Top 12 Things To Do In Nathang Valley: Adventure In East Sikkim

With several things to do in Nathang Valley, explore this one of the best places in Sikkim which is often termed the “Ladakh of East Sikkim”.So let’s explore this unmatched fusion of natural beauty and cultural diversity. There are plenty of outdoor activities to do in Nathang Valley.

In Nathang Valley you are surrounded by snow-capped peaks that rise majestically, their high summits piercing the clouds. In the distance, you hear the gentle trickle of a mountain stream, its crystalline waters carving a path through the verdant valley below. A herd of yaks grazes peacefully in the meadow.

Nathang Valley, a beautiful Place to Visit In Sikkim is situated at an elevation of 13,500 feet. This plush valley often termed Ladakh of East Sikkim, was once home to customary yak herders who had origins in Tibet and is now the most popular offbeat destination for nature lovers in Eastern Sikkim. 

Nathang town is one of the remotest Tibetan dwellings in Eastern Himalaya and there are many popular places to visit in Nathang Valley. Few streams across the valley and numerous prayer flags on the mountain edges are the identity of this vast & serene mountainous land mass. appears in different colors at different times of the year.

In autumn, it looks golden when the grass dries up while in the rainy season, it’s covered in colorful flowers, and in winter, it is white due to the accumulation of snow.

Nathang Valley is not only about its stunning natural beauty, it is also an adventurer’s paradise, offering an abundance of Adventure activities to do in Nathang Valley to get your heart racing and there are many Things to do near Nathang Valley.

From high-altitude treks and thrilling paragliding to off-road biking through rugged terrain, there’s no shortage of excitement here and hence there are many fun things to do in Nathang Valley.

Eager to explore the great outdoors, so lace up your boots and set out on a series of unforgettable journeys with must do activities in Nathang Valley and our 10 handpicked Top things to do in Nathang Valley.

12 Best Things To Do In Nathang Valley

1. Mountain Bike/Cycle Ride the entire Silk Route:

The Silk Route or Silk Road refers to a network of ancient trade routes connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. Extending more than 6,500 km, the Silk Route was majorly used to transport Chinese Silk to Europe through Central Asia from the 2nd Century BC.

In Sikkim, it passes through various popular destinations such as Eagle Nest Bunker, Chongu Lake, Baba Mandir, Jelepa Pass, and many more. Mountain Biking In Nathang Valley on this route is a commonly loved activity among all adventure enthusiasts and is listed as an Adventure activity to do in Nathang Valley.

You have to use your bike since renting or riding on someone else’s bike is not permitted in this area. A permit is also required to be obtained for traveling on the Silk Route with your vehicle. While it may seem like a lot of work, the journey on this scenic route will prove worth all the trouble in the end as it is indeed among the best things to do in Nathang Valley.

Quick Facts About Silk Route Bike Trip :

Starting Point/ End Point: Siliguri

Route: Siliguri –  Sillery Gaon – Aritar – Sillery Gaon – Zuluk – Nathang – Reshikhola – Siliguri

2. Have a Stay in the local accommodations for a decent duration:

Though the accommodation and facilities are limited due to the remoteness of the region, these limitations are themselves the USPs of the stay there as they take you away from the hustle of the outside world and bondages of luxury so that you can freely immerse into the nature as well as hospitality and warmth of the locals and have a lifetime experience of one of the best things to do in Nathang Valley.

Besides, the tourists get to spend time with the natives while enjoying their trip to Nathang Valley and learn a lot about the local customs, particularly the delicacies they have to offer. Food is provided by the owners of the homestay as well, which is fresh, warm, and home-cooked.

The cost of staying in local accommodations in Nathang Valley can range from around ₹1000 to ₹2500 per person per night, including meals. These rates may vary depending on the facilities and services provided.

3. Indulge in Local Cuisine:

Exploring the local cuisine of Nathang Valley is not only a culinary adventure but also a way to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the region. Be sure to try these dishes and savor the unique flavors of the Himalayas.

