Zuluk

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Zuluk Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1-2 Days

Best Time: May to July Read More

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"Dainty Hamlet in East Himalayas"

Zuluk Tourism

Perched at a height of 10000 feet above the mean sea level, Zuluk (also called Dzuluk or Jhuluk or Juluk) is a dainty hamlet resting in the lap of the East Himalayas in Sikkim. The region is blessed with panoramic vistas of ice capped mountains, deep gorges, dense woods and sparkling streams.

Originally a transit point on the historic Silk Route connecting India with Tibet and China, Zuluk holds a significant place in the region's history. The village was once a crucial stopover for traders traveling along this ancient trade route, bringing with it a blend of cultures and traditions that continue to influence the local way of life.

Today, Zuluk serves as a gateway to the higher reaches of Sikkim, offering travelers a serene retreat amidst the mountains. The village itself boasts a charm of its own, with traditional wooden houses, terraced fields, and friendly locals eager to share their stories and traditions. 

One of the main attractions of Zuluk is its mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views. Additionally, Zuluk serves as a base for adventure enthusiasts looking to trek through the rugged terrain, go birdwatching, or explore nearby attractions like the Old Baba Mandir, Kupup Lake, and Nathang Valley. Zuluk proudly calls itself a virgin destination as it is almost never crowded by seasonal tourists. To have a better experience of the mesmerizing locales and ultra gorgeous landscape, it is advisable to stay in homestays offered by locals rather than commercial hotels. You can also spot Army jawans, jeeps and tents while wandering on some of these trails. 

The best time to visit Zuluk is during the spring and summer months, from March to June, when the weather is pleasant, and the flora is in full bloom. It's important to note that Zuluk experiences heavy snowfall during the winter months, from December to February, which can make access difficult and roads impassable. Therefore, it's advisable to plan a visit during the warmer months for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Things to do in Zuluk

1. Thambi View Point

Thambi View Point
Perched at an elevation of 112000 feet, Thambi View Point is one of the most important attractions around Zuluk. It is known for its 32 zig zag turns or what are called hairpin bends. It is also one o (Read More)f its kind which has so many turns in the entire Himalayan range. The highlight of the vantage point is that it offers surreal views of the sun rising from the peak of mighty Mountain Kanchenjunga. From here you can also try to locate the original Silk Route.

2. Kupup Lake

Kupup Lake
Kupup Lake, locally known as Bitan Cho, is a high elevation lake based at a height of 14000 feet above mean sea level. It is also called Elephant Lake as it is shaped like an elephant. There is also a (Read More) Yak Golf Course nearby that is the highest golf course in the world. Yak Golf Course in collaboration with the Kupup Lake organize an annual water polo game which is a grand event in the area. The lake stay frozen from January till May.

3. Lungthung

Lungthung
Around 4 kms from Zuluk is Lungthung where you will find lush green tea estates, glossy green meadows and rugged mountain edges. The inhabitants here are mostly ones that escaped from Tibet. You can s (Read More)it down with some of them to enjoy a cup of local tea and listen to their interesting tales of family history and culture. Or you can just carry some food and sit down for a picnic or a mid day feast.

4. Tukla

Tukla
Further 4 kms from Lungthung is Tukla which is known for its Battle of Tukla. In 1903, a special British force led by Lt. Col Francis Younghusband marched through here to attack Tibet. That began the (Read More)brutal war. Several Tibetan soldiers were martyred here. A memorial has been built in the memory of those soldiers who lost their lives during the battle.

5. Menmecho Lake

Menmecho Lake
Menmecho Lake, nestled in the Gangtok district of Sikkim, India, stands as a hidden gem along the route to the Jelep Pass, about 20 kilometers ahead of Lake Tsomgo. Serving as the source of the Rangpo (Read More) chu River, a tributary of the Teesta River, its waters are replenished by melting snow in the summer and monsoon rains. Renowned for its trout, the lake hosts a significant fish farm nearby, accompanied by a guesthouse, though access to Menmecho Lake is restricted to tourists.

6. Old Harbhajan Babaji Mandir

Old Harbhajan Babaji Mandir
The Old Harbhajan Babaji Mandir, located near Nathula Pass in Sikkim, India, is a revered shrine dedicated to Harbhajan Singh, an Indian Army soldier who mysteriously disappeared in 1968 near the Indo (Read More)-China border. Believed to be guarding the frontier even after his death, the temple is a place of pilgrimage where devotees pay homage to the spirit of Harbhajan Singh, offering prayers and seeking blessings for protection and well-being.

Must Know Before You Travel to Zuluk

  • As of the latest information, Zuluk is accessible to Indian nationals only, and obtaining a Protected Area Permit (PAP) is mandatory.
  • To visit Zuluk, a restricted area in East Sikkim, travelers must obtain a special Inner Line Permit (ILP) in advance. These permits can be obtained from designated authorities such as the office in Rangli or from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.
  • To apply for the permit, visitors need to carry: Valid passport or Voter ID card for adults
    Passport or birth certificate for children under 18
    Additional photo ID card (e.g., school ID, Aadhar card)
    Four copies of passport-sized photographs
    Photocopies of the aforementioned documents
  • Read more on Protected Area Permits (PAP)

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History of Zuluk

Zuluk was once known to be an important transit point in the ancient Silk Route from Tibet to India which was used by traders who came to India to sell silk goods and products. It connected Lhasa (in Tibet) to Kalimpong (in West Bengal) and was used till much later even after the invasion of Tibet by China. 
Zuluk and the Old Silk Route
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Things to Keep in Mind while visiting Zuluk

1. Carry enough woollen clothes as the temperature is really cold in Zuluk but also travel light as you may have to move around a bit.
2. Drink only bottled water which you will have to carry from Rongli, Pedong, or Siliguri as there is not even a single shop in the area. 
3. In case, you want to consume alcohol, carry on your own. No shops sell foreign liquor here. 
4. There are also no pharmacy shops or chemist stores so make sure to carry some basic medicines of your own like the ones for fever, headaches, stomach ache and antiseptic ointments.
5. Carry enough cash for all your transactions. There are no ATM machines and no card payments acceptable in Zuluk.
6. Data connectivity is very poor so you can carry two sim cards with different service providers to have more options.
7. Carry dry food also for difficult times.
8. Do not trust locals with advice or with any kind of business transactions.
9. Beware leeches and other insects, especially in Pine forested areas.
10. Do not expect modern facilities.
11. If you have breathing issues, try and not stay in Gnathang Valley

How to Reach

Zuluk is situated around 90 kms from Gangtok. You can take the Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir route from Gangtok or the route via via Pakyong and Lingtham. It will take 4 hours in all. In case you are travelling from any other place, other than Gangtok, for example, Darjeeling, Pelling or NJP or Bagdogra, you will first need to go to Rongpo. From here, you can take the Rorathang route to reach Zuluk. If you are coming from Bengal, you can travel through Pedong, Reshi, Aritar to reach Zuluk.

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What are the places near Zuluk?

The top places near to Zuluk are Gangtok which is 19 km from Zuluk, Darjeeling which is located 56 km from Zuluk, North sikkim which is located 36 km from Zuluk, Kalimpong which is located 37 km from Zuluk, South sikkim which is located 41 km from Zuluk

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