Stay Above the Clouds: The Zuluk Homestay Experience

Zuluk is a tiny, rugged village in East Sikkim sitting at an altitude of around 10,100 feet. For tourists who have already checked off the usual Darjeeling-Gangtok-Kalimpong trail and now crave something more raw, more real, and far more secluded, Zuluk is the answer.

Zuluk (or Dzuluk, as some spell it) isn't your typical hill station with rows of shops and crowds of tourists. It’s an emerging, offbeat gem nestled along the historic Silk Route, which once connected Tibet and India. The village, though small with a population of just around 700 people, is steeped in both history and breathtaking natural beauty. It’s here that the Silk Route homestay culture truly began—Zuluk was the first village in this entire route to open its doors to tourists in the form of local homestay accommodations.

The Homestay Culture

If you’re heading to Zuluk, ditch the idea of hotels altogether; there are none. This is a homestay country, and that’s exactly how you should experience this unique destination. The families who host you are the lifeblood of the village—warm, hospitable, and always ready with a plate of steaming momo or a cup of hot butter tea. The homestays here aren’t fancy, but they are snug, welcoming, and real. You’re not just a guest—you’re treated like extended family. The rooms are basic but cosy, often with thick blankets, wooden interiors, and windows that open up to views of clouds rolling in over barren ridges and winding roads.

Exploring Zuluk and Its Majestic Surroundings

Zuluk itself doesn’t flaunt snow-capped peaks right from your window. But trust me, the magic lies just around the corner. Just 14 km away from the village is Thambi View Point, where all the jaw-dropping drama of the Eastern Himalayas unfolds. From here, the entire Mt. Kanchenjunga range stretches out in front of you like a royal court of snow and ice. Sunrises here are not to be missed. If you’re lucky enough to catch the golden first light hitting the peak, that image will stay with you forever.

From Thambi view viewpoint, tourists go further to Tukla and then to Memenchu lake and old Baba Mandir for a full day tour of the Silk Route area.

Zuluk is also known for its unique zigzag roads, famously called the Bhool Bhulaiya of Sikkim. Driving through the loops and turns of these roads is an experience in itself, and at every turn, the view changes—from barren brown ridges to green valleys or fog rolling over stone-lined paths. And amidst this surreal beauty, the Indian Army has a base here. Their presence gives you a deep respect for the land and the people who live and protect it.

A Breathless Experience, in More Ways Than One

Being at over 10,000 feet, Zuluk isn’t for the faint-hearted. The air is thinner, temperatures can drop dramatically, and you need to take it slow. But that’s also the charm. Here, you disconnect from the chaos of city life, slow down your pace, and absorb the Himalayan silence that speaks louder than words. For many Bengali tourists, Zuluk is that rare place where you go not just to see, but to feel.

From NJP or Bagdogra, you can reach Zuluk with permits arranged en route at Rongli. The remoteness adds to the charm, but you’re never too far from the care and concern of your homestay hosts. They’re used to guiding guests through altitude-related queries and ensuring your comfort at every step.

Let Humro Home Make It Simple for You

If all this sounds like your kind of holiday, don’t wait. Zuluk might still be off the radar for many, but that’s exactly why you should go now—before it changes. To find the most authentic and comfortable homestay experience in Zuluk, contact Humro Home at 9733071716 or 9733069690. They’ll guide you to the best-suited stay, help with permits, and ensure that your adventure to this Himalayan outpost is as magical as the stories you'll bring back.

So pack your thermals, keep your camera handy, and get ready to breathe the high-altitude air of history, adventure, and silence. Zuluk is waiting to change how you feel about the mountains.