+91 82828 82288 Booking Time: 80:00 - 20:00 Hrs
booking@outlandertravels.com Help us improve!
Request a Quote
Menu

Overview

Retrace the footsteps of ancient traders along the legendary mountain trade corridor with Outlander’s 10-day Old Silk Route Tour. This high-altitude Himalayan odyssey begins from Bagdogra, taking you across the secluded, pine-clad villages of Sillery Gaon and the tranquil waters of Aritar Lake. Ascend into East Sikkim along the dramatic, 32-hairpin turns of the iconic Zuluk loop, witnessing breathtaking sunrises over Mount Kanchenjunga from Thambi View Point. Cross high-altitude passes through the windswept plains of Nathang Valley, marvel at the sacred high-altitude Kupup Lake (Elephant Lake), and pay homage at the historic Old Baba Mandir. The route descends into the vibrant capital of Sikkim, Gangtok, before concluding in the tranquil colonial charm of Kalimpong and Rishyap. Complete with premium mountain eco-resorts, cozy heritage homestays, private 4×4/SUV mountain vehicles, and all inner-line permits, this expedition is an unforgettable high-altitude adventure.

Inclusions

Itinerary

Description: This 10-day high-altitude journey traverses the historical Silk Route corridor that once connected Lhasa in Tibet to the plains of Bengal. Starting from Bagdogra, you wind your way up into the forested slopes of Sillery Gaon and Aritar in the lower hills. After acquiring inner-line permits in Rongli, you ascend into the rugged terrain of East Sikkim, navigating the legendary Zig-Zag road of Zuluk. Traverse high passes exceeding 13,500 feet across Nathang Valley and Kupup Lake before descending into Gangtok. Explore the cultural and monastic richness of Sikkim's capital before winding through the pine forests of Kalimpong and Rishyap, culminating in a scenic descent back to Bagdogra.

