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Spectacular view at Kupup Lake Elephant Lake Sikkim Surrounding high altitude hills and waters of Kupup Lake Scenic mountain roads leading to Kupup Lake
#1 Iconic Elephant Lake on Silk Route

Kupup Lake (Elephant Lake)

Explore the stunning Kupup Lake, popularly known as Elephant Lake, along the historic Old Silk Route in East Sikkim. Witness high-altitude glacial waters, snow-clad mountain borders, and picturesque alpine surroundings. Book your dedicated sightseeing cab for an unforgettable Sikkim experience.

Elevation

13,066 Feet (3,980 m)

Visiting Hours

Daytime Only (Permit Required)

Transit

Near Zuluk, East Sikkim

Why Visit Kupup Lake?

Elephant-Shaped Contour

13,066 Feet High Altitude

Stunning Aerial Photography

World's Highest Golf Course

Protected Border Area Permit

Pristine Glacial Surroundings

Attraction Overview

Nestled high in East Sikkim at an incredible elevation of 13,066 feet, Kupup Lake—commonly known as Elephant Lake due to its unique shape resembling an elephant with a trunk—is one of the most mesmerizing high-altitude water bodies along the historic Old Silk Route. Located close to the Indo-China border, it remains frozen during winter months and turns a striking deep blue during summer and autumn.

Near the lake lies the Yak Golf Course, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest golf course in the world. Because of its sensitive high-altitude border location, visiting Kupup Lake requires pre-arranged Protected Area Permits. Securing a dedicated taxi for your Silk Route tour ensures a safe, legal, and comfortable journey through these alpine heights.

Silk Route Tour Taxi Fare

Hatchback (WagonR)

Max 4 Pax | Budget

₹ 4,500 Per Day

Sedan (Dzire / Etios)

Max 4 Pax | Premium

₹ 5,200 Per Day

SUV (Innova / Xylo)

Max 6 Pax | Spacious

₹ 6,500 Per Day

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*Fares cover Silk Route tour, permits assistance, fuel & driver fee.

Things to Do at Kupup Lake

Experience high-altitude alpine wonders and iconic Silk Route landmarks.

Admire the Elephant Shape

Gaze across the high-altitude lake basin to observe its uncanny and picturesque contour mirroring an elephant complete with a trunk.

High-Altitude Photography

Capture stunning photographs of the crystal-clear glacial waters, surrounding snow patches, and dramatic mountain ridges.

Visit Yak Golf Course

Explore the nearby Yak Golf Course, recognized globally as the highest altitude golf course nestled right beside the picturesque valley.

Travel Checklist

What to Pack for Kupup Lake

At 13,066 feet, alpine winds are freezing, making heavy woolens, valid permits, and cold-weather gear essential.

Protected Area Permits & IDs

Carrying original government photo IDs, passport-size photographs, and pre-approved Silk Route permits is strictly mandatory.

Heavy Woolens & Thermals

Temperatures at 13,066 feet remain extremely cold throughout the year, requiring thermal innerwear and windproof heavy jackets.

Sunglasses & Sunscreen

High-altitude UV rays and light reflection from snow or water can be intense, making UV sunglasses and sunscreen necessary.

Cash for Expenses

Remote high-altitude border locations lack ATMs and digital payment connectivity, so carrying sufficient cash is crucial.

Quick Facts

  • Average Temp: -5°C to 10°C
  • Elevation: 3,980 m (13,066 ft)
  • Best Season: March to May & Oct to Dec
  • Transit Time: ~4.5 Hours from Gangtok
  • Permits: Mandatory

Kupup Lake Climate & Best Time to Visit

Kupup Lake experiences extreme high-altitude alpine weather conditions across different seasons:

Spring (March to May) - Clear Skies & Melting Ice

Spring brings clearer daytime visibility and pleasant weather, with lake ice gradually melting to reveal sparkling blue waters.

Autumn & Winter (October to February) - Snow & Frozen Lake

Autumn offers exceptionally crisp blue skies, while winters bring heavy snowfall that completely freezes the lake surface into a sheet of ice.

Monsoon (July to September) - Heavy Fog & Rain

Monsoons bring heavy fog and continuous rain, making high-altitude road transit challenging and limiting scenic visibility.

Other Nearby Silk Route Attractions

Include these scenic spots in your East Sikkim Silk Route taxi itinerary.

