| Distance: 65 km | Drive Time: 4 to 5 hours (including permit check & en-route stops)

After breakfast, begin your uphill journey toward Zuluk, a remote military outpost and high-altitude village along the historic Silk Route. The drive passes through deep valleys, winding forest roads, and checkpoint towns that control access to the restricted area.

Your first stop is at Rongli, the official entry point to the Inner Line zone of East Sikkim. Here, your Protected Area Permit (PAP) will be verified. This process may take 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and queue.

Once cleared, continue upward into the remote belt of East Sikkim. Along the way, you will visit:

• Lingtam Monastery – A peaceful monastery nestled in a forested slope, known for its quiet prayer halls and offbeat charm.
• Padamchen Village – This tiny highland hamlet is a great tea break spot, surrounded by alpine forest and often wrapped in mist. It is also a key birdwatching zone in spring.

As you ascend past 2,500 meters, the forest thins out and the air becomes noticeably colder. The road curves dramatically, revealing open mountain views and small military encampments.

Arrive at Zuluk (2,900 m) by afternoon. This former transit point on the ancient trade route now houses a small civilian community alongside Indian army presence. The terrain is stark and windswept, offering surreal Himalayan views and a sense of high-altitude isolation.

Spend the evening adjusting to the altitude. Zuluk nights are cold and quiet — ideal for stargazing or simply listening to the wind across the hills.

Overnight stay in Zuluk (homestay)

Distance: 32 km | Drive Time: 4 to 5 hours with stops

Start early today — ideally before sunrise — for one of the most breathtaking drives in the Eastern Himalayas. The morning begins with a steep ascent from Zuluk toward Thambi View Point (3,650 m), named after a British engineer who helped build this section of the Silk Route.

From Thambi, if the skies are clear, you will witness a panoramic sunrise over the Kanchenjunga range, with layers of blue hills fading into golden light. The spot also offers a front-row view of the legendary Zig Zag Road — a set of 95 hairpin bends that twist across the slope like ribbons.

Continue your drive along this iconic stretch, passing:

• Lungthung View Point (3,800 m) – Known for its dramatic valley views and fluttering prayer flags, this area marks the start of alpine terrain.
• Old Baba Mandir – A quiet, lesser-visited version of the more crowded Baba Mandir near Tsomgo. It is dedicated to Harbhajan Singh, an Indian soldier who is revered as a guardian spirit in these mountains.

You may optionally detour toward Kupuk Village, a remote settlement sometimes referred to as the “Gnathang of the north,” though this depends on road conditions and weather.

By afternoon, arrive at Nathang Valley (4,100 m) — a vast alpine basin surrounded by treeless ridges and low-lying clouds. In spring, the meadows bloom with tiny wildflowers; in winter, this valley turns stark white under snow.

The stay here is basic, given the remote location. Electricity may be limited, and nights are cold even in summer. However, the experience of being in such an open, quiet, and weather-beaten place is unmatched.

Overnight stay in Nathang Valley (basic homestay)

Distance: 90 km | Drive Time: 6 to 7 hours

Today’s route takes you through one of the most dramatic transitions of the Silk Route — from the high, open plateaus of Nathang Valley down into the structured bustle of Gangtok, Sikkim’s capital city.

Start early to give yourself a weather window — fog, snowfall, or military convoy delays are common on this stretch.

The road initially climbs to Kupup, then snakes along narrow ridgelines toward Tsomgo Lake (3,753 m) — a sacred glacial lake fed by snowmelt, known for its shifting blue-green hue and spiritual significance. There are small tea stalls here, and if you are lucky, you may spot yaks resting near the lake’s edge.

Nearby, visit the Baba Harbhajan Mandir, a shrine dedicated to an Indian soldier said to protect the region in spirit. Maintained by the Indian Army, it remains one of the most visited high-altitude sites in East Sikkim.

Note: The popular Nathula Pass (4,310 m) lies nearby but requires advance permits, is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and is not always accessible due to weather. If you wish to include it, arrangements must be made at least a day before.

From here, the road gradually descends as the altitude drops. Trees reappear, the air becomes less dry, and traffic increases. You will reach Gangtok (1,650 m) by late afternoon or early evening.

After check-in, you can choose to rest or walk out for a relaxed evening stroll around MG Marg, the city’s central open-air promenade.

Overnight stay in Gangtok

Altitude: 1,650 m | Duration: Full Day

After breakfast, begin a full day of curated sightseeing in Gangtok, a city that blends monastic calm with modern culture. Today's tour is designed to be comfortable yet enriching — no rushed schedules, just meaningful stops spaced throughout the day.

Start your morning with a drive to the following scenic viewpoints and spiritual landmarks:

• Ganesh Tok (1,980 m) – A hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh, offering panoramic views of Gangtok town and, on clear days, distant Himalayan peaks.
• Hanuman Tok (2,100 m) – Maintained by the Indian Army, this peaceful temple is located further uphill and provides an elevated viewpoint with fewer crowds and deep spiritual atmosphere.

Continue to:

• Tashi View Point – A famous lookout that offers sunrise views of the Kanchenjunga range. If skies are clear, it is also a great photography spot during the day.

Next, head toward the cultural core of Gangtok:

• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology – An important center for Buddhist research and history. Inside, you will find rare thangkas, ancient manuscripts, and ritual artifacts.
• Flower Exhibition Centre – Located near Ridge Park, this small but well-maintained greenhouse displays seasonal Himalayan flowers, orchids, and decorative plants.

Optional Activity:
If you're up for it, try the Gangtok Ropeway — a short cable car ride offering aerial views of the town and the surrounding hills. Tickets can be purchased on the spot (subject to availability and weather).

Return to your hotel by late afternoon. You can spend your evening relaxing, shopping for handicrafts at MG Marg, or tasting local cuisine at a rooftop café.

Overnight stay in Gangtok

Distance: 120 km | Drive Time: 4.5 to 5.5 hours

After an early breakfast, check out from your hotel in Gangtok and begin your return journey to the plains. The downhill drive toward NJP (New Jalpaiguri Railway Station) or Bagdogra Airport follows the Teesta River valley, offering one final glance at Sikkim’s winding roads, hill farms, and subtropical forests.

Though the road is mostly downhill, travel time can change because it depends on weather and traffic conditions — especially around Rangpo and Sevoke. It is advisable to leave with buffer time if you have a fixed departure schedule.

You may stop for refreshments along the way at Teesta Bazaar or Melli Bridge before entering the warmer plains of Siliguri.

Arrival at NJP or Bagdogra marks the end of your Silk Route circuit — a journey through one of the last few untouched high-altitude corridors in the Eastern Himalayas.

Tour Ends – But the silence of Nathang and the bends of Zuluk stay with you.