Silk Route, also known as the Silk Road, the wondrous Old Silk Route is located in east Sikkim of India and is considered to be an integral part of the ancient nexus of trade routes that connected India to China. Located at a height of around 10,100 feet on the rugged terrain of the lower Himalayas in East Sikkim, Zuluk or Dzuluk is a small village beside a winding road. It was once a transit point to the historic Silk Route from Tibet to India. It is relatively an emerging and offbeat destination in East Sikkim. This small village accommodates a population of around 700 people. There is also an Indian Army base at Zuluk, which has been used as a transit camp for the army movement to the Chinese border, a few kilometres away. It is the very first village within this whole Silk Route circuit to offer home-stay facilities for tourists. Zuluk itself does not offer views of the snow peaks but only 14 kms away the Thambi View Point offers a panoramic view of the entire Mt. Kanchenjungha range.
This famous archaic route passes through Lhasa, Nathu-La, Jeep-La Pass and ultimately to the port of Tamluk, which is presently located in West Bengal. From there the route is through the sea until the land is reached. Discovered by traders in the early first century AD, the Ajker Silk Route has become popular as a tourist destination in recent times
Due to its high altitude (Gnathang, 13,200 ft), serenity and breathtaking Himalayan view, Silk Route is now very much popular among travelers especially from Kolkata during Summer Vacation and Puja Holidays. Silk Route, secretly located at East Sikkim is very less known to travelers but an absolute paradise to behold. Adorned with natural lakes, snow capped mountains, roads with hairpin curves, and unadulterated natural beauty, this is a perfect bliss to be in Silk Route.
What to see in Zuluk:
Zuluk is a hilltop and a transit point within the Silk Route. The road through Zuluk makes almost 32 hairpin turns to reach Lungthung, which makes it a unique engineering feat. There is a local Nag Temple here. The temple has a cave like structure and the deity of King Cobra or Nag, famous Hindu mythical god is worshipped in the temple. Another great attraction of Zuluk lies in watching the sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjungha and its allied peaks from Thambi View Point (around 14 kms away) at 11,200 feet. The glittering rays of the rising sun kisses the snow clad peak of Mt. Kanchenjungha, which slowly turns crimson and then golden and finally silver. The spectacle is truly breathtaking. While staying at Zuluk you can cover Padamchen, Lungthung, Nathang, Kupup Lake, Tukla Valley and all other spots in the Silk Route circuit in day trips. Zuluk has high diversity of Himalayan fauna. The place shelters variety of birds like Monal Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, Khaleez Pheasant, Snow Pheasant and others. You may also catch a glimpse of Himalayan Weasel or A Martin. Sighting of Red Panda, wild dog and deer in the high hills have also been recorded.
Best time to visit Zuluk:
During August and September, Zuluk is drenched is a riot of colours of wild flowers. The whole region is covered in various wild flowers. From January to April Zuluk is covered in snow. The rainy season of May to July is usually foggy but the rest of the year it has nice sparkling weather.
ITINERARY – NJP – Gangtok – Nathang – Padamchen/ Zuluk – Mankhim – NJP
Day 1: Siliguri / NJP to Gangtok – Overnight stay at Gangtok.
Day 2: Gangtok to Nathang – Start from Gangtok early morning. Reach Changu Lake (Tsomgo Lake), New Baba Mandir, Nathula (optional with extra costs), Four Lake Point, Menmecho Lake, Tukla, Old Baba Mandir, Kupup Lake, Jelep la, Yak Golf Course, Ice Hockey Field and reach Nathang by afternoon. Overnight stay at Nathang Valley.
Day 3: Nathang to Padamchen/ Zuluk – Sunrise from Eagle’s Nest Bunker Point/ Lungthung (extra chargeable on spot) and back for breakfast to Nathang. Have breakfast and leave for Zuluk via Lungthung, Thambi View Point and Zuluk. Overnight stay at Padamchen/ Zuluk.
Day 4: Padamchen/ Zuluk to Mankhim – Sunrise from Thambi View Point (extra chargeable on spot) and back for breakfast to Padamchen. Have breakfast and leave for Mankhim. On the way sightseeing at Kuikhola Waterfalls, Lingtum, Lampokhari (Aritar Lake), British Bungalow, Rai Temple. Overnight at Mankhim.
Day 5: Mankhim to Icchey Gaon – Sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjungha from Mankhim. On the way sightseeing at Pedong, Sillery Gaon, Reshikhola. Overnight at Icchey Gaon.
Day 6: Icchey Gaon to NJP: Sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjungha from Icchey Gaon. Visit Delo and drop to NJP/ Bagdogra.