Zuluk Silk Route Sikkim
Hairpin Bends

Zuluk Village

Famous mountain hamlet along the Old Silk Route renowned for its thrilling 32 hairpin bends and cozy homestays.

Nathang Valley Sikkim
High Altitude

Nathang Valley

Known as the Ladakh of East Sikkim, sitting at 13,500 feet with panoramic snow landscapes and meandering streams.

Lungthung View Point Silk Route
Sunrise View

Lungthung View Point

Breathtaking high-altitude viewpoint at 12,500 feet offering magnificent sunrise views over Kanchenjunga.

Sikkim Tour Packages

Explore comprehensive itineraries covering Silk Route, Gangtok, and North Sikkim.

Gangtok & North Sikkim Car Tour Package
Bestseller
4.9

Gangtok & North Sikkim Tour

Discover Lachung, Yumthang Valley, and comprehensive Gangtok local sightseeing with a dedicated private vehicle and permits.

Cab Type: Hatchback / Sedan / SUV

₹ 16,000 ₹ 14,499
Gangtok Family Holiday Package
Family Choice
4.8

Gangtok & Tsomgo Lake Tour

An ideal short getaway covering Gangtok local sightseeing, Tsomgo Lake, and Baba Mandir with comfortable private transportation.

Cab Type: Sedan / SUV

₹ 7,500 ₹ 6,200
Darjeeling and Gangtok Combo Car Tour Package
Multi-City Combo
4.9

Darjeeling & Gangtok Combo Tour

Why choose when you can see both? This popular combo package covers intercity transit, Darjeeling viewpoints, and Gangtok local sightseeing.

Cab Type: Sedan / Innova Crysta

Custom Price On Request

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Comprehensive Travel Guide: Booking Your Kupup Lake Cab & Itinerary

Understanding the Kupup Lake Sightseeing Experience

A visit to the stunning Kupup Lake (Elephant Lake) offers travelers an extraordinary high-altitude alpine encounter along the Old Silk Route in East Sikkim. Set at a towering elevation of 13,066 feet, this glacial lake is celebrated for its unique elephant-like contour and breathtaking mountain surroundings.

To explore Kupup Lake and other Silk Route landmarks smoothly, securing a dedicated east sikkim sightseeing taxi or specialized tour vehicle is essential. Having a private vehicle allows you to travel across high-altitude restricted mountain roads without worrying about transit complications.

Silk Route Taxi Fare and Tour Inclusions

When researching the kupup lake taxi fare, travelers will find that standard rates depend on vehicle category and starting locations, typically calculated on a per-day basis due to extreme mountain terrain. At Siliguri Cab Rental, our fixed pricing structure guarantees complete transparency with zero hidden surge fees.

A standard Silk Route tour covering Kupup Lake and East Sikkim high-altitude landmarks typically costs around ₹4,500 per day for a compact hatchback (such as a WagonR), while a comfortable sedan (such as a Dzire or Etios) is priced around ₹5,200 per day. For larger groups or families needing extra comfort on rugged alpine roads, a spacious SUV (such as an Innova or Xylo) costs approximately ₹6,500 per day. These fixed rates comprehensively cover vehicle hire, fuel, and driver allowances.

Whether you want to book cab for kupup lake for a high-altitude sightseeing trip or a multi-day Silk Route expedition, our professional team ensures dependable service, permit assistance, and well-maintained cars designed for extreme hill terrains.

Connecting Your Travel: Bagdogra to Silk Route Transit

If you are organizing your vacation itinerary from outside the region, keep in mind that East Sikkim's Silk Route is best reached by landing at Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or arriving at New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station. The transit from the plains up to the high-altitude region takes roughly 5 to 6 hours. We highly recommend booking a comprehensive Sikkim Tour Package that seamlessly combines your initial transfer with your Protected Area Permit arrangements and local sightseeing needs, guaranteeing a completely stress-free holiday.

Kupup Lake FAQ

Common questions about visiting Kupup Lake (Elephant Lake) in Sikkim.

Why is Kupup Lake also called Elephant Lake?

Kupup Lake is called Elephant Lake because its natural geographic contour and surrounding ridge lines closely resemble an elephant with a trunk.

What is the elevation of Kupup Lake?

Kupup Lake is situated at a staggering high altitude of approximately 13,066 feet (3,980 meters) above sea level in East Sikkim.

Are permits required to visit Kupup Lake?

Yes, because Kupup Lake is located close to the sensitive international border along the Old Silk Route, Protected Area Permits are strictly mandatory.