LEPCHAJAGAT, WEST BENGAL – A HIDDEN GEM NESTLED AMIDST LUSH GREEN FORESTS

Lepchajagat is a picturesque village situated in the Darjeeling district of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located at an altitude of 6,956 feet above sea level, and is surrounded by lush green forests and stunning mountain views. The village is named after the Lepcha community, who are the original inhabitants of the area.
Lepchajagat is a popular destination for tourists seeking a peaceful and serene getaway. The village is surrounded by dense forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron, and is home to a variety of bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. Visitors can also go for nature walks, trekking, and hiking in the nearby forests and hills.
One of the main attractions in Lepchajagat is the sunrise view from the Tiger Hill viewpoint. The sunrise view from Tiger Hill is famous for its spectacular colors, and offers breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range.
Lepchajagat is also a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine. The village is home to the Lepcha community, who have a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can interact with the locals and learn about their traditions, customs, and way of life. The local cuisine, which includes traditional Lepcha dishes as well as Indian and Nepali food, is also a must-try.
Overall, Lepchajagat is a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing getaway in the lap of nature. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and tranquil surroundings, it is a unique and attractive destination for tourists visiting West Bengal.
What makes it a Destination Worth Visiting
Lepchajagat is a destination worth visiting for its pristine natural beauty and serene surroundings. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, the village offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and rolling hills. The village is known for its tranquil and peaceful environment, which makes it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature.
Apart from its scenic beauty, Lepchajagat is also a great destination for trekking, hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the nearby forests and tea gardens. The village is surrounded by several tourist attractions, including the Singalila National Park, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and Mirik Lake, which offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
In addition, Lepchajagat is also known for its tea plantations and offers visitors a chance to sample locally grown tea. The village hosts a tea festival in November, which is a great opportunity to learn about the tea-making process and sample different varieties of tea.
Popular Activities Enjoyed by Tourists
Lepchajagat offers a variety of activities for tourists to enjoy, depending on their interests and preferences. Here are some popular activities enjoyed by visitors to the village:
- Trekking and Hiking: The village is surrounded by several scenic trekking and hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges. The Singalila Ridge trek, which starts from Manebhanjang, is a popular trekking route that takes visitors through beautiful forests and offers panoramic views of the mountains.
- Birdwatching: Lepchajagat is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds found in the area. The forests around the village are home to several rare and endangered bird species, including the Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan, and Rufous-necked Hornbill.
- Tea plantation visits: The village is surrounded by tea plantations that offer visitors a chance to learn about tea cultivation and sample different varieties of tea. The tea gardens are particularly scenic, with the rolling hills and snow-capped peaks in the background.
- Photography: Lepchajagat offers stunning photo opportunities, with its scenic landscapes, tea gardens, and quaint village houses. Photographers can capture beautiful shots of the sunrise and sunset over the mountains and the mist rolling over the hills.
- Exploring nearby attractions: The village is located close to several popular tourist attractions, including the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Mirik Lake, and the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors can explore these attractions and enjoy a range of activities, including boating, wildlife spotting, and sightseeing.
Top Attractions and Must Visit Places
Lepchajagat is surrounded by several attractions that are worth visiting. Here are some of the top attractions and must-visit places in and around Lepchajagat:
- Singalila National Park: Located around 15 km from Lepchajagat, the Singalila National Park is a popular attraction for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to several rare and endangered species of animals, including the Red Panda, Clouded Leopard, and Himalayan Black Bear.
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Also known as the “Toy Train,” the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular attraction among tourists. The train runs between Darjeeling and New Jalpaiguri, passing through several scenic routes and offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges.
- Mirik Lake: Located around 30 km from Lepchajagat, the Mirik Lake is a beautiful natural lake surrounded by picturesque hills and forests. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and horse riding around the lake.
- Tiger Hill: Tiger Hill is located around 20 km from Lepchajagat and is famous for offering stunning views of the sunrise over the Himalayan ranges. The hill is also home to several Buddhist monasteries and temples.
- Jorpokhri Wildlife Sanctuary: Located around 12 km from Lepchajagat, the Jorpokhri Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular destination for birdwatchers. The sanctuary is home to several rare and endangered species of birds, including the Rufous-necked Hornbill and the Himalayan Monal.
- Takdah Orchid Centre: Located around 14 km from Lepchajagat, the Takdah Orchid Centre is a beautiful garden filled with over 200 varieties of orchids. The garden also offers a stunning view of the surrounding hills and valleys.
- Kurseong: Kurseong is a scenic town located around 25 km from Lepchajagat and is known for its tea plantations, scenic landscapes, and colonial architecture. Visitors can explore the town and enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, trekking, and sightseeing.
Best Time to Visit
he best time to visit Lepchajagat is from September to December and from February to May when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. The monsoon season starts from June and lasts until August, during which the region receives heavy rainfall, making it difficult to travel and explore the area.
Lepchajagat does not have any major festivals or events, but visitors can experience the local culture and way of life by interacting with the friendly Lepcha community. However, nearby Darjeeling hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including:
- Darjeeling Carnival (January): A cultural festival featuring live music, dance performances, food stalls, and a street parade.
- Darjeeling Tea and Tourism Festival (February): A celebration of the world-famous Darjeeling tea, with tea-tasting sessions, cultural programs, and a tea auction.
- Buddha Jayanti (April/May): A festival celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha, with processions, prayer meetings, and cultural events.
- Darjeeling Summer Festival (June/July): A month-long festival featuring cultural programs, music concerts, food stalls, and a street fair.
- Dasain (September/October): A major Hindu festival celebrated with music, dance, and feasting, marking the victory of good over evil.
How to Reach
Lepchajagat is located about 19 kilometers from Darjeeling and can be reached by road. Here are the different modes of transportation to reach Lepchajagat:
- By Air: The nearest airport to Lepchajagat is Bagdogra Airport, located about 80 kilometers away. From there, visitors can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to reach Darjeeling, and then continue the journey to Lepchajagat.
- By Train: The nearest railway station to Lepchajagat is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, located about 70 kilometers away. From there, visitors can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to reach Darjeeling, and then continue the journey to Lepchajagat.
- By Road: Lepchajagat is well-connected by road, and visitors can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep from Darjeeling to reach Lepchajagat. The journey takes about an hour and a half and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Visitors can also opt for a trekking route to reach Lepchajagat. The trek starts from Manebhanjan, located about 10 kilometers from Darjeeling, and takes about 4-5 hours to reach Lepchajagat. The trek offers stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range and the beautiful forests of the Singalila National Park.