By Nathang Valley in simple words can be described as one of the best places to stay at or visit in Sikkim. Nathang Valley is located along Silk Route in East Sikkim. It is a remote hamlet located at a very high altitude around 13,000 ft above sea level with extreme temperature in winters and moderate temperature in summers but that too quite cold because of the height. Nathang Valley can be visited directly from NJP/Bagdogra/Siliguri via Rongpo and Rongli from the east and it is can also be visited from Gangtok’s side. Nathang Valley is the extreme point in east Sikkim other than Nathula Pass. The scenic beauty all around is amazing with snow capped mountains and valleys. If you are planning a trip plan to east Sikkim, Nathang must a place to visit.
Visit Nathang Valley from NJP/Siliguri/Bagdogra
There are two routes from NJP/Bagdogra/Siliguri’s towards Nathang as follows:
Route 1: NJP/Bagdogra/Siliguri >> Rongpo >> Rongli >> Lingtam >> Padamchen >> Zuluk >> Lungthung >> Gnathang Valley >> Kupup >> Gangtok
Route 2: NJP/Bagdogra/Siliguri >> Kalimpong >> Ramdura >> Ichey Gaon >> Sillery Gaon >> Pedong >> Reshikhola >> Aritar >> Rongli Bazar >> Lingtam >> Padamchen >> Zuluk >> Lungthung >> Gnathang Valley >> Gangtok
All the places mentioned above are small hamlets which have gained popularity with tourists coming in to this part of Sikkim. Places like Ramdura, Iche Gaon, Sillery Gaon and Reshikhola are located within West Bengal territory and share the border with Sikkim. These places of Bengal on way to east Sikkim or Silk Route have developed popularity because of its own superb scenic view. (Read my Honeymoon trip to Reshikhola). People visiting east Sikkim or coming from east Sikkim towards NJP/Siliguri/Bagdogra must stay or halt for one or couple of nights at Iche Gaon or Sillery Gaon. In these three places on way to Silk Route and entire east Sikkim local people have been developing home stays to facilitate lodging for tourists and provide basic necessities. There are no hotels at these places in east Sikkim except Lingtam. There are two properties at Lingtam and at all other places people are supposed to stay in home stays only maintained by local people.
There are two ways one can visit Nathang Valley. You can visit Nathang and come back towards NJP/Siliguri else you can transfer to Gangtok via Silk Route. It is not actually required to stay at all places mentioned above. Travel agents try to convince tourists to stay at the place/s where they have tied up with local home stays. I feel there is actually no need to stay at all places. One can cover the entire Silk Route in east Sikkim only by staying at 3-4 places.
If you are looking to cover the Silk Route in short time without visiting Gangtok, I would suggest the following route:
NJP/Bagdogra/Siliguri >> Sillery gaon >> Nathang Valley >> Padamchen OR Aritar OR Zuluk >> NJP/Bagdogra/Siliguri
If you have got more time in hand and want to spend more days along Silk Route, the trip route can be:
NJP/Bagdogra/Siliguri >> Sillery Gaon >> Nathang Valley >> Padamchen OR Zuluk >> Lingtam OR Aritar >> Sillery Gaon >> NJP/Bagdogra/Siliguri
If one is interested to transfer to Gangtok from this side of Sikkim, he can make the following itineraries:
Silk Route Itinerary 1:
NJP/Bagdogra/Siliguri >> Sillery Gaon >> Padamchen OR Lingtam OR Zuluk (via Aritar) >> Nathang Valley >> Gangtok
Silk Route Itinerary 2:
NJP/Bagdogra/Siliguri >> Sillery Gaon >> Aritar >> Padamchen OR Lingtam >> Zuluk >> Gnathang Valley >> Gangtok
There can be several more customized itineraries. Do mail me or fill up the contact form on Contact Us page on my blog. I would gladly help you with all details and customized itinerary.
Best Time to visit Nathang Valley
October is a very good time to visit Nathang when the sky remains clear and the weather remains moderate and favorable. If you enjoy chilling weather, you can visit between November and January when the place gets snowfall and the view all around remains nothing but white which have its own charm. Beyond January, the Silk Route remains closed because of heavy snowfall and re-opens around April. The time of getting the road closed and open depends on nature and no one can predict that. So I am just sharing the general thing and it may change.
