Sikkim Old Silk Route Tour Plan Cost

The Silk route tour packages offers travelers the flexibility to plan their journey in multiple ways, ensuring a unique and enriching experience regardless of the chosen itinerary. This historic trail can be approached either from the Gangtok side or from the Kalimpong side, each route offering distinct landscapes, cultural encounters, and scenic highlights.

For those preferring a shorter itinerary, one can start the journey from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, and traverse through the high-altitude mountain roads covering key destinations such as Zuluk, Nathang Valley, Aritar, Rishi Khola, and Sillery Gaon, before exiting via Kalimpong. This option allows travelers to experience the mesmerizing beauty of Eastern Sikkim and parts of West Bengal within a compact duration of 2 to 3 nights, making it ideal for those with limited time.

Alternatively, for a more immersive experience, travelers can start from the Kalimpong side, ascending gradually to higher altitudes. This route provides more opportunities to explore quaint Himalayan villages, winding zigzag roads, and breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the Kanchenjunga range. Staying at elevated locations like Zuluk and Nathang Valley offers a chance to witness spectacular sunrises, starry night skies, and the charm of remote highland life.

For those who wish to fully absorb the charm of this historic route, a longer itinerary of 4 to 6 nights is highly recommended. This allows ample time to explore each destination leisurely, interact with locals, visit nearby attractions like Kupup Lake and Nathula Pass, and experience different weather moods of the high-altitude terrain. Each halt offers something special—Sillery Gaon for its rustic charm, Aritar for its lake and monasteries, Nathang Valley for its dramatic landscapes, and Zuluk for its famous zigzag roads.

No matter which route or duration you choose, the Sikkim Silk Route guarantees an unforgettable holiday, combining history, adventure, and natural beauty. With its stunning views, serene stays, and rich heritage, it leaves travelers with memories that linger long after the journey ends.

Permits to Visit the Silk Route

Traveling through the Sikkim Silk Route requires specific permissions due to the region's sensitive location near the Indo-China border. These permissions, known as Inner Line Permits (ILP), are mandatory for certain sections of the route beyond Rongli and towards high-altitude areas like Zuluk, Nathang Valley, Kupup, and Nathula Pass.

Who Can Obtain the Permit?

Only Indian citizens are eligible for Inner Line Permits in this region.
 

Foreign nationals are not permitted beyond Aritar or Gangtok due to security concerns. They can visit places like Kalimpong, Gangtok, and Aritar without special permission.
 

Where Are Permits Issued?

Permits can be procured from the Police Check Post in Gangtok or at the Rongli Police Check Post.
 

Tour operators and homestay owners often assist travelers in arranging these permits to ensure hassle-free entry into restricted zones.
 

Documents Required

Valid Indian Government-issued Photo ID (Voter ID, Passport, Aadhaar Card, or Driving License).
 

Two to four recent passport-sized photographs.
 

For minors, a birth certificate or school ID card is required along with parental consent.
 

Vehicle Regulations

Only Sikkim-registered vehicles are allowed to travel beyond the check-posts. This rule ensures regulated movement and security compliance within restricted areas. Private vehicles from outside Sikkim are not permitted; tourists need to hire locally registered cabs arranged by their hotels or tour operators.
 

Why Such Restrictions?

The Silk Route lies in close proximity to the Indo-China border, making it a highly sensitive zone. These regulations help maintain security and monitor movement while preserving the delicate ecology and cultural heritage of the region.

Places to Visit on the Sikkim Silk Route Tour

The Sikkim Silk Route is dotted with numerous scenic and historically significant spots, each offering a unique experience.

Located north of Zuluk at an altitude of 11,600 ft, Thambi View Point is renowned for its spectacular sunrise views. From here, you can enjoy stunning vistas of the Kanchenjunga Range and the iconic zigzag road with its 99 hairpin bends. Early morning visits are recommended to avoid cloud cover. Locals often share fascinating tales of Yeti sightings, locally known as Banjhakri, adding an element of mystery to the visit.

Just a short distance from Thambi View Point, Lungthung (11,500 ft) offers equally breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga, as well as mesmerizing sunrise and sunset scenes. The area falls within the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, home to rare species of rhododendrons, ferns, birds, and animals. Due to its proximity to the China border, the region also has a strong military presence.

Beyond Gnathang Valley lies Kupup, where two picturesque lakes can be found. Elephant Lake, shaped like an elephant, can be viewed from the main road viewpoint or by driving to its edge. Menmecho Lake, on the other side, requires a scenic trek through pristine surroundings to reach its serene waters.

Once a historic trade route to Tibet, Jelep La lies close to the present-day Nathula Pass. The area still retains traces of its past significance as a key Himalayan crossing.

This site holds a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest golf course in the world, offering a surreal setting amidst snow-clad peaks.

Situated at 12,500 ft, Tukla Valley houses the Old Baba Mandir and a war memorial commemorating British soldiers who died in the 1888 military expedition to drive out Tibetan forces from Sikkim.

Lampokhari, located at 4,600 ft, is one of Sikkim’s oldest natural lakes, now enhanced for tourism and offering boating facilities. Nearby, Aritar Monastery (Aritar Gumpa) is admired for its traditional architecture, murals, manuscripts, and artifacts.

These tranquil villages in West Bengal provide excellent views of Kanchenjunga and promote village tourism. Visitors can explore Damsang Fort Ruins, Sangchen Dorjee Monastery, and Cross Hill, a sunset point with distant views of Tibet and the Chinese border.