The Old Silk Route or Silk Road which passes through East Sikkim is a part of the ancient
network of trade routes which connected China to India. This route passed through Lhasa and Nathu La and Jelep La Passes, Kalimpong, and finally reached the port of Tamralipta (present Tamluk in West Bengal) from where it took to the sea and reached the wrest of the world. This Ancient Silk Route is said to have been discovered by traders as early as First Century AD.
In the modern age, trade linkages between British India and Tibet through this route was revived in the late 18th Century. The adventurous British army mission led by Younghusband was launched from Sikkim during 1903-04 accomplished it’s task in reaching Lhasa through the famous Old Silk Route thereby leading to 1904 convention that firmed up Anglo-Tibet trade. This ancient Silk Route was in use even a few decades ago, till the Sino-Indian War in 1962.
In the travel circuit this territory has been opened to the tourists very recently. Even now most of the route is restricted area due to its international boundary with Tibet (China) and the route is controlled by the Indian Army named as “ Cloud Warriors”.
Jelep La
Jelep La is a high altitude mountain pass at 13,999 feet linking Lhasa to India. It nestles between India and Tibet in the eastern part of the Sikkim in India. The word Jelep La is of Tibetan origin and it means “the lovely level pass”. It is truly the most level among all the passes between Sikkim and Tibet.
The beautiful Memencho Lake flows below the Jelep La Pass. One can savor the awesome sight
of the pass, while coming from New Baba Mandir to Kupup Lake, just after crossing the Memencho Lake on the GN Road. There are some small military settlements at the Jelep La Pass. The complete trail from Jelep La Pass to the Kupup Lake is visible.
At the Indian side, Jelep La features two routes. One runs through Kalimpong and the other through Gangtok. The Kalimpong route is the older one and it passes across the pristine towns of Pedong in Northern part of West Bengal, Rhenok and Kupup. The Kalimpong route has played a pivotal role in the upliftment of local economic condition, as it was used for trading furs and wool, till early last century. However, the route has been closed down after the Sino-Indian War in 1962.
Zuluk
Zuluk is an abode of peace. Located at a height of around 10,100 feet and perched on the rugged terrain of the lower Himalayas in East Sikkim, Zuluk or Juluk is a hamlet close to Indo-China border. It was once a transit point and overnight base to the historic Silk Route from Tibet to India. It is a relatively new and emerging offbeat destination in East Sikkim. This small village accommodates a population of around 700 people. There is also an Indian Army base at Zuluk, which has been used as a transit camp for the army movement to the Chinese border, a few kilometres away. It is the very first village within this whole Silk Route circuit to offer home-stay facilities for tourists. Zuluk itself does not offer views of the snow peaks but only 14 kms away the Thambi View Point offers a panoramic view of the entire Mt. Kanchenjungha range.
Winter is severe in Zuluk with heavy to very heavy snowfall and freezing temperature while summer is wet and foggy. During the summer, Zuluk and its surrounding hills are covered with thousands of blooming rhododendron. Zuluk, during these months, is a riot of colors due to the variety of rhododendron that can be seen here.
In Zuluk, there is no conventional Hotel or Resort. Some home-stays are there which run by local people with attached bath and basic necessities. But those home stay cottages are clean and hygienic. Room Heater or fire Places which are called “ Bukhari” in local language arrange by home-stay owners to make bedroom warm and comfortable.
What to see in Zuluk:
Surrounded by virgin wild forests, Zuluk is full of nature’s boon. Zuluk has large diversity of the Himalayan flora and fauna. It’s quite common to get a view of variety of birds such as Monal Peasant, Blood Peasant, Snow Peasant, Khaleez Peasant and others. You may also catch a glimpse of Himalayan Weasel or a Yellow Martin. Sighting of Red Panda, wild dog and deer in the high hills have also been recorded. While staying at Zuluk you can cover Padamchen, Lungthung, Nathang, Kupup Lake, Tukla Valley and all other spots in the Silk Route circuit in day trips.
Thambi View Point
Immediately after crossing Zuluk, your vehicle will start climbing steep mountains. The famous Zig Zag road, takes couple of dozen turns and twists to cover the 14 kms distance to Thambi view point. Located at a height of 11200 ft above the sea level, this view point offers a very clear view of three-level Zig-Zag Road on one side and a panaromic view of Kanchendzonga on the other side. The geometry of curves of the three level Zig Zag Raod is clearly visible on a clear day and is unique and unparalleled. The entire eastern Himalaya can be viewed from this spot including the Kanchenjunga massif. In front of you is the dense virgin forest parts of which have never been reached by human. Look out for large colourful birds such as Satyr Tragopan or the Himalayan Monal. You can also walk around and try to locate the original silk route. The stone paved road is still intact at many places.
In winters till april, both sides of the road are coverd with snow, while in Monsoons i.e May to July, the entire range is filled with Rhodedondrons on both the sides of the road.
