Silk Route Private Trip: Aritar, Zuluk, Gnathang valley, Gangtok (6D/5N)

Duration: 6 Days, 5 Nights
Minimum Group Size: 2
Best for group of Friends, Family & Couples
Starting/End Location : Bagdogra/NJP

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Overview

Hello travelers!

The Silk Route in East Sikkim is one of the most breathtaking high-altitude circuits in India.

Also called the Old Silk Route, it is a legendary corridor of history, once serving as a vital trade link between India and Tibet. Starting from the plains near Bagdogra, the journey ascends through the emerald landscapes of Aritar, where the serene, boot-shaped Lampokhari Lake rests amidst lush pine forests. As the altitude climbs, the terrain shifts into the dramatic, gravity-defying hairpins of Zuluk. This remote mountain village serves as the gateway to the famous 32-turn Zig-Zag road, offering a dizzying yet breathtaking perspective of the Eastern Himalayas and the majestic Kanchenjunga range, marking the transition from the humid foothills to the stark, rugged beauty of the high-altitude frontier.

Beyond the zig-zags lies the ethereal Gnathang Valley, a high-altitude plateau often called the “Ladakh of East Sikkim” for its vast, snow-swept vistas and nomadic charm. The route continues through the frozen wonders of Kupup—home to the world’s highest golf course and the shimmering Elephant Lake—toward the fortified Indo-China border at Nathula Pass. This high-security zone is steeped in both spiritual reverence at the Baba Mandir shrine and natural splendor at the glacial Changu (Tsomgo) Lake. The circuit eventually winds down to Gangtok, the vibrant Sikkimese capital, where modern cafes and ancient monasteries provide a soulful conclusion to a journey through one of the most restricted and pristine landscapes in the world.

Why wait!

Highlights of the trip:

Lampokhari Lake of Aritar
Zuluk – The remote mountain village
Thambi Viewpoint
32-Turn Zig-Zag Road
Gnathang Valley (Ladakh of East Sikkim)
Kupup Elephant Lake
World’s Highest Golf Course
Nathula Pass – Indo China Border Post
Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir
Tsomgo (Changu) Glacial Lake
Chogyal Palace (Monastery)
Namgyal Institute ot Tibetology
Ganesh Tok or Hanuman Tok
Gangtok MG Marg stroll

Why choose Muddie Trails? 😃

👉 Trusted by 50,000+ travellers over past 10 years, the number keeps growing day by day with numerous new travellers joining our family 🤗
👉 We focus on quality over quantity. We simply cannot compromise on quality of the travel experience. Our itineraries are also considered ‘value for money’ by our guests. The phrase ‘Paisa Vasool’ is a common word we hear on our customer feedbacks ✅
👉 Whether it is South, North or North-East, our team is well equipped with in-depth knowledge on local destinations that enables us in providing a more authentic experience. It’s not just about ticking bucket list of places with Muddie Trails, but also about making memories that will last forever ❤️

Inclusions

Travel (Ex. Bagdogra/NJP)
Stay for 5 nights (2 or 3 sharing basis)
5 Breakfasts
4 Dinners (Veg)
Inner Line Permits (ILP) for East Sikkim
Nathu La Special Permit (5500 INR)
Expert Driver, Operations Manager support 24x7
Once in a lifetime experience visiting all places mentioned in Highlights section

Exclusions

Other meals
Any kind of activities, rides, entry tickets, shopping or misc. expenses other than mentioned in Inclusions
Any extra cost arising due to any change in the itinerary/stay/route on account of bad weather, traffic-congestion, landslides/roadblocks, natural calamities, political disturbances and/or any other factors beyond our control.

Price Chart:

Guests	Vehicle	Package Cost (Per Person)
2	SUV	₹32450
3	SUV	₹27450
4	SUV	₹24450
5	SUV	₹22450
6	SUV	₹20450
7 or more	2 SUVs	Contact for quotation

*Important Notes:

A 5% GST is applicable for all the costing given above.
(Optional) If you want to hire a local Tour Guide, it will cost ₹2000 extra per day. However, it’s not mandatory to have a Tour Guide for Private tours.
The above Price Chart is not applicable for peak/holiday season (like end year, summer holidays, festival holidays). The cost may increase by 1000 to 2000 per person based on the season.
Contact Bookings Team on 9827117555 for more details on all the above points.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival at Bagdogra, Journey to Aritar

Pick up at Bagdogra Airport or NJP Raiway Station as per your choice.
We will start our journey towards the gateway of East Sikkim – Aritar, along the curvy road that runs parallel to the free flowing Teesta river originating from the glaciers of Sikkim.
It’s a drive of 120 Km that usually takes 4 to 5 hours along with a Lunch stop.
Check into Aritat stay by late evening and take a stroll in the local market.
Finish Dinner and take rest.

