Silk Route : A Travel Destination That Takes You Back In Time

A travel destination that goes back to first century AD remains as spectacular as it was then, even now, however for a different reason. Silk Route was the main channel between India-China to expand their trade relations. It expanded itself from the Mediterranean to the modern Afghanistan and Tajikistan on the borders of china.

As the hidden gem of India, Silk route initially brought a lot of trade and economical benefits. The most unvarying trade was conducted among Chinese, Persians, Greeks, Syrians, Romans, Armenians, Indians, and Bactrians, and from the 5th to the 8th century the Sogdians. During the coming age of Islam, Arab traders became prominent. But now it’s a budding travel destination and travelers delight.

Let’s look at its beauty now:

1. Zuluk

Altitude: 7000 ft +
At the distance of 3 hours from Gangtok, Zuluk restricts a lot of visitors on the basis of a permit which needs to be taken before your visit. This permit is easily available from a place called as Rangli. Zuluk was once used by traders travelling through Tibet Jelep-la which is now a popular tourist destination.

 

2. Nathang Valley

Altitude:13,500 ft
Also known as Gnathang Valley, Nathang Valley is a renown plateau in east Sikkim. It is flanked by mountains on all sides; being the highest place to be at in the Indian territory of the old silk route. January to April watches layers of thick snow, making it a cold deserted part of Himalayas. This place is 60 km from Gangtok.

 

3 Nathula Pass

Elevation: 14,140 ft
Abutting to the Indo-Chinese border, Nathula pass is located at a distance of 56 kilometers from Gangtok. It connected plains of bengal to Tibet. On your visit to this place, you can discover our closeness with the Chinese border and often see their soldiers covering their side.

 

4. Padamchen

Altitude: 7686 ft
A small village that catches everyone’s attention because of its sylphlike beauty; Padamchen invites people because of its amazing weather all around the year. The closeness of silk route can be observed from here, since it is just 10 km from Zuluk. This place is heaven for bird watching.

 

5. Four Lake Point ( KupKup Lake , Green Lake & Jorpokahri Lake )

 Altitude: 13600 ft

Could you agree to the fact that a barren land entails so much beauty? This land has these four major lakes, stretching in line within the dotted trail of horizon. It begins from Jorpokahri Lake ( which is twin), proceeding towards Green Lake which is right in the middle and then KupKup Lake at the end. It marks for the nothingness of Tibetan plateau.

 

6. Eagle’s nest bunker

Altitude: 13700 ft.
If you want to have tête-à-tête affair with the eastern Himalayas, then this is the place for you. This place is the middle of everywhere and you can have a bird’s eye view from the top of this abandoned army land. Watching sunrise from here will be one of the best experience of your life.

 

7. Tukla Valley 

Altitude:12500 ft
If you really need to see how Mt. Kanchenjunga looks like from the top, with its allied peaks that are weaved alongside as if someone has hand carved them, then Tukla Valley is the place to be. The valley turns red due to flowers, but otherwise it is mostly covered under snow.

 

8. Changu Lake

Altitude: 12400 ft.
Needn’t say much about this lake, since nothing can decipher the beauty that it possess. Changu lake is one of the most majestic and spectacular landscapes of Sikkim. This place remains completely frozen during winters.

 

9. Jelepala Pass

Altitude: 13999 ft
Connecting Lhasa to India, Jelepala Pass is another known pass of the Indian terrain maintaining close ties with Tibet. The name Jelepala means “ The lovely level pass “ , with rhododendrons blooming in the spring time. Travelers are sure to have a sybaritic experience at this place.

 

10. Lampokhari Lake

Altitude : 4600 ft
No wonder it is one of the oldest natural formed lake in the entire vicinity. It is 1120 feet long and 240 feet wide, boat shaped and surrounded by pine trees. For much delight, a pathway has been recently constructed around the lake so that tourist can make the most of their journey.

 

11. Menmecho Lake

Altitude: 12500 ft
Surrounded by deep slopes, Menmecho Lake is a mesmerising beauty that is said to change colors every minute. It stays frozen from January to August. Another amazing thing about this lake is that your cars won’t reach there and you’ll have to trek 4 kms to reach this amazing place.

Not all those who wander are lost, but if you’re lost you can wander here and you are sure to find yourself. It’s the only one of its kind destination where you get to do so much and see so much. Pack your bags now.

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