Zuluk & the Silk Route vs Tsomgo Lake & Nathu La
Pick Zuluk & the Silk Route for
road trips, photography, peace and quiet, fewer people, a smaller budget
Pick Tsomgo Lake & Nathu La for
snow, family trips, first-timers
| Zuluk & the Silk Route | Tsomgo Lake & Nathu La | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Sikkim, Pakyong, East Sikkim | Sikkim, East Sikkim |
| Highest point | 3,960 m | 4,310 m |
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Trek distance | No trek needed | No trek needed |
| Days on the ground | 4–5 | 4 |
| Best months | Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov, Dec | Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov, Dec |
| Snow likely | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Crowds in season | Quiet | Busy |
| Daily spend | about ₹2,500 | about ₹3,500 |
| Gateway | Bagdogra / NJP | Bagdogra / NJP |
| With kids | Good | Good |
| With seniors | Possible | Possible |
| Permits | Protected-area permit through a registered agent. | Protected-area permit through a registered Gangtok agent. Nathu La is for Indian nationals only and open on limited days. |
Zuluk & the Silk Route: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely
Tsomgo Lake & Nathu La: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- ❄︎Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely