Perched atop the high mountains that are enveloped in thick layers of snow and fog for a major part of the year, and are kissed by the gentle rays of sun for the other half, lies the quaint little hamlet of Sikkim – Zuluk or Juluk. A Zuluk sightseeing trip is all you need to take this season to enjoy the magnificent views of the stunning landscapes of Sikkim and other regions. Being an engrossing activity, the tour lures travellers from all the corners of the world.
Being a vital location since ancient times, Zuluk lies on the ‘Old Silk Route’ and retains a fairly impressive amount of historical and cultural legacy of Sikkim and its past. The modern times have seen its rise as an adventurous trip destination offering the extremes of nature in one of its most alluring forms to the daredevils.
Best Time For Zuluk Sightseeing In Sikkim
Zuluk is one such place that you can visit and explore throughout the year. Summer and spring seasons are incredibly beautiful here with wildflowers and herbs sending their delicate fragrances down all the valley. The evergreen nature and vivid landscape makes Zuluk one of the best places to visit in Sikkim.
During winters, Zuluk gets draped in fluffy white snow blankets and the scenery becomes even more beautiful. Though. the rainfall makes the terrain tricky and slopes hard to explore, the entire scenery surpasses the limits of beauty. So, all in all, sightseeing in Zuluk can be enjoyed at any time of the year depending on your travel interests. We recommend visiting the place during summers and early winters if you have kids and elderly people in your travelling group. Weather can get changed after a few rain showers.
Zuluk Sightseeing: 11 Best Places To Visit
Here’s a complete traveler’s guide for Zuluk sightseeing including the list of all the places to visit in Zuluk. In case you don’t have any travel plans, read about this wonderful place and make plans, NOW!
- Thambi View Point: Nature’s Gem
- Nathang Valley: Receives Good Snowfall
- Lungthung: Get Mountain Views
- Kupup Lake: A Scenic Hotspot
- Menmecho Lake: Get Heavenly Sights
- Tukla Valley: Watch The Tibetan Highlands
- Kalpokhari Lake: Feel Like A Dream
- Old Baba Mandir: Dedicated To A Veteran
- Tsomgo Lake: Where Dreams Meet Reality
- Nag Temple: A Cave Temple
- Nathula Pass: High Within The Mountains
1. Thambi View Point: Nature’s Gem
Thambi View Point is a nature’s gem which is also the most famous place in Zuluk. The view point is reachable after a really demanding road trip on the 32 hairpin loops which are the main feature of every tourist photo of Zuluk on the internet. Thambi View Point is located at 11,200 meters above the sea level and offers stunning views of the Himalayas and Mount Kanchenjunga. The road to the viewpoint is loaded with scenic beauty and is one of the most famous scenic routes in Sikkim. This place is also famous for dreamy sunrises and sunsets.
Best time to visit: For sunrise, you must reach there by 4 am. January to April and August to September are the best times to visit.
Ideal for: Adventure, families without kids, traveller groups, solo travellers and nature lovers.
Ideal trip duration: 1 day
Must-visit places near Thambi View Point: Sarathang Lake, Elephant Lake View Point and Ganek Nag Temple are some of the must-visit places near Thambi View Point.
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2. Nathang Valley: Receives Good Snowfall
Nathang Valley is one of the most famous valleys in Sikkim and highly popular among adventure enthusiasts as well. The valley receives good snowfall during the winters and is being converted into a skiing place with all facilities for the tourists. The valley is undoubtedly the best place for sightseeing in Zuluk in December. Nathang Valley also has many tourist attractions and tourist spots nearby. So, it is one of the must-visit places to visit in Zuluk. You can also enjoy a rustic stay experience here at the homestays. Thambi View Point, Nathang Valley View Point, Elephant Lake View Point and Changu Lake are some of the best places to visit nearby.
Best time to visit Nathang Valley: June to September and September to January.
Ideal for: Adventure, couples, friends, solo travellers, nature lovers and sightseeing.
Ideal trip duration: 2 days
Must-visit places near Nathang Valley: Thambi View Point, Nathang Valley View Point, Elephant Lake View Point, Changu Lake, Nathula Pass, Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple, Zuluk Wildlife Area, Menmecho Lake and Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary are some of the best attractions near Nathang Valley.
Suggested Read: Top 7 Things To Do In Sikkim In 2022!
3. Lungthung: Get Mountain Views
Lungthung is yet another amazing place in Zuluk. It is famous for the viewpoints and stunning views of Kanchenjunga and Himalayan Mountain ranges. Lungthung is located on the top of a hill and is clad with snow during the winters. Thambi View Point is just 14 km from here. The place is surrounded by thick forests, most of which are virgin with wildlife and trees. Lungthung village is located in Nathang Valley and has many other attractions nearby.
Best time to visit: May to July (Rainy Season) and January to April (completely covered with snow)
Ideal for: Adventure, families, friends, nature lovers, and Zuluk sightseeing.
