What altitude and temperatures should I expect?

You should expect 10 to 20°C in the summer (April to Jun) and 5 to 15°C in the autumn (October to Nov) at 13,025 feet (4,000 meters). Winter (December to March) brings below-freezing temperatures, -10 to +10°C, which frequently cover the valley in snow and prevent access to the Silk Route.

Do I need permits or permissions?

Yes, Yak Golf Course is on land that the Indian Army owns. Indian citizens need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), while foreigners need a Protected Area Permit (PAP), which they can get from official sources, travel agents, or check-posts in Gangtok/Zuluk.

How do I acclimatize safely?

To acclimatize safely get to Zuluk, Phadamchen, or Gangtok early. At 4,000 m, being high up can make you feel sick, give you a headache, and make you dizzy. A common piece of advice for travellers is to drink a lot of water, go up slowly, and bring Diamox or portable oxygen.

Nathang Valley

Yak Golf Course, Nathang Valley

About Yak Golf Course

Prime Day & Hours: Weekends, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm

Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours

Tickets: Available offline

Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Train Station, about 177 km away

Nearest Airport: Pakyong Airport, about 86 km away

Nearest Bus Stop: Zuluk Bus Stand, about 33 km away

The Yak Golf Course in Nathang Valley (Kupup), East Sikkim, is an amazing 13,025 feet above sea level. It combines sports with the beauty of the Himalayas in a way that no other course can, making it one of the best things to do in Sikkim. This 18-hole greenscape, which holds the world record, is carved into rolling alpine terrain and is about 6,025 yards long. Fairways wind past natural streams, ponds, and rustic bunkers that challenge players while showing off stunning views.

The course was built in 1972 and improved by Brigadier J. M. Singh and later Brigadier Ranbir Singh with Col. T. K. Murali. It shows disciplined military precision under the Indian Army's control and IGU affiliation. From May to December, golfers brave thin, crisp air and "preferred lies" to keep their gear safe from rocky ground. When it snows in the winter, the greens turn into outdoor arenas for skiing, ice hockey, and skating.

Visitors are drawn in not only by the excitement of high-altitude golf but also by the stunning mountain views, including Elephant Lake, which is frozen nearby. A trip here is a rare mix of exciting sports and peacefulness in the Himalayas, truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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Yak Golf Course Highlights

• Swing your club at 13,025 ft on the world’s highest 18-hole course, at Yak Golf Course, officially recognised by Guinness in 2006.
• Transform wintertime into adventure, with skiing, ice‑skating, and ice hockey on a frozen lake, when January to April snow cloaks the course.
• Discover the military heritage, as it was designed by Brigadiers J M Singh, Ranbir Singh, and Col. T K Murali in the 1970s on army land.
• Explore nearby alpine landmarks, like Elephant (Kupup) Lake on the Old Silk Route, and other pristine sites, including Menmecho Lake, Baba Mandir, and Tukla Valley.

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Point of Interest for Yak Golf Course

Enjoy Golf at Earth’s Highest Altitude

Start your round at 13,025 feet on the highest permanent 18-hole course in the world. Enjoy the fresh air of the Himalayas and the rarefied conditions that help the ball carry. "Preferred lies" keep clubs safe from rocky turf. The Indian Army runs it, and the Indian Golf Union has given it the green light. It is open from May to December. You need a military permit to play golf here. It's a once-in-a-lifetime, adrenaline-pumping experience.

Embark on Yak Rides Across the Course

Seniors and people who don't play golf can ride local yaks across the course to get around the rough fairways. This fun cultural break is a great place to take pictures, connects you to pastoral traditions, and adds a touch of whimsy to mountain golf. A fun, real experience that goes well with the sports challenge and helps you make lasting connections with Sikkimese herders.

Marvel at Winter Alpine Playground

As golf season comes to an end in May and December, the fairways turn into a snowy white playground. Adventurers can ski, skate, and play ice hockey on clean slopes. The thrill of high-altitude winter sports goes well with the strange views of snow-covered peaks. Army tents with warm drinks are the perfect finishing touch to a cosy, offbeat winter getaway in the Himalayas.

Explore Kupup (Elephant) Lake

Kupup, or Elephant Lake, is less than 2 km from the greens. It has mirror-like reflections of the sky and peaks. Great for short hikes, taking pictures of the sunrise, and relaxing by the glacier waters. You can get there by walking or taking a jeep. It's a peaceful break from the sporty buzz, with stunning natural beauty at an altitude of over 14,000 feet.

Yak Golf Course FAQs

Popular Related Attractions

Yak Golf Course

The Yak Golf Course is the highest in the world, according to Guinness, which is located in Kupup, Nathang Valley, at an elevation of 13,025 feet. The 6,025-yard course, which was built in 1972 and improved into a full 18-hole, par-72 layout by military architects in the late 1970s, winds through natural streams, ponds, and rustic bunkers. The Indian Army runs it, and the Indian Golf Union is linked to it.From May to December, it offers a unique alpine golf experience. When it snows in the winter, the ground turns into a playground for skiing, ice hockey, and skating. The combination of breathtaking views of the Himalayas, the nearby Keked Kupup Lake, and the fresh mountain air provides an intoxicating mix of serenity and adventure.

Jelep La

The Jelep La is a mountain pass in Sikkim that connects Lhasa to India. This pass is located 4 kilometres south of the Nathu La but it has a slightly higher elevation.

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