Route 2

Day 2: Visit Aritar lake and view point, Over Night stay

Day 3: Leave for Rishikhola, Over Night stay

Day 4: Leave for Zuluk, Over  Night stay

Day 5: Leave for Nathang Valley, sightseeing en-route to Nathang and Over Night stay

Day 6: Sightseeing and Over Night stay at Nathang valley

Day 7: Leave for NJP/Siliguri

Itinerary  2 :

Day 1: Reach Rishikhola from NJP/Siliguri/Kalimpong/Aritar, Over Night stay

Day 2: Visit Aritar Lake and View Point, Over Night stay at Rishikhola

Day 3: Reach Zuluk, Over Night stay

Day 4: Reach Nathang Valley, sightseeing en-route, Over Night stay

Day 5: Sightseeing, Over Night stay at Nathang

Day 6: Reach Lungthung, Over Night stay

Day 7: Leave for NJP/Siliguri

Itinerary 3 :

Day 1: Reach Lingtam from Siliguri/NJP/Kalimpong Over Night stay

Day 2: Visit Aritar and view point, Over Night stay

Day 3: Visit Zuluk, Over Night stay

Day 4: Visit Nathang Valley, sightseeing en-route and Over Night stay

Day 5: Visit Gangtok via Silk Route.

Details of Some major Tourist Spots & Route Guide

Sikkim is an amazing place of hidden valleys, mystical monasteries, snow-fed lakes & a mountain setting covered with flowers & forests.

Route: NJP  60 Km  Melli à29 Km  Jorethang 36 Km(Via Soreng) /44 Km (Via Reshi)  Kaluk  3 Km  Rinchenpong  33 Km Uttarey  30 Km  Pelling  52 Km  Ravangla  17 Km  Borong 82 Km (Via Ravangla) Gangtok

lRinchenpong  122 Km  Gangtok       l Rinchenpong  75 Km  Darjeeling
l Rinchenpong  65 Km  Ravangla       l Rinchenpong  39 Km  Pelling

Gangtok

The scenery is spectacular & there are excellent views of the entire Kanchanjunga range from many points in the vicinity.
How To Reach: Nearest Airport at Bagdogra near Siliguri Bus Service from Siliguri four times daily which take 4 and ½ hrs.
Motor Route From Siliguri: *Siliguri19 kmSevok8 kmKalijhora26 kmTista Bazar22 kmRangpo27 kmRanipul12 kmGangtok.
Motor Route From Siliguri: *Siliguri19 kmSevokTeestaMelliJorthangReshilRinchenpong/ KalukPelling .
Motor Route From Siliguri: *Siliguri122 kmRinchenpong/Kaluk.
*Damdim55 kmLava20 kmPedong26 kmRorathang39 kmRanipul12 kmGangtok
What to See: Deer park, Lall Market, Orchid Sanctuary, Enchey Monsstery, Namgyal Inst.of Tibetology, Inst. of Cottage Industries , Do-Drul Chorten Stupa, Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, Tsomgo Lake,Tashi View Point, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok etc.

Yumthang-Lachung-Lachen Tour

Yumthang, at an elevation of 11,800 ft and 140 kms from Gangtok is a paradise for nature lovers, with a fascinating blend of flora and fauna and breathtaking scenic grandeur.
How To Reach: Yumthang is 140 km from Gangtok. 1 night 2 days and 2 night 3 days packages are available from Gangtok.
Sight Seeing included in the Package : Tashi View Point, Kabi Lungtsok, Naga Waterfalls, The Holy Rock at Chungthang, Confluence of Lachen & Lachung Chu, Bhim Nala Waterfalls, Lachung Monastery, Cottage Industry, Helipad, Dzumsa House (Handicraft & Handloom Centre), Natural Snow Hill View at Yumthang.
 Route 1 (Yumthang-Katao-Yumesandam):
Gangtok 24 kmPhensang16 kmPhodong30 kmMangan30 kmChungthang26 km Lachung 24 kmYumthang
•Lachung 36 km Katao
•Lachung 17 kmYumesandam

Route 2 (Lachen-Chopta-Gurudanmar):
Gangtok 100 kmChungthang 26 kmLachen 30 km (3 hrs) Chopta Valley.
•Thangu22 kmChopta Valley.
• Lachen 37 km Thangu 27 km Gurudanmar22 km(By trek) Choluma Lake Ravangla :
At the base of Maenam Hill is Ravangla (7,000 Ft) small township and transit point to various tourist destinations in South and West Sikkim. Situated on the state highway between Gangtok and Pelling/Pemayangtse, Ravabngla town and the surrounding villages is an ideal destination to experience the rich cultural & natural heritage of Sikkim.
How To Reach: Ravangla is well connected to all the important places in Sikkim & Darjeeling hills. Regular jeep services are available to the following places: •New Jalpaiguri Railway Station 134 kms •Bagdogra Airport 133 kms •Gangtok 65 kms •Darjeeling 73 km •Kalimpong 86 km •Pelling 52 km • Yuksom 59 km.
Places of Interest : Rayong Sunrise View Point; Temi Tea Garden; Kheunpheling Carpet Centre; Ralang Monasteries; Borong & Ralang Cha-chu; Mangbrue Gompa & view point; Handicraft Centre,Kewzing; Khandosangphu and Sharchog Bephug (Wishing Cave); Rangit Water World Shiva Mandir,Tashiding Monastery.

