Offbeat Sikkim Darjeeling Expedition: Silk Route, Pelling, North Sikkim

Start your morning early with a fresh breakfast and get ready for a thrilling excursion.

Today, we'll head towards Tsomgo Lake (12,000 ft), a high-altitude glacial lake known for its changing colors throughout the day.

You can spend some time by the lake, watching its clear waters reflect the surrounding snow-covered peaks, or even try a short yak ride along the shore.

From here, we'll continue towards Baba Mandir, a revered shrine dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh, an Indian Army Soldier.

If permits allow, you can further visit Nathula Pass, located at 14,140 ft near the Indo-China border.

Later, we'll return to the hotel in Gangtok by evening.

You can spend the rest of the time relaxing or indulging in some shopping at MG Marg ( On Your Own ).

Overnight stay in Gangtok.

Wake up to a beautiful morning in Gangtok and have your breakfast.

Next, begin your journey towards Lachen, a remote mountain village tucked away in North Sikkim, far from the usual tourist trail.

The drive takes around 6–7 hours, following the Teesta River and gradually ascending into higher altitudes.

On the way, you'll pass through Mangan, a small hill town often called the gateway to North Sikkim, with local markets and hillside homes.

A little ahead comes Chungthang, where you can spot the meeting point of the Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu rivers set against the mountains.

As you reach Lachen by evening, check in to your hotel.

Enjoy your time at leisure, resting and acclimatizing to the altitude.

Overnight stay in Lachen.

Have your breakfast early and start your journey to Gurudongmar Lake.

Enjoy the 3-4 hour drive, passing through high-altitude landscapes and rugged mountain terrain.

En route, you will pass through Thangu Village (13450ft), a remote high-altitude village of Tibetan Nomads.

Reach the surreal Gurudongmar Lake (17,800 ft), one of the highest lakes in the world.

Spend some time here exploring the vast, barren surroundings, turquoise waters, and snow-covered peaks reflecting on the lake's surface.

Due to the altitude, we'll make a brief stop and then begin the return journey.

Then, we'll head towards Lachung via Chungthang, where the Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu rivers meet.

Reach Lachung by evening and check in to your stay.

Spend the evening at leisure, relaxing in this quiet mountain village surrounded by forests and waterfalls.

Overnight stay in Lachung.

Have your breakfast early and get ready for an exciting adventure.

Today, we'll head to Yumthang Valley, located about 25 km from Lachung.

Known as the "Valley of Flowers," this region is filled with alpine meadows, flowing rivers, and snow-covered peaks in the distance.

Spend some time walking through the valley, crossing small streams, and soaking in the wide open landscapes.

Depending on the season, you'll either see blooming rhododendrons or a blanket of snow covering the valley.

You can also choose to visit Zero Point, where the road ends close to the Indo-China border (subject to weather and permits).

Later, return to Lachung for an overnight stay.

Enjoy your breakfast in Lachung and then check out of the hotel.

We'll begin our journey back to Gangtok, passing through Chungthang and following the Teesta River.

By the time we reach Gangtok, the familiar buzz of the town sets in again.

Check in and settle into your hotel and relax after the long drive.

You can step out to explore MG Marg ( On Your Own ) in the evening, to try hot momos, sip on local tea, or just walk through the lively street.

Overnight stay in Gangtok.

After a filling breakfast, proceed to check out of the hotel.

Board your transfer towards Zuluk, a hidden mountain hamlet tucked along the historic Old Silk Route, far away from the usual touristy spots.

Enjoy the 5-6 hours long journey into a higher-altitude, more remote terrain, featuring 32 hairpin bends and breathtaking Himalayan views.

By afternoon, reach Zuluk and settle into your stay.

Spend your free time taking a short walk around the village and enjoying views of the surrounding hills, with clouds drifting across the valley.

As the evening sets in, soak in the rare silence of this little hamlet, with only the sound of the wind and distant prayer flags fluttering nearby.

Overnight stay in Zuluk.

Wake up to a crisp mountain morning in Zuluk and enjoy your breakfast.

Today, we leave behind the rugged terrain of the Old Silk Route and head towards Pelling in West Sikkim.

The journey takes around 6–7 hours, with the landscape slowly changing to more open views, with glimpses of rivers and terraced fields.

By evening, you'll reach Pelling and settle into your stay.

You can rest of the day or step out to explore the town and enjoy views of the surrounding hills.

Overnight stay in Pelling.

Enjoy your breakfast and get ready to explore some of Pelling's key highlights.

Visit the Skywalk complex and Chenrezig Statue, one of the tallest in the world.

Experience walking on India's first skywalk at 7,000 ft with the valley and monastery below you.

Next, we'll head to Pemayangtse Monastery, a 17th century marvel known for its peaceful setting and detailed woodwork.

From here, take a short 15–20 minute forest walk to reach the Rabdentse Ruins, the ancient Sikkim capital, overlooking the valley.

After sightseeing, we'll begin the 4-5 hours journey towards Darjeeling.

By evening, you'll reach Darjeeling and check into your stay.

You can step out later for a short walk around Chowrasta ( On Your Own ) or relax at a café overlooking the tea estates.

Overnight stay in Darjeeling.

Wake up in Darjeeling and enjoy your breakfast at a relaxed pace.

Check out from your hotel and begin your journey towards Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station.

Continue your journey back home, carrying lots of photos and memories of mountains, quiet villages, and changing landscapes.