 20% is retained, 7 to 14 days 50%, less than 7 days 100%.