Bagdogra Airport to Zuluk on the Old Silk Route costs ₹9,000 with a sedan to Rongli and ₹11,500 with an Innova, one way, including the Sikkim-registered SUV for the stretch beyond Rongli and the permit paperwork. The 150 km takes 6 to 7 hours: NH10 along the Teesta to Rangpo, the Rongli valley, then the 32 hairpins up to Zuluk at 3,000 m.
Bagdogra Airport to Zuluk fare by car
| Vehicle | Seats | Fare (one way) | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| SedanSwift Dzire, Toyota Etios or similar | 4 | ₹9,000 | Book Sedan |
| SUVMaruti Ertiga, Kia Carens or similar | 6 | ₹10,000 | Book SUV |
| Innova CrystaToyota Innova Crysta | 6 | ₹11,500 | Book Innova Crysta |
| Tempo TravellerForce Tempo Traveller (12 seat) | 12 | ₹19,500 | Book Tempo Traveller |
Fares updated . Includes fuel, tolls, parking, driver allowance and GST. Night pickup (22:00–06:00) adds ₹300.
Route and stops
Your driver takes NH10 to Rangpo, Rorathang and Rongli in your chosen car, then the Silk Route hairpins through Lingtam and Padamchen in a Sikkim-registered SUV. Short stops are included for tea, photos and rest.
- Coronation Bridge
- Rangpo
- Rongli (permit office, car change)
- Lingtam
- Padamchen
Local tips for this trip
- The Rongli permit office closes early afternoon on weekdays, before noon on Saturdays, and is shut on Sundays. Flights landing after 10 am mean a night at Rongli, Aritar or Sillery Gaon first.
- Indian citizens need a protected-area permit for Zuluk and beyond, issued at Rongli through a registered operator with a photo ID and two photos each.
- Nathang Valley, Kupup and the Thambi viewpoint are a morning drive from Zuluk in the same SUV; the permit covers the whole Rongli to Kupup circuit.
About Silk Route and Zuluk
The Silk Route is a circuit through Aritar, Zuluk, Nathang valley and Kupup in East Sikkim, along part of the old trade road to Tibet. It is about 6 to 7 hours from Bagdogra Airport, needs a protected-area permit, and is best done over 2 to 3 nights. Read our Silk Route and Zuluk travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the taxi fare from Bagdogra Airport to Zuluk?
₹9,000 in a sedan, ₹10,000 in an SUV, ₹11,500 in an Innova Crysta and ₹19,500 in a 12-seat Tempo Traveller, one way, including tolls, parking, driver allowance and GST.
How long does Bagdogra Airport to Zuluk take by car?
The 150 km drive takes 6 to 7 hours via NH10 to Rangpo, Rorathang and Rongli in your chosen car, then the Silk Route hairpins through Lingtam and Padamchen in a Sikkim-registered SUV.
Can a West Bengal taxi drive to Zuluk?
No. Beyond Rongli only Sikkim-registered SUVs are allowed on the Silk Route circuit. Your airport taxi takes you to Rongli, where the SUV we arrange and your permit take over.
Is the Silk Route open in winter?
Zuluk is open through the year, but snow closes the road above Nathang between December and February on some days. The Thambi viewpoint is usually reachable; we check with the Rongli operator the day before.
What happens if I cancel?
Cancel up to 24 hours before pickup for a full refund of your advance, or get 50% back inside 24 hours. Refunds take up to 5 working days.
