Please rotate your phone

This site is made for portrait mode on mobile. Turn your phone upright to continue.

Protected Area Permit

Zuluk Permit — PAP Guide for Dzuluk & the Old Silk Route, East Sikkim

Zuluk (Dzuluk) is a remote mountain village famous for 32 hairpin bends and sweeping Kanchenjunga views. Visiting requires a Protected Area Permit — here's how to get it.

Indian Nationals Only~10,000 ftOld Silk RouteApply 2 days ahead

What is the Zuluk Permit?

Zuluk (also spelled Dzuluk) is a small village in East Sikkim at approximately 10,000 ft, sitting on the historic Old Silk Route that once connected India and Tibet. The area lies in a Protected Zone and requires a Protected Area Permit (PAP) from the District Collector's office, East Sikkim.

Zuluk is famous for its 32 hairpin bends on the mountain road, dramatic Kanchenjunga sunrise views from Thambi View Point, and the high-altitude Nathang Valley plateau. It is typically covered over a 3-day Old Silk Route circuit from Gangtok.

Apply 2 days in advance — Zuluk PAPs take slightly longer to process than Tsomgo/Nathula permits. Don't try to arrange this on the day of travel.

Who Needs the Permit?

Indian Nationals

All Indian citizens require a PAP for Zuluk and the Old Silk Route circuit. Apply through a registered operator or the DC office at least 2 days before travel.

Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals are NOT permitted on the Old Silk Route (Zuluk, Nathang Valley).

Documents Required

  • Valid government-issued photo ID — Aadhaar, Voter ID, Driving Licence or Passport
  • Two recent passport-size photographs per person
  • Vehicle registration certificate (4WD strongly recommended)
  • Accommodation details in Zuluk or Nathang (usually required)

How to Get the Zuluk PAP

1
Book through a registered Gangtok tour operator

Submit ID proofs and photos at least 48 hours before departure. The operator applies to the DC office on your behalf.

2
DC Office, East Sikkim (Gangtok)

Apply in person with 2 photos and ID. Processing takes 1–2 working days for the Zuluk PAP.

3
Entry checkpoint — Rongli

The main entry point for the Old Silk Route is Rongli. Your PAP is verified here before you proceed toward Zuluk.

Cost & Validity

ItemDetails
Permit TypeProtected Area Permit (PAP)
Fee~₹200 per person
Validity2–3 days (covers full Old Silk Route circuit)
CoversRongli, Aritar, Zuluk, Nathang Valley, Lungthung, Thambi View Point

Checkpoints

📍 Rongli Checkpoint (main entry)📍 Zuluk Checkpoint📍 Nathang Checkpoint

Old Silk Route Highlights Covered

  • Rongli — gateway town for the Old Silk Route
  • Aritar (Lampokhari Lake) — serene lake en route
  • Zuluk (Dzuluk) — 32 hairpin bends, army camp, viewpoints
  • Thambi View Point — classic Kanchenjunga sunrise spot
  • Lungthung — high-altitude meadow village
  • Nathang Valley — plateau at 14,000 ft, sweeping panoramas

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Permit Guides

Old Silk Route PermitNathula Pass PermitAll Sikkim Permits