Zuluk is steadily growing tourist destination situated at an altitude of  3000 meters [ approx. 10000 feets] above sea level near Indo-China border. This beautiful small rocky terrain is situated in the lower himalayas of the East Sikkim and was famous in olden days for historic “Silk Route”. The route starts from Kalimpong passing through Pedong, Aritar, Zuluk and Jelep La to Chumbi valley in Tibet. The “Silk Route” being the Official corridor between India & China in terms of trade in earlier days was closed since long after the Chinese aggression in the area.

For centuries, merchants and others journeyed to and from China and the Middle East on ancient routes through some of the most testing landscapes in the world. These ‘highways’ – stretching some 4,000 miles – collectively came to be called the ‘Silk Route’.

Recently, Govt. of India and Chinese Govt. have reopened Silk Route for trading of limited items and more items might be allowed in near future which will definitely benefit the entire North Bengal including Sikkim. The Route starts from Kalimpong and passes through Pedong, Aritar, Zuluk and Jelep La to Chumbi valley in Tibet.

Zuluk is a small peaceful village with about 600 Nepalese immigrants who migrated from Nepal for better future. This small terrain is very much suitable for the peace & calm loving tourists. The feature of this place being its extreme climatic condition, in winter the temperature is freezing with severe snowfall and summer is foggy & damp. In Zuluk tourists can enjoy the stay in the small cottages of local people with attached bathrooms as there is no hotel facility available there. Room heater or fire places locally called Bukhari are arranged by the locals to make the Bedrooms warm and comfortable. A glimpse of some very rare cultural and livelihood can be witnessed at Zuluk. The place offers breathtaking view of the sunrise. The Ganek is the Sunrise point situated at the height of 10600 feet is famous for its exquisite view of sunrise at dawn. The dark eastern horizon gradually turns into  reddish when sun rises behind the wide stretch of  mountains and due to fall of  sunrays, the  scintillating reflections on the snow studded Kanchendzenga ranges on the west makes its look golden and slowly it turns into milky white. View of sun-rise is memorable and awesome experience from Zuluk.

During  summer,  Zuluk and its  surrounding hills are covered with thousands of blooming Rhododendron s. Zuluk, during these months, is a demonstration of colours due to the variety of Rhododendron  that can be seen here. Zuluk derives its tourism importance due to its excellent view of the eastern Himalayan mountain range including the Kanchendzenga. Today Zuluk is fast emerging as a new tourist destination in East Sikkim. A trip to Zuluk requires special permits.

The tourists can visit Nag temple which is nearby where the local people offer there prayer to the deity of the King Cobra, worshiped as god in hindu mythology. The temple is a cave like structure where the image is formed through natural cracks in a giant sized rocks.

From the Thambi View Point at 11000ft. one can have unhindered view of the three level zigzag roads on the adjoining hills with unique geometrical curves.

At an height of 13000 feet Lungthung is renowned for sighting of the habitats of the rare species of  Khaleez Pheasant, Monal Pheasant, Monal Pheasant, Snow Pheasant, Red Panda etc. The chances of sighting of these habitats is very rare in occasion.

After Lungthung comes Luxmi Chowk which is full of dense forest of Rhododendron s, Lichens, mosses, ferns etc. The chirping of the birds and panoramic view of the majestic snow claded Khangchendzonga impresses the mind and the soul of the visitors.

The Kalpokhari Lake falls enroute to Adi Baba Mandir. Wild ducks swim in the transparent water of the Lake which freezes during the winter.
The Adi Baba Mandir is a war memorial built to pay tribute to  Sepoy Har Bhajan Singh who met an accident and died here. His Samadhi was constructed near Chhokhya Chho but was later shifted to the Watershed Memorial near LOG BR. Wreath lying ceremony is held at this site in the memory of Valliant soldiers who dedicated their lives defending their motherland.

The way to Gnathang Valley is very often covered with snow which is  being developed as a Ski point in Sikkim. From Gnathang valley the glimpses of valley of Bhutancan be seen. One can see Chinese Watch Towers at Jelep La with naked eyes.

The Tukla Valley situated at a height of 12500 ft. is also snowy and very cold. There is a war memorial built to commemorate the death of British soldiers who died at the battle of Tukla.

Kupup valley is 16 km. from Tukla. On the way from Tokla the tourists can see Elephant Lake or Memenchu Lake. On way falls the Yak golf course the highest altitude golf course in the world at 13025 ft. Kupup is a part of the historical Silk route An Environmental Park and Ice Hockey Field is being developed here. Lhasa is about 520 kms. from Kupup valley.

