One of the best locations in East Sikkim for a blissful trip is Zuluk. It is situated at a height of 3,048 metres above sea level and is well known for its silk route and picturesque valleys. Zuluk should be your first choice if you want to spend your holidays in a serene setting in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayan Range, where a fresh mountain breeze will caress your hair and birds will sing in unison in the morning. The area is still relatively unexplored by tourists and makes for the ideal peaceful getaway for sharing some special moments with your near and dear ones.
Due to its advantageous proximity to the border, Zuluk was previously regarded as a transit place for traders travelling along the silk route between India and Tibet. Therefore, both domestic and foreign visitors must obtain authorization before entering the area. Zuluk offers beautiful weather all year long. The greatest time to travel is from October to February if you want to see snowfall. On your Zuluk trip, you can also explore some of the top tourist attractions in the Zuluk area. And, to help you with that, we have curated this blog.
Here you will find the information regarding top things to do in Zuluk and we hope this blog will help you to plan your trip. If you want to know something more, you can always ask us in the comment section. Now, let’s dig up in detail.
Summary of 10 Best Places to Visit in Zuluk, Sikkim
| Tourist Spots in Zuluk, East Sikkim |
Best Things to Do |
| Aritar |
Lake visit, Monastery visit, Hiking, Photography |
| Thambi View Point |
Watching sunrise and sunset, Lake visit, Temple visit, |
| Nathang Valley |
Watching Mt. Kanchenjunga closely |
| Lungthung |
Watching stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga |
| Kupup |
Lake visit, Golf course visit |
| Menmecho Lake |
Lake visit, Photography, Sightseeing |
| Tukla Valley |
Explore the Tibetan highlands |
| Old Baba Mandir |
Seek blessings, Sightseeing, Photography |
| Tsomgo Lake |
Yak Rides, Eating snacks, Playing with snow |
| Nathula |
Having a mesmerising experience on one of the world’s highest motorable roads |
Popular Recommended Sikkim Tourism Packages
Aritar, The First Stop enroute Zuluk!
Aritar, a small village in East Sikkim, is a charming hamlet that is perched at a height of around 1,500 metres in the eastern region of Sikkim. It is surrounded by the Himalayan peaks. This offbeat tourist place is situated on the route of the historic Silk Route, 63 kilometres from Gangtok. Aritar is renowned for its picturesque terrain, which features intimidating hills in the midst of a lush green forest and a meandering river stream. Aritar, a recently discovered exotic location in East Sikkim’s Rongli subdistrict, has captured the attention of tourists visiting Sikkim with its alluring charm. As it is situated in Silk Route Sikkim, it offers numerous opportunities for trekking and adventure activities.
Nearby Places to Visit
- Lampokhari Lake
- Aritar Gumpa
- Mankhim Top
- Dak Bungalow
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Thambi View Point, Best Place to Capture Zuluk’s Famous Zigzag Road!
Around 14 kilometres north of Zuluk is Thambi View Point, the top tourist attraction of the entire East Sikkim. Visitors will have an exciting time travelling to Thambi View Point via the three-level winding road on the nearby hills with distinctive geometric bends. Thambi View Point, located at 3,536 metres above sea level, provides a beautiful sunrise view. From this peak, one can see the entire Eastern Himalaya in all its glory. The zigzag path that visitors had to travel on to get here from Zuluk is also clearly visible from Thambi View Point. Visitors can make a pit stop at Thambi View Point, where some locals claim to have seen the Yeti. Sitting by the small fire in the camp, the tale of “Yeti,” “Banjhakri,” and other tales seemed incredibly plausible.
Nearby Places to Visit
- Sarathang Lake
- Elephant Lake Viewpoint
- Ganek Nag Temple
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Nathang Valley, The Closest Views of Mt. Kanchenjunga!
People often refer to the Gnathang Valley or Nathang Valley as the “Ladakh of East India.” One of the most stunning locations along the Old Silk Road is Nathang Valley, which is located at a height of 4,115 metres above sea level. There are no words to explain the breathtaking views of Mt. Khangchendzonga, offered by Gnathang Valley, which is surrounded by snow-capped hills and mountainous terrain on all sides. Nathang Valley and Mt. Kanchenjunga appears to be close enough in stone-throwing distance. Watching the entire range of the Eastern Himalaya during sunrise from Nathang Valley is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can also spot the Chinese Watch Towers with naked eyes. Along with a Krishna Temple and a Monastery, Nathang Valley is home to a tiny population of people and it is undeniably one of the best places to visit in Zuluk.
Nearby Places to Visit
- Thambi View Point
- Sarathang Lake
- Nathu La
- Changu Lake
- Elephant Lake
- Kyongnosla Alpine sanctuary
- Ganek Nag Temple
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Lungthung, Capture The Exotic Views of Mt. Kanchenjunga!
