Overview: Journey Through the Historic Old Silk Route
Revisit history with Sarva Enroute’s specialized 5 Days Old Silk Route Sikkim Tour Package. This isn’t just a mountain trip; it’s a journey back in time to the ancient trade route that once connected India to Tibet. From the dizzying heights of the 32 Hairpin Turns at Zuluk to the serene “Elephant Lake” at Kupup, this itinerary is crafted for those who seek offbeat landscapes and rustic Himalayan charm. Experience authentic homestays, witness the “Ladakh of the East,” and stand at the edge of the Tibetan frontier with our expert ground support. https://www.incredibleindia.gov.in/en/sikkim
Trip Highlights
- 32 Hairpin Turns: Witness the legendary zig-zag engineering of the Old Silk Route.
- Thambi View Point Sunrise: The most iconic Kanchenjunga sunrise in East Sikkim.
- High-Altitude Lakes: Visit Tsomgo Lake and the unique Elephant Lake (Kupup).
- Homestay Experience: Stay with local families in Zuluk/Padamchen for an authentic feel.
- Nathang Valley: Explore the stunning, desolate "Ladakh of the East."
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
✅ What’s Included (Inclusions) | ❌ What’s Not Included (Exclusions) |
Accommodation: Selected Hotels/ Homestays | 🎫 Entry Fees & Activities : Tickets for all sightseeing points and valley entries. Nathula Pass Permit: Subject to extra cost and availability. |
☕ Meals: Meals: Breakfast and Dinner at all Hotels. | 🍱 Personal Expenses: Tips, Laundry, Lunch, and any personal shopping. |
Private Transport: Dedicated vehicle for Bagdogra transfers. All Road Expenses: Fuel, Toll, Parking, & Driver. | Local Transfers: Use of local small cabs in Gangtok, where restricted. |
Permit Assistance: Guidance for Tsomgo/Baba Mandir. | 📉 GST 5%: Government Service Tax will be extra on the final package cost. |
ACCOMMDATION
LOCATION | HOTEL NAME | ROOM CATEGORY | MEAL PLAN |
GANGTOK (3 NIGHTS) | AMBA REGENCY OR SIMILAR | DELUXE | BREAKFAST & DINNER |
ZULUK (1 NIGHT) | SHERPA RETREAT OR SIMILAR | DELUXE | BREAKFAST & DINNER |
DETAILED DAY-WISE ITINERARY
Your Sikkim tour begins with a warm welcome at Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or NJP Station by the Sarva Enroute team. The 125 km drive to Gangtok is your first introduction to the Himalayas, as you climb from the plains of Bengal into the misty hills of Sikkim.
After checking into your hotel, spend your evening at MG Marg. Known as the "cleanest street in India," this stone-paved pedestrian zone is free from vehicles and smoke. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a cup of local Temi tea at a cozy cafe or shop for traditional Sikkimese handicrafts. The vibrant atmosphere here sets the perfect tone for your upcoming adventure.
- Stay: Gangtok.
Today, we leave the city behind and enter the restricted Old Silk Route zone. Our first stop is the iconic Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, a glacial wonder at 12,400 ft that remains frozen for most of the winter. After soaking in the views, we pay our respects at the Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, dedicated to the legendary soldier who is said to still guard the borders.
The drive then gets even more dramatic as we reach Kupup Lake, also known as Elephant Lake due to its unique shape. Nearby, you’ll witness the world’s highest golf course! We then cross the Nathang Valley, often called the "Ladakh of the East" for its vast, barren, and high-altitude plateau. By evening, we arrive at the rustic village of Zuluk (9,400 ft), once a transit point for Silk Route traders.
- Stay: Zuluk or Padamchen (Authentic Homestay Experience).
Wake up at 4:30 AM for the most awaited highlight of the trip. We drive up to Thambi View Point to witness the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga range. As the sun comes up, you’ll see the famous 32 Hairpin Turns (Zig-Zag Road) carved into the mountainside below—a sight that is a dream for every photographer.
After a hearty breakfast at your homestay, we begin our descent via a different route through Rongli and Pakyong. This path takes you through dense, lush green forests and small mountain hamlets, offering a stark contrast to the high-altitude desert of the previous day. We return to Gangtok by mid-afternoon for some much-needed rest.
- Stay: Gangtok.
After the rugged Silk Route journey, today we explore the cultural heartbeat of Gangtok. We start with the Rumtek Monastery, a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture and the seat of the Karmapa. Next is the Do Drul Chorten, where you can spin the 108 prayer wheels for good luck, followed by a visit to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology to explore rare Buddhist manuscripts.
In the afternoon, enjoy a thrilling Ropeway (Cable Car) ride from Deorali to Tashiling, offering a bird's-eye view of the entire Gangtok valley. We conclude our sightseeing at the Ban Jhakri Falls, a shamanistic-themed park where water cascades amidst lush gardens and tribal sculptures.
- Stay: Gangtok.
