Old Silk Route Sikkim: The Complete Guide for 2025 (Zuluk, Nathang, Permits)
12 min read
Updated 20 January 2025
What is the Old Silk Route?
The Old Silk Route (also called the Eastern Silk Route) is a historic trade corridor connecting Tibet to India through Sikkim's eastern hills. The Indian side runs from Rongli (in Sikkim) through Zuluk and over the Jelep La pass. Today it's a 2-lane mountain road that climbs from 1,200m to 4,200m, with the famous 32-hairpin zig-zag at Zuluk being the visual highlight.
Inner Line Permit (ILP) — Everything You Need to Know
You cannot enter the Silk Route without an ILP. Here's the exact process.
For Indian Nationals
Apply in person at the District Collector office, Gangtok. Counter open 10am–4pm Monday–Friday. Bring: Aadhaar/Passport (original + 2 copies), 2 passport photos, purpose of visit. Cost: ₹100 per person. Processing: immediate to same-day.
For Foreign Nationals
Foreigners require an additional Restricted Area Permit (RAP) from the Ministry of Home Affairs. This takes 4–8 weeks and should be arranged before your trip. Contact us to assist with permit facilitation.
Permit Checkposts
Your permit will be checked at Rongli checkpost (km 0 of restricted zone) and again at Zuluk. Keep multiple copies. Your hotel/homestay will also record permit details.
4-Day Silk Route Itinerary
This is the optimal pace — not rushed, allows for weather contingency, and covers both Zuluk and Nathang Valley.
Day 1: Gangtok → Rongli → Zuluk (100km, ~4 hours)
Start early (7am) from Gangtok. Collect permit. Drive through the river valley to Rongli. After the checkpost, the road starts climbing. Arrive Zuluk (2,900m) by noon. Afternoon: walk sections of the 32-hairpin zig-zag road on foot for photos. Evening: sunset from Zuluk viewpoint. Overnight in homestay.
Day 2: Zuluk → Thambi Viewpoint → Nathang Valley (18km, 2 hours)
Pre-dawn start for Thambi viewpoint sunrise (arguably better than Tiger Hill for Kanchenjunga). Drive up to Nathang Valley (4,200m). Acclimatize slowly — mild altitude symptoms are common. Explore Lungthung and Old Baba Mandir ruins. Overnight in Nathang.
Day 3: Nathang → Kupup → Tsomgo Lake (via scenic detour)
Morning: walk through the alpine meadows around Nathang. Drive to Kupup (Elephant Lake, if permit allows). Return via Tsomgo Lake and Changu. Descend to Gangtok.
Day 4: Gangtok exploration (buffer/optional)
Use this as a weather buffer day. If the route was clear, spend it exploring Gangtok: MG Marg, Rumtek Monastery, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.
Honest Cost Breakdown
Budget estimate for 2 people, 4 days, based on 2025 prices.
Budget Option (₹8,000–12,000 per person)
Shared cab Gangtok–Zuluk (₹500–700), homestay with meals (₹1,500–2,000/night), permit fees (₹100), Gangtok guesthouse (₹800–1,200/night).
Comfortable Option (₹15,000–25,000 per person)
Private taxi Gangtok round trip (₹8,000–12,000), better homestays/guesthouses (₹2,500–4,000/night including meals), guide fees if desired (₹2,000–3,000/day).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
The route to Zuluk stays open most of winter. Nathang Valley (above 4,000m) becomes snowbound December–February and is accessible only by 4WD vehicles. This is actually peak season for snow lovers.
Indian nationals with an ILP can self-drive to Zuluk. However, beyond Zuluk toward Nathang, road conditions are challenging and local knowledge is valuable. We recommend hiring a local driver-guide regardless.
Significantly different. Tsomgo is heavily touristed. The Silk Route is remote, less crowded, and involves a completely different mountain landscape. The 32-hairpin zig-zag road at Zuluk is the main visual draw.