The serene tranquillity, buried in the thick forest fog, is only broken by the chirps and calls of the birds. The silence is so loud, you can hear the forest breathing its life, and speaking to you its language.
Thick dense woods of oaks, pines and rhododendrons surround this idyllic hill village. Lepchajagat takes its name from “Lepcha” meaning the indigenous inhabitants of the region, and “Jagat” symbolizing “world” or “domain”. As the name suggests, the village is a Lepcha stronghold, which has since been transformed into a forest reserve.
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One of the main reasons to visit Lepchajagat is the stunning and breath-taking views of the Mt. Kanchenjunga at dawn. The mountain range consists of five main peaks. Lepchajagatis probably the only place that offers a view of all the five peaks of the Kanchenjunga.
(Image credits: Wikipedia )
Not only do the forest offer great places to walk, hike or even camp, but also glimpses of frolicking birds and fleeting animals like hares and occasional leopards. You can catch a site of rare bird species like Fire-Tailed Sunbird and Rufous Sibia. Together with the beauty of colourful blossoms in full bloom and the verdant greenery of coniferous trees, the forests of Lepchajagat are truly a picture postcard come alive.
(Image credits: tripsaround )
Pashupati Market located at the Indo Nepal border is only a short drive away, and is well known for the foreign goods at cheap prices. Further along the route is the mesmerising lake of Mirik, fringed with the pine forests. The floating fountain in the middle of the lake is a truly breathtaking sight.
(Image credits: tourfactory )
You can reach Lepchajagat via Darjeeling. If you prefer the rails, New Jalpaiguri is the nearest place. From here, the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), known to all as the ‘Toy Train’ completes the journey. Within the village, most places can be covered by foot, and the walks can be very pleasant and memorable experiences.
So, take a break from the city bustle to this quiet Himalayan village, and lose yourself in its high forests.
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