Ideal trip duration: 2 days
Must-visit places near Lungthung: Thambi View Point, Nathang Valley View Point, Elephant Lake View Point, Changu Lake, Nathula Pass, Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple, Zuluk Wildlife Area and Menmecho Lake.
Suggested Read: Paragliding In Sikkim: 6 Spots Where You Should Definitely Try Out This Thrilling Activity
4. Kupup Lake: A Scenic Hotspot
Kupup Lake is one of the best places to visit in Zuluk, and is located in East Sikkim. Kupup Lake is also called as the Elephant Lake because of its shape. It is a famous tourist attraction in Zuluk and has many other landmarks such as Yak Golf Course, Ice Hockey Ground, and the waterfront of the lake. Yak Golf Course is the highest Golf Course in the world. Also, the Kupup Lake is famous for the water polo games and is also the highest water polo lake in the world. Jelep La Pass is another tourist hotspot nearby.
Best time to visit Kupup Lake: Kupup Lake is partly covered with ice from October to December and is visible clearly from April to July. Spring and summer seasons offer a lovely sight of wildflowers as well.
Ideal for: Adventure, families, friends, nature lovers and sightseeing in Zuluk Sikkim.
Ideal trip duration: 1 day
Must-visit places near Kupup Lake: Yak Golf Course, Sarathang Lake, Elephant Lake View Point, Young Husband’s Track, Thambi View Point and Nathula Pass are some of the nearby attractions.
Suggested Read: Paragliding In Gangtok: Witness The Breathtaking Sikkimese Beauty From A Bird’s Eye View
5. Menmecho Lake: Get Heavenly Sights
Menmecho Lake is another must-visit place in North East Sikkim and is one of the places offering best sightseeing in Zuluk. The tourists can reach the lake after one hour’s drive from Zuluk. The lake is surrounded by Jelep La Mountains on all sides and is a heavenly sight to look at. This lake is the source of Rangpo-Chu River and it receives its water from melting snows from Jelep La Mountains. The Menmecho Lake is just 60 km from Gangtok and special permits are required to visit the lake.
Best time to visit: From January to May, the lake is covered with snow. So, the best time to visit is from June to December.
Ideal for: Adventure, families, friends, nature lovers and sightseeing.
Ideal trip duration: 1 day
Must-visit places near Menmecho Lake: Tsomgo Lake, Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial, Torsa Strict Nature Reserve, Borong, Jhomolhari Trek and Goechala trek are the nearby attractions.
Suggested Read: Gurudongmar Lake: Visit This Pristine Lake In Sikkim In 2022
6. Tukla Valley: Watch The Tibetan Highlands
Tukla Valley is another important place in the listing of Zuluk sightseeing attractions. It offers a perfect view of the beautiful Tibetan highlands and offers stunning views of the Himalayas and Mt. Kanchenjunga. There is a war memorial built in the memory of British soldiers that were slain the battle of Tukla. Winters are extremely harsh here and summers are cool with impressive colors of flora spreading over the entire valley.
Best time to visit: May and June.
For most of the year the valley is completely snowed under.
Ideal for: Adventure, families without kids in winters and with kids in summers, group travel, solo travel, Zuluk Sightseeing and nature lovers.
Ideal trip duration: 2 days
Must-visit places near Tukla Valley: Jelep La Pass, Kupup Lake, Lungthung, Nathang Valley, Thambi View Point, Adi Baba Mandir and Kalpokhari Lake.
Suggested Read: 20 Drool-Worthy Restaurants In Sikkim For A Scrumptious Retreat
7. Kalpokhari Lake: Feel Like A Dream
Surrounded by stunning mountainous terrain and pristine nature, Kalpokhari Lake is one of the best lakes in Sikkim. The Lake becomes frozen in winters and becomes a dreamy scene to behold and admire. Summers and spring season is the best time to witness it in its full glory with lush green valleys and vibrant flowers growing all around.
Best time to visit: November to June.
Ideal for: Adventure, families without kids in winters and with kids in summers, group travel, solo travellers, and scenic nature.
Ideal trip duration: 1 day
Must-visit places near Kalpokhari Lake: Jelep La Pass, Tukla Valley, Kupup Lake, Lungthung, Laxman Chowk, Nathang Valley, Thambi View Point and Adi Baba Mandir.
Suggested Read: Guide To 2022 Dzongri Trek In Sikkim – A Glimpse Into The Heaven
8. Old Baba Mandir: Dedicated To A Veteran
Image Credits: Indrajit Das for Wikimedia
Old Baba mandir is a less-known Zuluk tourist spot that comes on the way to the Nathang Valley. Dedicated to Sepoy Harbhajan Singh, a veteran of 1962 Indo-China war, the temple reminds the sacrifices he made during the war. The first bunker built by Harbhajan Singh, his bed, his dresses and many such memorabilia are preserved here. The temple is well-maintained by the cloud warrior regiment of Indian Army.
