Adventure · Kupup
Over the top from Kupup to Tsomgo
From Kupup the Silk Route climbs over a shoulder to meet the Nathu La road near the new Baba Mandir, then drops past Tsomgo Lake to Gangtok. It closes the Silk Route loop and saves the long drive back through Zuluk and Rongli, if permits and snow allow.
Most Silk Route trips go up through Rongli and Zuluk and come back the same way. If your permit and your car's papers allow, there is a better finish: carry on from Kupup over the high ground to the junction with the Nathu La road near the new Baba Mandir, stop at the shrine, then descend past Tsomgo Lake and through the Kyongnosla forest to Gangtok. It saves several hours of doubling back and adds two more sights to the day.
The road over the top is high and exposed, with long stretches above 4,000 m, and snow can block it from December to April. Your driver will know whether it is open; ask the evening before at your Gnathang or Zuluk homestay. Some permits cover only the Rongli route, so confirm with the operator when you book. In some seasons the loop is run in reverse, starting from Gangtok via Tsomgo.
Leave early, eat breakfast before you go and carry water and snacks, since there is little on the way. Stop at Baba Mandir for half an hour and at Tsomgo for tea and a short walk. You should reach Gangtok in the early afternoon. If anyone feels unwell at height, the descent past Tsomgo is the quickest way down. Check current status before you travel.
Cost: Part of a ₹5,000–7,000 a day SUV
Questions people ask
Good to know
Can we return from the Silk Route to Gangtok via Tsomgo?
Often yes. From Kupup the road joins the Nathu La road near Baba Mandir and descends past Tsomgo to Gangtok. Whether you may take it depends on your permit, your car's papers and snow. Ask your operator when you book and check current status before you travel.
How long is the drive from Kupup to Gangtok?
About 70 km and 3–3.5 hours via Baba Mandir and Tsomgo, plus stops. If you start from Gnathang, add about an hour. The route back through Zuluk and Rongli is longer, about 120 km and 5–6 hours, so the Tsomgo crossing saves much of a day.
Is the Kupup crossing open in winter?
Often not. Snow can close the high road between Kupup and the Nathu La road from December to April, sometimes for weeks. Drivers then return via Zuluk and Rongli. Keep a spare day, ask your homestay the evening before, and check current status before you travel.
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