Also Read:12 Restaurants In Sikkim To Experience Culture On A Platter

4. Witness the Sunrise at Eagle’s Nest Bunker:

One of the top tourist places to visit in the Nathang Valley is this renowned viewpoint, called the Eagle’s Nest Bunker from where you can get a 360-degree view of the entire scope of Mt. Kanchenjungha, the 2nd highest peak in the world, West Bhutan, fields of West Bengal, China, Tibet, and the delightful River Brahmaputra winding crosswise over in the skyline. 

This is among the must-see places in Nathang Valley and provides an extremely unique experience of watching the picturesque beauty of these landscapes and also Outdoor activities in Nathang Valley

5. Visit the Tsomgo Lake:

The lake is 1km long and 50 feet deep picturesque oval-shaped, which has been created by a melting glacier and is also counted among the holy places to visit in Nathang Valley. A lot of travel enthusiasts gather here to enjoy this picturesque beauty and it would be even better to plan a day stay at the nearby accommodations.

Also Read: Detailed Guide For Shopping In Sikkim 2023

6. Adventurous hiking to the Lungthung- Dhupidara viewpoint:

Perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjungha on one side and the winding roads of Zuluk on the other. From January to April the whole of Lungthung–Dhupidara is virtually buried in snow and the only colour you can see is white. These splendid landscapes add to the list of adventure activities to do in Nathang Valley.  

The mountain slopes and valleys are drenched in a riot of colors around Lungthung–Dhupidara from July to September when the wildflowers bloom. This is also one of the unique places to visit in Nathang Valley as it is famous for spotting Monal, the National bird of Nepal, and some other rare birds like Pheasants making birdwatching, a key adventurous things to do in Nathang Valley.

The whole of Lungthung–Dhupidara is controlled and patrolled by the Indian Army, hence you will pass through army barracks, ammunition camps, bunkers, and various artilleries.

While staying at Lunghthung you can cover Padamchen, Zuluk, and Nathang, explore Kupup Lake, Admire the Beauty of Tukla Valley, and all other spots in the Silk Route circuit on day trips.

7. Exploring Thambi View Point:

The three-level winding road on the neighboring hills, with its unique geometrical curves, leads to Thambi View Point, providing visitors with a memorable experience and hence counted as key Adventure activities to do in nathang valley.

Counted among high altitude trekking in Nathang Valley, Thambi View Point also provides a perspective of crisscrossing the Zuluk circle along with the whole of Zuluk town, which is spectacular and mesmerizing for tourists and an Outdoor activities in Nathang Valley.

Also Read: Best Adventours Things To Do In Sikkim 2024

8. Experiencing the famous Zuluk Loop:

This iconic route, known for its mesmerizing twists and turns, offers travelers a thrilling ride through some of the most scenic landscapes the Himalayas have to offer, indeed visits this splendid place one of the top things to do in Nathang Valley. 

This place is Counted among one of the top tourist places to visit in Nathang Valley which is located in the small Zuluk village in the lap of nature near the Indo-Tibetan border. It is among the hidden gems and most beautiful places to visit near Nathang Valley because of the beautiful view of the Himalayan mountain range, it offers. 

While Mt Kanchenjunga can also be seen from this picturesque site, one of the best Nathang Valley sightseeing attractions is the serpentine & meandering loops of Zuluk, which adds to its scenic beauty making it a great honeymoon destination.

There are approx. 30 circles in this crisscross way and since the location touches the Indo-Tibetan border, you need to take a special permit to travel to the area from Gangtok itself.

 The best time to visit Zuluk would be from March to June or September to November, due to pleasant weather and clear skies. You can also indulge in activities like trekking and birdwatching while enjoying the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

9. Explore Kupup Lake:

Located at an elevation of 13900 feet, is one of the best places to visit in Nathang Valley namely Kupup or Bitan Cho, which is also among the sacred lakes of Sikkim, with bordering high mountains giving it a truly otherworldly scenic beauty. 

