Dzuluk

Dzuluk (also spelled Zuluk or Jhuluk) is a small mountain hamlet located in East Sikkim at an altitude of about 9,400 to 10,100 feet (around 2,900 to 3,000 meters) on the rugged lower Himalayas. It lies along the historic Old Silk Route, which was once a key trade path between India (Kalimpong) and Tibet, used by traders until the border closed in the late 1950s.

The village is surrounded by pristine forests that are part of the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, where wildlife like red pandas, Himalayan bears, deer, and various pheasants can be spotted. Dzuluk is known for its dramatic landscape, including a series of winding hairpin bends often called the "Zuluk Loops," which offer spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain range including Mount Kanchenjunga.

The climate varies from mild summers around 20°C to snowy winters with up to 3-5 feet of snowfall. The village’s small population of around 300 people mainly rely on tourism, the Border Roads Organisation, and the nearby Indian Army camp for livelihoods. Agriculture is limited due to soil and weather conditions.

Today, Dzuluk is an emerging tourist destination prized for its natural beauty, tranquility, and panoramic mountain views, attracting visitors seeking an offbeat Himalayan experience away from commercialized areas. Access is primarily by road from Gangtok or Siliguri, requiring permits due to its proximity to the border and military presence.