I have seen most of tourist avoid and skip a mountain tour during rainy season but I feel when it rains on hills, it has its own charm and beauty. I really enjoy the rain on hills. I have visited Nathang during rainy season and I never faced any major land slide or something like that for which we had to wait much long. I guess I was lucky enough because landslides are frequent during rainy season and roads get blocked any time but the BRO and Army takes short time to clear the road. In my last trip to East Sikkim during rainy season we faced two or three small landslides and we had to wait but it was not an headache because we were all friends in a group. I feel if you are carrying your family, it is better if you skip rainy season but if you are a group of friends and young lads, you can surely give a try for the adventure.
Another very good time to visit east Sikkim is April-May when Rhododendrons blossom across the entire region. Nathang Valley remains so colorful and one can see a huge variety of flowers. I highly recommend visiting Nathang during April-May to all nature lovers.
Nathang Valley’s altitude is an issue
As the place is located around 13,000 ft high above sea level, it can be a discomfort for the guys suffer from high altitude sickness. Senior citizens and children may suffer from high altitude sickness. If someone suffers from breathing problem must avoid staying at Nathang and stay at some low altitude places like Lingtam, Padamchen, Zuluk, etc. If staying at Nathang can create an issue it is better you visit the place and stay at anywhere else.
Eagle’s Nest Bunker – The Sunrise and Sunset point of Nathang
If you are staying at Nathang, do not miss the fun of visiting this point known as Eagle’s Nest Point. This point used to be a bunker of the Indian Army to keep an eye on the border activities. It is now an abandoned bunker and tourists enjoy visiting the places. The sunrise or sunset view from this point is so amazing and one can cherish all through life.
BhulBhulaiya – Zig-Zag road of Nathang Valley
The entire stretch from Padamchen to Nathang Valley is superb with amazing scenic view all around but the point of Thambi View Point provides a fantastic view of more than 50 sharp bends of roads from that single point. In winter the roads remain like cold desert, all covered with white and in other times it is not covered with snow but the view is so beautiful. You must spend time at this point and get some snaps.
Permission to visit Nathang and the entire Silk Route
If you are traveling from NJP/Bagdogra’s side, you need to get permit from Rongli check post and if you are traveling from Gangtok’s side, your permit can be issued from tourism office in Gangtok. Tourists are not allowed to visit the stretch without permit because it is a protected area as it shares the border with Tibet occupied by China. Only Indians can visit this stretch and foreigners do not have the luck of visiting the region because it is strictly prohibited.
Making a bike ride along the stretch
If you are planning to enjoy bike riding along the Silk Route in east Sikkim, make sure you take your own bike because permission is not provided for rented bikes or if the owner of the bike is not present. Getting a permit for Silk Route if you are carrying your bike is quite tough. If you try to make it on your own, you must be ready to lose the sole of your shoes. Better is if you ask any local agent to arrange that for you because they make arrangements to clear the permits. If you are a biker, I am sure this journey can be a memorable one. People talk about journeys by bike in Leh-Manali highway but this is beautiful and adventurous too.
Covering Nathula Pass while visiting Nathang Valley from Gangtok’s side
One can surely cover Nathula Pass – the highest point in east Sikkim and the border point between India and China while visiting from Gangtok’s side. Permission for Nathula Is occupied from tourism office in Gangtok and so tourists traveling from NJP/Bagdogra/Siliguri’s side to Gangtok via Ailk Route would not have the scope to visit Nathula Pass. If somehow one can manage to get the permit done from Gangtok and if that permit can be brought in, then it is possible to visit Nathula from this side of east Sikkim. Nathula Pass remains closed on Monday and Tuesday and so plan accordingly if you intent to visit Nathula.