From Kupup, you can even discover a billboard saying separation with bearing here from Lhasa (Tibet). Due to its resemblance to elephants, Kupup Lake is also known as Elephant Lake and is among the hidden gems to visit in Nathang Valley.

The lake nestles on the way to Jelepela Pass bordering area with China and India, which is the second-highest mountain in Bhutan. 

The small Kupup village, which has only a few houses and a police check post is located at the lake coast and is highest in the region, recognized as a transit point during the silk trade between India and Tibet.

Furthermore, counted among the must-see places in Nathang Valley, Kupup has also earned recognition, due to the Yak Golf Course, the highest of its kind in the world. This 18-hole golf course has also been included in the Guinness Book of World Records.

10. Embark on an Expedition to Nathula Pass: 

Nathu La, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, is a mountain pass in the Himalayan peaks that co-joins Sikkim and China and is among the top tourist places to visit in Nathang Valley.

Situated on the Indo-Tibetan border at 14450 ft. above sea level, Nathu La is approx.. 20 Km from nathang Valley and is among the most popular Himalayan passes.

Apart from being an open trading border post between India and China, it is famous for its picturesque beauty and scenic landscapes and is the perfect site for thrill seekers to take photographs. This pass is open for Indian nationals just on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.

One of the unique places to visit in Nathang Valley, the Nathula Pass experiences heavy snowfall during winter and temperature drops down up to -25 degrees Celsius. May to mid-November is the summer season when the temperature ranges around 10 degrees Celsius and is the best time to go for tourists.

A valid permit to visit Nathu La Pass is given to only Indian Nationals. The permit is obtained by applying to the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department. This can be done with the help of a registered travel agency. Valid identity proof and two photographs are necessary for the same.

Also read: Travel Tips to Keep in Mind While Visiting Sikkim

11. Visit the Old Baba Mandir:

This is one of the historical places to visit in Nathang Valley located 60 Km from Gangtok on a road leading towards the Kupup valley up to Tukla. A bifurcated road from Tukla connects to the Old Baba Mandir, where the samadhi of Baba Harbhajan, a martyred sepoy of the Indian Army is located, who had died there in 1968.

For the tourists’ convenience, the samadhi of Baba Harbhajan Singh has been reconstructed at the junction of Kupup Gnathang road and the trail leading to Menmecho Lake and is popularly recognized by tourists as New Baba Mandir. 

There is a strong belief that water kept in the shrine of Baba gains healing property and turns into sacred water that can cure all possible ailments. This blessed water needs to be consumed within 21 days and in this period, no family members of the ailing person are supposed to have non-vegetarian food.

It is also believed that the slippers kept in the temple, help to cure gout and other foot problems.

Visiting Hours: The temple is usually open to visitors from early morning to late afternoon. The exact opening and closing times may vary depending on the season and local regulations. It’s advisable to visit during daylight hours to fully experience the beauty of the surroundings and pay your respects at the temple.

Entry Fees: There are no entry fees to visit the Old Baba Mandir.

12. Camping in Nathang Valley:

Remember to take necessary permits for camping in protected areas and follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize your environmental impact. With its stunning natural beauty and serene ambiance, camping in Nathang Valley promises an unforgettable experience amidst the majestic Himalayas.

How to Reach Nathang Valley

Best time to go to Nathang Valley:

From September to January, the valley gains back a golden hue after the snow thaws from the grassland.

From January to April the valley remains under the cover of snow, so if you are looking forward to experiencing snowfall in winter, this is the ideal time for you.

Thus, there is no specific best time to go to Nathang Valley and rather can be visited around the year. 

Hence, Nathang Valley offers a variety of experiences that captivate the soul and ignite the spirit of adventure.

From trekking through pristine wilderness to savoring local delicacies and immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage, every moment spent in this Himalayan paradise is an unforgettable journey of discovery. There are many  Things to do near Nathang Valley as well.

So, pack your curiosity, embark on an expedition, and let Nathang Valley weave its magic, promising memories that will last a lifetime.”