The Himalayas’ genuine charm is found in their peaceful nooks; forget about the busy tourist destinations. Beyond Zuluk’s well-known hairpin bends, the Old Silk Route is a historic ribbon of road in East Sikkim. Offering a thorough exploration of pristine nature and local life, it’s an adventure waiting to happen.
Make sure your itinerary includes these five genuine Himalayan experiences whether you’re planning a leisurely 4-night, 5-day Silk Route Tour Package or a fast-paced 2-night, 3-day Silk Route Package. This is how you turn a vacation into an immersion.
Sillery Gaon: The Calm Beginning
Sillery Gaon is the ideal village to begin your journey, despite being frequently disregarded as a mere transit stop. This modest village, surrounded by pine forests and steeped in silence, is known as the “New Darjeeling” due to its stunning panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga
The Viewpoint trek is what really sets it apart as a hidden gem. You will be rewarded with a breath taking view of the winding River Teesta and its tributaries, set against the majestic peaks, after a quick, revitalizing hike. Any Silk Route Tour Package must include a stay in a local homestay, which is .
Aritar & Lampokhari Lake: Peace and History
A visit to Aritar provides a taste of peace and history before you climb to the high-altitude splendor of Zuluk. Lampokhari Lake, also known as Aritar Lake, is a stunning natural lake that resembles a boot. The surrounding Mankhim Temple is the true gem, even though the lake itself is peaceful.
Mankhim, perched on a ridge, provides what may be the most complete view of the entire Aritar valley, the winding Teesta, and the Kanchenjunga range. A top-notch 3-night, 4-day Silk Route Package guarantees you a night in the region, enabling you to witness the golden Himalayan sunrise from Mankhim—a sight that rivals even the well-known Tiger Hill.
Elephant Lake, or Kupup Lake: The High-Altitude Wonder
Large plains and frozen lakes characterize the high-altitude circuit, and no location is more distinctive than Kupup Lake. This holy body of water, which is over 13,000 feet high, is known as “Elephant Lake” because of its unique, elephant-head-like shape.
It’s a stark, stunning landscape that seems to be on a different planet, surrounded by barren, rocky terrain. A visit to the nearby, highest-altitude Yak Golf Course gives the historic route a bit of quirky novelty. You will be able to fully appreciate the vastness of the East Sikkim highlands if you include Kupup in your Silk Route Tour Package itinerary.
The Local Connection: Nathang Valley Homestay
The Nathang Valley is the centre of the high-altitude Silk Route, but Thambi Viewpoint offers the famous view of the Zig-Zag Road. This high-altitude plateau, sometimes referred to as the “Ladakh of the East,” is a breath taking mixture of gold, green, and white, depending on the season.
Here, the stay rather than the view is the real immersion. There are no commercial hotels; instead, there are simple but incredibly comfortable homestays run by friendly local families. Enjoy traditional Sikkimese cuisine, hear folktales, and experience the unadulterated allure of mountain living. The most valuable component of any Silk Route tour package is this genuine cultural exchange.
Tukla Valley War Memorial: Honouring the Past
Most tourists visit this location quickly, but spending some time here is essential for a full Himalayan immersion. A War Memorial honouring the valiant soldiers who fought in the 1962 Sino-Indian War is located in the Tukla Valley.
You have a deep connection to the geopolitical and military history of the area when you stand here with a view of the historic route and the surrounding peaks. It’s a sombre moment of contemplation that helps to put the entire journey into perspective and serves as a reminder of how important this road was lanning Your Trip: Packages & Price Insights
Planning Your Trip: Silk Route Tour Package from Kolkata Price Insights
Are you prepared to make a reservation? A comprehensive Silk Route tour package from Kolkata usually costs between ₹8,000 and ₹12,000 per person (based on a 4-person group, excluding train/flight fare to NJP/Siliguri). With a focus on Zuluk and Nathang, a two-night, three-day Silk Route Package is ideal for a short weekend getaway. It frequently begins or ends at a single high-altitude base. You can easily visit all five of the hidden gems listed here with the suggested 4-night, 5-day Silk Route Tour Packages, which provide a much more laid-back and incredibly fulfilling experience. Select the package that will allow you to stop, enjoy the mountain air, and develop a genuine connection with these undiscovered Himalayan gems.
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