Silk Route Sikkim
ZULUK
The famous Silk Route that connected Lhasa (Tibet) to Kalimpong was in use even a few decades ago until the Chinese invasion in Tibet. Zuluk / Dzuluk, located in East Sikkim, used to be a small village on this Silk Route. Zuluk derives its tourism importance due to its excellent view of the eastern Himalayan mountain range including the Kanchenjunga. During the summer months, Zuluk and its surrounding hills are covered with thousands of blooming rhododendron. Zuluk offers breathtaking view of the sunrise. The snow clad tip of the Khangehenzonga with sun rays illuminating the peak in a spectacular view. One has to see it to believe it.
What to see:
A few kilometres’ drive from Zuluk would take the tourists through a winding road to the Thambi view point. The Thambi View Point at an altitude of 11,200 ft provides excellent sunrise view. The entire eastern Himalaya can be viewed from this spot.
Further ahead you will reach Lungtung at an altitude of 13,000 ft.. You may continue till you visit the Adi Baba Mandir and the Kalpokhri Lake. Further one may go up to Kupup and Memenchu Lake. Kupup is another army base and is known for the highest golf course in the world at an altitude of 13,500 ft. The Memenchu Lake is also known as the Hati Lake (Elephant lake) as the contours of the lake looks like an elephant from up the hills. The road further ahead connects with the famous Tsongo lake near Gangtok.
How to Reach:
NJP to Zuluk : 150 kms, 7-8 hours drive. Either one can reach Rangpo from NJP/Bagdogra and then proceed to Zuluk via Rongli or one can stay overnight at Aritar or Reshi khola or Sillery Gaon and proceed to Zuluk the next day. Same can be done during return journey or one can take the Nathula – Baba Mandir-Tssomgo Lake route and can stay at Gangtok. Permit : A trip to Zuluk requires special permits. The permits though would be arranged by us and as a guest you would only need to provide your id proof and 2 copies of passport size photograph.
NATHANG VALLEY
Gnathang Valley is a famous attraction in this SILK ROUTE. At 13500 ft above sea level. It is the Ladakh of the eastern part of India. Covered by snow during winters and temperatures can be below zero.It is a heavenly place on this part of this earth and words will fall short describing its untouched landscapes. The valley is surrounded by snow capped mountains from all sides with a small village of about 50 families and a Krishna Temple and a Monastry.
What to see :
Sunrise point ,Kup-Kup Lake or Hathi Pokhri,Memencho Lake,Kup-Kup market ,Old Baba Mandir,Tssomgo Lake.
How to reach:
It is difficult to reach Gathang from NJP in one day. The journey should be via Zuluk. One has to stay a day at Zuluk and then reach Gnathang on the next day. It is around 30 kms from Zuluk.
RESHI KHOLA
Reshi Khola, or more commonly called Rishi is situated in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas in North-East India. Reshi Khola, an emerging riverside tourist destination nestled in the Kalimpong sub division offers a soothing refuge from the frantic city life. Reshi is a new tourist spot just on the bank of river Reshi which meets Teesta at Rangeet, the gateway of Sikkim. Topographically, Reshi Khola marks the division between the states of West Bengal and Sikkim. This border village of east Sikkim, is surrounded with mountains and forest. Moreover it is also the perfect stopover for the tourists travelling to “The Silk Route†tour as Reshi is an ideal camping ground and picnic spot.
How to Reach:
Pedong to Reshi : 15km
Reshi Khola can be reached by road from NJP/Siliguri.There are no regular transport services to Rishi Khola. But one can break the journey at Kalimpong or Pedong and can hire a personal vehicle from there. Only big cars like Sumo or Max can reach the place. Or one can avail the 1 km lovely trek route through the jungle and river from the main road.
Where to stay:
The eco huts/Homestays are just on the bank of the river where you can listen to music of the water all the time. They offer delicious home cooked food which will enhance your hunger.
SILLERY GAON
“Sillery†is a cool mountain village nestled amongst Himalayan hills. It’s only a 6 KM. from Pedong which is on the ancient Silk route. Sillery Gaon, a pristine Himalayan village nestled at an altitude of 6000 ft. is an ideal romantic escape. With only 24 families residing in this small village.Sillery Gaon offers a spectacular view of Mt. Kanchenjungha . The entire ambiance of the place is shroud with tranquillity, only interrupted by the chirping of birds. The pine trees’ admiring this serene village is being lovingly called New Darjeeling nowadays. One can trek to Ramitey View point and enjoy the breathtaking view of Mt. Kanchenjungha and Sikkim hills.
How to reach:
NJP to Sillery Gaon : 96 km
Pedong/Algarah to Sillery gaon : 6km
One can reach Sillerygaon by directly hiring a vehicle from NJP or can break the journey at Kalimpong and Algarah and hire a personal vehicle from there. Or one can get down at the cobbled stone road on the Algarah to Pedong road and can trek 3 kms through the jungle.
Where to Stay:
There is no hotel at Sillery Gaon. The option is to stay in the home stays and feel as you are really the relatives of the family.The rooms come with basic necessities and furnishings, with clean surroundings and an attached bath and toilet. You will be served wholesome home cooked meals comprising of vegetarian to non vegetarian delicacies through the expert hands of your hostess. The food will be cooked entirely on firewood.
