Exploring Zuluk: The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide

Located in East Sikkim at an altitude of 10,000 ft, Zuluk is a small hamlet famous for its Sikkim Silk Route and beautiful valleys. Although an offbeat destination, Zuluk is quickly emerging as the perfect and loved retreat for those who want to spend time among the grandeur of the mountains. 

Once a transit point of the historic Silk Route connecting Tibet and India, Zuluk in the lower Himalayas is surrounded by virgin forests, a diverse flora and fauna and many offbeat places to enjoy. You get absolutely gorgeous views of Mount Kanchenjunga from here. 

Below, you will find all the details with regards to Zuluk’s temperature, accommodation and places to cover this beautiful place in a most cost-effective way.

About Zuluk

Zuluk was the transit point used by traders between Tibet and India on the Sikkim Silk Route. The Sikkim Silk Route was closed a few decades ago due to the invasion by China, and it used to connect Lhasa to Kalimpong. The distance between Zuluk and Gangtok is roughly 100 kms. One of the most fascinating things about Zuluk is the 32 hairpin bends you would have to cross,s known as the ZigZag Road. 

However, since Zuluk is very close to the China border, there are a lot of restrictions on travel here that one needs to comply with. 

I travelled to Zuluk alone. It was my first solo trip, and I was cautious at every step. If you want to know how to have a fruitful solo experience on travels, read a few tips here – Solo travel tips in Sikkim

Best Time to Visit Zuluk 

Zuluk’s weather is pleasant most of the year. Of course, since it is located at a great height, the winters are quite cold. Also, the benefit of visiting Zuluk during the winter season is that you can see the loops covered with snow. However, I strongly recommend that you avoid the monsoons. 

Spring and Summer (March to June):

The temperature ranges between 10 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius. The Rhododendrons bloom during this time, making the famous Silk Route beyond beautiful. 

Autumn (September to November):

With the temperature ranging from 5 degrees Celsius to 15 degrees Celsius, autumn is the best time for witnessing the majestic views of Kanchenjunga and photographing the zig-zag roads of Zuluk. 

Winter (December to February):

If you are a snow person, this would be the best time for you. Zuluk is mostly covered with snow during this time, and the temperature is colder, ranging between -5°C and 10°C.  

Monsoon (July to August):

I strongly advise you to avoid Zuluk during these months as the loops are covered with fog due to which you won’t have a good time at all. Travel is risky in this area during this time. 

Also Read: Souvenirs to Buy in Sikkim

How to Reach Zuluk

Public Transport in Sikkim  

Sikkim does not have a public bus service. To travel between places, you must either hire a private cab or find a shared taxi. However, since Zuluk is an offbeat destination, shared taxis are very limited and often need to be pre-arranged from Gangtok or nearby towns.  

If you’re traveling solo, you may have to book an entire cab unless you find companions to share the ride.  

Travel Routes to Zuluk  

1. From Gangtok to Zuluk  

Distance: 90 km  

Travel Time: 4-5 hours 

Route: Gangtok → Tsomgo Lake → Baba Mandir → Zuluk  

Scenic Stops:  You’ll pass the Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir, making this a picturesque journey.  

2. From NJP/Bagdogra to Zuluk  

Distance: 150 km  

Travel Time: 5-6 hours 

Route: NJP/Bagdogra → Rangpo (entry point to Sikkim) → National Highway 10 → Rongli → Zuluk  

Important Note: The journey to Zuluk from NJP/Bagdogra is longer than from Gangtok. Since NJP/Bagdogra to Gangtok takes 4-5 hours, and Gangtok to Zuluk adds another 4-5 hours, it’s best to break the journey in Gangtok if needed.  

Permit for Zuluk

A Protected Area Permit (PAP) is mandatory for Indian citizens. It can be obtained in Gangtok or Rongli.  

Foreign nationals are not allowed to visit Zuluk due to its proximity to the Indo-China border.  

You can book it online or contact the tourist information centre.

To visit Zuluk, you will need a Protected Area Permit. You can obtain a PAP either by visiting the Sikkim Tourism Office in Gangtok or contacting a travel agent. You have to pay the permit fee, submit the required documents and wait to receive your permit. 

Usually, it takes an entire day to get the permit, and therefore, I would suggest that you apply for the same a day in advance. Carry 2-3 copies of your passport-sized photos, a valid government ID proof and a photocopy of the ID proof. 

