Get ready to update your travel bucket list! The historic Old Silk Route in Zuluk, Sikkim, has been officially crowned the 'Most Scenic Route in India' by the prestigious India Today Tourism Survey and Awards 2025. This coveted title isn't just an award; it's a national declaration of the unparalleled magic woven into this Himalayan wonderland. Sikkim's leadership expressed immense pride, acknowledging this recognition as a testament to the state's beauty and its commitment to sustainable tourism.
Imagine a journey that transcends mere travel, a path etched through time, winding dramatically towards the heavens. This is the Old Silk Route – a living tapestry of history unfurling amidst breathtaking landscapes. Picture roads that coil like mythical serpents, climbing towards cloud-kissed passes, each turn revealing panoramic vistas of the mighty Eastern Himalayas. This is where ancient trade whispers meet the thrill of modern adventure.
And nestled perfectly along this award-winning marvel, in the serene hamlet of Phadamchen, lies your luxurious basecamp: Voyage Glenz Resort. Think of it not merely as a place to stay, but as your exclusive gateway, offering unparalleled comfort and spellbinding valley views right on the doorstep of India's most scenic adventure. It’s the perfect sanctuary to return to after a day spent exploring the route's legendary beauty. The award highlights the region's rich cultural tapestry and Sikkim's dedication to preserving this historic route's natural charm and cultural significance through eco-friendly tourism – a philosophy that resonates deeply with the ethos of Voyage Glenz Resort.
Unveiling the Legend: The Award-Winning History of the Silk Route
The allure of the Old Silk Route is deeply rooted in its rich past. This specific stretch is a fascinating offshoot of the legendary Silk Road, a historical network that once connected the East and West, fostering economic, cultural, political, and religious interactions for centuries. Beginning as early as the Han dynasty in China (207 BCE–220 CE), these routes facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas that shaped civilizations across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
While the main routes are famed for silk, this particular branch, often called the South West Silk Route, was a vital artery connecting Lhasa in Tibet through the Chumbi Valley and high passes like Nathu La and Jelep La, down to the ancient port of Tamralipta (modern Tamluk) on the Bay of Bengal. From Tamluk, maritime routes extended trade further east. This specific section, estimated to be around 900 km and potentially discovered by traders as early as the First Century AD, saw bustling trade primarily in horses, tea, and wool, leading Chinese traders to sometimes call it the 'ancient road of tea and horses'. Traveling this route today is like stepping back in time, tracing the very paths where caravans laden with goods and ideas traversed, shaping cultures and economies.
The route's recent award is also a testament to its staggering natural beauty – an "unmatched beauty" characterized by "mesmerizing landscapes" and "ethereal" vistas. Prepare for a constant visual feast: deep valleys, roads carving dramatic lines across mountainsides, and the ever-present, awe-inspiring panorama of the Eastern Himalayas, including views of Mount Kanchenjunga. The challenging, high-altitude terrain, with Zuluk around 10,000 feet and passes nearing 14,000 feet, contributes significantly to the dramatic scenery and the sense of adventure.
It's this powerful combination of tangible adventure across breathtaking, historic terrain and the evocative whispers of centuries of trade and cultural exchange that makes the Old Silk Route truly award-worthy and a unique travel experience.
Planning Your Award-Winning Adventure
Embarking on a journey along India's Most Scenic Route requires some planning:
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-mid June) and Autumn (late Sept-mid Dec) offer pleasant weather and clear views, ideal for experiencing the award-winning scenery. Monsoon (late June-mid Sept) is best avoided due to rain and landslides. Winter (late Dec-April) offers snow but potential road closures.
Getting There: Fly into Bagdogra (IXB) or take a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), then hire a vehicle for the 4-6 hour scenic drive to Phadamchen. Pakyong Airport (PYG) is closer but has limited flights.
Permit Essentials (Crucial): Travel beyond Rongli requires Protected Area Permits (PAP), mandatory for Indian citizens. These must be arranged through Sikkim Tourism registered travel agencies or tour operators – Voyage Glenz Resort can likely assist or recommend agents. You'll need valid photo ID (Voter ID, Driving License, Passport - Aadhaar/PAN often not accepted) and passport photos. Permits are usually applied for a day in advance at Rongli, where a dedicated office streamlines the process. Foreign tourists are generally NOT permitted on this specific Zuluk-Nathang section. Always verify current rules.
Key Considerations: Pack warm layers for changing weather. Be prepared for limited mobile connectivity. Gentle acclimatization to altitude is wise.
Your Award-Winning Adventure Awaits
The verdict is clear: Sikkim's Old Silk Route is officially the 'Most Scenic Route in India'. This prestigious recognition celebrates an unparalleled blend of rich history, thrilling adventure, and breathtaking landscapes along this ancient pathway.
Why just dream about it? Voyage Glenz Resort in Phadamchen offers the perfect blend of luxury and access to this award-winning wonder. Perfectly positioned, the resort provides exquisite accommodation, modern amenities, stunning views, and exceptional service – the ideal basecamp for your adventure. Embrace the history and beauty of the Silk Route by day and retreat to sophisticated comfort by night.
Start planning your journey to India's crown jewel today.
Book your stay at Voyage Glenz Resort and embark on the road trip of a lifetime.