Tucked into the eastern folds of the Sikkim Himalayas, Zuluk is one of India’s most dynamic mountain destinations. Perched at around 10,000 feet, this tiny hamlet sits along the ancient Old Silk Route, the trade corridor that once connected India to Tibet. Moreover, its 32 hairpin bends, stacked like a spiral staircase, go up a ridge, offering panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga.
The old Silk Route experience
The town of Zuluk is a popular destination for visitors. Also, many visitors come to Zuluk specifically to see the famed 32 loops or bends of the Zuluk road. The best viewpoint of the road’s 32 loops can be found at the Thambi View Point.
Once you leave Zuluk, you will arrive at Nathang Valley, which is approximately 13,500 ft high, and Kupup Lake, also known as Elephant Lake. There are two historical places to visit as part of the trip, the ghost of Old Gnathang and the Indo-China War Memorial located at Jelep La.
Best time to visit
The months from March to May provide beautiful blooming rhododendrons, while also providing clear blue skies for morning sunlight. The best time for seeing Kanchenjunga is between October and November, due to clearer skies after the monsoon.
Permit requirements
This is a non-negotiable part of your holiday. Zuluk requires an Inner Line Permit (ILP) because it falls within a protected zone near the international border.
How to get your permit
The Sikkim tourism office has a simple application process. To apply, you must bring two photographs and a valid, government-issued photo ID. Applications can also be submitted online via Sikkim’s tourism government portal. Application processing times generally range from less than an hour to one business day.
An extra level of restriction exists for foreign nationals. Foreign nationals may not visit the Nathu La sector, nor any area north of the village of Kupup, without an additional layer of restriction – A Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required and may only be obtained by using an approved travel agent in Gangtok.
Permit checklist
Keep physical copies of all permits throughout the journey. Checkposts at Rongli and along the route conduct verification, and digital copies alone are sometimes not accepted.
Getting There
Bagdogra Airport (West Bengal) is the nearest major airport to Zuluk. New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station also serves the same route. From Gangtok, Zuluk can be reached by road via Rongli. Self-driving is possible, but a local driver familiar with the mountain roads is significantly important, particularly beyond Aritar, where the road surface becomes narrow and unpredictable.
Where to stay and hotel room booking?
Accommodation in Zuluk is sparse as the area has limited infrastructure. Most options are homestays run by local Lepcha and Bhutia families, offering basic but warm rooms, home-cooked meals, and an authenticity that no resort can replicate.
For hotel room booking, plan well in advance, especially for the October and March peak windows when affordable accommodations are likely to be occupied promptly. Nathang Valley also has a few army-operated guesthouses and tented camps that open seasonally. Booking through a Gangtok-based tour operator often bundles accommodation, permits, and transport into a single package, which is the most hassle-free approach for first-timers.
Essential tips before you go
Carry cash, as there may be limited ATMs in Zuluk or along the upper route. Pack layers regardless of season, as the temperatures drop sharply after sunset at this altitude. It is important to become acclimatised to Gangtok for at least a day before travelling for a safe, secure, and enjoyable journey.