Plan 01
1 day around Zuluk
- 01
Day 1: Zuluk and Thambi
A single day is rushed, and travel sources do not recommend day trips from Gangtok or Kalimpong. If you are already in the area, reach Zuluk by late morning, walk around the village, then drive up to Thambi View Point for the view over the zigzag road. Return to Rongli or Aritar for the night at lower altitude. Confirm the permit and road conditions the day before.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Thambi View Point 45-60 minutes plus the drive Easy Around sunrise, October to November and April to June Rongli 1-2 hours Easy Morning, on the day before or the morning of your climb Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.
Plan 02
2 days: Zuluk and Nathang
- 01
Day 1: Rongli to Zuluk
Collect the permit at Rongli, then climb through Lingtam and Padamchen to Zuluk. Settle into a homestay, rest, and take a slow walk around the village before an early night.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Rongli 1-2 hours Easy Morning, on the day before or the morning of your climb Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.
- 02
Day 2: Sunrise and Nathang
Leave before dawn for Thambi View Point (or Lungthung if you are fit), then return for breakfast. Continue towards Nathang Valley, stopping at Kupup and Elephant Lake if conditions allow, and stay the night at a Nathang homestay or descend to Gangtok.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Thambi View Point 45-60 minutes plus the drive Easy Around sunrise, October to November and April to June Nathang Valley Overnight, or 2-3 hours as a stop Moderate April to June and October to November Kupup and Elephant Lake 45-90 minutes Easy Clear days in spring and autumn Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.
With parents at Nathang Valley: This is a very high settlement (Wikipedia's figure looks inconsistent; travel sources say about 4,100 m), so altitude is a real issue. Acclimatise first, walk slowly, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and be ready to descend if unwell.
Plan 03
3 days: the Old Silk Route circuit
- 01
Day 1: Aritar and Rongli
Start at lower altitude with Aritar and Lampokhari Lake, then drive on to Rongli to sort out permits and supplies. Sleep at Aritar, Rongli or Padamchen to begin acclimatising.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Rongli 1-2 hours Easy Morning, on the day before or the morning of your climb Aritar and Lampokhari Lake 2-3 hours Easy Spring and autumn; mornings for clearer views Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.
- 02
Day 2: Zuluk and the zigzag road
Climb to Zuluk, take in the village and the zigzag road, and stay the night. Go slowly; the altitude catches many people.
- 03
Day 3: Sunrise, Nathang and Kupup
Go up for sunrise at Thambi or Lungthung, then drive on to Nathang Valley and its monastery, Kupup with Elephant Lake, and the Yak Golf Course. Visit the Old Baba Mandir if time and energy allow, and continue to Gangtok or stay at Nathang.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Nathang Valley Overnight, or 2-3 hours as a stop Moderate April to June and October to November Old Baba Mandir 30-45 minutes Moderate Daylight hours in clear weather Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.
With parents at Nathang Valley: This is a very high settlement (Wikipedia's figure looks inconsistent; travel sources say about 4,100 m), so altitude is a real issue. Acclimatise first, walk slowly, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and be ready to descend if unwell.
With parents at Old Baba Mandir: Reaching the shrine involves a flight of steps (one source says about 50) at high altitude, with cold wind and little seating. Older visitors may prefer the newer temple on the Nathu La road, which is easier to reach.
Read before you go
Guides for the stops on these routes
Pacing
Pacing a Zuluk trip for parents and children
- Spend a night at Aritar or Rongli before climbing to Zuluk, and keep the first day at altitude light.
- Take advice from a doctor before booking if you have heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions, and carry regular medicines.
- Sit in the front seat and take motion-sickness medicine; the road climbs in long hairpins.
- Skip Lungthung and the Old Baba Mandir steps if the cold and altitude feel too much; Thambi View Point is the easier option.
- Homestay rooms are simple; ask about heating, hot water and bathroom type when booking.
- Do not push on in snow, fog or rain; accept your driver's decision to turn back.
Book the pieces
Stay close to the route
Pick a base near the first day's sights. Our guide to where to stay in Zuluk compares the areas.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.