- Trips
- East Sikkim (Silk Route)
East Sikkim Ancient Silk Route & Zuluk Loops
Traverse the 32 hairpin loops of Zuluk and high-altitude lakes of the Old Silk Route.
- Duration
- 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Difficulty
- Easy / Scenic Road Trip
- Best season
- Oct–Dec (clear views) & Apr–Jun (wildflowers)
- Highest point
- 4,023 m / 13,200 ft
- Pickup and drop
- NJP / Siliguri / Bagdogra
- Vehicle
- Mahindra Bolero 4x4 / Scorpio
Overview
Retrace the footsteps of ancient Indo-Tibetan traders along the legendary Silk Route of East Sikkim. The dizzying 32 hairpin loops of Zuluk, sunrise from Thambi View Point, the revered Baba Mandir, and turquoise Kupup Elephant Lake.
- Drive through the world-famous 32 zig-zag hairpin loops of Zuluk
- Kangchenjunga sunrise from Thambi Viewpoint (11,200 ft)
- Kupup Elephant Lake & Old Baba Mandir
- Warm Bhutia and Nepali mountain homestays
- Military checkpost permits managed 100% by us
The route, day by day
Highest point 4,023 m on day 3
Day by day
Day 1Siliguri / NJP → Reshikhola
Drive along the Teesta River to the riverside haven of Reshikhola. Bonfire and trout dinner.
Day 2Reshikhola → Rongli Checkpost → Zuluk (2,865 m)
Cross Rongli with official Sikkim Inner Line Permits. Ascend to the legendary mountain village of Zuluk.
Day 3Thambi Viewpoint → Gnathang Valley → Kupup (4,023 m)
Pre-dawn drive up 32 loops to Thambi Viewpoint. Visit Tukla Valley, Old Baba Mandir, and crystal Kupup Lake.
Day 4Gnathang → Aritar Lampokhari Lake
Descend to emerald Aritar Lake. Paddle boating and quiet pine forest walks.
Day 5Aritar → NJP / Bagdogra Departure
Scenic return drive along Rongpo and Coronation Bridge to Siliguri for onward departure.
Included
- Dedicated 4x4 Bolero / Scorpio throughout
- All accommodation in verified homestays
- All meals on the Silk Route
- Sikkim Protected Area Permits (PAP) & checkpost charges
- Experienced mountain driver familiar with snow roads
Not included
- Air / train fare
- Personal expenses
Permits
4 passport photos + Govt ID required. Processed 100% in advance by Shingolia Hills.
On the route
Questions about this trip
Ask about altitude, permits or the best month for your group. Our Darjeeling team replies, usually the same day.
Send a questionCan foreign nationals visit Zuluk?
Foreign travelers can visit certain parts of East Sikkim. Contact our team for customized foreign national itineraries.
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