Silk Route Tour Packages

Places to Visit in Silk Route

The Silk Route in Sikkim is an ancient trade route from Lhasa. It's famous for its beautiful scenery and nice weather, which attract many travelers from all over the world. People love to visit this ancient route to enjoy the stunning views and pleasant climate while exploring its history. These are some of the most attractive places to visit during your holiday with Silik Route Tour Package offered by North Bengal Tourism.

Zuluk or Dzuluk: Zuluk, a serene village nestled in East Sikkim, is located at an elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level. Renowned as a key stopover along the Silk Route circuit, Zuluk holds a special place in the hearts of travelers. Despite its small size, Zuluk boasts a significant military presence due to its proximity to the Indo-Tibet border. However, this charming village also serves as an appealing retreat for tourists seeking tranquility amidst its serene surroundings. With its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere, Zuluk beckons visitors to experience a peaceful and memorable getaway. Every SilK Route Tour Package offered by North Bengal Tourism comes with sightseeing at Zuluk.

Reshikhola: Rishikhola is a charming settlement situated on the border between West Bengal and Sikkim. Nestled along the riverside at an altitude of 2,000 feet in the Kalimpong District, Rishikhola offers a serene retreat for nature enthusiasts. It serves as an ideal getaway for tourists seeking peace and tranquility amidst the lap of nature. Rishikhola is particularly beloved by bird watchers, as it is home to numerous Himalayan bird species, adding to the allure of this picturesque destination.

Nathula Pass: Nathula, a mountain pass linking Sikkim to China, is one of the four accessible trade routes connecting India and China. It used to be a crucial section of the historic Silk Route, facilitating the transport of valuable goods between different regions. In the winter, Nathula experiences significant snowfall, providing visitors with the opportunity to enjoy the snowy scenery. When planning your Silk Route Sikkim tour, be sure to include Nathula Pass on the itinerary.

Aritar: Aritar, located at 4600 feet above sea level, is a lesser-known destination that attracts travelers from all over the world. It's like a hidden gem found in the Rehnock area of East Sikkim. This newly discovered spot has a lot to offer for those who love to explore. The breathtaking view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the towering Himalayan mountains surrounding the area, and the beautiful Aritar Lake will make you want to come back for more. The stunning landscape has already become famous among tourists worldwide. Aritar holds significance as one of the important stops along the historic Old Silk Route. Aritar Lake is one of the notable sightseeing attractions here.

Thambi View Point: Thambi Viewpoint is a well-liked tourist spot in a Silk Route Tour Plan, located just a few kilometers north of Zuluk, at an elevation of approximately 11,600 feet above sea level. It's less than 15 km away from Zuluk and provides a stunning view of Mount Kanchenjunga. This popular attraction is famous for its panoramic view of the Himalayan Peaks and the impressive zig-zag road on the Silk Route.

Phadamchen: Phadamchen is a delightful village perched at an altitude of 7000 feet above sea level. Surrounded by lush green forests, it is located approximately 14 kilometers from Rongli and just 8 kilometers from Zuluk. Many travelers are drawn to Phadamchen to immerse themselves in the unparalleled beauty of nature. Phadamchen treats visitors to some of the most splendid vistas of valleys and the Himalayan mountain range. The rich forest in the area is adorned with oaks, maples, and various other valuable plants, adding to the overall charm of this scenic destination. This destination is included in most of our Silk Route Tour Plans.

Nathang Valley: Nathang Valley is another popular place to visit with the help of a well-planned Old Silk Route Tour Package at a fraction of the cost. It's perched high at 13,500 feet above sea level and is often referred to as the "Ladakh of the East". This valley changes its appearance with the seasons. In autumn, it gleams golden as the grass dries up. Winter wraps it in a snowy blanket, making it pure white. But spring steals the show with a carpet of wildflowers in vibrant colors covering the valley. Winter brings snowfall. You will find a small Buddhist Monastery here and many beautiful lakes which make it a favorite spot for tourists to visit during their Silk Route Tour.

Old Baba Mandir: The Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, also known as Old Baba Mandir, is a sacred site located approximately 60 kilometers away from Gangtok, nestled between Nathula and Jelepla passes. It stands as one of the top tourist spots in the Silk Route Region. This temple was built to honor the courageous Indian Soldier who lost his life during the Indo-China War in 1962. Today, it is looked after by the Indian Army and draws thousands of visitors annually who come to pay their respects and learn about the heroic deeds of Baba Harbhajan Singh. The Silk Route Tour Package from NJP includes sightseeing at this holy temple.

Changu Lake: In most of our Silk Route Tour Packages, Changu Lake is included. Tsomgo Lake, also called Changu Lake, is situated up at 12,400 feet above sea level. It's surrounded by snowy mountains and thick forests, making it look really beautiful. This special lake is important in Sikkim's old stories, and its colors change with the seasons, making it even more charming. Plus, in the summer, the lake gets filled with clean water from melting glaciers.

