Package Include:-

ü  Luxury Rooms (Family Wise).

ü  Towel, Shampoo, Soap, Bathroom Slipper, Electric Kettle, Geyser.

ü  24 Hours Power Back- Up.

ü  Food: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea & Snacks, Dinner.

ü  Good Conditioned Reserved Car, Well-behaved Driver.

ü  Old Silk Route Permission, Toll Tax, Parking Charges.

ü  Big LED Screen at Lobby & Dining area.

Package Exclude:-

ü  Any Entry Fees.

ü  Nathula (Extra Cost).

ü  Room Heater.

ü  Syndicate Charge at NJP / Siliguri (Rs 200/-) if charged.

ITINERERY

DAY 1 :      

§  Pick up from NJP Railway Station / Siliguri / Bagdogra Airport (Addl. Charge) to Lingtam.

Ø NJP Railway Station to Lingtam Distance =       118.4 km via NH10. Time: 4 hr 16 min.

Ø Siliguri to Lingtam Distance =                             112.4 km via NH10. Time: 4 hr 4 min.

Ø Bagdogra to Lingtam Distance =                        121.3 km via NH10. Time: 4 hr 19 min.

Enroute visit to

• Sevokeshwari Kali Mandir. 

• Teesta Hydro Electric Power Project.

  
  

• Coronation Bridge at Sevok.

• Rangpokhola 

• Rongli Bazar.

-: Night Stay at our hotel KeaTel Crans Retreat, Lingtam (Altitude 5082 feet above sea level):-

DAY 2:

§      After breakfast proceed to –

Ø Aritar Lake (Lampokhri Lake): Aritar Lake, also known as Lampokhri, stands as one of Sikkim's oldest natural lakes, gracefully nestled at an altitude of 4600 feet. Renowned as the highest lake in Sikkim with boating facilities, it offers tourists a unique and tranquil experience. The pristine waters of Aritar Lake provide an enchanting backdrop for boating enthusiasts, allowing them to absorb the serene surroundings. Situated in a quiet and unassuming village, Aritar offers a peaceful retreat, devoid of unnecessary embellishments, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a serene and unspoiled natural experience.

Ø Mankhim Hill Top : The vantage point offers a mesmerizing panorama, unveiling the enchanting beauty of the boot-shaped Jhorpokhri Lake. The clear, crisp mornings gift visitors with a breathtaking view of the majestic Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. This scenic spot becomes a canvas where nature's artistry is on full display, providing a tranquil and awe-inspiring experience for those fortunate enough to witness the captivating vista.

Ø Phushrey Lake : Phushrey Lake beckons with the promise of tranquillity and scenic beauty. Enveloped in lush greenery, the lake provides an idyllic setting for boating enthusiasts. The serene waters mirror the surrounding landscape, creating a picturesque scene that is perfect for capturing in photographs. A leisurely walk along the winding roads that embrace the lake offers a soothing experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural charm of Phushrey Lake. Whether you choose to navigate its waters or stroll along its shores, this destination invites you to unwind and appreciate the peaceful ambiance it has to offer.

Ø Dak Bunglow : Dak Bungalow, affectionately known as Aritar Bungalow, stands as a historic testament in Sikkim. Erected by Sir James Claude White, it served as the inaugural treasury and police outpost in the region. This venerable structure not only encapsulates the architectural legacy of its time but also resonates with the echoes of Sikkim's early administrative history. Aritar Bungalow, with its intriguing past, invites visitors to step back in time and explore the roots of this significant landmark.

Ø Aritar Gompa (Aritar Monastery) : Aritar Monastery, a venerable gem in Sikkim, stands testament to spiritual sanctity and historical significance. Admired for its detailed carvings and lively murals, the monastery unfolds as a mesmerizing tableau, drawing tourists into a realm of cultural opulence. The ancient walls whisper tales of devotion, transforming this sacred site into a haven for seekers of both cultural depth and visual splendour nestled within the heart of Sikkim's landscapes.