Nathang Valley Home Stay Accommodation
There are no hotels or resorts in Nathang valley and one can not expect luxury at that altitude. Nathang is a remote hamlet as I have already said. There are only home stays developed and maintained by local people. Accommodation facility in Nathang Valley or any other place across east Sikkim is very limited, so I would suggest booking your accommodation in advance to confirm your lodging. Though there is no luxury bit still people there try their best to satisfy the guest in every possible way. You can’t get a geyser but you can surely expect hot water provided at all home stays at your demand. There is not much variety of food but they provide simple food with great care. People of Sikkim, especially who live at remote hamlets are so simple and friendly. They are so polite and humble. They will always be at your service. It is a shame for us that some tourists who belong to much more developed section of society behave so rudely with them. I have seen people with high temper because they are not getting all like what they get at hotels and resorts. It must be clear to all travelers or tourists that place like east Sikkim is so remotely located at such a height where daily life is a struggle; we must not expect what we get in our city life.
If you have any query or need assistance, do not hesitate to contact me by the form present on “Contact” page or simply by mailing me.
For more updates on Sikkim and Silk Route, stay tuned to TravelDias.
Do share this post on your Facebook and other social media profiles so that travelers like you can reach up to this write-up which will help in framing the east Sikkim tour. Keep traveling, keep smiling. Cheers …! 🙂
really nice !! while reading i was able to connect the trip.
Thanks Pankaj…! Stay tuned…more posts on east Sikkim will come soon.
Hi Abhijit,
Thanks for your awesome article. We are planning to Visit Nathang for 4 days in December. I need a little favor. Can you please provide some contact information for the Homestays in Nathang. you can send me mail at krishnendudas24@gmail.com. we will be really grateful.
Thanks in advance. 🙂
Hi Krishnendu,
I have mailed you contact details of 3 persons. Please check your inbox and I am sure any one of them can manage all you need. Reply to the same mail if you need any further information.
Hi Abhijit,
It would be wonderful if you can provide me with contact details of accommodation in Nathang Valley. Also, how ahead should we make the reservation?
Email ID: motoridvlogs@gmail.com
Thanks!
Dear Sounak! Thank you reaching out to TravelDias. I would gladly help you with all information needed for your Nathang Valley or Silk Route trip in Sikkim. I would like to know your full travel plan and suggest accordingly. can you give me a call on 9831540384? I would like to hear from you. You can also write back to my email that I have sent you. please do check your inbox.
Hi Abhijit,
We,a group of 10 people, are willing to make the Silk Route tour in the 3rd week of March.Can you please give me an idea of the weather in this region at that time?Also can you provide me the contact nos. of homestays?Are homestays available in Lungthung?
Thanking you in advance.
Weather will be very cold. There are high chances of snow. Generally snow remains till mid March. I can surely provide you contact details of home stays and vehicles. Mail me at “uvreachedavi@gmail.com” with reference to this communication. Yes, Home stays are available at Lungthung but I would suggest you to skip the place and stay at Padamchen. Thanks, Abhijit
Hi,
Can we do silk route in 2-3 days from bagdogra and cover nathula and tsogmo and come to Gangtok? Planning to travel in January last week and February first week.
Wish I could help you but I was stuck with other things and I just checked this comment. Please don’t mind and let me know if you need any information in future. Keep traveling and stay healthy.
Hello Mr. Gupta. Kudos for giving all of us such details about old silk route. My son is 9 years old and wants to witness snow fall. So i was thinking about visiting old silk route in the month of december. I would like to request you to please guide me regarding the trip by rendering me the details of places to stay, vehicles that can be availed as well as their probable rates and contact numbers. I will be obliged if you kindly mail me all the details at my mail id ayandey19@gmail.com.
Thanking you in anticipation
Regards
Ayan
Wish I could help you but I was stuck with other things and I just checked this comment. Please don’t mind and let me know if you need any information in future. Keep traveling and stay healthy.
Going next week …Can you please help me with few home stays???In gnathang a d trip covering zuluk ,gnatjang ,nathula and something else.my mail I’d is baniksupratil@gmail.com
Dear Supratik,
Wish I could respond earlier an help you with all information about your Silk Route trip and specifically on Nathang valley.
Hope you had a great trip.
Hi Abhijit
Your post is very informative and nicely stated. Our full family is planning to visit sikkim during May 26 th. to June 4th 2016. Our family group will have 8 persons. Out of which 2 persons are Sr, Citizen & 2 children, We have planned our route,starting from NJP -zuluk-nathang valley-gangtok-lachung-yumthung-lachen-njp. I request you to inform me about suitable homestay at nathang Valley/zuluk. Also pl. let me know if you have any other suggestion about the route. I shall remain thankful for all your suggestion. You can reply to my Mail address.baral_suniti@yahoo.co.in.