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the mountains. Our driver will drop you back at Bagdogra/NJP (approx. 4 hours) for your onward journey. Your Old Silk Route tour with Sarva Enroute ends here, but the memories of the zig-zag roads and high-altitude lakes will stay with you forever.
MEALS
DAYS | DESCRIPTION |
DAY 01 | DINNER |
DAY 02 | BREAKFAST & DINNER |
DAY 03 | BREAKFAST & DINNER |
DAY 04 | BREAKFAST & DINNER |
DAY 05 | BREAKFAST |
TERMS & CONDITIONS
- Hotel Selection: As per preference. If sold out, a similar category is provided. We are not responsible for standard hotel category amenities (WiFi speed, etc.).
- Accommodation Standards: In Gangtok, we provide hotels as per your preference. However, the Silk Route (Zuluk/Nathang/Padamchen) is an offbeat circuit where stay is in local homestays. These are clean but basic; expect limited electricity, no elevators, and “home-style” hospitality rather than luxury amenities.
- Permit Documentation: The Silk Route is a high-security border zone. Aadhar & PAN Cards are often NOT accepted by the local administration for Zuluk/Nathula permits. Guests must carry the Original Voter ID or Passport and 04 passport-size photos. Digital copies on phones are strictly prohibited at army check-posts.
- The Sunrise Strategy: To catch the legendary sunrise over the 32-hairpin turns at Thambi View Point, a 4:00 AM – 4:30 AM departure from Zuluk is required. This ensures you see the “Golden Kanchenjunga” before the clouds roll in.
- High-Altitude Health Policy: The Silk Route reaches heights of 14,000+ ft. Guests with severe heart/respiratory conditions or infants under 2 years are advised against staying at Nathang Valley (stay in Zuluk instead). We recommend avoiding alcohol 24 hours before the climb to prevent altitude sickness.
- Eco-Tourism & Plastic Ban: East Sikkim is a Strict No-Plastic Zone. Carrying disposable plastic water bottles is a punishable offense with heavy fines at the Rongli Check-post. Guests must use reusable metal or insulated flasks.
- Nathula Pass (Optional) Policy: Visits to Nathula Pass are not included in standard quotes. This is a government “lottery” permit subject to army clearance and is closed on Mondays & Tuesdays. A detour charge (~₹4,500+/vehicle) is payable directly to the driver on the spot if the permit is granted.
- Timing & Safety: Due to extreme mountain terrain, the vehicle is available from 08:00 AM to 07:00 PM (except for the scheduled 4:00 AM lake departure). Night driving is strictly prohibited for guest safety.
- The AC Clause: To ensure engine power on steep hairpin climbs (up to 14,000 ft), Vehicle AC will be switched off in all hill sections. AC is functional only on the plains of West Bengal.
- Local Union Regulation: Sikkim runs on a strict union system. Your journey will involve a vehicle swap at Rangli or Gangtok into a specialized Local Union SUV (Bolero/Scorpio) for the Silk Route. This is a mandatory local law to support resident drivers.
- Force Majeure (Landslides): The Silk Route is prone to sudden fog and road blockages. Any additional costs for extra nights, route diversions, or specialized mountain recovery due to weather/landslides are to be borne by the guest.
- Sightseeing Constraints: Schedule changes may occur due to sudden fog, landslides, or permit rejections by the army/administration.
- Payments: Failure to clear payments as per schedule will lead to service termination. No refunds for Blackout dates/Long weekends.
- Physical Needs: Please communicate specific physical concerns in advance.
- Check-in/out: Standard 14:00 hrs (In) / 11:00 hrs (Out). No shows considered after 22:00 hrs.
- Documentation: Govt ID / Passport / Visa required on arrival.
- Amendments: Customizations during or 7 days prior to the trip may incur extra charges.
- No Show: Rooms not occupied by 20:00 hrs are considered “No Shows” unless prior notice is given.
💳 CANCELLATION & FLIGHT POLICY
- Non-Refundable: No refunds on blackout dates/long weekends.
- Cancellation Fee : Regardless of reason, cancellations are costly. To offset these costs, the following fees will apply. If you cancel, non-recoverable expenses of Rs. 1500 per person will be charged and over and above that the following will be charged on cancellation of a tour.
- Refundable Amount :
- Cancelled 30 days or more prior to trip start date: 35 % of total package cost.
- Cancelled between 15 – 30 days prior to trip start date: 50 % of total package cost.
- Cancelled between 14 days to 7 days prior to trip start date: 80 % of total package cost.
- Cancellation less than 7 Days prior to trip start date: 100 % of package cost will be charged.
- Postponement: Postponing may incur a rebooking fee. Post-postponement cancellations forfeit all amounts.
- Flight Policy: We act as facilitators. Carrier terms apply. We are not responsible for airline delays.
- Credit Note: A 6-month Credit Note will be provided for the possible refundable amount depending on the Selected Hotels and time period of cancellation.