The tourists can  drive straight to Nathu La from Kupup. Nathu La is in Tibetian plateau at an altitude of 14200 ft. which is at present the gateway of India and China. It is open for Indian nationals only on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Tsongo Lake is about 16 kms. from Nathu La situated at an altitude of  12210 ft. The oval in shape Lake is 1km long, and 50 ft. deep. The Local people consider it a holy Lake. During May to August, tourist may see a large variety of flowers in bloom like the Rhododendron s, Primulas, Blue and Yellow Poppies etc. It is also the habitat of the Red Pandas. Foreign tourists are allowed only in groups of two or more.

Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim is only 40 kms  from Tsongo Lake. It is a well planned tourist destination on the hills with exquisite gardens, luxurious hotels, restaurants and sceneic view  of Kanchendzenga.

How to reach Zuluk

Zuluk can be reached directly from Bagdogra(IXB) airport or NJP railhead. The drive takes about 6 hours, depending on road condition. You can also visit Zuluk from Kalimpong (4 hours) or Gangtok (3 hours). Alternatively, one can stay overnight at Aritar and proceed to Zuluk the next day.

Recommended itineraries

Itinerary 1

Day 01   : NJP/Bagdogra – Rishi

Drive to Aritar in 3/3.5 hrs. Reach Rishi and stay at cottages on the banks of river Rishi Khola. Enjoy the lovely picnic spot on the bank of the Rishi Khola. Overnight at Rishi.

Day 02   : Rishi – Zuluk

After Breakfast, head for Zuluk. Stop at Rongli for Inner line permit. On the way see Kuekhola Falls, Lingtam, Padamchin to reach Zuluk, Enjoy the sunset at Zuluk from Balasur sunset point. Overnight at Zuluk.

Day 03   : Zuluk Sightseeings -Gangtok

Depart early at 5:00 a.m to view the spectacular sunrise from Sunrise Point. Follow the Silk Route Trail and enjoy the beauty of  Thambi View point, Laxmi Chowk, Nathang, Tukla Kalapokhari, Tukla Baba Mandir, Tukla valley, Jepepla Pass View and reach Kupup. Don’t miss the Hathi Pokhari. At Kupup, see the World’s highest Golf course, the Yak Golf Course at 13025 ft (Guinness Book Of World Records acclaimed), the Ice Hockey ground and proceed for Memenchuk Lake, New Baba Mandir. Cross Nathula pass Gate and have light lunch at Tsongmo Lake. Reach Gangtok for overnight stay at Gangtok.

Day 04   : Gangtok – Sightseeings

Visit Rumtek Monastery, Droul Chorthen, Research Institute of Tibetology, Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom and Flower Show. Overnight at Gangtok. Stay at Gangtok.

Day 05   : Aritar – NJP/Bagdogra.

Proceed for NJP station / Bagdogra (IXB) airport .

Itinerary 2

Day 01   : Bagdogra / NJP– Aritar

NJP/Bagdogra.Drive to Aritar – 3 to 3.5 hrs. Visit Aritar/ Lampokhari Lake and evening take time for local sightseeing and acclimatization. Overnight Stay in Aritar

Day 02   : Aritar Sightseeings & head to Zuluk

Watch the sunrise from the Mankhim Temple and after breakfast depart for a half-day sightseeing of places in and around Aritar like Aritar Gompha, Love Dara, Ari Dak Bungalow, Kalikhola Waterfall and the Relax point. After lunch, depart for Zuluk. Stop at Rongli for Inner line permit. On the way see Kuekhola Falls, Lingtam, Padamchin to reach Zuluk, Enjoy the sunset at Zuluk from Balasur sunset point. Overnight at Zuluk.

Day 03   : Zuluk – Bagdogra

Depart early at 5:00 a.m to view the spectacular sunrise from Sunrise Point. Follow the Silk Route Trail and enjoy the beauty of  Thambi View point, Laxmi Chowk, Nathang, Tukla Kalapokhari, Tukla Baba Mandir, Tukla valley, Jepepla Pass View and reach Kupup covering Hathi Pokhari lake. At Kupup, see the World’s highest Golf course, the Yak Golf Course at 13025 ft (Guinness Book Of World Records acclaimed), the Ice Hockey ground and proceed for Memenchuk Lake. Proceed for NJP/Bagdogra.

Do not forget to carry 2 Copies of Passport Photographs along with Photo Identity Proof (In Original)

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