Gangtok to Zuluk
Your options
Ways to make the journey
4–5 h
The common route runs Gangtok, Ranipool, Pakyong side roads to Rorathang and Rongli, then climbs through Lingtam and Padamchen to Zuluk. Your driver or agent arranges the Protected Area Permit, either in Gangtok or at Rongli. A 2–3 day Silk Route vehicle package costs about ₹14,000–20,000 and covers Zuluk, Thambi viewpoint, Nathang and Kupup.
5–6 h
With the right permits, you can drive the high road from Gangtok past Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir to Kupup and Nathang, then down the zigzags to Zuluk. It climbs to around 4,000 m, so do it only after a night or two in Gangtok, and carry warm clothes. Snow can close it from December to March.
6–8 h with changes
Shared jeeps run from Gangtok to Rongli. From Rongli, a few local jeeps go up towards Zuluk, mainly for residents and army staff. You still need a permit, and seats are not guaranteed. It is possible for patient travellers, but most people find a reserved car or a seat in a group package more practical.
Worth a stop
- Rorathang
- Rongli bazaar and permit check
- Lingtam
- Padamchen
- Thambi viewpoint (above Zuluk)
Questions people ask
Good to know
Do I need a permit to go to Zuluk
Yes. Indian nationals need a Protected Area Permit for the Silk Route beyond Rongli, covering Zuluk, Nathang and Kupup. It is arranged through registered Gangtok agents or at Rongli with photos and photo ID. Foreign nationals are not allowed on this route. Permits can be suspended in bad weather, so check current status before you travel.
How far is Zuluk from Gangtok
Zuluk is about 90 km from Gangtok via Rorathang and Rongli, roughly 4–5 hours by car. The high route via Tsomgo, Kupup and Nathang is a similar distance but slower, 5–6 hours, and climbs to about 4,000 m. Both roads are narrow and can be hit by landslides in the monsoon or snow in winter.
Can I go to Zuluk by shared jeep
Partly. Shared jeeps run from Gangtok to Rongli for about ₹200–350 a seat. Beyond Rongli, local jeeps to Zuluk are few and mainly carry residents. You still need a permit. For most visitors, a reserved car or a seat in a group package from Gangtok or Siliguri is the realistic option, and it covers the viewpoints too.
Which route to Zuluk is better
For a first visit, go up via Rongli and come back over Nathang, Kupup and Tsomgo, or the reverse. Going up the lower road first lets you sleep at Zuluk, about 2,900 m, before crossing the 4,000 m passes. If snow closes the high road, the Rongli road is usually still open. Check current status before you travel.