Day 2 - Aritar to Zuluk via Kuekhola Falls & Padamchen

Start the day with Breakfast.
Go on a picturesque ride towards Zuluk. Our vehicle will stop at the Rongli Checkpost to process permits.
Ebroute, we can take pit stops at Kuekhola Falls and Padamchen.
One can feel the air getting thinner and the views geting wider as we move forward.
Zuluk is a small village once used as a transit point for traders traveling to Tibet.
Reach Zuluk stay by late evening, Dinner & rest.

Day 3 - Zuluk to Gnathang Valley (The Zig-Zags)

Check out of the stay after a heavy Breakfast.
Today we will start our journey towards high altitude Gnathang Valley famous for snow capped mountains, pristine lakes, gushing water falls.
First stop of the day is magnificent Thambi viewpoint.
We’ll then witness the famous 32-turn Zig-Zag road and, if the sky is clear, a panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Note that Gnathang valley is high altitude place, extremely cold, remote and beautiful. The facilities are basic here.
Have a hot Dinner and rest at Gnathang homestay.

Day 4 - Gnathang to Gangtok (The High Points)

Start the day early after Breakfast, check out of the Gnathang stay.
Start the most happening day of the East Sikkim trip with a beautiful journey towards Kupup, where one can see the Elephant Lake and the World’s highest golf course!
Baba Mandir: Visit both the Old and New Baba Mandir (dedicated to Sepoy Harbhajan Singh).
Next in line is the most famous Nathula Pass: The Indo-China border post. We will take special permit to go here.
The final stop of the day is Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, a stunning glacial lake. Interested tourists can take a Yak ride here.
We will then descend towards our final destination of the trip, the capital town Gangtok.
Finish Dinner & take good rest.

Day 5 - Gangtok Local- Ropeway, Chogyal Palace, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, MG Marg stroll

Have a leisurely Breakfast.
Visit beautiful Chogyal Palace (Monastery). It’s traditional architecture and peaceful ambiance represent a deep connection to Sikkimese culture and Buddhism.
Visit Gangtok Ropeway that offers speldid views of the city.
Explore very interesting Namgyal Institute ot Tibetology.
Finish the sightseeing with one of the 2 famous temples of Gangtok – Ganesh Tok or Hanuman Tok, as per your choice, that offer stunning sights of surrounding Himalayas.
Head back to Gangtok, take a stroll on the MG Marg.
Finish Dinner at MG Marg, walk back to the stay and take rest.

Day 6 - Gangtok to Bagdogra, Drop off!

Check out of Gangtok stay after Breakfast.
We will then bid adieu to the Himalayas and head back towards planes of West Bengal where we started our journey 6 days back. It’s a 4.5 to 5 hour journey approximately.
Our driver will drop you at Bagdogra Airport as per your flight timing.

What to Expect

Travel:

Trip starting/ending point: Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway station (one of them as per your choice).
Innova, Xylo or similar tourist vehicle, Non AC (6 days journey).
Start time: First day, 3 PM or earlier.
End time: Sixth day, 11.30 AM or later.
You can book flights to/from Bagdogra based on the above timings.
Note: Our Bookings Team can assist you in selecting your flights.

Stay:

Standard Package: Comfortable Homestays & Guest Houses.
2 or 3 sharing rooms.
Aritar: 1 Night.
Zuluk: 1 Night.
Gnathang Valley: 1 Night
Gangtok: 2 Nights.
Room heaters may be available at extra cost at some stays in winter season.
Contact Booking Team on 9880539183 if you wish to see stay pictures.

Food:

All 5 Breakfasts are included.
4 times Dinners are included – 1 night each at Aritar, Zuluk, Gnathang, Gangtok.
Remaining meals are self-sponsored.
How much you have to spend for good food?
200 – 250 per meal

Special Notes:

Expect seasonal variations in Sikkim depending on the month we are travelling
Travelers are expected to come with open heart by appreciating complexities of mother nature based on seasonal variations, monthly or even daily weather conditions.
There is no luxury involved in any part of this trip.