Ø  Reshikhola(Rishi Khola) : Nestled along the Reshi River, Reshikhola captivates with its scenic allure. A haven for nature aficionados, the valley unveils lush landscapes and rolling hills. Adventure beckons through trekking trails, while evenings come alive with the warmth of bonfires. The Reshi River not only enhances the panorama but also invites anglers to savour the thrill of fishing. An idyllic retreat, Reshikhola promises a harmonious blend of tranquillity and outdoor exploration for discerning travellers.

Ø Rhenock :  A town in the Pakyong District of Sikkim, India, shares its border with the Kalimpong district in West Bengal. Positioned 63 kilometers east of Gangtok and 47 kilometers north of Kalimpong along the route to Jelepla Pass, it is situated at an altitude of 1,040 meters. In the Lepcha dialect, "Rhe-nock" translates to Black Hill, reflecting the geographical features of the area.

As one of the eastern most points in Sikkim, Rhenock holds historical significance as the site is the state's first police outpost. The town's strategic location on the border and its historical role contribute to its importance in the region.

The main attraction is Viswa Binayak Temple. Shri Viswa Vinayaka Mandir, also called Ganesh Mandir, is a Hindu temple of Ganesha.

-: Night Stay at our hotel KeaTel Crans Retreat, Lingtam (Altitude 5082 feet above sea level):-

DAY 3 :

§      Early Breakfast at hotel & start for old silk route.

Ø  Quekhola Falls: Just 2 min. From our hotel. The Quekhola Falls, also spelled as Kuekhola Falls, is a stunning waterfall located near Lingtam in the East Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim. It's a popular tourist attraction known for its natural beauty and serene surroundings.

Ø Nimachen: On the way to Zuluk, the most visited sight is the Nimachen Karma Tashi Chokorling Monastery, Nimachen. The First Forest Check Post is here on Zuluk road.

Ø Pangolakha Wild Life Santuary: The diverse ecological features, from alpine to temperate to subtropical zones, showcase the sanctuary's unique ability to support a wide range of plant and animal life. The combination of vegetation, lakes, and forests creates a dynamic and visually stunning landscape.

The inclusion of settlements and wetlands in the sanctuary's vicinity adds a human and migratory bird dimension, further enriching the overall experience for nature enthusiasts. The presence of rare bird species and the sanctuary's role as a habitat for Red Panda, Musk deer, and Himalayan Goral underscore its importance in terms of biodiversity conservation.

The vivid imagery of the road from Zuluk to Thambi, with opportunities to spot the Himalayan Monal and the spectacular view of Mt. Khangchendzonga, highlights the sanctuary's appeal not only for its wildlife but also for its scenic beauty.

Your description captures the essence of Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary as a destination that goes beyond a mere birdwatching spot, offering a complete and immersive experience for a diverse range of tourists. It's clear that Pangolakha is a gem in the Eastern Himalayas, providing a harmonious blend of nature, biodiversity, and breathtaking landscapes for those who seek to explore and appreciate the wonders of the natural world.

The park is open from 9 am to 5 pm and entry fees for Indians are INR 50,

Ø  Padamchen: (Altitude: 7000 feet. 12 km from Lingtam) — Scenic Himalayan village with a small monastery and a handful of hotels and home stays. Permits of the Silk Route are checked here for the second time. 

Padamchen is a small village situated in the eastern Himalayan region of India, specifically in the state of Sikkim. It's known for its breathtaking natural beauty, lush greenery, and panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains. The village is located in the eastern part of Sikkim, near the popular tourist destination of Zuluk.

Ø  Zuluk: Distance from our hotel is 17.1 km (41 min.) approx. Zuluk is situated at an elevation of approximately 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) above sea level in the eastern Himalayas. It is part of the old Silk Route and is close to the border with China.

