Kupup Travel Guide: How to Reach, Activities, Price & More

Welcome to Kupup, a hidden gem in Sikkim, resting at 13,000 feet. With jaw dropping views of the Elephant Lake (yes, shaped like an elephant!), Kupup offers more than just scenery it whispers stories from the old Silk Route. this Kupup travel guide is all you need.

Once a key stop for traders between India and Tibet, this small village is now a peaceful escape for travelers who want something different. Just before Baba Mandir, and near the winding roads of Dzuluk and Jelep La Pass, Kupup quietly steals the show.

Words can’t capture its true charm Kupup isn’t just beautiful, it’s unforgettable. If you’re planning a Silk Route journey, make sure this magical spot is on your list.

Kupup Travel Guide

Tourist spots include Kupup’s Yak Golf Course

This golf course is found at an altitude of 13,025 feet. In 1972, the Guinness Book of Records called it the world’s most amazing golf course. That’s when the Yak Golf Course was established. By 1979, a major uplift was underway.

Under the keen eye of Brigadier J M Singh, the revamp took shape. But it wasn’t complete yet. Brigadier Ranbir Singh and Col T K Murali picked up where he left off. They saw it through. In the end, all 18 holes of the golf course were completely renovated.

Since 1985, the Yak Golf Course, which is about 6025 yards long, has been a subsidiary of the Indian Golf Union (IGU). It has fairways that run transverse over distinctive Himalayan streams and lakes.

Jelep La

Jelep La, reaching a height of 13,999 feet, is a majestic mountain range linking Lhasa and India. It’s found in Sikkim, a region in India’s eastern part, close to the Tibet border. In Tibetan, Jelep La translates to “the beautiful mountain pass”. It is a stunning pass and a famous tourist attraction in Sikkim.

Also Read : How to Reach Sikkim

Menmecho Lake

Menmecho Lake is a highland lake in East Sikkim, Sikkim Province, India. It is located on the way to the Jelepla Pass and approximately 20 kilometers (12 minutes) away from Lake Tsomgo. It is the source of the Rangpo Chu, a tributary of the Teesta River. The lake’s waters are generated from softening snow in the summer and rainwater during the monsoon season.

Baba Mandir

Baba Mandir is a popular tourist destination in Sikkim. This “mandir” or holy shrine is dedicated to “Baba” Harbhajan Singh, a warrior in the Indian Army. He died on the Nathula Pass in eastern Sikkim, India.

Two holy shrines have been built to honor Baba Harbhajan Singh. The old one was built on the location of the bunker, where Baba Harbhajan was stationed during his time in the Indian Army. In contrast, the new temple is located near Changu Lake.

Kupup Lake

The Silk Route contains a few high elevation outstanding lakes, with Kupup Lake standing out as one of the most beautiful. Privately known as Bitan Cho, it is one of Sikkim’s most sacred lakes, surrounded by towering mountains and valleys. Kupup Lake is also known as Elephant Lake because it resembles an elephant.

Kupup Lake has been cemented from January to mid-May. From October to December, the lake is partly covered in sheet ice. From April to July, you may witness a nice display of flowers surrounding the lake. The most of the year, Kupup Lake has a dazzling climate.

Also Read : Places to Visit in Sikkim

How to Reach Kupup

Kupup Lake is 62 kilometers from Gangtok and takes 2.5 hours to arrive by Jawaharlal Nehru Street. The Tukla valley is around 6 kilometers from Lake Memencho, as is the Baba Mandir (new). The Jelep La Pass is about 11 kilometers away from the Tukla valley.

Best Time to Visit Kupup

Visiting Kupup, the Kupup Lake, Tukla Valley, and Jelep La Pass is best during certain times. These places experience lots of snow, so they’re closed from January to April’s end.

May and June are the most beautiful months since the weather is perfect and the whole land is covered with flowers, including the well known worldwide rhododendrons. Storms are not a good time to go trekking here, however, summer and harvest season (October – November) are also fantastic and suitable for hikes.

Season	Months	Highlights
Summer	April – June	Clear skies, pleasant for sightseeing
Monsoon	July – September	Roads prone to landslides; not ideal
Autumn	October – November	Vibrant fall colors, fewer tourists
Winter	December – March	Heavy snowfall, may block access

Also Read : Best Places to Visit in Lachen

Things to Do during Kupup Trip

You may do and enjoy a variety of things while visiting Kupup Lake. The significant ones are as follows

Enjoy the gorgeous vista of Kanchenjunga, the third highest Himalayan mountain.
Experience the serene atmosphere and tranquility that this lake has to offer.
Visit the adjacent Yak Golf Course, one of the world’s highest golf courses, at an elevation of 3,970 meters above sea level.
Visit the well-known Old Baba Mandir, a shrine dedicated to the Indian army’s Baba Harbajan Singh.
Visit the adjacent Tukla Valley for a breathtaking panoramic picture of Mount Kanchenjunga and its associated peaks.
So go ahead and explore the length and width of this little settlement. Its splendor is certain to captivate you!

Permits Required for Kupup

Kupup lies in a restricted zone, so you’ll need:

Inner Line Permit (ILP) – Available at Sikkim Tourism offices
Special Permit for Nathula and Kupup – Must be arranged via a registered travel agency

Documents Needed:

Valid Government ID (Aadhar/Passport)
Passport-size photographs

Where to Stay in Kupup

Being a remote army monitored area, accommodation is limited.

Option Type	Details
Army Guest Houses	Occasionally available, but need advance permission
Homestays	Basic facilities, often run by locals
Stay in Gangtok	Many tourists choose to day-trip from Gangtok due to better lodging options

Recommended: Stay in Gangtok and cover Kupup as part of a full day Nathula circuit tour.

Estimated Trip Cost to Kupup (2 People)

Expense Category	Approx. Cost (INR)
Gangtok Stay (2N)	₹3,000 – ₹6,000
Private Vehicle Permit Tour	₹4,000 – ₹6,000
Food & Miscellaneous	₹1,000 – ₹2,000
Total (2-Day Trip)	₹8,000 – ₹14,000

Travel Tips for Kupup

Dress in Layers: Weather changes quickly; carry thermal wear, gloves, and windproof jackets.
Carry Multiple Copies of ID: Required for permits and checkpoints.
Stay Hydrated: At high altitudes, drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Network Alert: Mobile signal is unreliable; BSNL has limited coverage.
Start Early: Roads are cleared in the morning, and checkpoints close by 3 PM.

Conclusion

Discovering Kupup presents a world of natural beauty and cultural riches hidden in Sikkim’s heart. Every area, from the tranquil Tsomgo Lake to the ancient Jelep La Pass, provides an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s seeing rhododendron flowers in the spring or snowscapes in the winter, Kupup captivates tourists all year long. Kupup’s rich biodiversity and kind welcome provide for unique experiences of adventure and peace.

Also Read : Places to visit in Yuksom

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Frequently Asked questions

Where is Kupup Lake located?

One of the highlights of Gangtok is Kupup Lake, a high altitude lake with an elephant-like appearance that is visited by travelers on the Silk Road. Known by another name, the Elephant Lake, it is located on the border of China and India at an elevation of 13,066 feet on the route to Jelep la Pass.

What is the height of Kupup Sikkim?

Kupup Lake is located at 13,025 feet above sea level, whereas Kupup, Sikkim, is a hamlet situated at a height of 13,000 feet. Because of its elephant-like form, the lake is also known as Elephant Lake. The lake is situated along the Silk Route, the route to the China-India border at Jelep La Pass.