Dzongu - The Lepcha heaven at the foothills of the Kanchenjunga Mountain

On the second day, we start our journey towards North Sikkim, the least inhabited and most secluded part of the state. 

Although there are quite a few regions in the north which have become highly popular and touristy in recent times, on this tour we will be visiting the remote and lesser known valley of Dzongu, a highly restricted place and one of the most beautiful offbeat destinations of Sikkim.

A pristine land of striking natural beauty, the sparsely populated Dzongu is almost a virgin territory isolated from the rest of the world. 

Bordered by the Teesta River in the southeast and the Kanchenjunga mountain range in the west, Dzongu has been the homeland of the nature-loving Lepcha people since ages and is specifically reserved for them. Special permits need to be arranged to visit this undisturbed, hidden paradise of Sikkim. 

In Lepcha legends, teachings and folklore, Dzongu is said to be the bridge to Mayal Lyang, the hidden place where all Lepchas are thought to originate from and are to arrive finally. 

With turquoise-coloured glacial streams and icy-cold rivulets, cascading giant waterfalls and thrilling hanging bridges, bubbling natural hot springs, thick canopy of lush jungles and remote isolated villages surrounded by formidable jagged mountains, Dzongu is an untouched treasure trove that offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of Lepchas.

It takes us 4-5 hours from Gangtok to reach the pretty village of Lingthem in Dzongu. En route we stop at Kabi Lungchok, site of the “Treaty of Blood Brotherhood” between Lepchas and Bhutia, a significant chapter in Sikkim’s history. 

Moving on from there, our scenic road trip along the lazily meandering Teesta river, becomes even more enthralling as we approach closer to Dzongu crossing long bridges, bumpy roads and tiny settlements on the way.

The village of Lingthem is perched high at the heart of the forest and provides one of the best views of Kanchenjunga Mountain in all of Dzongu. 

Over the course of our three-day stay here at Lingthem, we explore the village and its monastery, go on refreshing nature and birding walks, take in the awe-inspiring views of Kanchenjunga Mountain and head out on an adventurous day-long jungle trek that ends with a natural hot spring bath. We stay with a local family here exploring the Lepcha way of life.

One of the main highlights of this trip is an experience of farm-work in the mountains of Sikkim, the first organic state of India as well as the world. 

Here at Lingthem, we learn about the various crops grown here and understand the basic process of organic farming activity. We also learn about the local agri-practices, techniques of organic farming and educate ourselves on how the agri-produce reaches the market in such remote mountain areas. 

To enhance our practical knowledge, we take guided tours around the village’s cardamom plantations, potato farms and paddy fields. 

Finally, we get our hands dirty, get involved in the farmlands and help the locals in their daily routine while learning the ropes of how our food is actually grown.