Sikkim — 8 Days on the Old Silk Route

Switchbacks, Glacial Waters & Tibetan Borders

Eight days riding India's smallest Himalayan state, which packs in more switchbacks per kilometre than anywhere else in the country. The centrepiece is the old Silk Route above Zuluk — a legendary stack of hairpins climbing the ridge to Thambi View Point, where Kanchenjunga fills the skyline on a clear morning.

From Gangtok the road climbs to the glacial Tsomgo Lake at around 12,300 ft and, permits allowing, on to Nathu La on the historic trade route into Tibet. The northern leg pushes deep into Lachung, the Yumthang alpine valley, and the sacred Gurudongmar Lake standing tall at 17,800 ft.

What You'll Experience

• The Zuluk loops & Thambi View Point: The most photographed switchbacks in the Eastern Himalaya.
• Tsomgo (Changu) Lake: A high-altitude glacial lake at ~12,300 ft that freezes over in winter.
• Nathu La Pass (14,140 ft): Historic mountain pass on the Indo-Tibetan border (open to Indian nationals with permits).
• Gangtok & Ancient Monasteries: Cultural base with Rumtek and Tashiding monasteries within a morning's ride.
• North Sikkim & Yumthang: The valley of rhododendrons, Lachung river trails, and snow-capped peaks.
• Gurudongmar Lake (17,800 ft): One of the highest lakes on Earth, surrounded by sacred glacial peaks.

Tight Asphalt, Hairpins & Loose Gravel

Tight, relentlessly cornering mountain tarmac, with broken and unsurfaced stretches above the treeline. Altitude comes on fast — from subtropical tea gardens to 14,000+ ft inside two riding days — so our schedule leaves ample room to acclimatise.

Spring Blossoms & Autumn Clarity

Mid-March to late May: Clear weather, blooming rhododendrons, and manageable high pass conditions.

October into early December: Crystal-clear mountain views after the monsoon. We avoid the monsoon (June to September) due to landslides.

Protected Area Permits (PAP)

Sikkim's protected areas — Tsomgo, Nathu La, North Sikkim and Gurudongmar — each need special permits arranged in advance. Nathu La and Gurudongmar are restricted to Indian nationals by military regulations. We manage all paperwork beforehand.