The 6-day Silk Route group tour promises to enrich historical and thrilling group exploration through the remarkable corridor. The Silk Road is famous for its intricate trade routes connecting the East and West. This Road is a heart of history, awe-inspiring landscapes, and centuries-old markets waiting to be explored.

Get along with me on this group tour to unveil the stories of ancient civilizations, landmarks, and local delicacies. Let’s explore the secrets of the Silk Road by creating long-lasting memories.

Great Silk Road Adventure

The great Silk Road is a cortege route of ancient times and the Middle Ages that connected Asia with the Mediterranean and the European world. These routes are for developing trade interactions and cultural ties between the West and the East. The Silk Road was used for exporting goods like silk, spices, minerals, and paintings and as a significant source of exchanging cultures, music, and art.

If you like exploring captivating landscapes, serene lakes, and snow-covered peaks, this adventurous group travel along the Silk Route is for you.

Overview of the 6-Day Tour

• Start the Silk Road expedition from Siliguri to Sillery Gaon.
• At Sillery Gaon, explore the stunning Kanchenjunga mountains and move to Aritar to discover lakes, waterfalls, and forests.
• Get to the treasure of the Silk Route, Zuluk.
• From Nathang, move to Thambi Point and explore Gnathang Valley, Tukla Valley, Jepepla Pass Viewpoint, and Kupup Lake.
• The following day, I switched to Reshikola, a small village close to Kalimpong.
• Lastly, move to the Coronation bridge by simply crossing the lower back of that area.

Must-Do Activities

• Go skiing in Nathang Valley.
• Birdwatching and angling in Reshikhola.
• Walk on the Coronation Bridge that connects India and Bhutan.

Seasons to Visit

Spring and Summer:

The most preferable time to visit the Silk Route is from March to May when the weather remains pleasant.

Monsoon:

Monsoon is the season that should be avoided for any trip due to heavy rainfall and landslides.

Winter:

You should also avoid your visit during winter as snowfall is expected at Zuluk and Nathang Valley. Also, in winter, the weather is foggy, which will cause difficulty in capturing the best views.

How to Reach

The most convenient way to reach the Silk Route to start your journey is through NJP railway station. You can also fly to the IXB airport in Bagdogra.

Day 1: IXB to Sillery Gaon

After arriving at the IXB airport, welcome yourself and start your journey by reaching the small village of Sillery Gaon, also known as New Darjeeling. Sillery Gaon is at a height of 6000 ft., offering you some panoramic views of Kanchenjunga mountain. From Sillery Gaon, book a private car for your group to travel along the Silk Route.

Day 2: Sillery Gaon to Aritar

The next day, prepare to leave for a district in East Sikkim called Aritar, famous for its lush greenery, captivating mountains, and spectacular lakes. At Aritar, head for a group exploring the beautiful sites of the Aritar, which are Mankhim, Rongli, Lingtam, Padamchen, and Lampokhari Lake.

Dense and dark woods, sweeping hills, and deep gorge waterfalls add charm to the beauty of Aritar. Wind up your day by visiting the Dak Bungalow and the Aritar Gumpa, the oldest monastery in Sikkim.

Day 3: Aritar to Zuluk

From Aritar, the next destination to reach your group will be Zuluk, the most famous stop on the Sikkim Silk Route. The small settlement on the Himalayan hillside, Zuluk, is 10,000 feet above sea level. Being at a high altitude, this picturesque site is always covered by fog and clouds, creating a gloomy charm.

There is a Shiva Temple at Zuluk, one of the historical sites on the Silk Road tour on a rugged terrain.

Day 4: Zuluk to Nathang Valley

Travel from zig-zag routes of the Zuluk to the Nathang Valley, which is 24 km away from the Zuluk. Nathan Valley is also known as the “Ladakh of the East” due to its similarities with the landscape of Ladakh. Another notable point about this valley is that it changes color according to the seasons:

• Spring: In spring, the valley's landscape turns red, pink, and yellow hues due to the bloom of Rhododendron.
• Autumn: Autumn turns the valley into a golden and yellow hue.
• Winter: The heavy snowfall covered its landscapes by turning the valley into a white carpet.

This beautiful valley has a spectacular Thambi View point, which is 11,600 feet above the sea point and famous for viewing the sunrise. Then, conclude your day by visiting one of the high-altitude mountain passes – Jelep La, which connects India and Lhasa.

Day 5: Nathang to Rishikhola

Get ready to transfer your group to Rishikhola, a simple riverside city that is only 37 km away from Kalimpong. This scenic riverside town is at the border of Sikkim and West Bengal, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.

You can camp along the riverbank to try adventurous activities like forest trek, rock climbing, and angling. Another plus point is that during your exploration of Rishikhola, you may witness numerous Himalayan birds like The Himalayan Bulbul, Green Magpie, Green Barbet, and Tricolour Shrike. These facts make it one of the best Silk Road stops.

Day 6: Return to NJP Railway Station from Rishikhola

After a night’s stay at Rishikhola, it is your time to head back to the NJP Railway Station. However, if you have time, stop by the Coronation Bridge, the true epitome of craftsmanship and architecture of the British Era; you must visit it. This bridge was constructed to connect Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri, making it an engineering marvel.

Coronation Bridge is surrounded by lush greenery and offers breathtaking views with sparkling blue water flowing underneath. So there is no other best option to make your way back more memorable. Take photographs at the bridge with a plethora of good memories.

Essential things to carry for the Silk Route Group Tour

1) Backpack

2) Water Bottle

3) Thermal Inners

4) Warm Clothes

5 ) A Map

6) Caps

7) Walking Shoes

8) Jackets

9) Gloves

10) Umbrella

11) Rain Coat

12) Sneakers

Final Thoughts

The 6-Day Silk Route group tour is not only a journey but an immersive experience to delve into this iconic route's history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. The hidden wonders of the Silk Route will leave you with a profound appreciation for this historical path. Also, this group trip will allow you to bond with fellow travelers while creating long-lasting memories.

Walk on the steps of explorers today to witness a historical relic and the enduring legacy of the Silk Road. Also, please share your valuable feedback with me.