What makes Dzongu the most sought-after destination in Sikkim?
Sikkim is a holidaymaker’s delight. This is one Himalayan destination that offers many surprises to the visitors – a little bit of Nepal, a little bit of Tibet, and a little bit of Bhutan. It is the Kinder Joy of the Himalayan destinations. You never know what pleasant surprise you can find in this small but beautiful land. Dzongu, within the heart of Sikkim, is one such surprise. A spectacular valley, finding mention in the fables of the indigenous Lepchas as ‘Mayal Lyang’ or the hidden paradise.
A brief history of the Lepchas & their land
The Lepchas are the indigenous tribe of Sikkim, and one of the three tribes that form the domiciled inhabitants of Sikkim. Bhutia and Nepali are the other two. In the written history of Sikkim, the Bhutias owe their ancestry to Tibet, and the Nepalis to the neighbouring country of Nepal. In the folklore of the Lepchas, their paradise, Mayal Lyang, has always been Sikkim. The present valley of Dzongu, in particular. Thus, they are indigenous, like the plants.
The name Dzongu was termed during the period of the Namgyal dynasty as the ninth district (dzongkhag = district + gu = nine). It was declared as a “reserve land” for the Lepchas by the Royal Durbar of the then Chogyal Tashi Namgyal in 1958. In the year 2000, Dzongu was also included in the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve to protect its natural heritage and its inhabitants.
Basic Info
Location: North-West Sikkim, India
Area: Approx. 78 sq km
Population: Approx. 11,000
Altitude: Ranges from 700 m to 7000 m
Distance from Gangtok: 70 km
Why visit Dzongu?
✓As a biodiversity hot spot, visiting Dzongu is not only good for your getaway, but also for your body.
✓The Lepchas of Dzongu, are one of the loveliest people on the planet. Their friendliness, kindness, and hospitality will remain with you long after your holidays are over here.
✓The farm-to-table organic food from the only organic state of India can be enjoyed in its most pristine manifestation here.
✓If you have ever fantasized what a “Lost World” feels like, Dzongu can help you live and experience it.
What can you do in Dzongu?
✓Spent a memorable time with the indigenous Lepcha families
✓Take part in authentic village life, volunteering in the fields, and helping your host family with the daily chores.
✓Participate in activities like hiking and trekking around the mountainous valley.
✓Completely soak into the natural bounty of the valley.
How can you visit Dzongu?
This hidden paradise can be approached from multiple destinations, as follows:
1) Gangtok via Mangan with entry from Sankalang (3 to 4 hrs drive)
2) Singtam via Dikchu and Mangan with entry from Sankalang (5 – 6 hrs drive)
3) Round trip via Lachen (3 – 4 hrs drive) after one way entry from Mangan.
The center point is Mangan.
Dzongu is a protected area of the Lepchas, and visiting here requires a special permit. This permit can be obtained from Tourism Office in Gangtok, or from District Tourism Office in Mangan.
Documents required, as per nationalities, are:
Indian (Domestic) : Aadhar Card or Voter’s ID. Passphotos.
Foreigners (International) : Copies of Visa, passport page of arrival stamp, and passport. Passphotos.
Your travel agent, guide, or driver will help you to procure the permit, against a service fee. The permit itself is free.
Vishal Eli Chamling
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