For children: For a child, the birth certificate needs to be carried as an identity proof. Children below 5 years do not need a permit.

Note that private vehicles are not allowed in these Protected areas. You need to organize your trip with a recognized tour operator which is registered with the Sikkim government.

Places to Visit in Zuluk from Gangtok

Here are a few places you must visit on your way to Zuluk from Gangtok. You can hop on and off at these places, or split your journey into two by staying in Nathang or Lungthung and then heading to Zuluk.

Tsomgo Lake – 3,753 metres

Tsomgo Lake is a beautiful, sacred lake formed naturally by the melting of snow. Over here, you can enjoy a yak ride and witness the scenic lake while savouring a cup of tea or maggi. You can either walk around the lake or sit on the yak to go from one point to another.

The lake is exceptionally picturesque and tranquil. 

Nathula Pass – 4,310 metres

Nathula Pass is the India-China border. You can check out the oldest gate here, which divides India and China.

Permit: Note that you need a separate permit to visit the Nathula Pass.

You may skip this and head straight to Zuluk, but if you are up close to the Indo-China border, why miss the chance?

Baba Mandir – 4,000 metres

There is a great history associated with Baba Mandir, which is a temple built in honour of Baba Harbhajan Singh, a martyred Indian army soldier believed to be the guardian spirit of the region. There are two temples which are maintained by the Indian army. It is such a unique experience to visit a temple to pay respects to an army soldier who was martyred in the battle at the 14,500 feet (4,400 m) Nathu La.

Kupup – 3,752 metres

This is the highest golf course in the world, and is a beautiful lake that resembles an elephant. You can come here to play golf, but remember to always play by the rules!

Sikkim Silk Route

Sikkim Silk Route was a trade hub between India and Tibet. Over here, there are 32 hairpins, famously known as the zig-zag roads of Sikkim. There are several viewpoints from which you can witness the entire Sikkim Silk Route.

Nathang Valley

Nathang Valley is a perfect place to relax. If you have time, you can stay a day in Nathang before moving to Zuluk. This valley is around 8 KMs ahead of Thambi View Point and is mostly covered in snow for most part of the year. This is the place where Tibetan yak herders took their yaks to graze.

Lungthung

If you are in Zuluk, you would not want to miss the view of Mount Kanchenjunga. Lungthung lies at an altitude of 13,000 feet, and you can get excellent views of sunrise, right behind Mount Kanchenjunga.

 Thambi View Point – 3,400 metres

This viewpoint is at an altitude of 11,200 feet and is the best place from which you can see the entire loop of Zuluk, with 32 hairpins. The zigzag road is stretched over a distance of 14 KMs.

Although if you are going elsewhere in Sikkim apart from Zuluk, read our list of places here – Places to Visit in Sikkim

ATM and Network Availability

ATM – There are no ATMs available in Zuluk. It would be best to withdraw cash from Gangtok, Rangpo or Siliguri before leaving for Zuluk.

Connectivity – The Mobile network is very poor here, and it is best to take a BSNL SIM. Even then, the coverage could be unreliable and weak. There are no proper WiFi facilities available in Zuluk.

Places to Stay in Zuluk

There are no proper or luxury hotels on the Sikkim Silk Route or Zuluk. You have to opt for a homestay, which, in my opinion, is the perfect way to stay and have an experiential travel when in Sikkim. You can easily book a homestay on the Sikkim Silk Route.

If you are looking for a hotel specifically, you may book so with the other booking websites available. 

Typical Cost 

Cab charges – A Cab can cost a lot! Taking you from Gangtok and dropping you off in Gangtok the next day can get quite expensive. It also depends on the season you are travelling at. Shared taxis are quite limited to Zuluk, and I recommend you book one from Gangtok. If you are solo, it would be ideal to find a few travel companions to split the cost. 

Accommodation – All the homestays here are really neat and a good place to stay at and will cost you somewhere about INR 1000 – 1500 per night. This price usually includes food at the accommodation. 

Permits – Permits for these places should not be more than INR 700. 

I hope this guide helps in planning your trip to Zuluk better. If you ask me, Zuluk is a must-visit place as it offers some unique views that no other place can. Do comment below with your thoughts on it.