Zuluk has another breathtaking vantage point at Lungthung, which is definitely one of the popular attractions in Zuluk. Lungthung is also known as Dhupidara and it is located at an altitude of 3,962 metres above sea level. The whole silk route region can be seen from Lunthung and in winters when it turns into a snowbed – it looks phenomenal. Lungthung is only 14 kilometres from Thambi viewpoint and visiting these places on the first day is the best of Zuluk sightseeing itinerary. The area around Lungthang place is covered in dense forests, trees, etc., most of which are untouched forests. From Lungthang, which lies at the peak of the hill, you can see Mount Kanchenjunga in a unique setting. Laxmi Chowk, a location close to Lungthung that provides a panoramic view of Kalimpong, Pedong, Lava, and Algarah in addition to the Himalayan range. Laxmi Chowk resembles a paradise because it is flanked by several types of Rhododendrons.
Nearby Places to Visit
- Laxmi Chowk
- Padamchen
- Kupup Lake
- Yak Golf Course
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Kupup, Place to Visit A Sacred Lake in East Sikkim!
Kupup, one of the most significant tourist destinations on the Old Silk Route, is located 16 kilometres from Tukla Valley. Here, it is possible to see remnants of Younghusbands’ Track, who led the historic mission to Lhasa in 1903–1904. The highest settlement in this area is Kupup, which served as a well-known transit hub for travellers carrying silk between Tibet and India. An environmental park is developed here to expand Zuluk tourism. In Kupup, exquisite crafts and pottery can still be found. The boundary between China and Jelep-la can be observed from Kupup. There is also a sacred lake, called Kupup Lake or Elephant Lake, which is shaped like an elephant and considered sacred in Sikkim. Tourists visit Kupup not only for its natural beauty but also for its market. There is an ice hockey rink in Kupup. The Yak Golf Course in Kupup, which is thought to be the highest golf course in the world, is situated at an elevation of 3,970 metres above sea level.
Nearby Places to Visit
- Elephant Lake View Point
- Sarathang Lake
- Yak Golf Course
- Younghusband’s Track
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Menmecho Lake, Lake That Changes Colour Every Minute!
One of the amazing places to see in Zuluk, Menmecho Lake is Sikkim’s one of the exquisite lakes. It is an offbeat location and going near it is strictly prohibited. People can enjoy its stunning views from above the road. It is situated around 20 kilometres away from Tsomgo Lake. The lake is situated about 3,962 metres above sea level, flanked by deep slopes and pine forests. The locals believe that the colour of this stunning lake changes every minute. One of the best places to explore in East Sikkim, Menmecho Lake is located on the route to the Jelepla Pass. It takes almost an hour to get to Menmecho lake from Zuluk. River Rongpo Chu, one of the Teesta River’s tributaries, originates at Menmecho Lake (chu means river in the native language). The surrounding area gets covered with colourful flowers in spring and makes this place look like a paradise.
Nearby Places to Visit
- Borong
- Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir
- Jelepla Pass
- Rongpo Chu
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Tukla Valley, Best Views of Tibetan Highlands!
Another significant and stunning offbeat tourist destination in Sikkim as well as in Zuluk is Tukla Valley (east Sikkim). The Himalayas, Mount Kanchenjunga, and the Tibetan highlands all can be spotted in stunning detail from Tukla Valley. It is situated at 3,850 metres above sea level. A war memorial honouring British servicemen killed in the conflict was established in Tukla. In this valley, snowfall occurs primarily from January through May during the winter season. Getting to the valley seems to be challenging in the winter due to the significant snowfall; occasionally, the route gets entirely blocked. The valley is covered in blooming flowers during the summer, when the temperature is cool and wonderful and it is the best time to visit Tukla.
Nearby Places to Visit
- Lungthung
- Kupup Lake
- Adi Baba Mandir
- Nathang Valley
- Jelep La
- Thambi View Point
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Old Baba Mandir, The Temple of The Protector of East Sikkim!
Old Baba Mandir, also known as Adi Baba Mandir is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim while travelling the Old Silk Road. The mandir is named in honour of Baba Harbhajan Singh, a Sepoy in the 23rd Regiment who died in 1962 during the Indo-China War close to the Nathu La. The Indian Army constructed and maintains this temple. According to reports, Baba has granted favours to Indian soldiers and even watches over each of them in the hostile environment. According to legend, he requested that a memorial be built in his honour when he reappeared in a dream a few days after going missing. The monument that his fellow soldiers later constructed has since come to be regarded as a pilgrimage. Every night, his outfit is kept ready, his boots are polished, and a camp bed is reserved for him. Every morning, the sheets are apparently crumpled, and by sunset, the boots are dirty. The Major takes his annual leave and continues to be paid. While visiting the Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, the Indian Army provides tourists with tea, coffee, and prasad.
