Dzongu, The Land of Lepchas

Dzongu in North Sikkim is the land of Lepchas - the original inhabitants of Sikkim. Situated about 70 km away from Gangtok, the place is scenic and rather unexplored. The place is teeming with wildlife and dense forests and provides its tourists a fascinating experience of Sikkim tourism altogether.The speciality of Dzongu is its people - the Lepchas. The folks of this community believe in living in solitude and are are quite aloof with the outside world. This adds up to the mystery of touring through Dzongu.There are a few places of interest you should visit in Dzongu namely Keushong, Hee Gyathang, Lingthem, Pentong, etc. Also, do not forget to taste the traditional Lepcha drink - Chee when you pay a visit to this homeland of the Lepchas. By Air: The Nearest Airport to Dzongu is in Bagdogra, West Bengal. It takes approximately five hours to reach Dzongu from the airport. Go Air, Indian Airlines and Jet Airways have flights to the Bagdogra Airport.By Train: The nearest railway station to Dzongu, is the new Jalpaigudi Railway Station. They can also reach Dzongu via Gangtok.By Road: Located about 70 km away from Gangtok, Dzongu is easily reachable by road. While there are good bus services to Dzongu from Gangtok, you can also pick up private taxis or shared taxis to reach this destination. However, you has to obtain permission from the Sikkim Government to enter Dzongu. The same can be obtained from the tourism office at Gangtok or Delhi. Keushong is the most beautiful place to visit in Dzongu. The place is surrounded by lovely hills and also includes a clean and alluring lake. The valley is attractively blanketed with beautiful flowers. It is advisable that the visitors plan a couple of days stay at Keushong for a peaceful and enjoyable experience.Photo Courtesy: Jacob Paudi Paul Another place of interest in Dzongu is the Tholung Monastery which is an ancient religious place of worship. Once every three years, the Tholung monastery conducts an event called Kamsel where it puts on display the treasures of the gompa. The ritual is conducted for airing and sunning the collections. Also present here is a cane bridge, crossing which can be a thrilling experience.Photo Courtesy: Jacob Paudi Paul Hee Gyathang is a place of interest in Lower Dzongu. Present here is a small lake which is considered sacred and worshipped by the Lepcha community people. You can take part or silently view the rituals that are conducted on the banks of the lake. It is also a wonderful place to spend the evening while sipping a cuppa of Chee.Photo Courtesy: Jacob Paudi Paul While at Dzongu, pay a visit to Lingthem, a place that you need to hike up to from the Passingdang village. The trek is short and wonderful experience. Upon reaching here, you can enjoy the panaromic views of the Dzongu valley and Mount Kanchenjunga. It is a favourite spot for photographers and nature lovers.Photo Courtesy: Jacob Paudi Paul Pentong is a quiet village close to Dzongu. Travellers can visit this place to enjoy the close views of the splendid snow clad mountains in the surrounding area. This place is reachable by trekking. Once here, you can enjoy the calmness that surrounds you along with the magnificient views of nature.Photo Courtesy: Jacob Paudi Paul A place of interest in Dzongu is The Traditional Lepcha House Museum which is a model of a Lepcha house constructed in traditional style. The building has a museum within, and lies at the confluence of river Teesta and Rongyung Chu.Photo Courtesy: Jacob Paudi Paul