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- 🥶 A 2-Day Travel Itinerary for Zuluk
🥶 A 2-Day Travel Itinerary for Zuluk
A hidden gem in the eastern state of....
Reddy Mohith
May 21, 2024
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Hey explorer,
East India will never lose its charm when it comes to mesmerizing the rest of India with its scenic nature and the calmness everyone will be longing for.
A few days back, my friends and I took a moment from our busy lives to explore one of the hidden gems of Sikkim, Zuluk. While most places remain hidden below, this place, in particular, sits hundreds and thousands of feet above.
And trust me! It was worth every second. So, here's everything you should know.
Why Zuluk?
Imagine you are craving an escape - not just any escape, but one that takes you away to a land painted with breathtaking mountain views and kissed by crisp, clean air. The further you walk, the closer you get to your heart.
Forget crowded tourist spots. It is a secret whispered by the wind and a place that lets you unplug and unwind. Every inch you move, all you can find is a calm nature with very few dotted people.
That's Zuluk, a hidden gem, sitting in the Himalayas at 10,100 feet.
Hey Hey!
How about we learn something each time we discover a new place or break down the history of a place you might have heard once at least?
Thanks for answering the last question and letting us know about your views. Answer the poll below and find what interests you about Kerala.
What is the Tibetan name of Sikkim? |
Overview
Zuluk once was an ancient Silk Route with a network of trade routes that linked Asia and Europe. It was a crucial transit point for traders carrying exotic goods between Tibet and India. You can see this rich history in the mirrors of a unique blend of cultures in Zuluk today.
Sitting in the lower reaches of the Himalayas in East Sikkim, rolling lands, lush forests, and snow-capped peaks fill the lands of Zuluk. The village alone sits at 10,100 feet, offering stunning panoramic views. A meandering road with 32 hairpin bends winds its way through the region.
The inhabitants of Zuluk, primarily belonging to the Lepcha and Bhutia communities, have a rich cultural heritage. Their way of life goes in the belief of nature, and their traditions are rooted in animistic beliefs and reverence for the mountains.
People here usually speak a mix of Tibetan and Nepali languages as their primary language. Since it was a trade route, people can also understand English and Hindi, especially those in the tourism industry. However, living as a local becomes easier when you at least learn a few Sikkimese lines.
- Namaste - Hello / Greetings
- K chha? - How are you? (Nepali)
- Timi lai kasto chha? - How are you doing? (Nepali)
- Thik chha - I am fine (Nepali)
- Dhanyabad - Thank you (Nepali)
- Maaph garnus - Sorry / Excuse me (Nepali)
- Khana khanu bhayo? - Have you eaten? (Nepali)
- Kati bajyo? - What time is it? (Nepali)
- Yo kati ho? - How much is this? (Nepali)
- Timi ko naam ke ho? - What is your name? (Nepali)
- Sanchai chhau? - Are you well? (Nepali)
- Hajur - Yes / Please (Nepali)
- Mitho chha - It’s delicious (Nepali)
- Tapai lai k chaahiye? - What do you need? (Nepali)
- Bholi bhetaula - See you tomorrow (Nepali)
Zuluk experiences a mild climate throughout the year. Summers (April-June) are pleasant from 10°C to 20°C. Monsoons (July-September) bring moderate rainfall, while winters (December-February) can be chilly, with dipping below-freezing temperatures and occasional snowfall.
Discovery Checklist
Zuluk is like no other nature-based place because of its elevation and unique nature with mountains, surrounding views, and more. However, making the most out of your trip to Zuluk has something to do with the nearby places and the things you do here.
Some must-visit places within 50 km are:
- Thmbi View Point (14 km)
- Lungthung (17 km)
- Nathang Valley (Gnathang Valley) (20 km)
- Kupup Lake (Elephant Lake) (22 km)
- Menmecho Lake (30 km)
- Zigzag Road (Bhulbhulaiya) (35 km)
- Old Baba Mandir (38 km)
And must-do things include:
- Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Nag Temple
- Go on a jeep safari through the enchanting Kupup valley
- Lace up your walking shoes and explore the numerous hiking trails
- Witness Mt. Kanchenjunga in the golden hues from Thmbi Viewpoint
Oh! Ensure to buy aromatic and medicinal herbs grown in the fertile lands of Zuluk, handwoven woollen carpets and shawls, and colourful prayer flags.
Travel Itinerary
Note: This is a general itinerary, combining cultural experiences and adventure. It provides a well-rounded exploration of this hidden gem. You can make adjustments as per your preferences, local events, and weather conditions.
A Guide to WH Questions
Transportation
Since Sikkim is the smallest state and its terrain is hills, no airways or railways are there to access Zuluk directly.
However, New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station in West Bengal (160 km) is the nearest railway station, and Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in West Bengal (178 km) is the closest airport. You can then access Zuluk by taxi or rental car.
Reaching Zuluk requires a scenic journey from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Shared taxis are the most affordable option as they depart from Gangtok at fixed times and drop you directly in Zuluk.
Hotels
Zuluk's unique charm lies in its homestays. You have several options available to choose from. However, due to the homestay culture, most homestays in Zuluk include meals during your stay. Therefore, some of our accommodation picks in the nearest town, Rongli (38 km), are:
Accommodation
- Ashraya Boutique Homestay - It's a 4.8-star rating hotel.
- Silkrout Mangal Deep Resort - It's a 3.5-star rating hotel.
- Smriti Homestay - It's a 3-star hotel.
Popular Food
- Momos: Steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables.
- Thukpa: A noodle soup with meat or vegetables, perfect for a meal.
- Samosas: Crispy fried pastries filled with savoury potato and pea filling.
- Aloo Posto: Spicy potato curry, a popular vegetarian dish.
- Seku Kang: Fermented greens with a unique flavour.
Travel Tips
- Pack layers of clothing, including waterproof gear and woollen clothes.
- Keep checking on your bags once in a while when in crowds.
- Pack sturdy footwear rather than slippery or loose footwear.
- Be watchful when visiting the local prayer halls or temples.
Safety Tips
- Stay informed about weather conditions, especially during monsoons.
- Zuluk's high altitude can cause altitude sickness. So, hike accordingly.
- Hire a local guide for venturing into remote areas or challenging treks.
- Always remember to carry a water bottle to hydrate yourself.
Travel Expenses
Zuluk caters to budget-conscious travellers. Unlike most other tourist places, accommodations and eateries here are cheap and affordable for a budget traveller. On average, one might need ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 per head a day.
Conclusion
It's a chance to trade skyscapes for soul-stirring mountain views, to swap noise for the comforting whisper of the wind. It's a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, a place where adventure and serenity come together.
So, if you yearn for an escape that recharges your spirit and leaves you with a renewed appreciation for nature, Zuluk is yours. Come, pack your bags, and unleash your conquering Himalayan mountains dream.
Did this edition meet your expectations?If not, please let us know what we can improve in the comments. |
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Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.