Hairpin bends await you on Sikkim Silk Route.
Not all mountain lovers are fascinated with the idea of mountain biking in Ladakh due to its mountain passes. A handful of travelers who have been to the Sikkim Silk Route say it surpasses the Ladakh in north India for mountain biking experience. I would not like to comment on this because it’s a personal choice and hovers from person to person. But I will tell you why the Silk Route in East Sikkim is heaven on earth for mountain biking. From snowfall to viewpoints, from homestays to waterfalls, this route in Sikkim allows travelers to behold nature’s many colors in hundreds of folds.
How Long is the Sikkim Silk Route?
As the name suggests, Sikkim Silk Route was the ancient silk route in its heyday. Earlier, it was around 900 kilometers covering Lhasa to Tamluk Port in West Bengal and entering into Sikkim foothills. But for now, travelers on this wonderful route need to cover around 170 kilometers. The journey’s starting point is Aritar to Nathang Valley, 70 kilometers (approx.) from Gangtok.
How Many Days Are Enough for Adventure on Silk Route in Sikkim?
For the dose of mountain biking, homestays, and interaction with the locals, you need to spend around 4-6 days on the Silk Route in Sikkim. However, you must be prepared with a few extra buffer days if you plan Silk Route mountain biking activity in peak winter. During the same season, snowfall tends to block the road.
Places to See on Silk Route in Sikkim
Silk Route in East Sikkim is a tourist circuit that starts from Rongli, positioned at the West-Bengal Sikkim border. In addition, a few Sikkim tour packages make their travelers stay at the homestays at the foothills of the Himalayas in Sikkim. However, there is no loss if you even start your journey from there too! Now have a look at the best attractions to visit on Silk Route in Sikkim:
1. Arithar
Located in the Pakyong district under the Rongli sub-division, Arithar is positioned on the edge of the Himalayas. In a nutshell, on the foothills. Artishar is a perfect slight detour on the Silk Route of Sikkim. You will find homestays in Arithar at a budget-friendly price. But if you want a confirmed deal, contact your tour operator and ask them about the same as a part of your Sikkim honeymoon package. Lastly, Lampokhari Lake is the crown of Aritar because of boating and pine trees encircling it.
2. Mankhim
This is another popular attraction to see on Silk Route. From Arithar to Mankhim, one can reach within a few minutes as the distance is within 5 kilometers (approx.). Mankhim is actually a viewpoint punctured with a forested trail. You can make Mankhim a sightseeing place for a half-day excursion.
3. Rongli
Next, enroute to Rongli, but once you cross Mankhim, you will observe Que Khola Falls. Sip tea with a biscuit because tea stalls are encircled around the falls. Once you are done, gear up to make Rongli your base camp. Most importantly, you need to obtain the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to travel further toward Zuluk and Nathang Valley. The best bet? You can stay at homestays or even hotels in Rongli.
4. Lingtam
This destination on the ancient Silk Route of Sikkim is where the actual thrill of the Silk Route begins. Roads start getting smoother, and you are passing by manicured greenery and snow-capped mountain views. Lingam is a village where your permits will be checked. Additionally, from Lingtam, elevation in altitude gradually starts increasing. You will find homestays here where amiable locals will greet you with local Sikkimese hospitality.
5. Padamchen
Punctured with dense forests, Padamchen is one of the famous places to visit on the ancient Silk Route of Sikkim. This hamlet sits at 8,000 ft elevation above sea level and is nirvana for nature lovers. I personally like Padamchen because you only have to struggle to find staycations backed with basic amenities. Furthermore, Padamchen is a bird watchers’ paradise where several Himalayan birds flourish in their natural habitat.
6. Zuluk
Zuluk is a snowy hamlet at 9,400 feet elevation and is famous for its astounding hairpin bends. If you think Ladakh is the only destination for high-altitude mountain biking, plan a unique trip to Zuluk to behold mountain biking. You will feel like clouds hugging you irrespective of the season. However, winter is a big hit. Thanks to the snowfall. I suggest you indulge in camping at Zuluk in different valleys. Did we mention you can witness Kanchenjunga from Zuluk’s viewpoint?
7. Nathang Valley
This is another high-altitude attraction on the Old Silk Route with many homestays. Even in April, Nathang Valley is wrapped with snow. Plan a trip to Nathang Valley from Zuluk and feel high in elevation as it is around 12,700 feet above ocean level. Some people call Nathang Valley the Ladakh of Sikkim as it has monasteries like Ladakh.
Wrapping Up
That’s it, folks! I hope you like this guide to mountain biking on the Sikkim Silk Route. As I said, spend at least 6-7 days on this excursion. The Silk Route in Sikkim is an absolutely insane adventure for mountain bikers. If you have been to Ladakh and itching to explore the unexplored place with such a similar quotient, bookmark your visit to Sikkim Silk Route with Honeymoon Bug Sikkim tour packages.
FAQs About Sikkim Silk Route Mountain Biking
When is the best time to visit the Sikkim Silk Route?
Except from June to September, when the rainfall occurs, any time of the year is a good time to visit Silk Route.
Can I hire a bike on the Sikkim Silk Route?
Yes, you can hire a mountain bike on Silk Route. However, the same cost per day would be around 1,000 INR (approx.) onwards, excluding fuel. You need to submit the security deposit and your valid identity proof copies.
How to obtain the permit for the Silk Route?
To obtain a Protected Area Permit, visit Gangtok’s Tourist Centre. The best alternative is to ask your tour package planner to arrange the permit for you!
Are foreigners allowed to explore the Sikkim Silk Route?
No, foreigners can’t explore the Old Sikkim Route.
