Silk Route Travel Information
Climate & Geography
The Silk Route region features varied elevations, ranging from lush valleys to snow-covered passes like Zuluk and Nathang. Summers (April to June) are cool and clear, ideal for travel and trekking. Monsoons (July to September) bring heavy rainfall and landslides, making travel risky. Winters (November to February) are cold, often with snowfall in higher regions, transforming the landscape into a white wonderland. Autumn (October) offers crisp air and unmatched mountain visibility.
History & Culture
Once a vital part of the ancient trade route between India and China, the Silk Route in East Sikkim was used by traders ferrying silk, wool, and precious items. Today, it preserves the echoes of that legacy through its monasteries, relics, and culturally rich villages. The inhabitants are mainly Bhutias and Sherpas, living in harmony with nature and preserving age-old customs. Warm hospitality, traditional houses, and local cuisine add to the cultural richness.
Festivals
Though remote, the Silk Route region is spiritually vibrant and celebrates various Buddhist and local festivals with great devotion and simplicity:
- Losar – Tibetan New Year marked by prayers, dances, and traditional feasts in villages like Padamchen and Nathang.
- Saga Dawa – A sacred occasion commemorating Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death.
- Pang Lhabsol – Unique to Sikkim, this festival honors Mt. Kanchenjunga and the guardian deities, observed with masked dances and rituals.
- Bumchu – Celebrated at monasteries, it involves the opening of sacred water vessels to predict the fortunes of the year.
These festivals are observed by locals in serene monasteries scattered across the route, offering a glimpse into the peaceful spiritual life of the mountains.
Cuisine
Cuisine in the Silk Route region is simple, hearty, and reflective of the high-altitude lifestyle. Made with locally sourced and fermented ingredients, meals are warm and comforting:
- Momo – Steamed dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetables, served with spicy chutney.
- Thukpa – A rich noodle soup with vegetables and sometimes meat, perfect for the chilly weather.
- Phagshapa – A spicy pork preparation with dried chilies and radish.
- Kinema – Fermented soybeans cooked with spices, enjoyed with rice.
- Chhurpi Soup – A warm, cheesy soup made from traditional hardened yak cheese.
Meals are often served with butter tea or homemade local brews, especially during festive times.
Popular Places to Visit in the Silk Route
Zuluk
A small hamlet perched at 10,000 feet, Zuluk is famous for its winding loops of hairpin bends and sweeping views of the Eastern Himalayas. It was once a transit point on the old trade route. The panoramic sunrise view from Thambi View Point is breathtaking.
Nathang Valley
Often called “Ladakh of the East,” Nathang is a high-altitude plateau surrounded by golden meadows in summer and blanketed by snow in winter. It’s peaceful, remote, and dotted with a few homestays and monasteries.
Kupup Lake (Elephant Lake)
A high-altitude glacial lake shaped like an elephant, Kupup Lake is surreal and sacred. Its shimmering waters set against snow-covered peaks create a magical atmosphere. It’s also close to the historic Yak Golf Course and Baba Mandir.
Lungthung & Thambi View Point
Located above Zuluk, Lungthung offers one of the best views of the sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga. Thambi View Point is particularly famous for its bird’s-eye view of the iconic 32-hairpin bends and the majestic Himalayan range.
Tukla Valley
Rich in history, Tukla Valley houses a war memorial dedicated to British soldiers who fought in the Battle of Tukla. The valley is scenic with grazing yaks and windswept plains that feel like a Himalayan dream.
Padamchen
A lush forest village with blooming rhododendrons, Padamchen is a serene halt on the route. The village is known for its biodiversity and charming mountain homestays.
How to Reach Silk Route
- By Air: The nearest airport is Pakyong Airport (PYG), about 60 km from Rongli. Alternatively, Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in West Bengal (around 120 km from Rongli) offers better connectivity from major Indian cities.
- By Train: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest major railway station. From NJP, travelers can reach the Silk Route circuit via Rangpo, Rongli, or Aritar by shared cabs or private vehicles.
- By Road: The Silk Route starts from places like Sillery Gaon, Aritar, or Rongli. The roads are narrow but scenic, with stretches offering jaw-dropping views and a thrilling ride through nature and history.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March to May): Rhododendrons bloom across the hills and the weather remains pleasant.
- Autumn (October to mid-November): Clear skies and snow-touched peaks make this the best season for photography and mountain views.
- Winter (December to February): High-altitude villages like Zuluk and Nathang receive snowfall, making it a snowy paradise (subject to permits and road conditions).
- Avoid Monsoon (July to September): Heavy rains can cause landslides and block roads, making travel risky.