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.
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.
How To Reach Yak Golf Course
By car/taxi: Yak Golf Course is about 61 km from the Gangtok city centre, via NH 310. It will take you around 1 hour and 45 minutes to get there.
Best Time To Visit Yak Golf Course
Peak Season (April to June):
- Weather Insights: Pleasant weather, moderate temperature, with temperatures ranging from 10 °C to 20 °C.
- Things to Do: enjoy golf, and the lake
Moderate Season (October to November):
- Weather Insights: Cooler temperatures ranging 5 to 15 °C
- Things to do: golf, sightseeing, and Silk Route drives
Low Season (July to September: Monsoon; December to March: Winter):
Monsoon:
- Weather Insights: Temperatures hover between 15 °C to 25 °C with high rainfall and periodic fog
- Things to do: Enjoy lush greenery
Winter:
- Weather Insights: Cold weather, daytime −10 °C to 10 °C; nights often sub-zero
- Things to do: Ideal for skiing, ice‑skating, and winter sports
Yak Golf Course Other Essential Information
Know before you go
- Foreign nationals must obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) and golf permission via local authorities or your tour operator, as the course is on Indian Army land.
- Spend a day in Zuluk, Gangtok, or Phadamchen to adjust to high altitude and prevent altitude sickness.
- Bring OTC altitude relief like Diamox, stay hydrated, ascend slowly, and consider carrying portable oxygen or a thermos with warm liquids.
- carry a moisture-wicking base layer, insulated jacket, gloves, hat, sunglasses, and strong sunscreen, as Weather fluctuates rapidly.
- Don’t litter, minimise plastic use, and follow Army guidelines, as Nathang is a remote and ecologically fragile place.
- Respect local customs at Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple and nearby monasteries, dress modestly and ask permission before photographing locals.
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.
Tourism Board Alliances
Yak Golf Course FAQs
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.
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