Dzuluk Tourism And Travel Guide

A relatively new tourist destination, Dzuluk is located in east Sikkim. It is a small village located in the foothills of the Himalayas that lies on the path of what was earlier known as the Silk Route, the one that served as a trading path for silk, wool and fur between India and Tibet. Since the closure of the route, this picturesque location now features as a great holiday spot where one can experience the majestic Himalayan ranges, including the Kanchenjunga peak, from an up close view.

Located at an altitude of almost 3000 m, it is a village with a population of just around 700 locals who have been benefitting largely from the rise in tourism in this region. Instead of hotels, tourists get to stay with the locals in their homes, getting a chance to mingle with the natives and experiencing true Sikkim hospitality. Read on to know more about tourism in Dzuluk with this comprehensive travel guide.

By Air:

The Pakyong Airport in Gangtok is the nearest airport to Dzuluk, but currently operates only to and from Guwahati and Kolkata. The next nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal. It is located around 150 km away from Dzuluk, which can be reached in 5-6 hours via private transportation available outside the airport.

By Rail:

The New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is located around 160 km away from Dzuluk, making it the nearest railhead to this region that is well connected to all major destinations in the country. From here, Dzuluk can be reached directly via public and private transportation options available outside the station.

By Road:

To reach Dzuluk via road from Darjeeling, New Jalpaiguri and Bagdogra, the easiest route taken is through Rangpo via National Highway 10. For those traveling from East Sikkim, traveling via Kalimpong will prove more convenient. This route passes through Algarah, Pedong, Reshikhola, Aritar and Rongli Bazaar.

Summer (April – June):

Dzuluk remains relatively cold even in the summer months, but pleasantly enjoyable with clear skies and a crisp weather. The rhododendron blooms and colorful wild flower blossoms create lovely visuals in the valley, making this the perfect time to visit Dzuluk.

Monsoon (July – September): 

Monsoons in Dzuluk experience heavy rainfall, which may disrupt travel in this hilly terrain. Days are usually overcast with monsoon clouds and foggy days due to the high humidity. The post rain months of August and September, however, are pleasant with the valleys filled with colorful wild flowers.

Winter (October – March):

Winters in Dzuluk get extremely cold with average daily temperatures that hover around the freezing range. Snowfall is very common and tends to bring the mercury levels even lower. Dzuluk should be visited in the winters only by those who can brave this kind of weather and are fond of snow.

Watch the Sunrise:

The scenic landscapes of Dzuluk offer a variety of viewpoints that will give you the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. One such area is the Thambi Viewpoint that is situated at an altitude of around 2000 m, and provides amazing views of the Himalayan range as well.

Explore the Wildlife:

Dzuluk is home to a variety of exotic species that are native to the land of Sikkim, and is a great place to observe these animals in their natural habitat. Apart from species like the Himalayan black bear and red panda, animal lovers will also find a number of bird species that will prove to be a treat for bird watchers.

Visit the Local Villages:

The local communities of Dzuluk reside on higher altitude villages, that apart from being beautiful scenic locales are also areas that feature some of the key landmarks of Dzuluk; like the Elephant Lake or Kupup Lake. Hiking to these areas is a great way to interact with the locals and learning legendary folklore related to this place that will leave you with a sense of awe and wonder.

Camp around the Lakes:

The Memencho Lake, Kalpokhari Lake and the famous Kupup Lake, also known as the Elephant Lake because of its shape, are some of the most noteworthy lakes in the region and worth paying a visit to. You can enjoy the beauty of their pristine waters and peaceful atmosphere. These high altitude water bodies freeze up during the winter months and create a sight to behold with their crystal-like surfaces.

While you may find an occasional tea-and-snacks stall in the remote village of Dzuluk, most of the dining options are limited to the homestays in the area that provide the sole means of accommodation to tourists. However, rest assured that you will be welcomed with the finest kind of home-cooked meals and true local hospitality.