4 Nights 5 Days
Daily Tour
8 people
___
East Sikkim, a region along the famed Silk Route that beckons travelers to explore, is actually an integral part of this illustrious network. The Ancient Silk Road spanned from Asia all the way to Mediterranean ports; it was formally established during Han Dynasty China in 130 BC and linked regions across continents since its inception until 1453 CE. The Sikkim Silk Route as it exists today is an outcome of the Ancient Silk Road. In fact, it constitutes a minuscule fragment of this once-enduring trade route that connected Lhasa in Tibet to Tamralipta in West Bengal; this was the closest port available for maritime shipments back then!
The Indian section of the Silk Route is open to visitors from Rongli to Nathula Pass. Perched in East Sikkim, this area is certainly an intriguing historical site; however its breath-taking vistas will have travelers flocking like moths towards it. Despite being a popular destination for travelers from West Bengal during October due to major religious festivals such as Durga Puja (which occurs around the same timeframe), this area remains relatively offbeat when compared with other parts of India – there are no major towns enroute and travel along this route can be done without any difficulty whatsoever! Homestays are widely available along the Silk Route in Sikkim, affording tourists basic amenities and comfort.
East-Sikkim has the combination of three distinct communities contributing to the ethnicity and diversity of its culture. Bhutia, Lepcha and Nepali are the three significant communities that enriches the cultural background of this region. The folk songs and dances of these communities are the intrinsic part of the culture of Sikkim. Lepchas are identified as the original dweller of this area, who believed in bone faith. Later, with the migration of the other two communities, Lepchas adopted Buddhism as their religion. This reflects the religious diversity that exists here. One significant aspect of their culture is the universal brotherhood that all the three cultures tend to follow and this makes it unique.
(Source: travelogyindia.com)
The most exciting and adventurous site of the entire Sikkim region, East-Sikkim is rich in its seasonal beauties. One can never escape the enchanting grasp of these beauties as it takes one’s breath away with their magical charm. This region receives extreme climatic conditions during winter and it is one of the toughest as well as most appealing time to visit. The skin-biting cold enters the territory of this place with the month of November and continues to increase until the end of the spring. Gnathang valley and Zuluk receives extreme snowfall during this time and is procuring popularity for its snowfall and snowy beauty. One can enjoy all the wonders that the climate of Silk route offers during the months of April-June and October-November. The rugged yet fascinating terrains of Himalayas that encompasses the eastern region of Sikkim are eye-captivating during this time of the year. However, the region becomes quite tough to visit due to massive land-slides that occurs as a result of rains. Moreover, the beauties of this periphery can steal one’s heart and can compel one to come again and again to get enthralled by its enrapturing itinerary.
Tsomgo Lake: Situated at an elevation of 12,000 ft and at a distance of 35 km from Gangtok, Tsomgo lake is a place worth visiting for the tourists. This lake is conventionally well known as Changu Lake and is preferred by tourists from all over the world. The bumpy terrains of the mountain and the frigid snow provides an ethereal beauty to this place. It is considered as a holy lake by the Sikkim people as it carries the evidence of several mythical tales. This lake remains covered with the snow during the beginning of the winter, until the end of the spring. However, one needs to get permission from the Sikkim Tourist Information Centre to pay a visit to this majestic place. People can have great fun of Yak riding and indulge in an amazing photoshoot over there.
Old Baba Mandir: 
Residing at 60 km from the city of Gangtok, is one of the most eminent places of Sikkim. Dedicated to the renowned soldier of Indian Army, Baba Harbhajan Singh, this shrine holds mythical importance among the people of East Sikkim. Two temples have been erected in the reverence of this great soldier who took his last breath near Nathula pass. The old shrine is situated at the site where baba Harbhajan had his posting, that is at the bunker and the new one is built near Changu. This shrine was built as per the wishes of the dead soldier which he conveyed to his friend in his dream after his death. However, because of the elevated location of the mandir, it experiences a small number of tourists here.
