Offbeat Sikkim Escape: Zuluk, Aritar & Rishikhola with Darjeeling

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, descending back through the mountain roads.

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

Overnight stay in Gangtok.

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

Board your transfer towards Zuluk, a small mountain village tucked away on the historic Old Silk Route.

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 homestay, away from the usual tourist trail.

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 silence of this little hamlet, with only the sound of the wind and distant prayer flags fluttering nearby.

Overnight stay in Zuluk.

Wake up before dawn for one of the most rewarding mornings of your trip.

Drive up to Thambi View Point (11,200 ft) to catch the first light of the sun touching the Kanchenjunga range, with the entire Himalayan skyline glowing gold in front of you.

After soaking in the views, return for breakfast and then begin your drive deeper into this lesser-explored corner of East Sikkim.

Continue towards Nathang Valley (13,500 ft), often called the "Ladakh of the East," for its wide, barren landscape and rugged mountain charm.

Pass by Lungthung and Eagle's Nest Bunker, where panoramic valley views unfold in every direction.

Later, descend gradually towards Aritar, a peaceful little village in East Sikkim known for its calm lake and old-world charm.

By evening, reach your stay and rest after a long, scenic drive.

Overnight stay in Aritar.

Begin your morning at a slow pace with breakfast and a short walk around Aritar.

Visit Lampokhari Lake, a serene foot-shaped lake surrounded by pine forests, where you can take a small boat ride across the calm waters.

Stop by the nearby Aritar Monastery, one of the oldest in the region, known for its quiet setting and traditional architecture.

Later, check out and begin your drive towards Rishikhola, a hidden riverside hamlet on the Sikkim–Bengal border.

The drive takes around 2–3 hours, winding down through small villages, terraced fields, and forested slopes.

Reach Rishikhola by afternoon, where the gentle sound of the river greets you as soon as you step out of the vehicle.

Check in to your riverside cottage and spend the rest of the day at complete leisure.

You can take a walk along the river bed, dip your feet in the cool waters, or simply sit by the banks watching the day slowly fade.

As the night falls, enjoy the rare quiet of a place untouched by city sounds, with just the river flowing in the background.

Overnight stay in Rishikhola.

Wake up to the sound of the river and enjoy a relaxed breakfast by the banks.

After checking out, begin your journey towards Darjeeling, leaving behind the quiet of Rishikhola.

The drive takes around 4–5 hours, gradually opening into rolling tea estates with neatly lined plantations stretching along the slopes.

Reach Darjeeling by evening, check in to your hotel, and spend the rest of the time at leisure.

You can take a walk along Mall Road ( On Your Own ), browse the shops at Chowrasta, or relax at a heritage café with a cup of fresh Darjeeling tea overlooking the hills.

Overnight stay in Darjeeling.

Start your day early around 4:00 AM for the drive to Tiger Hill to see a magical sunrise.

Watch the first light hit Mt. Kanchenjunga, turning the peaks golden, with distant views of Mt. Everest on clear days.

On the way back, stop at Batasia Loop, a spiral railway track where the toy train curves through landscaped gardens with mountain views.

Visit the Gorkha War Memorial here, built in honor of soldiers from the region.

Get back to your hotel for breakfast, and then step out for the much-awaited Toy Train Joy Ride, a UNESCO World Heritage experience aboard the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

Enjoy the 2-hour ride from Darjeeling to Ghum and back, passing through hill curves, small stations, and charming mountain neighborhoods.

We’ll visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute ( closed on Thursday ) , Tenzing Rock ( closed on Thursday ) and the nearby zoo, home to species like the red panda and snow leopard.

Later, visit the Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda, known for their quiet setting and views over the town.

After a full day of sightseeing, get back to your hotel by evening and relax.

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.

Reach your drop point and board your onward journey.

Bid farewell to the hills, taking back memories of misty mornings, quiet riversides, hidden villages, and the slow rhythm of offbeat Sikkim.