Zuluk Sikkim - A Complete Travel Guide

Dzuluk or Zuluk Tour

Want to experience the high altitude of the mountain while traveling Sikkim but don't have enough time, well Zuluk is the remedy for your problem. Perched on the rugged terrain of the lower Himalayas in East Sikkim, Zuluk is a hamlet close to the Indo-China border. Zuluk is also spelled as Dzuluk or Jaluk or Jhuluk. Located at an altitude of around 3000 meters (10100 ft), Zuluk is a relatively new offbeat tourist destination of Sikkim. The ever flourishing tourism in Zuluk because of its excellent view of the mighty Himalayan range including the Kanchenjunga.

With the Zuluk Tour Package of North Bengal Tourism, which are both budget-friendly and custom-made, travelers can explore the quaint hamlet of Zuluk and its surrounding places. Travelers can also learn about ancient trading methods and stories related to the legendary Silk Route while staying in Zuluk.

Zuluk Attractions & Places to Visit

Zuluk never fails to mesmerize visitors with its scenic beauty and nearby attractions. The most preferred tourist attractions in and around Zuluk are:

Thambi View Point

From the beautiful Zuluk, travelers can visit the iconic Thambi Viewpoint. After being driven through the steep mountains and the dozen of twist and turns of the zig-zag road, travelers will reach this magnificent viewpoint named Thambi. Situated at an elevation of 11200 feet above sea level, the viewpoint offers an astonishing vista of the sunrise looming over the mountain peaks. Apart from the sunrise, the enthralling view of the Himalayan range from this fascinating viewpoint is truly worth witnessing. The luxuriant forest will be in the surrounding which has never been explored before.

Lungthung

From Thambi Viewpoint, just after driving approximately 4 km, travelers will reach Lungthung. Nestled at an elevation of 13000 feet above sea level, there are some tea stalls in Lungthung where the travelers themselves by sipping a cup of tea. While spending some time here, the panoramic view of the mountains will awestruck the travelers. The local villagers here are mostly the Tibetan migrants who fled Tibet during the Tibetan invasion.

Tukla

One of the promising places near Zuluk Sikkim is Tukla. At an elevation of 12500 feet above sea level, Tukla offers a tantalizing view of Kanchenjunga and its adjacent peaks. The valley is about 4 km ahead of Lubngthung. Travelers visiting here will get to see the war memorials in the memory of British soldiers who lost their lives during the war against Tibetan soldiers in 1903 when the British Army led by Lt. Col Francis Younghusband invaded Tibet.

Nathang Valley

Another major attraction of Zuluk, Sikkim is undoubtedly Nathang Valley. At an elevation of 13500 feet above sea level, Nathang Valley is a pictorial site to visit in the silk route region. Once, the home of traditional yak herders, Nathang Vally is now all about fluttering prayer flags on the mountain edges, some streams crisscrossing the valley, and the complete serenity. Different seasons have their own kind of charm and beauty to offer to the visitors. In autumn, the grass completely dries up turning the valley looks golden. In monsoon, the valley gets covered with green meadows and different kinds of flowers. The chilly weather of winter buries the valley under the 5 feet thick snow.

Old Baba Mandir

From Nathang Valley, travelers can drive to Old Baba Mandir. The original bunker of Baba Harbhajan Singh who was the martyred general of the Indian army can be seen here. All the belongings of Baba Harbajan Singh such as dresses, shoes, bed, writing desk, etc all are preserved here. Devotees, as well as tourists, flock here to wish or to get a glimpse of the mandir of Baba.

Kupup

5 km from the road of Baba Mandir and Nathang valley meet, travelers will reach Kupup. At an elevation of 13000 feet above sea level, Kupup is one of the most popular places in the region. One of the prime attractions of the place is the Yak Army Golf Course. It is at an altitude of 13025 feet making it the highest golf course in the entire world. The Kupup Lake also known as Elephant Lake due to its shape like an elephant looks mesmerizing from the significant height of the place. The deep blue waters of Kupup Lake and the surrounding backdrop awestruck the visitors.

Menmecho Lake

Not more than 35 km away from Zuluk, Menmecho Lake is another pristine lake to visit nearby. Just a kilometer before reaching Baba Mandir, travelers will get to see this water body. This lake surrounded by mountains and lush green trees provides a soothing atmosphere to its visitors. Adjacent to this lake, there is a house where travelers can even spend the entire night.

Tsomogo Lake

Travelers can visit Tsomogo Lake too after enjoying a driving distance of around 52 km. Enclosed by the hills all around; the beauty of the lake easily engulfs the minds of the visitors. Every season and month shows a different kind of the beauty of the lake to the spectators. In the season of spring, the water of the lake becomes sapphire blue. A variety of flowers surrounding the lake blooms making the place looks completely unearthly. Apart from flowers, Birds like rose finches, yellow-bellied fantail flycatchers, golden eagles, tufted pochards, brown-headed gulls, etc. can be sighted here. Before winter, the water becomes greenish. However, when the winter eventually strikes, the water of the lake and its surrounding gets completely frozen. Yak riding is possible too for the visitors those who want to add more thrill to their visit at the lake.

Places to stay in Zuluk

Being a secluded destination there are only a few options of accommodations in Zuluk. Visitors can find a handful of homestays and resorts in Zuluk. With the hotel booking service of North Bengal Tourism, travelers can easily book a room in a homestay or in a resort in Zuluk at a budget-friendly price.

How to Reach Zuluk

By Air: The nearest airport to Zuluk is in Bagdogra. From Bagdogra Airport it is an overall 5hrs drive to reach Zuluk. Bagdogra Airport is nicely connected with most of the major airports of Bengal. So, boarding a flight to Bagdogra will not be a problem at all. Distance: The distance between Bagdogra to Zuluk is 147 kilometers.

By Rail: The nearest railway station of Zuluk is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP). One can even take a train to Siliguri, another prominent railway station nearby. It is an approx 5hrs journey to reach Zuluk from NJP. Distance: The distance between NJP to Zuluk is 144 kilometers.

By Road: With the Car Rental Service of North Bengal Tourism travelers can directly hire a car from NJP or Bagdogra at an affordable price to reach Zuluk. Travelers can also opt to stay overnight at Gangtok to shorten their journey time to this fascinating valley.

Weather & Best Time to Visit Zuluk

The weather of Zuluk stays on the cooler side for most of the months because of its higher elevation. In the season of Monsoon, heavy rainfall is evident. The weather is too chilly in the winter. Snowfall occurs during these months and as a result, the entire Zuluk gets covered with snow. The weather of summer is somewhat pleasing when the temperature can shoot up to 20 degrees Celsius with a substantial difference between the day and night temperatures. Hence, even when travelers are visiting the place in summer, bringing warm clothes is recommended.

April to June: During this time of the year, visitors can enjoy the soothing weather of Zuluk while witnessing the vibrant vista of blooming flowers in the valleys enclosing Zuluk. Because of the clear sky, visitors can also catch the glimpse of the snow-peaked Himalayan range.

July to September: During this time of the year the weather of Zuluk usually remains foggy with occasional rainfall. Due to the foggy weather, the view of the Himalayan ranges including the snow-peaked Kanchenjunga gets hindered.

October to March: During this time of the year Zuluk is hidden beneath the white blanket of snow. It is also known to be the best time to visit Zuluk to witness the pictorial vista of the snow-capped Himalayan range. For those who solely want to witness snowfall, this is the perfect time to explore the valley.

F.A.Q on Zuluk Sikkim

Q. What is the best time to visit Zuluk?

The best time to visit Zuluk is during the months of August to September and again from January to April. The rainy season (May to July) is mostly foggy hence not recommended to visit.

Q. Is Zuluk a worth visiting place in Sikkim?

Famous for its Sikkim Silk Route and the beautiful valley, Zuluk is truly a visual treat to the eyes. Travelers can seek solace amidst nature and can enjoy the jaw-dropping vista of Kanchenjunga.

Q. Is a permit required for visiting Zuluk?

A permit is required to visit this fascinating place. To obtain a permit, bring a passport size photo and ID proof such as Voter Card. Police Check Posts or the Tourism Department of Sikkim issue permits for domestic and foreign tourists.

Q. Is Zuluk too cold?

Due to its high altitude, Zuluk is mostly Chilly. During the months of December to February, heavy snowfall happens here. The temperature ranges between 8°C to -15°C. Summer is somewhat soothing when the temperature hovers between Max: 18°C to Min: 2°C.

Q. How can I travel to Zuluk?

To reach Zuluk Directly from Bagdogra Airport or NJP, you can rent a cab or taxi from a trusted car rental agency. However, you can even travel to Gangtok and stay overnight there prior to reaching Zuluk.

Q. What is the height of Zuluk, Sikkim?

The average height of Zuluk Sikkim is about 10100 feet or 3000 meters above sea level.

Q. How far is Zuluk from Gangtok?

Gangtok is not too far from Zuluk. The approximate distance between them is not more than 100 km. To be precise, the distance is around 90 km that takes 4 hours to cover the road distance.

Q. Can older people visit Zuluk?

Most of the older people can visit Zuluk without facing any problems at all. However, those who have heart problems and breathing issues should skip visiting the valley.

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