Borong

Borong is a new heaven for nature and mountain lovers surrounded by alpine landscape, dense forests and waterfalls at the foot of Mainam Hills. Situated in the backdrop of Snow capped Mt. Norsing, Pandim & Siniolchu, Borong presents the distinct feel of exquisite nature and beauty.
How To Reach: Borong is 80 km from 80 km from Rinchenpong, 110 km from Uttarey, 17 km from Ravangla. Share jeep is available from Siliguri, Jorethang or Ravangla.
What To See:– Hot Spring, Water Falls, Snow capped mountains, Sunrise and sunset on snowcapped peaks.

Pelling

Situated at an altitude of 6,100 ft., Pelling offers a good view of the mountain ranges. Flowers in springtime are the shining jewels of Pelling.
How To Reach: From Gyazing to Pemayangtse- further 3 km. Ahead & there is Pelling (2085m) the hill of hidden paradise.
What To See : Sanga Choeling Monastery, Rimbi falls, Vershey, Khecheopalri Lake, Sangay Falls, Singshore Bridge etc.

Yoksum 

This was the first capital of Sikkim, where according to the historical records, the first Chogyal of the Kingdom of Sikkim was consecrated in 1641 AD. by three learned lamas. The trek to Dzongri and to the base camp of the famous Mt. Khang-chen-Dzonga begins here.
How To Reach: SNT buses from Gyazing take about 4hrs. to Yoksum via Pelling. Jeeps run between Siliguri & Yoksum. The distance from Pemayangtse is 32 kms.
What To See : Coronation Thorne, Rabdentse.

Rinchenpong – Kaluk – Hee – Bermiok

Rinchenpong is a new heaven for nature and mountain lovers at an altitude of 6000 ft. approx. It is a picturesque place with the unparalleled view of Kanchendzonga surrounded by richly forested area, orchids and beautiful landscape of the Silent Valley.
How To Reach: The Sikkim Nationalised Transport runs bus for Pelling & Jorthang. Private shared taxis are available from Siliguri to Jorthang, Reshi, Kaluk & Rinchenpong . From Reshi also shared taxis are available frequently. It takes about 4 hours to reach Kaluk from Siliguri. Kaluk is 3 km from Rinchenpong.
What To See: Resum Monastery, Rabindra Smriti Ban, Rinchenpong Monastery, Pema Yangtse Monastery, Poison Lake, Heritage House, Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, Rangeet Water Garden, Samdrubtse at Namchi, Sai Mandir at Daramdin, Temi Tea Graden, Shingshore Suspension Bridge.

Uttarey 

Uttarey is the last Himalayan Hamlet of West Sikkim, located remotely with its offbeat characteristics.
How To Reach: Uttarey is 30 km from Pelling, 33 km from Rinchenpong. Share jeep is available to reach Uttarey from Siliguri, Jorethang, Pelling, Rinchenpong.
What to See : Chetan Falls, Trout Rearing Centre, Boating at Gomba Dara Lake, Maneybong Kagyak Monastery.

Lingtam

It is a small hamlet and a kind of valley with high mountains all around, A few families live there with only one property for tourist. There are house stays too but it is better to stay in the Silk Route Resort – located at a super position between the mountains. Lingtam is the first tourist’s destination on the way to Silk route. It is located a few kilometers down the Rishikhola, another superb destination for tourist. One can spend 2 to 3 days in Lingtam relaxing and enjoying the nature’s view. Aritar Lake is very near to Lingtam, one can hire a vehicle to spot the lake and then return on the same day.

Rishikhola

It is another favorite destination for the nature lovers. Rishikhola is named after the river called Rishi. Khola means river in their language. There are no hotels or resorts at Rishikhola but the house stays are superb to stay in. You don’t need any luxury there. The hospitality of the people there are worth mentioning. Once you visit there, you would get to know the simplicity and honesty of the people there. A deep in the crystal clear and chilled water of Rishi Khola would be memorable to you.

Zuluk

The next destination is Zuluk, another scenic beauty in east Sikkim. There are no hotels in Zuluk, all are house stays owned by local people. Zuluk lies in between Nathang Valley and Rishikhola. 1 night stay here is must for all travelers. A stay in Zuluk also breaks the journey and one can get some rest and spend the night in leisure with the nature.

Nathang Valley

This placed is fully covered in winter with chilled wind waves blowing all around. The area is an Indian Army cantonment and mainly monitored and maintained by Army. Local people stay there but they are now mainly focusing on tourists for livelihood. There are no hotels or resorts. The Dafter Bungalow, a old British bungalow and the Pinasha Lodge are the only good options for a stay. The family who maintains the properties is very friendly and helpful. Mr. Karma Sherpa and his elder daughter Prema are very helpful and kind enough to guide tou and arrange everything you want if feasible.