Tukla Valley: Tukla Valley is a magnificent tourist spot nestled at a high elevation of 12,500 feet. It's well-known for offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalayan Peaks, including the majestic Kanchenjunga. Travelers after booking a pocket-friendly Silk Route Package tour usually encounter this stunning valley while journeying from Old Baba Mandir to the New One. Because of its high altitude, exploring Tukla Valley can be quite challenging, but once you make it there, you'll be welcomed by unparalleled natural beauty.

Sillery Gaon: It is a beautiful village nestled at 6000 feet above sea level. The village is surrounded by lush forests. Its special spot between Nepal to the West, Sikkim to the Northeast, and Bengal to the South offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains in every direction. The name "Sillery Gaon" comes from a plant that grows plentifully at the base of the Himalayas. A pocket-friendly Silk Route Package Tour can include this destination in the itinerary.

Kupup Lake: Kupup Lake is a beautiful high-altitude lake in Silk Route. Even though there are many lakes in the Silk Route Region, Kupup Lake is special. Locals call it Bitan Cho. To get there, you have to climb up mountains, navigate through hairpin bends, and finally, you'll see the sparkling lake. It's surrounded by tall mountains and valleys, and people also call it the Elephant Lake because it looks like an elephant.

Jelep La Pass: Jelep La is a really high mountain pass in India, standing at 13,999 feet above sea level. It sits on the border between India and Tibet, in the eastern part of Sikkim. "Jelep La" means "the level pass" in Tibetan, and it's named that because it's the easiest and most level pass between Tibet and Sikkim. Many travelers are drawn to Jelep La because of its stunning views of the Himalayan range and the peacefulness of nature. North Bengal Tourism's Silk Route Holiday packages include a visit to this splendid pass.

Kala Patthar: Kala Patthar is a new tourist spot in the Muguthang Valley, situated at a high altitude of 14,850 feet. It's a pretty isolated place, mostly inhospitable except for a few Tibetan nomad communities who use it for grazing their Yaks. Beyond 14,000 feet, the road to Kala Patthar ends, making it a kind of "no man's land." The area is snowy all year round, giving a peaceful and less crowded experience to visitors. The site is made of black mountain rock, living up to its name - Kala Patthar.

Lingtam: Lingtam is one of the most beautiful villages in the Silk Route Region. It's a serene, small village blessed with clear weather and protected by a little river called Bakhuter Khola. Situated at about 5000 feet above sea level, Lingtam boasts two monasteries and is encircled by hills from every direction.

Best Time to Go for a Silk Route Tour

March to May: March to May marks the Spring and Summer seasons in the Silk Route region. The ideal period to explore the Sikkim Silk Route is during spring, from March to May. The weather during this time is delightful, and it's when rhododendrons blossom, adding to the beauty of the surroundings.

June - September: From June to September, it's monsoon season in Silk Route Sikkim. It's not a good time to visit because there's a lot of rain and landslides. The roads can be dangerous and might even get blocked because of landslides. Plus, you won't see the mountains clearly because of the rain and clouds.

October - November: In October and November, which is the autumn season, it's a great time to visit the Silk Route. The weather is nice, clear, and perfect for enjoying the beautiful mountain views. It is also one of the best times to go for Silk Road Tours.

December - February: During December to February, which is winter time, it gets pretty cold in the higher areas. Places like Zuluk and Nathang Valley often get snowfall. In December and January, you can usually see things clearly. But in February, it gets foggy, and you might not see much. Also, because of heavy snow, roads can be blocked, so you might not be able to finish your trip.

Dos and Don'ts to Follow Before Booking Silk Route Tour Package

• Don't Expect Modern Facilities on your Silk Route Package Tour. Most places along the route are remote villages with limited facilities such as basic meals and running water, but no luxuries like TV, internet, or geyser.
• Carry Essential Documents such as photocopies of the ID proof along with passport-size photos, especially for minors. Birth certificates or school IDs are necessary for children.
• Carrying dry fruits, nuts, chocolates, and biscuits for emergencies like landslides or roadblocks, which can happen unexpectedly is recommended.
• Staying in Nathang Valley is not recommended for children and the elderly due to its extreme altitude (13,200 ft) and intense cold. Carry portable oxygen for safety and visit during daytime only for sightseeing and return back before night.
• Plastic is banned in Sikkim as the state is aiming to be a plastic-free state. Please refrain from littering plastic bags and bottles. If caught, you can be fined or even jailed.
• It is recommended to pack medicines for common ailments like fever, cold, headache, and stomach upset. Include essentials like band-aids, ointments, and pain relievers in your first aid box.
• To protect you from intense cold, pack plenty of woolens, gloves, hats, and wind-protective glasses as temperatures can drop below zero in some areas.
• Carry enough cash in small denominations as ATM facilities are limited after Rongli. Withdraw cash before your journey from NJP or Siliguri to avoid inconvenience.