Lungthung
Little ahead (about 4 kms) is Lungthung at an altitude of 13,000 ft. Your steep uphill journey ends here as you will start following the mountain ridges now. The village of Lunghthung-Dhupidara located at almost 11,500 feet is perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjungha on one side and the winding roads of Zuluk on the other. The panoramic views from nearby Laxmi Chowk of the hill towns like Kalimpong, Pedong, Lava, Algarah and the sub Himalayan ranges of Sikkim and West Bengal can also be seen from here. A couple of small tea stalls can refresh you before you continue your journey further. Much of the population of Lungthung as well as other villages in the area constitutes of Tibetan migrants who had to flee their country at the time of Chinese invasion.
Tukla
About 4 kms ahead of Lungthung is Tukla, known for the battle of Tukla. A contingent of British army led by Lt. Col Francis Younghusband invaded Tibet through this route in 1903. They faced fierce resistance from the Tibetan fighters and the battle of Tukla ensued. The Tibetan soldiers suffered heavy loss in the face of British firearms. It is said that close to 2000 Tibetan soldiers lost their life in this battle. There is a memorial here remembering the British soldiers who fought and fell here.
Nathang Valley
If you do not like Nathang Valley, you would not like paradise. Located at an altitude of
13,500 feet, this lush valley was the home to traditional yak herders who came from Tibet. Few streams crisscross the valley, and prayer flags flutter on the mountain edges on this vast plain of nothingness. Nathang Valley appears in different colours in different times of the year. In autumn it looks golden when the grass dries up, in rainy season it’s
covered in flowers and in winter it is buried in 5 feet of snow. Nathang Valley is also visited by migratory birds just before the onset of winter. There’s a monastery, a temple and a small bridge over a small stream in the distance dotting the valley.
Nathang falls in the middle of the Silk Route circuit and is the most scenic place to stay. There are some nice newly-built, well equipped modern homestays at Nathang Valley, which offer basic but comfortable accommodation with the very essentials like hot meals, hot water, comfy beds, room heaters, attached western bathrooms, 24-hr electricity and endless supplies of blankets. However accommodation options are more limited than in Zuluk. Also as the place is situated at a high altitude, sudden night stay without acclimatisation may lead to altitude sickness. It is also nearest (just 20 mins) to the best sunrise view points like Lungthung and Eagle’s Nest Bunker. There are numerous trek routes from Nathang too. Nathang valley is an ideal place for winter sports. This is the only place in Sikkim where you can try skiing or snow boarding.
Old Baba Mandir
Your next stop should be the Old Baba Mandir, which you may also visit on your way back. The Old Baba Mandir is less touristic and more authentic. The original Bunker of Baba Harbhajan Singh, dresses, bed, even the writing desk is preserved here. There is a temple in the neighbourhood in the name of Baba Harbhajan Singh.
Kupup
Kupup is 16 km away from Tukla Valley and one of the most important places on Old-Silk-
Route. If you are hungry, you may grab a few bites in the small eateries here. This place is famous due to several reasons. From Kupup Jelep-la and China border can be seen. The Yak Golf course of Indian Army here is said to be the highest in the world (13025 feet, 3970 meter). However do not expect the usual greenery of a golf course at this altitude. Kupup also has an ice hockey field. The Kupup lake locally known as Hatisure, is shaped like Hati or the elephant. Traces of Younghusbands’s Track, who led the historical mission to Lhasa through Jelepla in 1903-04 are visible here. This route starts near the Golf course. However the Younghusbands track is out of bound for tourists.
Kupup is the highest village in this region and was well known transit point during the Silk trade between India and Tibet. Lhasa is only 520 km from Kupup. An environmental park is being developed here. Nice handicrafts and pottery is still available in Kupup. Besides the natural beauty of Kupup, it’s market is also an attraction for the tourists.
Memenchu Lake
About a kilometre before you reach Baba Mandir on your left you can see the Memenchu Lake. The road to Memenchu originates from Baba Mandir but requires special permission to reach. There is a cottage next to the lake where you may also spend a night with special arrangements.
The road further ahead connects with the famous Tsongo lake near Gangtok. From here start
your return journey back to Zuluk.
Permit:
You need to pre arrange special permit for visiting this restricted area that is issued from a place called Rangli. The permits are also issued from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. At the time of writing this article, Sikkim government has not come out with a clear policy on tourism in the area. Hence the permit related issues keep changing and please consult our travel experts for the latest update on Zuluk permit. As an absolute nessecity, you need two copies passport photograph, voter i-card or passport and their photocopy.
