High in the Himalayan mountains of Sikkim, a road once twisted and turned like a giant serpent, carving its way through the steep cliffs and misty valleys. This was the Three Level Zigzag Road, an engineering marvel and a lifeline for those who lived in the remote villages of Dzuluk. With its 100 sharp curves, dizzying heights, and breathtaking views, it was both a challenge and an adventure for travelers. But today, this road exists only in memories, its last journey taken many years ago.
For decades, the Three Level Zigzag Road connected the small village of Dzuluk to the high-altitude Thambi View Point, which sat at 11,200 feet (3,413 meters) above sea level. Built during the British era as part of the Old Silk Route, it was once an important trade path linking India to Tibet. Traders would guide their yaks through the winding roads, carrying salt, silk, and gold across the mountains. Later, it became a strategic military road for the Indian Army, offering a crucial route to the Indo-China border.
Despite its importance, the road was notoriously dangerous. Heavy snowfall, landslides, and dense fog often made travel life-threatening. Many drivers, including experienced ones like Tenzing Bhutia, who had driven along this route for 30 years, spoke of the road’s unpredictable nature. “One moment you see the road, the next moment, it’s gone in the mist,” he recalled. Accidents were common, and rescue teams worked tirelessly to save stranded vehicles from the edges of steep cliffs.
By the early 2000s, the Indian government began working on safer and wider roads in the region. As tourism grew, new routes were built to connect Nathang Valley and Baba Mandir, reducing the need for the treacherous zigzag road. In 2010, a major landslide destroyed a large section of the road near Zuluk, making it impossible to repair. With a heavy heart, officials declared the road permanently closed in 2012. The news devastated locals who had relied on it for generations.
For many, the Three Level Zigzag Road was more than just a path—it was a journey, an experience, a test of courage. The panoramic view from Thambi View Point, where travelers once stood in awe of the rising sun over the Himalayas, now feels like a forgotten chapter in history. Sonam Lepcha, a retired tour guide, often tells visitors about the road’s glory days. “People came here to test their nerves, to feel alive. Now, it’s just a legend.”
Though the road is no longer in use, its legacy remains. The serpentine curves, the daring stories of drivers, and the echoes of ancient traders still linger in the winds of Sikkim. Some places never fade; they live on in memories, in photographs, and in the hearts of those who once traveled their path. The Three Level Zigzag Road was one such place.
