Nathang Valley - Old Silk Route

Nathang Valley, also known as Gnathang Valley, is a breathtaking paradise nestled at an altitude of 13,500 feet in East Sikkim.  The valley was once home to traditional yak herders from Tibet, and it is the highest place in East Sikkim. The natural high-altitude phenomenon has enriched Nathang Valley in every possible way, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike who wish to travel to Offbeat Destinations in Sikkim. The valley is particularly noteworthy for being part of the historic Old Silk Route circuit, which adds to its allure and cultural significance. Nathang Valley is also considered the highest and most beautiful point to stay in the Indian Part of the old silk route at Sikkim. Surrounded by the snow-capped mountains Nathang Valley due to its harsh cold weather had remained sparsely populated for many centuries making it a cold desert. With a meandering crisscrossing stream, Nathang Valley is one of the most remote valleys with Tibetan habilitation in the Himalayas.

OurGuest Pro Tip: This location is situated at a remarkable altitude of 13500ft above sea level, making it the highest settlement accessible to tourists from all over the world. Additionally, it is located close to the Doklam area, Indo-China Border where the famous stand-off happened.  It is best to travel from Gangtok to Nathang Valley on Day 1 (after visiting Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass). Day 2, guests can visit Zuluk, Padamchen and then halt the night at Aritar.

Places to visit near Nathang Valley :

• Lungthung, also known as Dhupidhara, is a breathtaking destination that attracts many travelers near Nathang Valley. This viewpoint, standing tall at an altitude of 12,500 ft., offers a magnificent view of the majestic Mt. Kanchendzonga. Bird enthusiasts flock to this place as it is a great spot to sight the Monal, the national bird of Nepal. 
• Thambi Viewpoint - Thambi viewpoint is situated at an altitude of 3400 m, it gives a stunning panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The zigzag roads seem like 30 hair pins designed by the engineers
• Eagle's Nest Bunker - For the sweeping view of the entire Kanchenjunga peaks and the surrounding places, the Eagle's Nest Bunker near the valley is truly worth visiting. The sunrise over Kanchenjunga from Eagle's Nest looks quite Phenomenal
• Aritar, a charming little village located just a few kilometers away from Nathang Valley, is another must-visit destination. It boasts of the highest lake in Sikkim, the Lampokhri Lake or Aritar Lake, which offers boating facilities. The place is perfect for trekking and hiking, and one can explore the beautiful surroundings while enjoying the fresh mountain air.
• Tsomgo Lake - One of the most popular tourist attractions in the area is Changu Lake, also known as Tsomgo Lake. The lake was formed by a melted glacier and is approximately 1 km long with a depth of 50ft. It has an oval shape and is considered a holy lake, attracting many travel enthusiasts. You can visit the lake when you travel from Gangtok to Nathang as it lies on the way.
• Nathula Pass - Another attraction near Nathang Valley is the Nathula Pass, which serves as the gateway between India and China. It is accessible to Indian nationals on all days except on Mondays. Please note that you will need a permit to visit Nathula Pass. You need to get the permits made in Gangtok a day earlier. It is best to go through a local reliable travel agent.
• British War Memorial: In 1888, the British and Tibetans fought a battle in the high-altitude mountains of Sikkim. A memorial now stands at Nathang in memory of the British soldiers who lost their lives in the battle. The British built roads in Sikkim in the mid-1880s, which Tibet viewed with suspicion. In May 1888, the Tibetans attacked Nathang, but the British were able to drive them away. The British sent reinforcements in September 1888, and the Tibetans were forced out of Lingtu. The Memorial was erected in 1909 and the marble plaques have recently been replaced by granite plaques.

Things to do at Nathang Valley:

Apart from visiting the stunning places, guests can also go for some hiiking around Nathang Valley. 

Hiking to viewpoints like Lungthung and Gyanmochen is a popular attraction in Nathang Valley. Hikers often visit Nathang for the ultimate adventurous exposure. Apart from these, a simple wander towards the lakes like Menmecho lake and Kupup lake can provide a spiritual experience to the mind, as natural substances have the potential to help us evolve through nature.

Accommodation in Nathang Valley: There are not too many good homestays or hotels in Nathang Valley. There is  Gnathang Residency, which is the best property in Nathang. The guesthouse is equipped with modern facilities such as comfortable beds, geyser, attached western-style bathrooms, and room heaters (on a chargeable basis). The walls are made of concrete, ensuring a safe and secure stay. For those who prefer a more traditional experience, there are other homestays also which are available in Nathang Valley. But it may not be very easy to book them online. When it comes to food, the options are basic but healthy, and everything is organic. The food can be customized according to the preferences of the tourists or served according to a schedule. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available upon request. 

How to reach Nathang Valley: There are no direct flights or trains to Nathang Valley. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) and the closest airport is Bagdogra Airport. One can hire a car from car rental services to travel directly to Nathang Valley. The distance from Siliguri to Nathang Valley is around 170 km and it takes approximately 6 hours to cover the distance.

Nathang Valley Temperature and best time to visit:

The months of April and May are some of the best times to be in Nathang Valley. This is the season when Rhododendron (Guras in local language) blossoms and the entire valley gets covered in colorful wildflower blooms and lush greens after the thawing of snow from the chilly winters. From July to September, Nathang Valley witnesses heavy monsoons which may hamper travel due to the occasional landslides caused in this treacherous terrain. Nathang Valley experiences extreme winters and the temperature remains well below the freezing point throughout most of the season. Precipitation in the form of snowfall can be witnessed on a frequent basis, and for those who enjoy the snow and chilly climate, this may be a great time to visit. However, because of the heavy snowfall, most of the valley gets buried under thick layers of snow and the whole Silk Route is shut down during this time. The duration is usually between December to March, but the closing and re-opening of most roads depends largely on the weather conditions.

Written by Pintso Gyatso: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Northeast India

Pintso, a native of Gangtok, Sikkim, isn't just a travel writer – he's a seasoned explorer. Years spent trekking and mountain biking across the region honed his intimate knowledge of Sikkim and Darjeeling's hidden treasures.
Co-founding OurGuest, Pintso's passion extends beyond travel. He champions sustainable tourism, working with local homestays and communities to create enriching experiences that benefit both travelers and the region. From building eco-lodges to collaborating with local guides, Pintso's expertise ensures you discover the authentic Northeast India, one adventure at a time.