Photographing the Zuluk zigzag road
The loops are best seen from above, at Thambi viewpoint and at a few bends just below it. Morning light from the east lights the slope; late afternoon brings long shadows that bring out the curves. In winter, snow outlines the road in white and makes the pattern even clearer.
Respect the road's purpose. It is a working military route, and army trucks have right of way. Stand well off the tarmac on the outside of bends, never block traffic for a photograph, and do not photograph army vehicles or camps. Drones are not allowed in this border area.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How many hairpin bends are there above Zuluk?
Counts vary depending on where you start and what you count as a bend, and figures quoted range from about 30 to more than 90 across the wider stretch. What matters is that the loops below Thambi viewpoint are tight and numerous enough to form the famous pattern seen in photographs.
Can I fly a drone at Zuluk?
No. Zuluk is in a sensitive border area with army installations, and drone flying is not permitted without special authorisation, which tourists do not get. Drones may be confiscated at checkposts. Stick to ground photography and use a telephoto lens from the viewpoints.
Which lens is best for the Zuluk loops?
A wide-angle lens captures the whole slope from Thambi viewpoint, while a short telephoto picks out sections of the road with vehicles for scale. A phone camera's standard lens works well in good light. Bring spare batteries, as cold drains them quickly at this altitude.
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