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Old Silk Route – The Beauty of the Seven Sisters
The Old Silk Route – the trade route between Sikkim and Tibet which was used to trade silk between both the countries is now one of the amazing places in the country that reflects the magnificent beauty of the mountains.
The North-Eastern Part of the country, often referred as the Seven Sisters is home to some of the most exotic landscapes and is one of the least explored parts of the country, located close to the borders of the countries such as China, Bhutan, Tibet. The states such as Sikkim, Meghalaya and others have just recently found some spotlight and makes for an enthralling and enticing vacation in the unknown realms. The Old Silk Route in the Eastern part of the Sikkim is one such bewitching and enticing place that offers an amazing and astonishing experience if you are in search of places that has witnessed less footfall.
Here’s an amazing experience that you can embark on if you are planning for a vacation and there’s nothing such as the Old Silk Route in Sikkim because we just did and were mighty impressed with what we saw.
Day – 1 | Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri > Sillery Gaon
The tour starts off from either Bagdogra or New Jalpaiguri, which depends upon the mode of arrival you choose as Bagdogra is the nearest airport and New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station from Sillery Gaon – the starting point of this amazing tour.
From either Bagdogra or New Jalpaiguri, board the cab and reach Sillery Gaon. The travel time from Bagdogra and New Jalpaiguri to Sillery Gaon are 4 hours and 30 minutes. Reach the Sillery Gaon late in the afternoon or early evening.
The Sillery Gaon is located in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal. But, technically called as the starting point of the Sikkim Silk Route. Sillery Gaon is a picture-perfect Himalayan hamlet that is also fondly called as the New Darjeeling.
Day – 2 | Sillery Gaon > Dzuluk
On the second day, it was all about covering the places in Sillery Gaon. Sillery Gaon has many viewpoints that have offers some scintillating views of the Kanchenjunga and the JeepLa pass. There are also some private viewpoints which are built by the owners of the homestays and those are exclusive to the guests who stay in that homestays. Bird Watching is also one of the favorite pastimes here or you can also help the locals in gardening. You can ask any person about the old Silk route trade and sit down for an intriguing story.
After the local sightseeing at the Sillery Gaon, a picturesque drive from Sillery Gaon through winding roads overlooking the mountains and through exquisite towns of Pedong and Reshi Renock will take you to Dzuluk/Zuluk (spelled either way).
Day – 3 | Dzuluk > Nathang
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Dzuluk is a picturesque village that sits atop at an altitude of 10,100 feet above sea level. Located right next to the winding and mountainous roads. This lovely village has a population of around 700 people in total and yet has been blessed with the beauty of the mother nature all over. Dzuluk was the transit point when the silk trade flourished. There are many places in this quaint little village where you can enjoy the magnificent views of the Mt. Kanchenjunga and there is also a temple that is dedicated to the deity of King Cobra. There are also places such as the Padamchen, Lungthung, Nathang, Kupup Lake and Tukla Valley which can be visited while you are in Dzuluk.
After covering Dzuluk, you can choose to head to Nathang. Nathang is just an hour’s drive from Dzuluk and can opt to stay in a homestay there.
Day – 4 | Nathang > Aritar
The Nathang Valley is nothing short of a paradise. Once the home of Yak herders coming from Tibet, this small valley located at an altitude of 13,500 feet. The Nathang Valley is middle point of the Old Silk Route. Today, the place is well equipped with homestays. There is also an old Monastery, a temple and a small bridge. Lungthung and Eagle’s Nest Bunker are the best sunrise viewpoints. These points offer a magnificent view of the sunrise as well as the gorgeous mountains.
The Nathang Valley will turn out to be the true paradise for bird watchers as many migratory birds visit this place. Cometh the autumn and this place turns into golden hue with the pastures turning golden in color. After endlessly exploring the Nathang Valley and then head to the Aritar which is a 3hrs’ drive from Nathang.
Day – 5 | Aritar > Bagdogra/ New Jalpaiguri
Aritar is one of the leading hill stations of Sikkim. Aritar is very well known for its pristine lakes, magnificent waterfalls, temples and monasteries. The entire region of Aritar is surrounded by lush green forests, streams and waterfalls. There are other places such as Lampokhari, Parbateyswar Shivalaya Mandir, Dak Bungalow, Nirmal Dham, Aritar Gumpa and Mankhim. There are also some amazing trekking routes that pass or starts from Aritar. Once the local sight-seeing is done, depart for either Bagdogra or New Jalpaiguri to set off back to your place.
An encore of this beautiful and amazing experience cannot be found anywhere in the world. This Old Silk Route is something that must be on your bucket list or if it’s there on the bucket list already. It’s high time you strike it off from that place and have only photographs and memories from this paradise. If you are planning to visit the Old Silk Route we have your backs covered write to us at hello@towno.in or call us at +91 70605 63063.