Over the past decade there has been several trade routes, which played a major role for the rise of international trades round the globe that we see now, are closed and un-used. One such route was known as "Silk Route" which has got tremendous historic reference. The Silk Route is an ancient network of trade connecting Central Asia to the Mediterranean Sea. More than Trade, it was the development of civilization along the exchange of culture in which this route played a very significant role. This 10000 km route indeed was the first information super highway.
The ancient Silk Route or Silk Road which passes through various places of east Sikkim like SilleryGaon, ReshiKhola, Rhenock, Rongli, Aritar, Mankhim, Lingtam, Zuluk, Padamchen, and Gnathang valley is a part of the ancient network of trade routes which connected China to India. The Silk Route in Sikkim is an offshoot of the ancient trade route which came from Lhasa, crossing Chumbi Valley and passing through Nathula to finally reach the port of Tamluk in West Bengal. The first thought which strikes us after hearing the word Silk Route is that it must be a route where silk used to be imported or exported but in reality it was horses, wool and teas that was traded through the Silk Route. Now the Silk Route is an offbeat journey through the little known village of East Sikkim. This less travelled road leads you to most picturesque village tucked far away from the mundane city lie, surrounded by dense temperate forest and overlooking the mind boggling view of Kanchenjunga range. Hiking through the dense and submerging yourself in the beauty of this historic Silk Route can be an experience of a lifetime. Dzuluk a quaint village in the Indo-China border is the starting point of this Old Silk route giving you a chance to interact with the villager who once traded product through Silk Route, hear the tales about this glorious route about how it played an important role in trading culture and products. And end your marvelous journey of Old Silk route in Nathang Valley, also known as Ladakh of eastern India. Each bend on this route is filled with awe-inspiring landscape view.
The journey towards the historic structure of the old Silk Route is truly bewitching with the astounding sight of the virgin forest along the stunning and finest views of Mt. Khangchendzongha and mountainous landscapes while seeing the reminisce of the alluring tales on the paths laid down 1500 years ago. Travelers around the globe are lured by the historical significance and mesmerizing beauty of Silk Route.
SILK ROUTE TOUR (5 DAYS)
DAY 1 : NJP RAIL STATION TO SILLERY GAON
After arrival pick up by our car and transfer to Sillery Gaon ( breakfast on the way by your own cost ) . The distance between Siliguri to Sillery Gaon is 98 kms and time takes 4.30 hours. Sillery Gaon, situated at an altitude of 6000 ft. above the sea level is a small and beautiful village perched in the Himalaya. Check in Homestay . After fresh n up Visit Ramitey view point on foot through forest . Evening free for your own Night stay in Homestay.
DAY 2 : ZULUK
After breakfast transfer to Rongli to take permit then transfer to Zuluk ( 3 hrs ) Zuluk is situated at an altitude of 10,000 ft , located on the famous Old-Silk-Route. Visit Lingtham , Nathang Valley, Old Baba Mandir , Thambi View Point , Enjoy Qkhola Water Falls and Padamchen. Evening free for your own .Night stay in Homestay .
DAY 3 : ARITAR
After breakfast check out and transfer to Aritar . visit Lampokhri, Aritar Monastery, Dak Bungalow, Mankhim view point. Night stay in Homestay .
DAY 4 : RESHIKHOLA
After breakfast check out and transfer to Reshikhola. Reshikhola is a riverside destination just 37 km from Kalimpong and very near to Pedong. The little village of Reshikhola received its name from the Reshi River running along this small place. In Nepali language ‘Khola’ means ‘small stream’. The place falls in between West Bengal and Sikkim creating a division between the two states. Like all other rivulets crisscrossing the sub-Himalayan range, the Reshi river coast is strewn with rocks and boulders with stream waters gushing around them. The river valley is surrounded by forest Check in Home stay . after lunch visit the locality on foot .
DAY 5 : NJP DROP
After breakfast check out and transfer to NJP rail station.