Sikkim Silk Route Tour

Lampokhari Lake: Lampokhari Lake, also known as Aritar Lake, is a serene emerald beauty nestled amidst lush pine forests. Visitors can enjoy boating on the tranquil waters and stroll along the scenic pathway encircling the lake. The shrine dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava adds to the spiritual ambiance of this oldest lake in Sikkim.

Aritar Gumpa:

Aritar Gumpa, located en route to Mankhim, offers panoramic vistas of the Himalayas and Lampokhri Lake. This picturesque monastery is adorned with ancient relics, traditional paintings, and fine architecture, making it a must-visit in Aritar.

Aritar Dak Bungalow:

Aritar Dak Bungalow, a colonial heritage retreat, stands as a testament to British architecture in Sikkim. Originally built in 1896, it offers modern comforts amidst splendid views of mountains, forests, and valleys. 

Mankhim Temple:

Mankhim Temple, perched atop a hill near Hattipailay Village, provides stunning views of Lampokhari Lake and Mt. Kanchenjunga. Visitors can witness the vibrant Sakewa puja celebrated annually by the Rai community, adding cultural richness to this scenic sanctuary. 

Phushrey Lake:

Phushrey Lake, a serene destination near Aritar, offers solitude amidst nature’s tranquility. Adorned with diverse flora and occasional sightings of rare orchids and Red Pandas, it’s a paradise for nature lovers.

Kali Khola Falls:

Kali Khola Falls, situated on the Old Silk Route, mesmerizes travelers with its 100-meter spouting cascade. Tucked amidst lush green hills, the falls offer a refreshing retreat and a picturesque stop along the journey. 

Lungchok Valley:

Lungchok Valley, surrounded by majestic mountains, is a haven for trekkers seeking adventure and natural beauty.  Offering awe-inspiring views of Aritar Lake and the Kanchenjunga Peak, it promises unforgettable trekking experiences.

Evergreen Nursery and Ram Gauri Sangrahalaya:

Evergreen Nursery and Ram Gauri Sangrahalaya, established in 1970, showcases a diverse collection of driftwood, artistic stones, and rare documents. This cultural and botanical oasis attracts visitors with its unique exhibits and beautiful plant collections, making it a must-visit destination in Aritar.

Thambi View Point:

At 11,200 feet, Thambi View Point offers a stunning sunrise panorama of the Eastern Himalayas, including the majestic Kanchenjunga. Surrounded by pristine virgin forests, it’s an ideal spot for birdwatching, with sightings of Satyr Tragopan and Himalayan Monal. Visitors can explore remnants of the original Silk Route while listening to local folklore, including tales of the elusive Yeti.

Lungthung:

Located at 13,000 feet, Lungthung marks the end of a steep ascent and the beginning of a journey along mountain ridges. Visitors can encounter lush green tea estates and hear stories from Tibetan refugees who fled during the Chinese invasion. 

Tukla: Memorial of Valor:

Tukla, situated ahead of Lungthung, is renowned for the Battle of Tukla, where Tibetan warriors fiercely resisted a British invasion in 1903. A memorial stands in honor of the brave Tibetan warriors who fought and sacrificed their lives during the battle. 

Nathang Valley: Scenic Highland Haven:

Nathang Valley, accessible via a left turn from Tukla, has emerged as a popular tourist destination in Sikkim. Limited homestay options are available due to its high elevation, making acclimatization essential to avoid altitude sickness. 

Old Baba Mandir:

Old Baba Mandir, en route to Nathang Valley, offers a genuine experience with preserved relics of Baba Harbhajan Singh. The original bunker, belongings, and a temple dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh provide insights into the revered soldier’s life. 

Kupup:

Kupup, located 5 km from the intersection of roads to Baba Mandir and Nathang Valley, boasts the world’s highest Yak Golf course and the elephant-shaped Kupup Lake. The area is renowned for its scenic beauty and unique attractions, drawing visitors to its pristine landscapes. 

Memenchu Lake:

Memenchu Lake, nestled near Baba Mandir, offers a tranquil retreat with pristine waters and breathtaking views. Access requires a special permit, and accommodation is available in a nearby house for those seeking an overnight stay amidst nature.

Wildlife at Zuluk:

Zuluk’s wild forests are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, Himalayan bears, red pandas, and various bird species. Visitors can explore the area’s natural beauty while encountering a rich array of flora and fauna in their natural habitat.

Eagle’s Nest Bunker:

The renowned Eagle’s Nest Bunker offers a 360-degree view of Mt. Kanchenjungha, West Bhutan, Bengal plains, China, Tibet, and the majestic Brahmaputra River. Witnessing the sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjungha from this vantage point is an awe-inspiring experience beyond words. 

Zuluk Loop: Curves of Charm /Zigzag Road:

Zuluk is famous for its extraordinary loops, boasting approximately 30 hairpin bends in its zigzag path.

Ganek:

Ganek serves as the perfect spot to witness the dawn over Mt. Kanchenjungha. Visitors often begin their journey early in the morning to catch the breathtaking sunrise from this picturesque location.

Nag Temple:

The Nag Temple is one of the oldest temples dedicated to Nag Devata, the Snake God.

Kupup Valley:

Kupup, nestled in a small valley at an elevation of 13,900 feet, offers stunning views and serves as a gateway to Lhasa, Tibet. Visitors can even find billboards indicating the distance and direction to Lhasa from this serene valley.

Jelep La:

Meaning “lovely level pass” in Tibetan, Jelep La is a mountain pass situated at an elevation of 14,300 feet. Serving as a passage between India and China, this pass offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscapes. 

Tsomgo Lake:

Popularly known as Chhangu Lake, Tsomgo Lake boasts a length of 1km, a depth of 50 feet, and an oval shape. Formed by the melting glacier, this picturesque lake offers tranquil surroundings and stunning reflections. 

Nathula Pass:

Nathula Pass marks the border between India and China, open for Indian nationals only on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Visitors can experience the historical significance of this pass while enjoying panoramic views of the border region. Permit of Nathula is only available from Gangtok*.