Nathula Pass: 
One the most favored hotspots of the old silk route, Nathula pass is located at the border of Indo-China. Due to the breath-taking scenic beauty of this place, it experiences lots of tourist visits. The straddling waterfalls flowing from Gangtok to this place is soothing to both the eyes and ears. The resplendent view of snow-capped mountains can also be located from Nathula and this can be a one-time experience for all the travelers. Most eye-captivating view from this place is of the mountain embracing Chumbi valley. This is one of the most important three border posts of Indo-China.
Gnathang Valley: 
Widely referred as the “Ladakh” of East India, Nathang valley is located at 13,000 ft. Poising at a high altitude this place is encircled with snowy mountains and a sparkling shallow brook encompasses it. The heavenly beauty of this place has made it a site worth visiting. This place is for the people who have a keen interest in the wonderful creations of the nature and loves to dwell amidst it. This place is undoubtedly the most appropriate place for trekking to get the mesmerizing view of the sun rising over the ranges of Himalayas. One cannot escape from this bewitching beauty of this place.
Aritar:
The spellbinding beauty of lushy forests, sparkling waterfalls, immaculate lake, and the gigantic Himalayas; Aritar has all that one can fall in love with. Every year this amazing place gets flocked with thousands of tourists who come here to spend some time with peace and serenity. Aritar resort can offer you a spiritual and calming ambiance that can insure you a comfortable and peaceful stay. This small town, nestled amidst the Himalayan terrains is for those who wants to distant himself from the maddening crowd of city and take the pleasure of tranquillity.
Zuluk:
This little hamlet of East Sikkim, situating at a height of 10,000 ft in the lower Himalayas was once the conveyance point to the silk route. Considered as one of the off-beat sites to drop in Sikkim, Zuluk is the army base camp of Chinese periphery. The chief attraction of Zuluk is the stellar view of the mighty Kanchenjunga. One can stay here to enjoy the magnificent scenic beauty of this place and to visit some of the exciting points here. Thambi View Point, Lungthung, Tukls, Memenchu Lake are the amazing sites that can add to one’s visual retreat.
Day 1: NJP to Rishikhola, Night Stay at Rishikhola.
Day 2: Rishikhola to Padamchen, Night Stay at Padamchen.
Day 3: Padamchen to Gnathang Valley, Night Stay at Gnathang Valley.
Day 4: Gnathang Valley to Aritar, Night Stay at Aritar.
Day 5: Aritar to NJP drop.
You can also check out the detailed itinerary from here.
For the duration of this adventure, you will be staying in cottages/ homestays, on a sharing basis Starting from day 1 to day 5.
We’ll provide Non Veg / Veg meals on all days of the trip.
one must also follow some basic guidelines laid down by us so that the trip execution is smooth and easy. Here are few of the guidelines that are mandatory while you enroll for the trip.
Permits – Permits are dependent on local authorities / administration. It cant be predicted prior to the trip. Permits are done only at the time of the trip. So if due to any reason permit is not granted by local authorities / weather condition / road closure, Desi Nomadz will not be subjected to process any refund or cancellation.
Pack what’s necessary– Pack only what’s necessary. You would require to climb steep inclines and declines along the trail and needless to say a lighter baggage would go along way for a delightful trip. Pack what’s necessary only , avoid taking more baggage’s ,it will wear you down badly. If you are unsure what to take and what not to take we will be happy to help you for recommendation. Also we would share a list of items that need to be taken for the trip.
Fooding – Since this is an adventure trip, we will be serving veg/ non veg meals through out the trip days in high altitudes. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinners will be served during the days according to the scheduled arrival and departure.
Tariff: The mentioned tariff is for a minimum of 8 persons group. For less than 08 persons, the tariff will not be the same.
Accommodation – We would put ourselves in hotels/ homestays. During the stay kindly follow the local rules of the area. Misbehavior, intoxication or any other means that may occur as unlawful or demeaning will not be tolerated.