Best time to visit: January to April
Ideal for: Historians, families, solo travelers
Ideal trip duration: 2-3 hours
Must-visit places near Old Baba Mandir: Thambi View Point, Lungthang, Nathang Valley, Kupup Valley
Suggested Read: 19 Places To Visit In North Sikkim To Witness The Magic In 2022!
9. Tsomgo Lake: Where Dreams Meet Reality
Image Credits: Govinda Rajan for Wikimedia
Welcome to the most scenic Zuluk tourist spot formed naturally when snow melts and shows remarkable scenes of the valley. One of the best things about the lake are the leisure activities including yak rides, sipping tea or eating a plate of snacks, sitting by the lakeside. How you choose to spend your time around the lake is your choice. But do take your camera with you!
Best time to visit: April to August
Ideal for: Nature photographers, couples, friends
Ideal trip duration: 1 day
Must-visit places near Tsomgo Lake: Nathula Pass, Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple,Hanuman Tok, Ranka Monastery
Suggested Read: Trekking In Sikkim: 9 Trails That Will Prove You’ve Entered The Paradise In 2022!
10. Nag Temple: A Cave Temple
The Nag temple is a cave-like structured temple dedicated to Nag Devta or snake god. There are beliefs about the temple being naturally formed through time. The temple houses a big idol of King Cobra or Nag which is very important and worshiped by the locals.
Best time to visit: April to June
Ideal for: Devotees, pilgrims, families
Ideal trip duration: 2-3 hours
Must-visit places near Nag Temple: Sunrise Point, Raniphool, Thambi View Point, Gnathang Valley, Lungthung
Suggested Read: 28 Things To Do In Sikkim In 2022 For Unbeatable Adventures In Breathtaking Landscapes!
11. Nathula Pass: High Within The Mountains
Image Credits: Vijay Anand for Wikimedia
Nathu La is a mountain pass connecting India with Tibet Autonomous Region. The pass is situated at a mammoth height of 14,140 feet above sea level. Up until 1962, the pass was of great importance because it was the intersection of trade via the Old Silk Route.
Best time to visit: April to June
Ideal for: Solo travelers, nature lovers, adventure seekers
Ideal trip duration: 1 day
Must-visit places near Nathula Pass: Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, Mera Bharat Mahan Hill, Tsomgo Lake, Mandakini Waterfalls
Further Read: Trip To Nathula Pass: A Once In A Lifetime Vacation Worth Taking In 2022
This completes our post on Zuluk sightseeing. All in all, the hamlet offers some fantastic places to explore. Skiing, water polo, wildlife exploration, forest walks, and camping etc. are the major adventurous activities you can enjoy here. Many people also travel for hiking in the Himalayas. Now that the list is over, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and set-off on an exciting and thrilling journey to the wonderful Zuluk and book your trip to Sikkim right away!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Zuluk Sightseeing
Is Zuluk really beautiful?
Yes, the place becomes a winter wonderland with snow all around in winters and gets covered with miles of flowers and plants in spring and summer. Mountain peaks, lakes, forests, the Himalayas and valleys – it is a traveller’s delight.
What is the best time to visit Zuluk?
August to September is the best time to explore its stunning beauty. The valleys and lakes get surrounded by blooming flowers and become a carpet of live colors.
How to reach Zuluk?
Zuluk can be reached via road only. There is no railway station here and the nearest one is the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. Gangtok Airport is the nearest Airport.
Where is Thambi?
Thambi View Point is one of the best places for Zuluk Sightseeing and is located just 14 km from Lungthung or Nathang Valley.
When and how to visit Nathula Pass?
You can visit Nathula Pass after obtaining a special permit from travel agencies of Tourism and Civil Aviation Department. Thambi View Point, Lungthung, Nathang Valley and Kupup Lake – all are located near the Nathula Pass. The best time to visit Nathula Pass is from May to October.
Is Zuluk worth visiting?
Zuluk is located on the Old Silk Route and is home to breathtakingly beautiful sights. Shrouded by snow in winters and forest-laden mountains on all sides, Zuluk has many exciting and incredibly beautiful places to visit and explore.
How to reach Zuluk via Gangtok?
Gangtok to Zuluk has two routes:
1. Gangtok – Tsomgo Lake – New Baba Mandir – Nathang Valley – Kupup – Zuluk.
2. Kalimpong – Pedong – Aritra – Rhenock – Rongli – Phadamchen – Zuluk.
What are the major tourist attractions on Old Silk Route?
Old Silk Route has many beautiful places, namely:
1. Changu Lake
2. Four Lake Point
3. Hangu Lake
4. India Lake
5. Jelep La Pass
6. Kupup Lake
7. Lampokhari Lake
Is December a good time to visit Sikkim?
Yes, Sikkim in December is great for travel especially if you admire the beauty of snow-clad mountains and winter sports like skiing and ice skating.
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Ekta believes that unless you are not riding on a wave you are not living at all. She is a foodie and loves binge-watching Game of Thrones. When she’s not living her dream you can find her in the kitchen cooking.