Thanks in Advance
Hi,
As you have senior citizens and children with you, I would suggest you to climb the altitude gradually. It is always suggested to spend minimum 2 nights at any place before you go Nathang valley. It is better if you avoid staying or spending night at Nathang valley as you have senior citizens. The entire Silk route is beautiful and staying Padamchen would be better option. You can spend nights at Sillery Gaon and Padamchen in east Sikkim. Then you can transfer to Gangtok via Silk Route. From Gangtok yiu can transfer to north Sikkim covering Lachen, Lachung and the places of interests from these 2 locations. I must let you know that if you have children below 5 years of age, you will not be given permit to visit Gurudongmar Lake. This lake is visited from Lachen and it is the main attraction from Lachen. If you can’t visit this lake then there is no need to stay at Lachen. You can visit Lachung only and from there you can go for a day excursion to Yumthang Valley and Zero Point.
You can mail me at “uvreachedavi@gmail.com” for more information. If you mail me drop me the mail with reference to this communication.
We want to visit from NJP to ariter to rishikhola to juluk to ganktok via nathan vally then NJP in 4 nights 5 days package
Plz check your inbox. I have mailed you all details.
We want to visit from NJP to ariter to rishikhola to juluk to ganktok via nathan vally then NJP in 4 nights 5 days package cost by a vehicle for 6 persons.2 double bed required
Approx. transport cost: Rs 3,500 per day for a reserved vehicle and Rs 850 per head per day in home stay including lodging and all food. Cost varies with the season.
hi
i am planing this february,middle weak with my bike. my plan is njp> Sillery Gaon.>”zuluk> nathang vally> Lingtam> gangtok > njp. can i go in this time? and need a parmit for bike?
You will not get permit. The Silk route connecting Padamchen to Gangtok is already closed due to heavy snowfall. If you are carrying your bike, you will not be allowed to travel from Lingtam check post. If you want to take your bike, you must have your permission from Gangtok tourism office. You can plan in April-May. I must let you know that getting permit for personal bike and car is really a tough task at Gangtok tourism office. Better you get this done by any agent in return of some money.
Hello Abhijit,
Nice connecting with you.
First of all, I would like to say that your article is very nice and helpful.
I am planning to visit the Silk Route in 2nd week of May, 2017 for 5-6 nights. If you could please provide me some information in detail and few local contacts at my email suvajit.qvalue@gmail.com that would be helpful.
Check your mail please.
Hello Abhijit,
Lovely article.
Was thinking about a short trip to the old silk route in the 1st week of May, 2017. Will be obliged if you kindly mail me some details at my mail id ms.culrockn@gmail.com.
Thanks in advance
I can surely share all details with you. I have sent you a mail with questionnaire. Please fill it up and revert back. I would suggest further accordingly.
Hello Abhijit,
Nice connecting with you.
First of all, I would like to say that your article is very nice and helpful…
We are planning to visit Nathang vally(siliguri-sonari gaon-nathang-siliguri)in 3rd week of May, 2017 for 3-4 nights. If you could please provide me some information in detail and few local contacts at my email soumenacharjee001@gmail.com that would be helpful.
Thanks in advance….
I have mailed you. Please check and reply.
Hello. .I want to visit Siliguri>>Aritar>>Zuluk >>Nathang Vally in last of May…pls..give me the contact details of homestays and trasportation details.My mail id is …..
mrinag777@gmail.com
Hello,
Let me know if you have planned to stay 1 night at each place. I would need your total trip plan along with dates. Let em know how many people are you in the group. Have you finalized your stays or you would like to have a look in alternative plans because I feel the plan can be much better.
Share your feedback. I would suggest further accordingly. If you want to go with your plan, no issues, I can surely help you with contact details of the home stays and car.
Thanks for the reply…my plan is to stay in Aritar for 2 nights…and in zuluk for 2 nights…and want to visit nathang valley and kupup from zuluk. ..I will travel with my wife and 8 years old daughter.
I really apologize for such a late reply. Wish I could reply earlier but unfortunately I was going through a tight schedule. Please let me know if you are still looking for any detail or information. I would love to help you.