Timeline – Desi Nomadz has fixed timeline and plan that need to be followed rigorously. Our Itinerary will stay fixed and it needs to be followed with utmost care. It is designed in a way to give you the balance of ample amount of rest and exertion for the trip.
Behavior with locals – Since we are traveling to Sikkim province, we should understand and value local culture and people. So requesting all travelers not to misbehave or show disrespect /indulge in arguments, fights with local people.
Smoking, drinking or any other form of intoxication is not recommended during the trip. You would be trekking a lot and that puts your body under lot of toil and at that altitude you may feel nausea, vomiting and and many other health complications may arise. So its advised not to take any sort of intoxicating substances during the trip.
You are responsible for your safety – Prior to the start of the trip it is mandatory to sign and fill an agreement devised by us with your signature. It’s a standard level agreement consisting of your basic details and your agreement on the part that you are willing to take this trip in your own free will.
If a trip is called off at the last moment due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rains, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh etc), Desi Nomadz will issue a trek voucher for the full amount. The voucher can be redeemed for the same trek or another trek in the next one year.
In case you wish to cancel your trek please e-mail us at support@desinomadz.com. Cancellation requests are not taken over phone.
The cancellation charges are as under:
Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the trek — full refund.
Cancellation between 30 days and 20 days to the start of the trek — 50% refund.
Cancellation less than 20 days to the start of the trek — no refund.
Please note:
If service purchased with a voucher code, then voucher amount will be deducted from deposit amount while refund to customer.
In case of refund, there will be a deduction of bank charges (if applicable) from the total fee you have paid. Also, if you have opted for a trek insurance, the amount will not be refunded.
Transfer from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport to Rishikhola. The distance is 102 KMs, which will take approximately 4-4.5 Hours. On way we will cross Champasari forest, Rongpo. Rishi river will be an ideal spot to spend time with. Rishikhola is a convenient overnight stay for travelers venturing along the Silk Route. Those planning an extended journey should acclimatize themselves before proceeding any higher up this remarkable path of travel. Dinner will be served hot just before going to bed for the night.
After breakfast we will start for Padamchen. We will take a halt at Rongli for permit. By crossing Q-khola falls the path will lead to Padamchen. The journey will take 3 hours approximately. After reaching Padamchen we will have lunch.Padamchen has some of the most spectacular vistas in this part of Sikkim and its foothill regions, affording bird-watchers an opportunity to revel in views even more breathtaking than those from the valley. Furthermore, visitors can indulge themselves at this forest resthouse - a relic from days long past when lonely Forest Officers and Sahibs would traverse these valleys - relishing both rustic atmosphere and impressive scenery! After Dinner bed will be ready for the night.
After breakfast we will start towards Zuluk.we will proceed towards Gnathang valley via Zig Zag road, Thambi viewpoint, Lungthung, Tukla Valley, Jelep La Pass view, Yak golf Course and Old Baba Mandir. We will have lunch at Gnathang valley. Apart from admiring the captivating locations, travelers can satisfy their adventurous spirit by exploring Gnathang Valley. hiking to viewpoints like Lungthung and Gyanmochen is a favorite activity for adventure seekers who seek out an ultimate experience of exploration. Hikes along waterways--also commonly known as lakes like Menmecho Lake and Kupup Lake-are another enticing attraction of this enigmatic region in Silk route, which offers its visitors with spiritual encounters too! We will serve the hot dinner here before going to bed for the overnight.
After breakfast we will start our journey of last day. We will proceed via Aritar. On the way we will cover Aritar lake. The journey will take approximately 4-5 hours to reach Sillery Gaon, where we will have lunch. In Sillery Gaon, we will cover Ramitey view point, Silent valley. It will be a relax day since we are on our last edge of trip. Dinner and overnight stay will be arranged here.
After breakfast we will start our journey towards New Jalpaiguri station. It will take 4-5 hours to reach the dropping point. We will say Good Byes to each other and conclude our trip with lots of memories.
Member Since 2021