Dzuluk lies on the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary and is surrounded by wild forest, some of which are completely virgin. Sightings of deer, wild dogs, Himalayan bear, and the red panda are common. Some tigers have also reportedly been sighted in the area.enriched wildlife

Several birds can also be seen such as Blood Pheasant, Himalayan monal, Kalij pheasant, Snow Pheasant and others. During the summer months, the area and its surrounding hills are covered with thousands of blooming rhododendron. Dzuluk during these months is colorful due to the variety of rhododendron.

The beauty of Zuluk lies in its serene and untouched landscapes. The region is known for its winding roads, sharp bends, lush green valleys, and panoramic views of snow-capped peaks. The journey to Zuluk is as mesmerizing as the destination itself. During the month of Dec to Feb, Zuluk is very cold and often experiences heavy snowfall. Please carry heavy woollen garments during winter.

After Lunch at Hotel you can walk for Local Sightseeing and walk around.

-: Night Stay at Zuluk:-

DAY 4 :

Early breakfast at Hotel and then proceed to:

Ø  Thambi View Point: 11204 feet approx (3415 m), 13 km from Zuluk — According to local sources, Thambi View Point is named after the civil engineer, who constructed the road, offers an extraordinary view of the Kanchenjunga and its sister peaks. But the view of Zuluk along with the meandering zig - zag road is definitely no less an attraction.

Thambi View Point is particularly famous for its sunrise and sunset views. Tourists often gather here early in the morning to witness the first light of the day illuminating the Himalayan peaks, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Similarly, the sunset paints the mountains with a golden hue, offering a magical experience.

Ø Lungthung View Point: 13001 feet (3963 m), 4 km from Thambi View Point — The zig - zag road continues a little beyond the Thambi View point and after which it head almost straight to Lungthung View Point Lungthung View Point. This view point located closer and higher than the Thambi View Point offers a better and closer view of the Kanchenjunga and its adjoining peaks. A huge army barrack is located next to the view point. Being a border area the entire route has a heavy military presence.

Ø Nathang Valley: Nathang Valley is located in Pakyong District, Sikkim of India at an elevation of 13500 feet. It will take 15 minutes (5.5 km of distance) from Lungthung.  It is also called Ladakh of East Sikkim. It is a picturesque destination located in East Sikkim, India. It is part of the Himalayan mountain range. The valley is known for its breathtaking landscapes, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, meadows, and a tranquil atmosphere.

Ø Laxman Chawk: Just before the Gnathang valley the road bifurcates into two parts. The place is known as Laxman Chowk, and a memorial stands in memory of Lt. Col. Laxman Singh (Commanding Officer, 5 Mahar Borders) under whose command the unit pre-emptively secured the water shed opposite Chinese in General Area Dokala in 1965. The left road is the lower road and leads to the Gnathang valley and village. The upper road is on the right and leads to the Old Baba Mandir. Both the roads rejoin again just before the Kupup Lake.

Ø Old Baba Mandir: Being a border area, the entire Silk Route has a heavy army presence. Working in these harsh conditions is never easy and no wonder they have their share of legends. Harbhajan Singh is the legend of the Silk Route with two temples dedicated to his name. According to army records On Oct 4, 1968, Harbhajan Singh, while escorting a mule caravan in the silk route region, fell into a stream and was swept away. On the fifth day one of his fellow soldier had a dream, where Harbhajan Singh informed him about his tragic death and also about the location of his body. Incidentally a rescue operation recovered his body from the very position that was mentioned in the dream. Later a Samadhi was built, in his honour, at the bunker, where Harbhajan Singh had his last posting.

     An Army Canteen available here (Anybody can take food).

Ø  Kupup Lake (Elephant Lake): Altitude of 13123 feet (4000 m) approx and 6.4 km from Nathang) —The lake is located near the Kupup village and is locally known as Bitan Cho. It is shaped like an elephant, complete with a tail and trunk. Hence it is also popularly known as the Elephant Lake. It is one of the most sacred lakes of Sikkim and stunningly beautiful. The nearby Kupup village contains a golf course, which is said to be the highest in the world.