Where to stay:
Hotels & resorts are available at Reshi Khola and Aritar. Alternative places of stay are various homestays where it is possible to have a taste of the lifestyle of the indigenous people. Homestays are available at Zuluk, Lungthung and Nathang valley. For booking, please contact us at GreenChannel.treks@gmail.com or phone us at +91-8145863495
Package tours:
Package tours are very popular in this region. We conduct all inclusive regular and customized package tours for all budgets at fares starting from Rs. (INR) 6000/- per head. For booking, please contact us at GreenChannel.treks@gmail.com or phone us at +91-8145863495
network of trade routes which connected China to India. This route passed through Lhasa and Nathu La and Jelep La Passes, Kalimpong, and finally reached the port of Tamralipta (present Tamluk in West Bengal) from where it took to the sea and reached the wrest of the world. This Ancient Silk Route is said to have been discovered by traders as early as First Century AD.
 |
| Thambi View Point: winter view |
In the travel circuit this territory has been opened to the tourists very recently. Even now most of the route is restricted area due to its international boundary with Tibet (China) and the route is controlled by the Indian Army named as “ Cloud Warriors”.
Jelep La
Jelep La is a high altitude mountain pass at 13,999 feet linking Lhasa to India. It nestles between India and Tibet in the eastern part of the Sikkim in India. The word Jelep La is of Tibetan origin and it means “the lovely level pass”. It is truly the most level among all the passes between Sikkim and Tibet.
The beautiful Memencho Lake flows below the Jelep La Pass. One can savor the awesome sight
of the pass, while coming from New Baba Mandir to Kupup Lake, just after crossing the Memencho Lake on the GN Road. There are some small military settlements at the Jelep La Pass. The complete trail from Jelep La Pass to the Kupup Lake is visible.
At the Indian side, Jelep La features two routes. One runs through Kalimpong and the other through Gangtok. The Kalimpong route is the older one and it passes across the pristine towns of Pedong in Northern part of West Bengal, Rhenok and Kupup. The Kalimpong route has played a pivotal role in the upliftment of local economic condition, as it was used for trading furs and wool, till early last century. However, the route has been closed down after the Sino-Indian War in 1962.
Zuluk
Zuluk is an abode of peace. Located at a height of around 10,100 feet and perched on the rugged terrain of the lower Himalayas in East Sikkim, Zuluk or Juluk is a hamlet close to Indo-China border. It was once a transit point and overnight base to the historic Silk Route from Tibet to India. It is a relatively new and emerging offbeat destination in East Sikkim. This small village accommodates a population of around 700 people. There is also an Indian Army base at Zuluk, which has been used as a transit camp for the army movement to the Chinese border, a few kilometres away. It is the very first village within this whole Silk Route circuit to offer home-stay facilities for tourists. Zuluk itself does not offer views of the snow peaks but only 14 kms away the Thambi View Point offers a panoramic view of the entire Mt. Kanchenjungha range.
Winter is severe in Zuluk with heavy to very heavy snowfall and freezing temperature while summer is wet and foggy. During the summer, Zuluk and its surrounding hills are covered with thousands of blooming rhododendron. Zuluk, during these months, is a riot of colors due to the variety of rhododendron that can be seen here.
 |
| Homestay at Zuluk |
What to see in Zuluk:
Surrounded by virgin wild forests, Zuluk is full of nature’s boon. Zuluk has large diversity of the Himalayan flora and fauna. It’s quite common to get a view of variety of birds such as Monal Peasant, Blood Peasant, Snow Peasant, Khaleez Peasant and others. You may also catch a glimpse of Himalayan Weasel or a Yellow Martin. Sighting of Red Panda, wild dog and deer in the high hills have also been recorded. While staying at Zuluk you can cover Padamchen, Lungthung, Nathang, Kupup Lake, Tukla Valley and all other spots in the Silk Route circuit in day trips.
Thambi View Point
Immediately after crossing Zuluk, your vehicle will start climbing steep mountains. The famous Zig Zag road, takes couple of dozen turns and twists to cover the 14 kms distance to Thambi view point. Located at a height of 11200 ft above the sea level, this view point offers a very clear view of three-level Zig-Zag Road on one side and a panaromic view of Kanchendzonga on the other side. The geometry of curves of the three level Zig Zag Raod is clearly visible on a clear day and is unique and unparalleled. The entire eastern Himalaya can be viewed from this spot including the Kanchenjunga massif. In front of you is the dense virgin forest parts of which have never been reached by human. Look out for large colourful birds such as Satyr Tragopan or the Himalayan Monal. You can also walk around and try to locate the original silk route. The stone paved road is still intact at many places.
 |
| Thambi View Point: Summer view |
Lungthung
Little ahead (about 4 kms) is Lungthung at an altitude of 13,000 ft. Your steep uphill journey ends here as you will start following the mountain ridges now. The village of Lunghthung-Dhupidara located at almost 11,500 feet is perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjungha on one side and the winding roads of Zuluk on the other. The panoramic views from nearby Laxmi Chowk of the hill towns like Kalimpong, Pedong, Lava, Algarah and the sub Himalayan ranges of Sikkim and West Bengal can also be seen from here. A couple of small tea stalls can refresh you before you continue your journey further. Much of the population of Lungthung as well as other villages in the area constitutes of Tibetan migrants who had to flee their country at the time of Chinese invasion.
