OLD SILK ROUTE SIKKIM
The Silk Route in Sikkim is an offshoot of an ancient trade route which came from Lhasa, crossing Chumbi Valley and passed through Nathula Pass and finally took the port of Tamralipta (present Tamluk in West Bengal). From Tamluk, this trade route took to the sea and reached Sri Lanka, Bali, Java and other parts of the Far East. We find the mention of Tamralipta as a busy sea-route on Bay of Bengal in Fa Hein’s accounts as early as 400 AD. This portion of the Old Silk route through Bhutan, East Sikkim and West Bengal was quite less travelled but is expected to have been discovered by traders as early as First Century AD. Most of the Mountain Passes in this region of the Eastern Himalayas are around 14,000 feet above sea-level and stays snow covered from November to April, which makes this route one of the most inhospitable regions on earth.
Best Time to Visit-
You can visit Silk Route in East Sikkim throughout the year, except very monsoon,from end of December to February end due to heavy snowfall some routes will remain close.
Silk Route Sightseeing
- Old & New Baba Mandir
- Changu Lake
- Eagle’s Nest Bunker
- Jelep La Pass
- Kupup Lake
- Thambi View Point
- Lampokhari/Aritar Lake
- Laxman Chowk
- Lingtam
- Menmecho Lake
- Nathula Pass
- Thambi View Point
- Tukla Valley
- Yak Golf Course
Dzuluk or Zuluk-
Zuluk, a small village in East Sikkim, part of Old Silk Route 10000 ft. above the sea level. Zuluk is most famous place to stay in Silk Route circuit. Zuluk is a small village with a large military settlement, given that the Indo-Tibet border is nearby. The village itself is an attractive tourist destination for visitors looking for a quiet sojourn. For most tourists, however, it is the base from which they explore the higher altitude tourist destinations of Nathang Valley, Kupup and Tsongmo lake.
Gnathang or Nathang-
Nathang Valley is located along the Old Silk Route in east Sikkim. Situated at an altitude of 13,500 feet above sea-level, the valley has also been referred to as “Ladakh of the East”.The valley changes its color according to seasons. It is dressed in golden in autumn due to the drying up of the grass. Snow clad in winter, it is strikingly white in color. Spring however, is the best time as a blanket of wild flowers covers the valley, dressing it up in vibrant hues of color. There is snowfall during winters. Nathang Valley has a host of beautiful lakes you can see. There is a small Buddhist Monastery which is a popular tourist attraction.
Lungthung & Dhupidara-
Lungthung Village is located at an altitude of 11,500 feet above sea-level. It is perched on a hilltop and offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan Ranges. One can also explore the famous Luxmi Chawk, which lies in the proximity of Lungthung. It is the dense forest of Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary that houses Mosses, Lichens, Rhododendrons and ferns.
Padamchen-
Padamchen is a small village perched on a hilltop, situated at an altitude of 8000 feet above sea-level. Dense forests and the eastern Himalayas form much of the landscape around the village. It lies on the Old Silk Route circuit.Padamchen is a popular tourist destination because of its pleasant weather conditions throughout the year. One can enjoy mesmerizing a sunrise and sunsets from the hilltop. It also offers a beautiful view of the valley below and the winding roads of the Silk Route. The forests of Padamchen are home to a variety of rare birds such as Laughing thrushes, Fulvettas, Honey Buzzards, Steppe Eagles, Babblers, Tits, Wrens and others. Bird watching is a popular tourist activity here. There is also a Heritage Forest rest house one can visit.Weather: Summer 10°C to 22°C Winter 4°C to 10°C
Lingtam-
Lingtam is the first village with a check post after Rongli on this route. It is a very peaceful small village with a sparkling weather guarded by a small river called Bakhuter Khola. Located at an altitude of around 5000 feet above sea level, Lingtam has two monasteries and is surrounded by hills on all sides.
Aritar Lake or Lampokhri
Lampokhari is the oldest freshwater lake in Sikkim at an elevation of 1400 m and is popularly known as the Aritar Lake amongst the natives. You can do boating here, Aritar Lake is surrounded by verdant green pine forests. A narrow jungle path connects the lake from the nearby mountain top called Mankhim. Although Mt. Kanchenjunga is not visible from Lampokhri.
Mankhim-
Towering over the village of Dalapchand is the scenically beautiful hilltop destination known as Mankhim. Located near to the popular tourist hot spot known as Aritar, Mankhim is the gateway to famous silk route, so anybody planning for Dzuluk or Gnathang valley can easily spend a night at Mankhim and proceed. Mankhim has 3-4 decent homestays with basic yet very satisfying accommodation facilities. Mankhim can be an option for travel buffs to find solace among busy monotonous life
Reshikhola-
Rishikhola is a small settlement located on the bordering area between of West Bengal and Sikkim. 37 km away from Kalimpong,Reshikhola is a riverside destination, at an altitude of 2,000ft in Kalimpong Dist. Rishikhola can an ideal gateway for the tourists those who love to be within the lap of nature in absolute peace and tranquility. An ideal place for bird watchers, as Rishikhola is home several Himalayan birds.
Do’s & Don’ts-
- Most important thing to keep in mind is that never expect luxury accommodation during travelling Silk Route Sikkim. You cannot expect luxury meals, facilities etc. there as it is remote destination and mountainous area.
- Carry good amount of woollen garments, sweaters, gloves and caps to protect you from the cold.
- Suggest not staying at high altitude area if you are travelling with children and elderly person as it will create headaches, dizziness and vomiting among the aged and children
- Carry transparent glasses, sun glasses, torch, power bank, gas lighter, small knives and necessary items with you. Also carry first aid box etc.
- Carry Original and Photocopy of Id Proof like Voter ID Cards including passport size photograph for Silk Route Permit. Need to carry Birth Certificate or ration card in mandatory for minor too.
