মেঘের রাজ্য Silk Route || East Sikkim скачать в хорошем качестве

মেঘের রাজ্য Silk Route || East Sikkim

#silkroute #eastsikkim #babamandir #nathulapass #elephentlake #kupup #dokalam #sikkimtourism #bikeride #twm #travelwithmriganka #mriganka #himalayan ----------------------------------------------------- 🌄 East Sikkim: At a Glance Capital: Gangtok (also the state capital) Altitude Range: Varies from 1,600 ft to over 14,000 ft Languages: Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, English, Hindi Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to December Weather: Cool summers, freezing winters, and heavy monsoon rainfall 🐉 The Silk Route of East Sikkim The Old Silk Route (also known as the Sikkim Silk Route) was once a part of the ancient trade network connecting India with Tibet and China. It was used to transport silk, spices, wool, and other goods. Today, it's a scenic travel route that winds through the Eastern Himalayas, 🗺️ Route Overview The route starts around Rongli and goes through several key points: Rongli – Entry point with permits Lingtam Zuluk – A charming village known for its zigzag roads Thambi View Point – Offers an iconic view of the switchback roads and Kanchenjunga Lungthung – High-altitude village with snow views Nathang Valley – Known as the “Ladakh of East Sikkim” Kupup – Home to the Elephant Lake Tukla Valley – Historic battle site from the Anglo-Tibetan war Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir – Leading towards Nathula Pass 🌟 Highlights Along the Silk Route Zuluk Loops: One of the most photographed roads in India — about 32 hairpin bends! Kanchenjunga Views: Spectacular sunrise and sunset views from multiple points. Old Baba Mandir: A shrine dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh, a revered Indian Army soldier. Elephant Lake (Kupup Lake): Shaped like an elephant; often frozen in winter. Nathang Valley: Offers golden meadows in summer and snow desert vibes in winter. 🛏️ Where to Stay Mostly homestays and small guesthouses along the route in places like Zuluk, Nathang Valley, and Lungthung. They offer a cozy stay with local hospitality and simple food. 🐫 The Old Silk Route – East Sikkim The Old Silk Route in East Sikkim is part of an ancient trade network that once connected Lhasa in Tibet to Kalimpong in West Bengal, passing through the rugged mountains of Sikkim. This route was crucial for the exchange of silk, wool, spices, and tea between India, China, and Tibet. Today, it has become a popular offbeat travel destination, rich in history, nature, and panoramic Himalayan beauty. 🗺️ Route Map (Popular Tourist Stretch) While the original Silk Route spans a much larger area historically, the tourist-accessible section in East Sikkim starts from Rongli and includes: Rongli – Entry point (where permits are checked) Lingtam – Peaceful village surrounded by forest Padamchen – Entry to higher altitudes, forests start thinning Zuluk – The crown jewel with its famous hairpin bends Thambi View Point – Unmatched views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Zuluk loops Lungthung-Dhupidara – Offers sweeping mountain and valley views Nathang Valley – Cold desert landscape; once a Tibetan yak herders’ camp Kupup Lake (Elephant Lake) – A glacier lake shaped like an elephant Old Baba Mandir – Revered Indian Army shrine Tukla Valley – Battle site of the 1903 British expedition to Tibet Jelep La (pass to Tibet, closed) – Close to the Indo-China border Nathula Pass – Optional detour, open to Indian tourists with permits 🌟 Key Attractions 🌀 Zuluk Loops Around 32 sharp bends in a tight stretch. One of the most photographed roads in India. Offers stunning sunrise/sunset views of the Kanchenjunga range. 🌄 Thambi View Point At 11,200 ft, it's the best spot for panoramic sunrise views. Named after a British engineer who worked on the route. ❄️ Nathang Valley Known as the “Ladakh of East Sikkim”. Snowbound in winter, golden and misty in summer. Stay in basic homestays, often the highest overnight stop. 🐘 Elephant Lake (Kupup Lake) Shaped like an elephant when viewed from above. Often frozen in winter, crystal blue in summer. 🛕 Old Baba Mandir Dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh, a soldier whose spirit is believed to protect Indian soldiers. The temple is maintained by the Indian Army. 🧭 Permits & Travel Rules Protected Area Permit (PAP) is needed. Only Indian citizens are allowed in certain stretches (like Nathula Pass). Get permits in Gangtok or Rongli through a registered travel agent. Carry: Voter ID/Passport (Aadhar is NOT accepted here) Passport-sized photos 🛏️ Where to Stay Most accommodations are homestays run by local families: Padamchen – Cozy and lower altitude Zuluk – Good base for exploring the loops and viewpoints Nathang – High-altitude but limited amenities All homestays offer basic food, mostly local Sikkimese cuisine 🚗 Best Time to Visit Spring (March–May): Rhododendron blooms, snow still present Autumn (Sept–Nov): Clear skies, great mountain views Winter (Dec–Feb): Heavy snowfall; road closures likely Monsoon (June–Aug): Landslides common; best avoided