ZULUK - THE VILLAGE ABOVE THE CLOUDS
Zuluk is situated at around 10,100 ft. on the tough territory of the lower Himalayas in East Sikkim. It was previously a travel point to the memorable Silk Route from Tibet to India. Once upon a time, Chinese traders used to come to India crossing the border to sell silk products and that's why the route has been named Silk Route. It is one of the off-beat destinations in East Sikkim. Zuluk determines its tourism significance because of the great views of the eastern Himalayan Mountain including the Kanchenjunga.
1) Thambi View Point
We arrived at Zuluk from Kalimpong the previous afternoon and spent the night at the homestay in Zuluk. The next morning at 08.00 am I went out to see the view around Zuluk. Our car started to climb the hill along the Silk Route and the famous Zig Zag road takes a couple of dozen turns and twists to cover the 14 km distance to Thambi view point. At an elevation of 11,200 ft. it's like watching a great view at dawn. The scenic beauty of the hamlet will surely mesmerize you. The whole eastern Himalaya can be seen from this spot including the Kanchenjunga.
2) Tukla
Around 4 kms from Zuluk is Lungthung at a height of 13,000 ft. and around 4 kms in front of Lungthung is Tukla, known for the battle of Tukla. An unexpected British armed force driven by Lt. Col Francis Younghusband attacked Tibet through this course in 1903.
3) Nathang Valley
This valley is around 8 KMs from Thambi View Point and is mostly covered in snow for the most part of the year. This is the place where Tibetan yak herders took their yaks to graze. The place has one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sikkim. Homestay options here are more constrained than in Zuluk. As the place is arranged at a high elevation, a night stay here without acclimatization may prompt height ailment.
4) Old Baba Mandir
There is an amazing history associated with Baba Mandir which is a temple built in the honour of Harbhajan Singh. There are two temples which are maintained by the Indian army themselves, one is New Baba Mandir and second one is old Baba Mandir. It was a unique experience to visit a temple to respect the Indian army who martyred in the battle at the 14,500 feet (4,400 m) Nathu La.
The Old Baba Mandir is not so much touristic but rather more real. The original (old) Bunker of Baba Harbhajan Singh, dresses, bed, even the writing desk is preserved here.
5) Kupup
Around 5 kms from where the streets of Baba Mandir and Nathang valley meet, you will reach Kupup. This place is well known because of a few reasons, The Yak Golf course of Indian Army here is said to be the most astounding on the planet (13025 feet, 3970 meter). The Kupup Lake privately known as Hatisure, is formed like Hati or the elephant.
Best time to visit Zuluk
From January to April Zuluk is shrouded in snow. While the blustery period of May to July is generally foggy. Amid August and September, Zuluk is doused in different shades of wild blossoms. The entire area is canvassed with different wild flowers.
How we reach to Zuluk
We took a private car from Kalimpong in the morning and reached Zuluk by getting off at Rongli, Namchen, Quekhola waterfall and Padamchen. It took about 4 hours through a private car. There is another way but it is much more difficult i.e. approx. 4 hours from Gangtok (90 kms) you can travel from Gangtok to Zuluk through Changu or Tsomgo Lake and Baba Harabhajan Singh Mandir, yet permit for this course is moderately hard to get.
Author - Dr. Dhiman Santra