I have sent you a mail. Please revert back there. I would suggest further accordingly.
Hi. We are a group of 5 starting from Bagdogra and and plan to cover Nathu La, Zuluk, Nathang Valley and Tsomgo lake. We land in Bagdogra on 18th November at 4PM. And plan to take a flight from Bagdogra to Guwahati on 21st November 4PM. Could you help us plan and where we could stay. Dates – 18th – 21st November.
Thanks a lot!
Please check your inbox. I have mailed you. Do call me on my mobile. Let us discuss in detail.
I want to stay at gangtok for one day in march and then to gnathang valley via kupup and want to stay at gnathang for two days then back to silliguri. Is there any package for this tour ??? Please reply if possible
Please check your inbox. I have mailed you. Do call me on my mobile. Let us discuss in detail.
Thank you very much for this useful write-up. This is the only place I saw a perfect guide to Nathang Valley without any interruption must-stay suggestions at other places between NJP and Nathang
Please check your inbox. I have mailed you. Do call me on my mobile. Let us discuss in detail.
We are 2 guys, planning to cover Zuluk & Nathang from Gangtok. What’s the best option for us?
Are rented bikes allowed on silk route? Or packages are the only way to cover silk route? Packages are pretty expensive since its just 2 of us.
Thanks
You can rent bikes from Gangtok. There are a few agents there but make sure they arrange your permits for Silk Route. If you go on your own, it is too tough to get permits. If you can afford, best would be to hire a car. You can hire a car and book lodging separately. Give me a cal. Let us talk and sort it out.
Sir please share with me the contacts of homestays and drivers if possible for this trip.. we are a group of 10…planning to travel in lastweek of april 2018. Our itinerary will be
Njp> mankhim>zuluk/padamchen>gnathang and travel upto nathula>lungthung>sillery gaon>njp.
I hope this trip will be feasible in 7 days.
I also plan to hike to eagles nest bunker. Hw far is it frm nathang and hw long does it take on an average? Since we have an extra day to spare in nathang where else can we hike on that day
Apologize that I couldn’t manage to reply earlier. I was busy with some stuff. I hope you understand that it is so difficult for me to check and respond to each query. I think it is better if we speak. Please call me on my mobile after 9 pm any day. I can surely help you with all details.
Hi Abhijit
We are 8 person & 1 children of 9 years & planning for 4-5 days trip to visit silk route during christmas-new year week.
After talking to couple of agents, few said that we can visit start our day from Gangtok & visit old baba mandir changu lake , nathula pass & reach nathang & spend our night there .
But few said it cannot be covered.in one day. We cannot reach & stay in nathang.
Cann you please suggest.
Also suggest home stay
fo nathank & zluk.
Gangtok to Nathang ( Visiting -changu lake, old baba mandir, nathula & other sightseeing points on the way)
Nathang to zuluk & Silk route
Apologize that I couldn’t manage to reply earlier. I was busy with some stuff. I hope you understand that it is so difficult for me to check and respond to each query. I think it is better if we speak. Please call me on my mobile after 9 pm any day. I can surely help you with all details.
Hi, we want to go Nathang in March, Can you please send some details of that place including the contacts of home stays there. Mail is provided here
Apologize that I couldn’t manage to reply earlier. I was busy with some stuff. I hope you understand that it is so difficult for me to check and respond to each query. I think it is better if we speak. Please call me on my mobile after 9 pm any day. I can surely help you with all details.
Hello Guys,Please tell me in February can we go for east sikkim or north sikkim?at that time road will be closed ?
Apologize that I couldn’t manage to reply earlier. I was busy with some stuff. I hope you understand that it is so difficult for me to check and respond to each query. I think it is better if we speak. Please call me on my mobile after 9 pm any day. I can surely help you with all details.
i have a plan for 7 days in silk route trip . can u please a good itinerary for this 7 N progrmme. the tour includes rishop and tour ends at gangtok. we have 2 kids of 6 yrs age. we will plan in 2nd week april. my email id sbanerjeemtps@gmail.com. please advice
I can surely suggest an itinerary. Please call me over the phone any day after 9 pm. I can surely help you with all details and information you need. It’s better we talk rather than writing long emails. That would save time at both ends.
Have a nice day. Cheers!
