Dzongu in the North District of Sikkim, was designated as the special Lepcha reserve since the 1960's when Sikkim was still a kingdom ruled by Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal. With a scanty population, this territory is almost virgin. Dense jungle groves and pristine glacial streams of this beautiful land nurture both the human and natural habitation around. There are numerous waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs and bubbling hot springs hidden beneath the caves. This is a remote area surrounded by formidable rugged peaks. The elevation of this area ranges from 500 m to 6000 m which has resulted in an amazing diversity of plants and wildlife. It is bordered by the Khangchendzonga National Park and Biosphere Reserve
This homeland of the Lepcha, the original inhabitants of Sikkim, is sparsely populated and is the last bastion in Sikkim of Lepcha culture. One can possibly meet some of the last shamans locally known as the €boongthing' who still practice the ancient animistic rituals.
Agriculture is the mainstay of the people but large tracts of the land are too steep to allow terrace cultivation of grain crops. Therefore, the major produce here is cardamom which can flourish in sloped inclines.
1200 species of birds are found in India of which around 550 have been recorded in Sikkim. With more than 200 species of birds found in this area, Dzongu is a perfect place for Bird Watching. Sparse population, scattered houses, dense evergreen forests and topographical extremes are the positive factors for this huge avifaunal diversity. The Dzongu hills cover approximately 540 sq km area. The upper areas of the hills have glaciers, snow covered peaks, alpine lakes, moraine and meadows. Many streams with several waterfalls along the course merge into the Ringpi Chu River which itself originates at the Kishong Lake. The lower half has mixed open forest.
Since the area has the status of a special reserve and restricted area, there is little possibility of setting up hotels. However, several homeowners take in €home stay guests' as visitors are allowed entry with special permission. Home stay hosts ensure comfort of their guests in every possible way. They are trained to provide food and drinking water in a hygienic manner with clean rooms and fresh linen.
A Dzongu home stay is a unique experience. It is a great way to understand local culture as the visitors live with the local families. Local villagers serve as a guide to the area and cultural programs of folk dance and music are also organized to highlight local cultures and traditions.
This homeland of the Lepcha, the original inhabitants of Sikkim, is sparsely populated and is the last bastion in Sikkim of Lepcha culture. One can possibly meet some of the last shamans locally known as the €boongthing' who still practice the ancient animistic rituals.
Agriculture is the mainstay of the people but large tracts of the land are too steep to allow terrace cultivation of grain crops. Therefore, the major produce here is cardamom which can flourish in sloped inclines.
1200 species of birds are found in India of which around 550 have been recorded in Sikkim. With more than 200 species of birds found in this area, Dzongu is a perfect place for Bird Watching. Sparse population, scattered houses, dense evergreen forests and topographical extremes are the positive factors for this huge avifaunal diversity. The Dzongu hills cover approximately 540 sq km area. The upper areas of the hills have glaciers, snow covered peaks, alpine lakes, moraine and meadows. Many streams with several waterfalls along the course merge into the Ringpi Chu River which itself originates at the Kishong Lake. The lower half has mixed open forest.
Since the area has the status of a special reserve and restricted area, there is little possibility of setting up hotels. However, several homeowners take in €home stay guests' as visitors are allowed entry with special permission. Home stay hosts ensure comfort of their guests in every possible way. They are trained to provide food and drinking water in a hygienic manner with clean rooms and fresh linen.
A Dzongu home stay is a unique experience. It is a great way to understand local culture as the visitors live with the local families. Local villagers serve as a guide to the area and cultural programs of folk dance and music are also organized to highlight local cultures and traditions.