East Sikkim · Overnight hub · homestays only
Nathang Valley
The 'Ladakh of East India' — a 13,500 ft plateau of snow in winter and wildflowers in summer.
31 photos · Wikimedia Commons contributors. Click any photo to open the gallery.
- Altitude 13,500 ft
- From Gangtok 100 km · 4.5–5 hrs
- Best months March–May and October–February
- Stay Overnight hub · homestays only
1. Why visit Nathang Valley and what to expect
Gnathang (Nathang) Valley is a high plateau on the Silk Route with a handful of family homestays, war memorials and a monastery. Nights are extreme at 13,500 ft, so acclimatise in Zuluk or Padamchen first and skip the overnight if travelling with small children or seniors.
Top sights
- Gnathang high-altitude meadow
- Eagle's Nest bunker
- Tukla war memorial
- Gnathang Monastery
- Laxmi Chowk snow point
- Kalapokhri Lake
2. Getting there and where you sleep
| Altitude | 13,500 ft |
|---|---|
| From Gangtok | 100 km · 4.5–5 hrs |
| Stay | Overnight hub · homestays only |
| Checkpost / timing rule | Covered by the Silk Route PAP. Homestay-only; acclimatise lower first. |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | Avoid — landslide closures |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Open; deep snow January–February |
Mountain roads in Sikkim average 20–28 km/h. Google Maps times are optimistic; use ours.
3. Permit, ID and medical checklist
4. Where to stay in Nathang Valley
3 properties from ₹1,799 to ₹4,213 per night for two.
Ice Land Homestay (Phadamchen Base)
Homestay · Phadamchen, Lower Nathang Route, East Sikkim 737131
- Lower Altitude Acclimatization Stay
- Warm Rooms
- Home Food
₹1,799 / night ≈ ₹900 per person, twin share
Gnathang Valley Traditional Homestay (Dawa / Pinasa)
High-Altitude Homestay · Gnathang Valley (13,500 ft), Old Silk Route, East Sikkim 737131
- Thermal Bedding
- Hot Meals Included
- Yak Cheese & Butter Tea
₹1,800 / night ≈ ₹900 per person, twin share
LungZhong Retreat Silkroute
3-Star Retreat · Rongli Silk Route Approach, East Sikkim 737133
- Restaurant
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Silk Route Permit Help
₹4,213 / night ≈ ₹2,107 per person, twin share
Nathang Valley FAQs
Is it safe to sleep in Nathang Valley?
For healthy adults who slept a night in Zuluk or Padamchen first, yes. At 13,500 ft it is not advised for children under 6, seniors with breathing issues or anyone with heart conditions; sleep in Zuluk instead.
When does Nathang Valley get snow?
Reliably from late December to February, with snow patches in March. Summer brings wildflower meadows instead.
Keep exploring
Continue exploring East Sikkim
Day excursion · sleep in Nathang Valley
Kupup Lake
The elephant-shaped lake beside the world's highest golf course.
Day excursion · sleep in Gangtok
Baba Mandir
The army shrine to Baba Harbhajan Singh at 13,200 ft, between Tsomgo and Kupup.