Lungthung

It is another hamlet on high mountains. You can visit this place and spend a night here. The view all around is just amazing. One can leave Nathang Valley and visit Lungthung to spend a night there. If you are not interested to visit Gangtok along Silk Route I would suggest you to spend a night here but if you got plan to visit Gangtok city. I would suggest not go to Lungthung but to move ahead to gangtok city directly from Nathang Valley. Lungthung is around 20-25 kilometers away from Nathang Valley.

NOTE: There is another local resident who arranges home stays. His name is Sebestian Prodhan. Don’t trust this guy. We had to cancel our first plan of visiting Silk route just because of him. We told him again to take the advance and book the house stays for us but he kept on saying that it was not needed and he would arrange the house stay for sure but when time came he surrendered that he would not be able to provide us rooms. There is no need to go for this man, the Sherpa family can easily arrange house stays in Rishikhola and Zuluk apart from lodging at Nathang Valley.

From Nathang Valley, one has got two options

Options 1: You can go for sightseeing up to Tsomgo Lake via Old and new Baba Mandir, Zig-Zag Road (Bhulbhulaiya), Thambi View Point, Sorethang (the market with Chinese items), Tookla Valley etc. and then return to Nathang Valley. One has to stay there the night at Nathang and then leave for NJP or Siliguri next day.

Options 2: The other option is that one can leave for Gangtok City from Nathang Valley via Silk Route. The journey would superb and adventurous.

Sightseeing Along Silk Route

There are so many places of interests in Silk Route Sikkim. You would be amazed with the beauty and nature’s creation. The places one can cover while visiting Sikkim Silk Route are the following:

Menmecho Lake

Menmecho Lake lies at a short distance from the road. One has to trek to spot the lake. There is no free access because it is a prohibited place, so vehicles are not allowed to enter this route and the route is very bumpy and not suited for a vehicle to move along. By the way, you can have a talk with the driver to manage this if you are interested to reach up to the lake. You can trek the route and return to the spot where the driver would wait for you. If you don’t want to trek up to the lake, do not worry, you can have a aerial view of the lake while going along the Silk Route from Zuluk to Nathang Valley or from Nathang Valley to further ahead towards Gangtok.

Eagle’s Nest Bunker

It is located just 5 km away from Nathang Valley. It is an abandoned army bunker which is located at a high point and gives you a superb view of the sun rise.

Kupup Lake Or Elephant Lake

You can get to see this lake while moving towards Gangtok from Nathang Valley. The lake is shaped like an elephant.

Thambi View Point

It is a sun rise point along Silk Route and one can view the Zig-Zag road perfectly from here.

Zig-Zag Road (locally known as Bhulbhulaiya)

It seems like someone has sketched it. The awesome view would amaze you for sure. You can get to see the more than 50 sharp turns of the road.

Sorethang (The China Market)

One can get woolen cloths, jackets at a very reasonable price here. The goods are brought from China and this market is the first point in Indian Territory where these goods are sold and supplied further in Gangtok city and other markets. If you are passionate about jackets, just take Rs 1000 – 1500 extra and you would get 2-3 superb jackets there. Each time I go there, I bring a jacket with me.

Old Baba Mandir

This Old Baba Mandir is not accessible if you come from Gangtok side. So it is an advantage if you visit Silk Route that you get to visit the actual old Baba Mandir maintained by Indian Army.

New Baba Mandir

New Baba Mandir is accessible from both sides. You get good hospitality from Indian Jawans and the readymade tea provited by the Army is a must have thing in such chilling weather.

Tookla Valley

It is a valley with snow all around in winter and Rhododendron flowers in the period from April to May.

Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo lake is approachable from both side. If you visit Gangtok first, you can come to Nathang Valley via Tsomgo Lake or you can visit this lake on way while reaching Gangtok from Nathang Valley along the old Silk Route in Sikkim.

Nathula Pass

Nathula Pass is closed on Friday and you can visit India-China border only if you have got the permit. If you have plan to visit Gangtok city via Silk Route, just ask your hotel manager at Gangtok to get the permit for you. If you are not visiting Gangtok from Nathang Valley, you won’t get the permit because permit for Nathula Pass can only be obtained from Gangtok city. Nathula Pass is worth visiting, one of the oldest border gates between India and China.

Mandakini Waterfall

This is a beautiful waterfall located after Tsomgo Lake if you go from Nathang Valley towards Gangtok via Silk Route. One can stop here by, get a hot cup of tea and stare at the beautiful Mandakini Waterfall.

Probable Itineraries for Silk Route trip in Sikkim

Making an itinerary is one of the most painful tasks of a tour planner. If you don’t have an itinerary in visual, it is hard to make a budget and a plan. I am trying to help you in this regard.