Dzongu, North Sikkim

Dzongu is a place with striking beauty in the northern part of Sikkim, India. Not far away from Mangan, Dzongu is an untainted and least populated hamlet in the Himalayas of Sikkim. Earlier, Dzongu was restricted to the Lepchas, but in the recent years, it has been made accessible to the tourists. Dzongu is 70 kms away from Gangtok at an elevation ranging between 3000ft and 20,000ft above sea level, Dzongu still retains an air of exclusivity. The Lepcha Communities in Dzongu live in relative isolation from the outside world with their own traditional practice and believe. 30 minutes ahead of Dzongu is the Seven Sisters waterfall, seven waterfalls falling down cliffs amidst dense forests, it is a sight to behold. Dzongu is surrounded with panoramic views of Mt. Khangchendzonga and is particularly rich in flora and fauna. Dzongu is a triangular region in North Sikkim. It is bounded by the Teesta River in the south-east, Tholung Chu River in the north-east and by mighty mountains in the west. It borders the Kangchenjunga Biosphere Reserve. An understanding of their culture, customs and language helps to foster an appreciation of the beautiful mountains, deep forests, and the emerald-colored Teesta River. The region sees little tourist activity and hence seems almost untouched. It is sparsely populated and most of it is covered with dense vegetation. Rice fields and Cardamom plantations can be seen near the villages.

Green Lake trek is an important trek that begins from Dzongu. This trek route is one amongst the most exhausting treks in Sikkim, traversing rocky passes like Kishongla and Kishongda, which reach over an altitude of 17,000 ft. The forests in the region boast of a rich variety of flora and fauna. The trek route of Tolung Monastery would bring you to Dzongu, a region that has much more that is yet to be explored. Dzongu is predominantly a natural site, where nature can be felt and witnessed in its best of its appearance. Some of the best tourist places to visit in Dzongu are Hee Gyathang, Keushong and Lingthem coupled with slews of gorgeous waterfalls. These places are very much pictured perfect. Tourists can get to watch number of splendorous and frivolous lakes. There is an array of activities to do in Dzongu like paying visits to monasteries, museums and trekking. Traditional Lepcha House Museum is a nice spot to delight in watching wide varieties of butterflies in multiple hues. Among other things to do in Dzongu, included in the list are Walking across cross cane bridges, studying about multiplicities of birds, butterflies trees and plants of varied kinds. Tourists can get to learn as many as 5 distinctive species of Rhododendrons. Fishing and angling can also be indulged in. Thundering waterfalls and dense pristine vegetation make Dzongu ideal for botanical chortens at its entrance and prayer flags circle the shrines.

Every three years an important religious festival is held at Tholung Gumpa. Please note that visitors to Dzongu must obtain a Restricted Area permit to visit this region. Although, there are no hotels in Dzongu, but yet, finding an accommodation would not be a problem for the tourists. Dzongu offers a unique home-stay experience. You can stay with local families and experience the Lepcha lifestyle and cultural traditions amidst luxuriant landscape and spectacular mountain scenery.