Zuluk, also known as Dzuluk or Jhuluk or Jaluk, is located in East Sikkim on the silk route that connects Lhasa (Tibet) to Kalimpong. Today Zuluk is fast emerging as a new tourist destination in East Sikkim. A trip to Zuluk requires special permits. Zuluk has been popular due to its excellent view of the eastern Himalayan Mountains range that includes the Kanchenjunga. Zuluk is a small village with population of about 700 people. There is an army base at Zuluk which has been used as a transit camp for the army movement to the Chinese boarder a few kilometers away.
History of Zuluk
Zuluk was once used as a transit point to Silk Route from Tibet to India by the traders traveling to Tibet through Jelep-la. The route started from Kalimpong and passed through Pedong, Aritar, Dzuluk and Jelepla to Chumbi valley in Tibet.
Climate of Zuluk
Zuluk is located at an altitude of about 7,000 ft. It offers pleasant weather during most of the year. The place experiences heavy snowfall during winters. The summer temperature would be varying near 20 degree Celsius with substantial difference between the day and night temperature.
Tourist Spots in Zuluk
Zuluk is visited by tourists for the beauty of the mountain and the forests. Some of the most popular tourist spots near Zuluk are Thambi View Point, Lungthung, Tukla, Nathang Valley, Old Baba Mandir, Kupup, Memenchu Lake, Zig Zag Point, Young Husband`s Track, Aritar Lake etc.
Flora and Fauna of Zuluk
Zuluk is surrounded by wild forests; some of the forests are completely virgin. Some tigers have also reportedly been sighted in the area. Some other animal species of this area are Deer, Wild Dog, red panda etc. A variety of birds can also be seen in the forests, such as Monal Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, Khaleez Pheasant, Snow Pheasant and others. During the summer months, Zuluk and its surrounding hills remain covered with thousands of blooming rhododendron.
Visiting Information on Zuluk
Pakyong Airport and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station are the nearest to reach Zuluk. Zuluk can also be reached by road from Siliguri, Gangtok, Pelling, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong in a vehicle.