-: Night Stay at Zuluk:-

DAY 5 :

Ø Following breakfast, check out and commence your journey towards NJP/ Siliguri/Bagdogra

(Additional charges apply), carrying with you sweet memories that will last forever.

Facts to remember before travel to Old Silk Route

Best Mobile Network Facilities with 5G Available in this route till

Our Premium Hotel at Lingtam is Jio & Airtel.

ü Modern facilities should not be anticipated at all properties, given that most locations are remote villages situated away from modern cities and amenities. While general facilities like a western commode, running water, and hot meals (mostly egg curry, chicken and local vegetables) are accessible, luxury amenities such as fancy meals, furniture, TV, internet connection, and cable channels are not included.

ü  It is not recommended for children and elderly individuals to stay in Nathang Valley. Situated at an altitude of 13,200 ft., guests travelling to Nathang Valley may experience symptoms like dizziness, vomiting, and headaches due to the extreme altitude and cold. Nights in Nathang are particularly cold, with temperatures dropping to sub-zero levels. In this context, Keatel Crans Retreat advises elderly travellers to visit Nathang during the daytime only and return to a lower altitude after spending some time there.

If possible a portable oxygen cylinder can be carried with them for safety.

ü Guests are required to carry the original and a photocopy of their ID proof, such as a voter card, driving license, or passport, along with at least 2 passport-size colour photographs. For children or minors, it is necessary to carry a birth certificate or school ID.

ü  Guests must always carry enough dry fruits, nuts, chocolate and biscuits for emergency purposes as you don't know when adverse situation like road blocks, and heavy snow falls happens.

ü It is imperative to carry medicines for fever, cold, cough, headache, stomach upset, including paracetamol, ointment, band-aid, Vaseline, Boroline, and Volini Spray, among others while travelling silk route.

ü It is crucial to bring an ample stock of woollen clothes, gloves, hats, and wind-protective glasses, as certain locations may experience sub-zero temperatures.

ü It is advised that guests carry adequate cash in small denominations. There are no ATM facilities after Rongli, so it's crucial to ensure you have enough cash before travelling to high altitudes. It is recommended to withdraw cash from NJP or Bagdogra, where there are multiple ATMs available. In high altitudes, withdrawing cash may not always be possible due to link failure and non-refilling of hard cash in ATMs.

ü Travelling to the Silk Route on a bike requires carrying valid documents for your vehicle. Failure to produce the necessary paperwork could jeopardize your Silk Route Tour adventure. Therefore, ensuring you have the proper documentation for your bike is a strict compliance.

ü  During your Silk Route Tour, KeaTel Crans Retreat will not suggest you to consume liquor at high altitude.

ü Please note that if unforeseen circumstances necessitate the cancellation or postponement of an ongoing tour, none of the package amount is refundable.

ü Sikkim enforces stringent regulations: smoking and chewing tobacco are strictly forbidden. While on the Silk Route journey, you have the liberty to bring your own liquor due to the limited availability of liquor shops. It is essential to note that spitting tobacco is also prohibited.

ü Sikkim is a plastic-free state. Therefore, please refrain from discarding any plastic bags or bottles anywhere. Your cooperation is kindly requested:

"PLEASE TAKE NOTHING BUT PICTURES AND LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS."

1.      Summer (April to June): Daytime temperatures can range from about 10 to 20 degrees Celsius (50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit), or even higher at lower altitudes. Nights can still be quite chilly, especially in higher altitudes.

2.     Monsoon (July to September): During the monsoon season, temperatures can remain cool, but the region experiences moderate to heavy rainfall.

3.      Autumn (October to November): Days are generally cool, with temperatures ranging from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius (41 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit). Nights can be quite cold, especially in higher elevations.

4.      Winter (December to March): This is the coldest period, with daytime temperatures often staying below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). Night-time temperatures can drop well below freezing, especially in the higher altitudes.

These are rough estimates, and actual temperatures can vary from year to year. It's advisable to check the specific weather forecast closer to your planned visit for the most accurate and up-to-date

information.