Nearby Places to Visit
- Thambi View Point
- Lungthang
- Nathang Valley
- Kupup Valley
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Tsomgo Lake, The Top-Most Destination in East Sikkim!
Your East Sikkim Tour cannot be completed without visiting Tsomgo Lake. One of the top tourist destinations in East Sikkim, Tsomgo Lake is also known as Changu Lake and it attracts throngs of visitors every year. The ethereally beautiful Tsomgo Lake, which is 35 kilometres from Gangtok and sits at an elevation of around 3,657 metres, should be on every traveller’s itinerary of Zuluk Sikkim Holidays. The lake is covered in snow from early winter to late spring and it is located within a steep and rough mountainous environment. Tsomgo is considered as a holy lake by the Sikkim people as it is associated with several myths and tales. There are a variety of food stalls selling snacks and beverages, and you can have rides on colourfully adorned yaks, and mules. You may rent snow boots and gumboots here to walk on the snow. The surrounding of the lake fits perfectly as the backdrop of your holiday card and it looks absolutely stunning. However, to get here you need a permit which you have to obtain from the Sikkim Tourist Information Centre at MG Road or Mall Road, Gangtok.
Nearby Places to Visit
- Nathula
- Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple
- Ranka Monastery
- Hanuman Tok
Also Read: Popular Monasteries in Sikkim
Nathula, One of The Highest Picturesque Motorable Roads!
One of the sought-after visiting places near Zuluk in East Sikkim, Nathula is a mountain pass in the Himalayan ranges that connects Sikkim with China. It is one of the world’s highest motorable roads. Nathula, one of the most significant Himalayan passes in the nation, is located on the Indo-Tibetan border at a height of 4,404 metres. One of the three open trading border crossings between India and China, Nathula is well known for its stunning beauty and lovely surroundings. One of the must visit places in Sikkim, Natula was reopened in 2006 after four decades when an official talk happened between India and China. Since then, the Nathula Pass has been operating as a designated Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) Point. Nathu La Pass has been essential to Sino-Indian trade because it is one of the three open trading border checkpoints between China and India. As a result, the economy has been strengthened and border relations with China have improved. It has also reduced the distance between significant Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage sites in both countries and in North East India.
Nearby Places to Visit
- Changu Lake
- Lungthung
- Baba Mandir
- Kupup Lake
Also Read: Popular Hill Stations to Visit in Sikkim
These above-mentioned places are our top selected ones to include in Zuluk Sikkim Tour Plan. You can visit these Zuluk Sightseeing Places from August to September when blooming flowers cover the valleys and it looks colourful everywhere. However, exploring Zuluk in winters, specifically the high-altitude places, gets difficult as the roads are blocked due to heavy snowfall. Hope this Zuluk travel guide will help you accomplish a great Zuluk sightseeing experience.
If you want to know more about the tour packages, we offer to visit Zuluk Sikkim tour places, you can directly contact us. Also, if you have visited any of these or other Zuluk tourist attractions, please share your experience with us in the comments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance between Zuluk and Gangtok?
The distance between Zuluk and Gangtok is around 88 kilometres and it takes about three hours 30 minutes to cover it.
How to reach Zuluk?
You can reach Zuluk simply by hiring a cab from New Jalpaiguri Station or Bagdogra Airport, as these two are the nearest railhead and airport to Zuluk. If you want to avail public transport, you have to reach SNT bus stop or Siliguri Bus stop and take a bus to Rongli. From Rongli, you can have a reserved jeep to Zuluk. The last bus departs from SNT to Rongli at 2:30 PM.
Which is the best time for holidays in Zuluk Sikkim?
There are different best times to visit Zuluk. First, from mid-August to September, Zuluk turns into a colourful valley with flowers blooming everywhere. The other is from January to April, if you want to explore the snow-covered valleys of Zuluk.
How are accommodation facilities for tourists in Zuluk?
Luxurious resorts to budget-friendly homestays, the accommodation facilities for tourists in Zuluk are countless. Here are some top names in both these categories:
- Snow Lion Resort
- Eco Log Hut Resort
- Ashraya Boutique Homestay
- Zuluk Residency
- Luzangla Homestay
- Blue Sky Homestay
What are the best things to do in Zuluk?
Some top things to do in Zuluk are:
- Monastery Walks
- Temple Visits
- Hiking
- Trekking
- Waterfall Visits
- Food Tours
- Sightseeing
- Road Trip
- Photography
About the author
From the ‘City of Joy,’ Kolkata, Nandini Bhattacharya is a Travel Writer by profession and traveller by passion. She loves to explore places around the world, new cultures, different cuisines and all new things that one can learn outside the home. She also loves to document her journey so that people can be inspired and travel more. Nandini is a nature lover and talks about sustainable tourism. She wants to make this world a good place where people can live healthy and happily.
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