Hi abhijit,
We are plan to visit nathang valley with my family. I hve no idea how to reach from njp to nathang valley. Could u help me plz
We ll plan to visit east Sikkim lst week of April…S DT ok…
We hv 5 yer old kid,
& Ny chance to get snow or snowfall?
Chance of snow in April is negligible. There would be Rhododendrons all around. April-May is not the time for snow but for flowers.
Visit to Nathang Valley (not to stay) is safe for children having asthma history in past?
You can visit Nathang for a trip. Don’t spend much there and come down if you think your child/children are in problem. Nathang Valley is one of the highest points along Silk Route. For night stays, I would suggest a place like Padamchen. There can be high altitude sickness for travelers. So if the level of asthma is very high, better you skip going to Nathang Valley. Consult to a doctor before you make this trip.
Plan to trip nathang valley
Hello Abhijit!
Me and my girlfriend are having our plans of visiting Zuluk and Nathang Valley from Gangtok for 2N-3D. One of our friends is from there only, who runs a homestay there at Nathang. We have booked with her and are having our plans of exploring places nearby.
I want to know how to obtain the permits for the concern, I must tell you that we are not opting any tour package from any of the tour operators over Gangtok. We want to visit by our own. Who can give the permits?
And, does regular shared cabs run between Gangtok and Zuluk/Nathang, or do we need to book a vehicle for our own?
Your response will be highly appreciated.
Thanks and regards,
Sangram
Hello! Let me convey my sincere apologies for not responding earlier. Wish I could help you with details for your Nathang Valley tour plan.
Hope you had a great trip there. Stay in touch. Let’s connect.
Connect on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TravelDias
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Thanks!
We have plan to visit Sikkim 10-15 june .Can we visit NJP to Nathang valley to Gangtok in June 10-15…. . We want to take 3 days 2 night package
Hello! Let me convey my sincere apologies for not responding earlier. Wish I could help you with details for your Nathang Valley-Sikkim tour plan.
Hope you had a great trip there. Stay in touch. Let’s connect.
Connect on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TravelDias
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abhijit_travel_dias/
Thanks!
Hi,
I abhishek mukherjee, from kolkata, planning to visit to sillery gaon, zuluk, nathang, nathula then gangtok in october 2018 by our own private car. So I need a little info about the trip.
from where to get ILP, and road condition….
May I have your phone no. please….
Hello! Let me convey my sincere apologies for not responding earlier. Wish I could help you with details on Silk Route in Sikkim and for your Nathang Valley tour plan.
Stay in touch. Let’s connect.
Connect on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TravelDias
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abhijit_travel_dias/
Thanks!
Indeed nice and very much helpful article. I am planning to visit east Sikkim in October. We have 5-6 years kid along with 60+ people with us.Do you suggest to stay at nathang valley for a night or instead we should stay at Dzuluk for an added night ? Please guide.
Hi! Please check your inbox. I have mailed you.
Hi abhijit, we want to visit silk route in mid November. We are four guys and please make an iteniery for 5 nights and 6 days from njp to njp. We don’t want to visit gangtok. Please provide details of home stay and car rentals and approx budget.
Hello,
I can surely help you out with all details and information. It’s better we discuss over the phone rather than writing emails/comments. Do give me a call on 9831540384. We can surely discuss in detail. I would need certain details from your end to comment or suggest anything.
Hi Abhijit,
Thanks for your awesome article. We are planning to Visit silk route in December and return back via gangtok (from 23 dec to 29 dec). We have 4 adult, one 7 yr old child and another 9 yr old child. We reached at NJP 24/12. 24 – Sillery Gaon, 25 – Rishi, 26 – Lingtam, 27 – Zuluk, 28 – Gangtok and 29 – NJP. Can you suggest something about my tour plan? What will be the temperature? What type of precaution should we take? What type of preparation is required? Total cost?
Can you please provide some contact information for the Homestays in Nathang. you can send me mail at partharay78@gmail.com. we will be really grateful.
9230334532 (whatsapp), 798006208
Hello Partha,
Wish I could reply earlier and help you with your Nathang Valley or Silk Route tour plan. i think you have already planned everything. Let me know if you are still looking for any help. I would like to help you. You can write back to me or call me on 9831540384.