Silk Route - A Travel Destination That Takes You Back In Time

Zuluk is the name of the valley with a small hilly village and famous for the zig-zag roads which is a definitely an eye catching landscape. Zuluk offers excellent view of sunrise on Himalayas. There is a place called Ganek, which is situated at the height of 10600 ft which is famous for its exquisite view of sunrise at dawn.The rising of the sun is a phenomenon which is beyond description. During the sunset the ladscape view become more breathtaking. The snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas along with the guardian of the Sikkim, Mt. Kanchandzongha make an excellent showcase in the entire north.

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 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".

 

Locally called Bitan Cho, it is one of the most sacred lakes of Sikkim, with high mountains and valleys bordering it. Owing to its resemblance to elephant, Kupup Lake is also known as Elephant Lake. The lake nestles at an altitude of 13,066 feet, on the way to Jelepla Pass, bordering area with China and India. It is the second highest mountain in Bhutan.

Best time to visit - From January to Mid may, it is frozen. From October to December, it is covered in sheet ice. From April to July, lake experiences good weather.

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 colors 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. 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. Nathan falls in the middle of the Silk Route circuit and is the most scenic place to stay. 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.

Best time to visit - It looks beautiful in every season. From June to July, it is veiled with wild flowers. From September to January, the valley shines with sunshine once the snow washes away from grassland. From January to April, Valley remains under the snow.

The true beauty of the Tibetan Highlands can be experienced at Tukla Valley. Located at an altitude of around 12500 feet above sea level, Tukla Valley in Sikkim offers a majestic panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjungha and its allied peaks. This valley contains the famous war memorial, which was constructed to commemorate the death of British soldiers who died in the Battle of Tukla.