Ascend to the pine-scented Himalayan hamlet
Scenic Travel
Arrive at Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), where an Outlander representative warmly welcomes you. Embark on a scenic drive along the Teesta River, ascending through lush green hills into the quiet village of Sillery Gaon, fondly known as the "New Darjeeling." Check into your cozy eco-lodge. Spend the late afternoon taking a gentle hike to Ramitey View Point, which offers a stunning 180-degree panoramic view of Mount Kanchenjunga and the 14 bends of the Teesta River.
Emerald lakes and British-era heritage
Nature Heritage
Wake up to a serene mountain sunrise. After breakfast, drive towards Aritar in East Sikkim. Visit the emerald, boot-shaped Lampokhari Lake (Aritar Lake), one of the oldest natural freshwater lakes in Sikkim, surrounded by dense pine forests where you can enjoy paddle boating. Next, visit the historic British Dak Bungalow built in 1895 and hike up to Mankhim Top for sweeping views of the valley and the Kanchenjunga range before checking into your premium resort.
Crossing the Inner Line Permit gateway
Adventure Travel
Savor an early breakfast and drive towards Rongli to complete the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and military documentation required to access the restricted border circuit. Continue your winding mountain drive deeper into the Eastern Himalayas, making a refreshing stop at the roaring Kuekhola Waterfalls. Ascend past Padamchen into the mist-shrouded village of Zuluk, perched at 9,400 feet. Check into your cozy homestay and spend a relaxing evening by the traditional bukhari (fire stove).
Breathtaking panoramas from Thambi View Point
Scenic Nature
Wake up before dawn and drive up to Thambi View Point (11,200 ft) to witness an awe-inspiring sunrise setting the snow-capped Kanchenjunga massif ablaze with golden light. Marvel at the bird’s-eye perspective of the legendary 32-hairpin Zig-Zag Road carving through the rugged mountains below. Continue exploring the high-altitude ridge at Lungthung and enjoy the sweeping alpine meadows before returning to Zuluk for a relaxed afternoon exploring the village lifestyle.
Traverse the high-altitude Silk Route passes
High Altitude Adventure
After breakfast, embark on one of the most scenic high-altitude drives in the Himalayas. Traverse through the historic Tukla Valley and visit the revered Old Baba Mandir (13,100 ft), dedicated to the legendary soldier Baba Harbhajan Singh. Continue to the shimmering, high-altitude Kupup Lake, famously shaped like an elephant, and view the world's highest tactical golf course at 13,025 feet. Arrive in the windswept, Tibetan-style high plateau of Nathang Valley (13,500 ft) and check into your warm homestay.
From glacial heights to the capital of Sikkim
Scenic Travel
Enjoy a spectacular morning overlooking the frozen slopes of Nathang Valley. After a warm breakfast, begin your scenic descent towards Gangtok. En route, pass through the sacred, oval-shaped Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake), situated at 12,400 feet and fed by glacial waters. Arrive in Gangtok by the afternoon and check into your premium hotel. Spend your evening taking a leisurely stroll along the pedestrian-only, vibrant promenade of MG Marg.
Sacred monasteries and valley viewpoints
Cultural Heritage
Dedicate the day to exploring the spiritual and cultural highlights of Gangtok. After breakfast, visit the grand Rumtek Monastery, the seat of the Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism. Continue to the Do-Drul Chorten Stupa, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, and the lush landscaped gardens of Ban Jhakri Waterfalls. In the afternoon, enjoy an optional aerial ropeway ride offering bird's-eye views of Gangtok city framed by the surrounding Himalayan ranges.
Colonial hill stations and orchid nurseries
Heritage Leisure
Savor breakfast overlooking the valley before checking out and driving south along the Teesta River toward the quiet colonial hill town of Kalimpong in West Bengal. Arrive and check into your premium heritage hotel. In the afternoon, visit Delo Park, situated at the highest point of the town, followed by the Pine View Cactus Nursery (housing one of Asia's largest cactus collections) and the sacred Durpin Monastery, which commands panoramic views of the plains and river valleys.
Peaceful pine forests and Kanchenjunga sunsets
Nature Scenic
After breakfast, take a scenic drive through dense pine and rhododendron forests on the fringes of the Neora Valley National Park to the secluded hamlet of Rishyap. Check into your boutique mountain eco-resort. Spend the day unwinding in total tranquility away from all crowds. Take a peaceful nature walk to Tiffindara View Point to witness your final, unobstructed sunset over the mighty Eastern Himalayan snow peaks.
Bid farewell to the Himalayas
Transfer Travel
Enjoy a peaceful final breakfast surrounded by birdsong and crisp mountain air. Check out of your resort and embark on your scenic descent back down to the plains of North Bengal. Our driver will ensure a comfortable and timely transfer to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) for your onward journey, carrying a lifetime of unforgettable memories from the historic Old Silk Route.

Exclusions

Important Notes

Important Notes Description:

  • Original and valid government-issued photo ID (Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License; PAN cards are not accepted) along with 6 recent passport-sized photographs are mandatory for processing Silk Route Inner Line Permits at Rongli.
  • Due to Ministry of Home Affairs border security regulations, foreign passport holders (including OCI/PIO cardholders) are restricted from accessing certain sectors between Zuluk, Nathang Valley, and Kupup; an alternative Sikkim itinerary will be provided for international travelers.
  • Nathang Valley and Kupup are located at extreme elevations (above 13,000 feet); travelers with cardiopulmonary conditions should consult a physician prior to travel. Accommodations in Zuluk and Nathang are basic yet warm and authentic community-run homestays.
  • High-altitude mountain passes are prone to sudden weather shifts and heavy snowfall; routes may be rerouted by local authorities in the interest of traveler safety.

Essential trip

information!

Description:
Pack a comprehensive, multi-layered wardrobe designed for extreme alpine climate shifts: lightweight clothing for daytime in the lower foothills (Bagdogra, Kalimpong), and heavy thermal inners, fleece jackets, windproof outer shells, woolen caps, thermal socks, and insulated gloves for Zuluk, Nathang Valley, and Kupup, where temperatures regularly drop near or below freezing even during pre-winter months. Sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes with deep traction are essential for nature trails and rocky viewpoints. Bring high-SPF sunscreen, polarized UV sunglasses to protect against snow glare, personal medications (including prescribed Altitude Sickness tablets like Diamox), and a basic first-aid kit. The local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR); carrying ample cash is critical, as ATMs and digital payment networks are completely non-functional across the high-altitude Silk Route sector between Rongli and Gangtok.

Reviews

Be the first to write a review

Leave a Reply

You may also like