Old Silk Route Sikkim Tour - Sillery Gaon, Aritar & Zuluk (5N/6D)

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through time and nature with the Old Silk Route Sikkim Tour, a breathtaking exploration of ancient trade routes, panoramic mountain views, and offbeat Himalayan villages. This tour is a perfect blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty, taking you through the serene landscapes of East Sikkim and parts of West Bengal, tracing the footsteps of the historic Old Silk Route that once connected India to Lhasa in Tibet via the Jelep La Pass.

This curated Silk Route tour begins at Sillery Gaon, a quaint little hamlet near Pedong in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal, perched at 6,000 feet. From here, feast your eyes on magnificent views of Mt. Khangchendzonga and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Trek up to Tinchuley View Point for a spectacular 360-degree vista of the Eastern Himalayas, including glimpses of Nathula and Jelep La Pass. Adventure seekers can hike to the ruins of Damsang Fort, a haven for bird watchers during spring and summer. A visit to Ramitey View Point offers a jaw-dropping view of the 14 bends of the Teesta River and its confluence with the Reshi River.

Next, the journey takes you into the heart of East Sikkim, to the hidden gem of Aritar, a peaceful town nestled at the edge of the Himalayas. Here, explore serene spots like Aritar Lake (Lampokhari Lake) and Aritar Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in the region. This is where the real Old Silk Route Tour Plan kicks off, offering a scenic and spiritual trail into the Eastern Himalayas.

Climbing higher into the mountains, you’ll reach Zuluk, an emerging offbeat destination in Sikkim situated at an altitude of 10,000 feet. Surrounded by the Lesser Himalayas, Zuluk is famous for its iconic 32 hairpin bends, known as the zigzag roads of the Sikkim Silk Route, which provide some of the most stunning panoramic views of the mountain ranges.

As your Silk Route Sikkim adventure continues from Zuluk towards Gangtok, you will pass through a series of spellbinding locations: Thambi View Point (ideal for sunrise over snow peaks), Lungthung, the mystical Kalipokhri Lake, the revered Old Baba Mandir, the tranquil Nathang Valley, and pristine glacial lakes such as Menmecho Lake and Elephant Lake (Hati Lake). The route also includes the scenic mountain pass Jelep-la and the vibrant army settlement of Kupup, giving you a peek into the strategic and historic significance of this route.

No Silk Route tour is complete without visiting the stunning Changu Lake (Tsomgo Lake). Located about 40 km from Gangtok, this high-altitude glacial lake sits at 3,753 meters and remains frozen for most of the year. Enjoy a traditional Yak ride, visit the sacred Shiva Temple, or experience the thrill of a cable car ride that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

A highlight of the Old Silk Route tour package is the spiritually revered Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, dedicated to a martyred Indian soldier. Legends say that his spirit still protects Indian troops stationed near Nathula and warns them of danger. The temple is visited by hundreds seeking blessings and fulfillment of wishes.

This North Sikkim tour along the Old Silk Route offers an unforgettable experience filled with ancient stories, spiritual landmarks, thrilling hairpin bends, untouched natural beauty, and Himalayan hospitality. Ideal for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers alike, this journey through the Old Silk Route is more than just a holiday – it’s a step back into time along the lap of the Himalayas.