Seasonal Variations:

Mid Mar to June: Summers are pleasant in Sikkim which pull tourists in good numbers.
Jul to mid Sept (peak monsoons): The rains hit the eastern Himalayas starting from mid June. Journey would be tough during this time. We usually avoid traveling to Sikkim in rains.
Mid Sept to Jan (Post monsoon & winter): Another good season to travel before extreme winter sets in. One can expect high tourist footfall in these months.
Jan to mid Mar (peak winter): Temperatures will drop below 0 degrees towards the end of the year with the onset of snow fall covering the entire valley.

FAQ

Things to carry

Toiletries, moisturizer, light towel, lip balm, wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste etc.
A lightweight large Backpack for the entire trip (50-60 liters). Strictly no trolleys. Remember this is a Backpacking trip.
A small backpack for basic items (to carry valuables, water bottle, snacks, etc. for outdoor activities).
Photo identity proof with address (Aadhar/Passport/Voter ID).
2 Passport size color photographs (important for permit).
Thermal inners and warm clothes (cold climate).
A rainproof jacket with a hood (to protect from cold winds, sudden rain).
Thick socks, track pants, full sleeve t-shirts (to keep your body warm).
Cap/Hat/Sunglasses (to protect from harmful sun rays).
Sunscreen (SPF 50 or more).
Power bank, charger, camera, binoculars (if you wish to).
Hand sanitizer and liquid hand wash for outdoors.
Proper water bottle for your trip. You may fill at our stays.
Disposable garbage covers (to separate used/unused clothes).
Water-resistant good grip shoes for travel, extra slippers to use at stays.
Personal medications, any drugs that you may feel necessary (remember ghat roads, cold climate), basic first aid kit.
No need to carry snacks/chocolates. You may buy at local shops to support local people in Sikkim.

How to Book this trip?

50% amount has to be paid to confirm the trip.
Remaining 50% shall be paid at the beginning of the trip after boarding vehicle.
Payment mode will be shared by our Bookings Team.

What's next after booking your trip?

Operations Manager will get in touch with you close to the trip dates.
A Whatsapp group will be created few days before to coordinate everything.
Instructions about itinerary, places, stays, timings, any special scenarios etc., will be given in the same group during the trip.

Terms & Conditions

The itinerary of the event is fixed. No special requests to change itinerary/schedule shall be entertained.
Guests are expected to respect and follow the instructions of both the Driver and the Operations Manager to ensure a safe, timely, and smooth execution of the planned itinerary.
Each guest is responsible for their own safety and well-being throughout the trip. We strongly advise against engaging in any illegal, irresponsible, or careless behavior that could potentially cause harm to themselves, fellow travelers, or local communities.
Consumption of alcohol and smoking is strictly prohibited during the journey and all outdoor activities. Guests may indulge in alcohol/smoking moderately and responsibly at the stay during night hours, ensuring it does not disturb others or affect the trip experience.
The use of foul or abusive language, issuing threats, or engaging in any form of physical assault is strictly prohibited. Such behavior may lead to immediate action, including the possibility of filing a formal complaint with local Police Station.
Unexpected situations like bad weather, landslides, wildlife activity, traffic delays, or sudden site closures by authorities may impact the planned itinerary. In most cases, if time permits, our Operations Manager will suggest alternate options. However, in some cases, no alternatives may be available. No refunds will be provided in such scenarios, as these are beyond our control.
All travel and accommodation arrangements are non-AC by default across our Private trips. The specific differences between Standard and Deluxe packages are clearly outlined in the Stay section of each event.
All guests are required to digitally sign a liability waiver provided by the Operations Manager prior to the trip, along with uploading any necessary ID proofs required for permits. This waiver releases Muddie Trails from any legal responsibility in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as injury, loss, theft, or death during the course of the trip.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation by Guests

80% refund if a cancellation request is sent 30 days before the trip start date.
50% refund if a cancellation request is sent between 30 to 15 days before the trip start date.
An email has to be sent to muddietrails@gmail.com to raise a cancellation request.
No refund within 15 days of the event start time whatever is the reason (Health, COVID, Accident, Family crisis, Office issue, or anything else).
No refund during/after the event.
No refund on the partial payment (advance) done to block your seat for the trip.

Cancellation due to external factors

If the event has to be cancelled due to external factors that are beyond our control like – Natural Disasters, Extreme Weather Conditions, Red Alerts, Political Disturbances, War, Bandh/Curfews, Local Issues, Covid-19 or any other disease outbreaks etc..

In such scenarios:

No Refund is applicable.
100% trip amount can be used for future dates.