Lepchajagat or Lepcha Jagat Darjeeling

Lepchajagat or Lepcha Jagat is a serene hamlet concealed amidst the lush forest of rhododendrons and oak trees at an altitude of 6959ft above sea level. Located 19km from the Queen of Hills Darjeeling, Lepchajagat is a hidden jewel that is free from the tourist rush. As the name suggests, it once used to be a hamlet of the Lepcha tribes. The word "Jagat" actually means "the world", so it was the world of the Lepchas. Subsequently, it was taken over by the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation (WBFDC) and is now a reserved forest area. Lepchajagat with its serene ambience and pictorial view of Mt. Kanchenjunga has bewitched the mind of many tourists travelling in Darjeeling.

Planning your Lepcha Jagat tour? Why not contact North Bengal Tourism to help you plan an awesome Darjeeling Tour that includes this splendid village along with other magnificent offbeat destinations?

Lepchajagat Sightseeing Attractions

Enclosed by the rich forested area, far from the maddening crowd and hassle of daily life, Lepchajagat has become a safe haven for tourists who are looking for solitude amidst the wildlife. Lepchajagat is a sparsely populated area with no big marketplace, hence it won't be wrong to say Lepchajagat is a secluded hamlet in Darjeeling District. Located on the road connecting Ghoom to Sukhiapokhari traveling to Lepchajagat is easier than anyone can imagine. Lepchajagat offers its visitors an astounding view of the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayan range, the view of the daunting hills from Lepchajagat has made it famous among tourists and botanical enthusiasts.

Sprawled with numerous trekking trails in and around the quaint hamlet Lepchajagat, through the dense forest of rhododendron and oak trees tourists can relish in the beauty of Himalayan flora while walking in one of those trails. Bird watching is another activity that travellers can partake in while visiting Lepchajagat. The only sound one can hear while visiting or staying in Lepchajagat is during daytime the melodious chirping of exquisite Himalayan birds and in the evening sound made by small insects like crickets. Witnessing the sunrise over the third highest mountain peak Mt. Kanchenjunga from the top of Lepchajagat can be a phenomenal experience for any nature lover.

Watching the sky change from a dark shade of blue to a light colour sky when the sun slowly rises above the horizon revealing the mountainous valley whilst glazing the mountains with an orange hue and making it shimmer like a precious jewel. Find inner peace and don't get lost in the crowded city. Lepchajagat overlooking the snow-capped mountain above the lush forest of rhododendrons and oak trees is an ideal destination far from the rambunctious city life. Sited in a secluded area Lepchajagat with its rich bio-diversity and untainted air is the place where you can spend some quality time with your loved ones while enjoying the wonderful gift of Mother Nature.

Things to Do in Lepcha Jagat

In this scenic village, there are lots of activities you can do. Some of the notable ones are-

Trekking- Lepchajagat is a great spot for trekking, with many trails passing through green forests and tea gardens. The most popular trek is the one that goes to the nearby Singalila National Park.

Enjoy Breathtaking Sunrise and Sunset- You can enjoy a splendid sunrise and sunset. Watching the sunrise from the top of Lepchajagat, with a view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain is a breathtaking experience for any nature lover. As the sun rises, the sky shifts from deep blue to lighter shades, revealing the mountain valley and casting a warm orange glow on the peaks.

Tea garden excursions- When visiting Lepchajagat, don't miss the nearby tea gardens. You can take a guided tour, learn how tea is made, and taste some of the best tea leaves in the world.

Bird Watching- Lepchajagat is a haven for bird watchers, with over 200 species of birds found in the area. The village is surrounded by dense forests, which are home to a variety of birds, including the Himalayan Monal, Rufous Sibia, and Black Bulbul.

Places to Visit near Lepcha Jagat

Near Lepcha Jagat, one can get to see many magnificent tourist attractions. The major ones are as mentioned below.

Jorpokhri: Not more than 5 km driving distance away, Jorpokhri is a tiny village situated at an elevation of 7400 feet above sea level. "Jor" means two and "pokhri" means lake - so here you would find two ponds on a hilltop. The village got its name due to its twin lakes. The calm ambience and the beautiful view of Kanchenjunga, Kurseong and Darjeeling attract travellers towards it.

Ghum Monastery: Ghum is merely a 10 km driving distance away from Lepchajagat. The monastery of Ghum also known as YigaChoeling Monastery is a major attraction here. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the Darjeeling district. The Ghum Railway Station is another site worth visiting.

Tiger Hill: Tiger Hill, just 12 km from Lepchajagat, is the highest point in the Darjeeling Himalayas. From here, you can see both Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, and Mount Kanchenjunga, the third tallest. Other peaks like Lhotse, Makalu, Chomolhari, Pandim, and Kabru can also be seen from this 8,400-foot viewpoint. The sunrise at Tiger Hill is a major attraction, with the changing colours over the mountains.

Pashupati Market: Adjacent to the Indo-Nepal border and located at Pashupati Nagar, you can visit Pashupati Market from LepchaJagat. The market is around 15 km driving distance away. Popularly known for foreign goods at cheap prices, only Nepalese and Indians are allowed to enter the market with valid Government ID proof.

Manebhanjan: This small tourist-friendly village is another place to visit near LepchaJagat. The village usually acts as a base camp for the trekkers trekking to Sandakphu. The approximate distance between Manebhanjan and Lepchajagat is around 11 km.

Accommodation Options

Being an offbeat village, you will not find a variety of accommodation options here. There are no hotels and you get to stay at homestays with most of the basic amenities that include cosy rooms, western toilet, locally sourced meals, geysers, 24-hour electricity, room service, etc. Moreover, you can also stay at Lepchajagat WBFDC Forest Bungalow which offers a comfortable stay but getting a room here is a hard task in itself.

Transportation Options to Reach Lepchajagat

New Jalpaiguri is the closest railway station (NJP) to the village and Bagdogra (IXB) is the closest airport. Lepchajagat can be reached by renting a car at NJP, Bagdogra, or Siliguri. Alternatively, you can take a shared jeep to Ghoom from Siliguri or NJP. Ghoom is where the sumos heading to Darjeeling will drop you off. You can take another shared jeep or hire a full automobile from Ghoom. Getting a shared jeep from Ghoom to Lepchajagat is a bit of a challenge. Darjeeling is 18 miles from Lepchajagat, and you can hire a car from the Darjeeling Chowk Bazar Taxi Stand to get there. If no shared car is available to transport you to Lepchajagat, you can take one to Ghoom and then another to Lepchajagat.

Best time to visit Lepchajagat

The best to visit Lepchajagat is during the summer season when the metro city becomes a hot oven, Lepchajagat with its pleasant weather and cool temperature becomes the ideal refuge. Winters are quite cold and chilly due to hitting high altitude but if you want to witness the unhindered view of the Himalayan range it is the best time to visit Lepchajagat. Remember to carry all your winter wear if you are visiting in the season of winter.