About Old Silk Route (Southern Section)
Aritar marks the southern entry to the Old Silk Route corridor that once linked the Tibetan plateau to the Bay of Bengal via Sikkim. The road north from Aritar through Rongpokhola and up to Zuluk follows the ancient trade alignment closely — and in the forests between villages you can still find stone-paved sections of the original mule path. Caravanserai ruins and old trade-era chortens around Aritar and Rongpokhola hint at centuries of commerce in wool, salt, silk and grain. For most travellers, Aritar is the starting point for the 3- or 4-night Old Silk Route circuit that climbs to Nathang Valley and the 32-hairpin road above Zuluk — one of the most dramatic road journeys in the Eastern Himalayas.
Why go to Old Silk Route (Southern Section)
Ancient trade highway — still partially stone-paved
Sections of the original mule path between Aritar and Rishi retain the stone paving laid by trade caravans. These are among the best-preserved stretches of the Old Silk Route in Indian territory.
32 hairpins above Zuluk with Kanchenjunga behind
The road above Zuluk climbs 32 hairpin bends in quick succession. With Kanchenjunga's eastern face rising behind you, this is one of the most dramatic road sections in the Eastern Himalayas.
Caravanserai ruins and trade-era chortens
The villages along the route preserve visible traces of the caravan trade: stone rest-houses, old chortens erected by Tibetan merchants, and mule-track alignments still visible through the undergrowth.
How to reach Old Silk Route (Southern Section) from Aritar
Aritar is the standard starting point — 68 km from Gangtok (2.5 hours). The full circuit continues north to Nathang Valley (3,500 m) and returns via a different road. We Care Holidays runs this as a complete itinerary with permits, accommodation and transfers arranged.
Best time to visit Old Silk Route (Southern Section)
October to November for clear Kanchenjunga views and best road conditions. February to April for rhododendron bloom on the lower sections. December to January is cold — some high sections may snow — but the air is crystal and Kanchenjunga views are superb on clear days. Avoid June to September when landslides on the high road are frequent.
Time of dayThe 32-hairpin section above Zuluk is best at dawn — the light on Kanchenjunga from the road bends is extraordinary in the first hour after sunrise.
Things we always tell our guests about Old Silk Route (Southern Section)
- Book the Old Silk Route circuit well in advance — accommodation is limited and permits require lead time.
- Foreigners need both an ILP and a restricted area permit above Zuluk. We Care Holidays handles all permit logistics.
- Pack layers — Nathang Valley at 3,500 m is cold year-round. October nights can drop to 2–4°C.
- The circuit is vehicle-based with short walks at key stops. You do not need to be a serious trekker.
- Mobile signal is patchy above Zuluk. Let family know you will be offline for stretches.
Old Silk Route (Southern Section) — your questions answered
Other places in Aritar
- Sacred LakeViewpointMonastery