Tukla
About 4 kms ahead of Lungthung is Tukla, known for the battle of Tukla. A contingent of British army led by Lt. Col Francis Younghusband invaded Tibet through this route in 1903. They faced fierce resistance from the Tibetan fighters and the battle of Tukla ensued. The Tibetan soldiers suffered heavy loss in the face of British firearms. It is said that close to 2000 Tibetan soldiers lost their life in this battle. There is a memorial here remembering the British soldiers who fought and fell here.
 |
| Way to Nathang Valley |
If you do not like Nathang Valley, you would not like paradise. Located at an altitude of
13,500 feet, this lush valley was the home to traditional yak herders who came from Tibet. Few streams crisscross the valley, and prayer flags flutter on the mountain edges on this vast plain of nothingness. Nathang Valley appears in different colours in different times of the year. In autumn it looks golden when the grass dries up, in rainy season it’s
covered in flowers and in winter it is buried in 5 feet of snow. Nathang Valley is also visited by migratory birds just before the onset of winter. There’s a monastery, a temple and a small bridge over a small stream in the distance dotting the valley.
Nathang falls in the middle of the Silk Route circuit and is the most scenic place to stay. There are some nice newly-built, well equipped modern homestays at Nathang Valley, which offer basic but comfortable accommodation with the very essentials like hot meals, hot water, comfy beds, room heaters, attached western bathrooms, 24-hr electricity and endless supplies of blankets. However accommodation options are more limited than in Zuluk. Also as the place is situated at a high altitude, sudden night stay without acclimatisation may lead to altitude sickness. It is also nearest (just 20 mins) to the best sunrise view points like Lungthung and Eagle’s Nest Bunker. There are numerous trek routes from Nathang too. Nathang valley is an ideal place for winter sports. This is the only place in Sikkim where you can try skiing or snow boarding.
 |
| Old Baba Mandir |
Your next stop should be the Old Baba Mandir, which you may also visit on your way back. The Old Baba Mandir is less touristic and more authentic. The original Bunker of Baba Harbhajan Singh, dresses, bed, even the writing desk is preserved here. There is a temple in the neighbourhood in the name of Baba Harbhajan Singh.
Kupup
Kupup is 16 km away from Tukla Valley and one of the most important places on Old-Silk-
Route. If you are hungry, you may grab a few bites in the small eateries here. This place is famous due to several reasons. From Kupup Jelep-la and China border can be seen. The Yak Golf course of Indian Army here is said to be the highest in the world (13025 feet, 3970 meter). However do not expect the usual greenery of a golf course at this altitude. Kupup also has an ice hockey field. The Kupup lake locally known as Hatisure, is shaped like Hati or the elephant. Traces of Younghusbands’s Track, who led the historical mission to Lhasa through Jelepla in 1903-04 are visible here. This route starts near the Golf course. However the Younghusbands track is out of bound for tourists.
Kupup is the highest village in this region and was well known transit point during the Silk trade between India and Tibet. Lhasa is only 520 km from Kupup. An environmental park is being developed here. Nice handicrafts and pottery is still available in Kupup. Besides the natural beauty of Kupup, it’s market is also an attraction for the tourists.
Memenchu Lake
About a kilometre before you reach Baba Mandir on your left you can see the Memenchu Lake. The road to Memenchu originates from Baba Mandir but requires special permission to reach. There is a cottage next to the lake where you may also spend a night with special arrangements.
The road further ahead connects with the famous Tsongo lake near Gangtok. From here start
your return journey back to Zuluk.
Permit:
You need to pre arrange special permit for visiting this restricted area that is issued from a place called Rangli. The permits are also issued from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. At the time of writing this article, Sikkim government has not come out with a clear policy on tourism in the area. Hence the permit related issues keep changing and please consult our travel experts for the latest update on Zuluk permit. As an absolute nessecity, you need two copies passport photograph, voter i-card or passport and their photocopy.
Where to stay:
Hotels & resorts are available at Reshi Khola and Aritar. Alternative places of stay are various homestays where it is possible to have a taste of the lifestyle of the indigenous people. Homestays are available at Zuluk, Lungthung and Nathang valley. For booking, please contact us at GreenChannel.treks@gmail.com or phone us at +91-8145863495
Package tours:
Package tours are very popular in this region. We conduct all inclusive regular and customized package tours for all budgets at fares starting from Rs. (INR) 6000/- per head. For booking, please contact us at GreenChannel.treks@gmail.com or phone us at +91-8145863495
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