Silk Route

Sillery Gaon:

Sillery Gaon welcomes tourists all through the year. However, it is advised to avoid the rainy season. Winter is the most preferred season. Sillery is located 96 kms from New Jalpaiguri via Kalimpong. The scenic beauty of the place is undoubtedly eye appealing. Gorgeous view of the mighty Mt. Kanchenjungha can be savored from Sillery Gaon.

Rishikhola:

Reshi or Rishi or Rishi Khola is located in the Kalimpong sub division on the West Bengal –Sikkim Border. Rishi Khola derives its name from the Reshi River (Khola in Nepali meaning a small stream) and has gained prominence as an upcoming offbeat tourist destination as recently a number of resorts have come up on the banks of the river, not surprisingly because of its unique location and scenic beauty. Topographically, Reshi Kholadivides the states of West Bengal and Sikkim. It’s a perfect stopover for tourists intending to visit 'The Silk Route' as it is a nice picnic and camping ground for tourists to have fun and chill out on the banks of the river rishi. It is also an idyllic spot for romancing the moonlight with a light barbecue and bonfire.

Icchey Gaon:

Icchey Gaon, is located at an altitude of 5800 feet in the hills of Kalimpong, This small hamlet is located just 15 KM from Kalingpong. The eco-friendly organic village. The sunrise can be best enjoyed at Ramitey view point. The sunrise over Mount Kanchanjungha is such a gleaming view that you will never forget this moment in your life. Many unknown clipping birds also will welcome the sunrise with tweets will be an overwhelming harmony. The entire Himalayan range and the Teesta River can be viewed from Ramitey view point.

Aritar:

Summertime (March to May) is considered the best time to visit Aritar. Aritar, made famous by the Lampokhari lake is a beautiful hill station located on the Silk Route Sikkim.. Aritar offers multitude options to visitors like trekking, adventure sports and nature trails. The most interesting place in Aritar is of course the Lampokhari Lake.

Mankhim:

Mankhim is the hilltop adjacent to the popular destination of Aritar, in the village of Dalapchand of Eastern Sikkim. Mankhim offers a panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjungha and the emerald green “boot-shaped” Lampokhri Lake at the same time – this incredible view is not available from Aritar. In Mankhim, there is a small temple on the hilltop, a few homestays and a monastery, just a walk away. Bird watching, paddle boating and nature walking are other great activities here.

Dalapchand:

There is the leisurely boating in the Lampokhari lake, horse-riding around the lake, traditional archery competition and short treks to nearby hilltops and view points. For the more adventurous, there is rock climbing and para-gliding, which is guaranteed to keep your adrenaline rushing.

Lingtam:

Lingtam or Lingtum is the first village with a check post after Rongli on Silk route. It is a very peaceful small village with a sparkling weather guarded by a small river called Bakhuter Khola. Located at an altitude of around 5000 feet above sea level, Lingtum has two monasteries and is surrounded by hills on all sides.

Agamlok:

A tiny sherpa village on the Eastern part of Sikkim and the onset to the Old Silk route, Agamlok is a very new addition to the quaint Sikkimese villages. Beautiful views of the Singalila range along with the mountains of Buthan and Tibet, this place is a real treasure of the travelers.

Rolep:

Rolep is tucked on the slopes of the rolling green Himalayan foothills with panoramic views of the Rangpo Khola River valley. While in Rolep, you can hike along the hanging bridges over gushing rivers, get drenched under the 40-feet high waterfall and try angling trouts in the river. Rolep is one of the new-found gems of East Sikkim, which gives a very authentic experience of village life and adventure.

Padamchen:

Padamchen is a village tucked in the slopes of the Himalayan foothills surrounded by a forest teeming with birds. A nearby waterfall and a sparkling weather make this village on Silk Route circuit one of the best places to stay before taking the high-altitude Nathang Valley or Kupup Lake. Located at 7,000 ft, Padamchen is splendid in its own way. This quaint village lies at a distance of 8 kms from Zuluk and 14 kms from Rongli.

Nimachen:

Perched on a hill slope at 8000 ft and covered in dense forests, Nimachen is a small village on the Silk Route circuit just 14 kms from Rongli and 4 kms from Zuluk.Dense temperate forests surrounding the Nimachen is home to a huge bird population like Laughing thrushes, Fulvettas, Honey Buzzards, Steppe Eagles, Babblers, Tits, Wrens and others. The deeper regions of the forest have occasional visitors like Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda and Leopards.

Zuluk:

Dzuluk stands at an altitude of around 10,100 feet, and is home to winding roads and panoramic vistas. This little hamlet is also where the famous and historic Old Silk Route rests. Not very far from here lies the Indo-China border. Dzuluk, popularly called Zuluk, has overwhelmed nature-lovers and adventure-enthusiasts for long.During August and September, Zuluk is drenched is a riot of colours of wild flowers. The whole region is covered in various wild flowers. From January to April Zuluk is covered in snow.

Nathang:

Nathang Valley, also known as Gnathang Valley is a high-altitude plateau in East Sikkim. Located at an altitude of 13,500 feet above sea level and flanked by mountains on all sides, this is a remote valley with a meandering stream crisscrossing it. Nathang is the highest location to stay in the Indian part of the Old Silk Route. It is one of the remotest Tibetan habitations in Himalayas. Nathang Valley usually remains covered with thick snow from January to April. The long four-month of sub-zero temperature makes the valley a cold desert and one of the most beautiful parts of Himalayas. The dazzling sightseeing attractions for the day include: Thambi/Silk Route trail/Gnathang Valley/Tukla Valley/Kupup/Old Baba Mandir.