Adventure · Rongli
The old Kalimpong trade road to Rhenock
Drive the road between Rongli and Rhenock, which follows the line of the Raj-era Kalimpong–Lhasa trade route. It links the Silk Route with Kalimpong and Pedong and is the usual detour from Siliguri when NH10 is closed.
Long before the army highway to Zuluk was built, mule trains walked from Kalimpong to Pedong, crossed into Sikkim near Rhenock, and came on to Rongli before the climb to Jelep La. The modern road between Rhenock and Rongli follows the same general line, through terraced farms, small bazaars and patches of forest. It is a quiet drive, and for travellers coming from Kalimpong it is the natural way into the Silk Route.
It has also become a practical route. When NH10 along the Teesta has been cut, as it has been many times since the October 2023 flood, cars from Siliguri and NJP have come up through Kalimpong, Pedong and Rhenock instead. If your driver suggests this way, it is not a trick; it is often the only reliable road. It takes a little longer but passes through gentler country. Check current status before you travel.
If you have time, break the drive at Aritar, a short detour from Rhenock, for Lampokhari lake and the Mankhim viewpoint above it. Rhenock itself is a small, busy town with shops and eateries. Expect narrow sections, school traffic in the mornings, and occasional landslide repair in and after the monsoon. Daylight driving is best.
Cost: Part of your car hire
Questions people ask
Good to know
How far is Rhenock from Rongli?
Rhenock is roughly 20–25 km from Rongli by road, about an hour to an hour and a half depending on traffic and road work. The road passes through farm villages, and Aritar is a short detour on the way. Distances vary slightly by route, so check with your driver.
Can we go from Kalimpong to Zuluk via Rongli?
Yes. Cars go from Kalimpong through Pedong and Rhenock to Rongli, where the Silk Route permit is issued, and then up to Padamchen and Zuluk. It follows the old trade road and takes about 3–3.5 hours to Rongli. Arrange the permit in advance through your driver or homestay.
Is the Rhenock–Rongli road open when NH10 is closed?
Usually it is, and it is often the main detour when NH10 along the Teesta is shut. Local roads have their own landslide risk in the monsoon, though. Ask your driver for the latest and check current status before you travel.