Lepchajagat or LepchaJagat Travel Guide

Concealed amidst the lush forest of rhododendron and oak tree at an altitude of 6959ft is a serene hamlet called Lepchajagat. 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 ambiance and pictorial view of Mt. Kanchenjunga has bewitched the mind of many tourists traveling in Darjeeling.

Lepchajagat Sightseeing Attractions

Enclosed by the rich forested area, far from the maddening crowd and hassle of daily life, Lepchajagat has become the 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 of Darjeeling District. Located on the road connecting Ghoom to Sukhiapokhari traveling to Lepchajagat is easier than anyone can imagine. Lepchajagat offers its visitor 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 travelers can partake in while visiting Lepchajagat. The only sound which one can hear while visiting or staying in Lepchajagat is during daytime the melodious chirping of exquisite Himalayan birds and at evening sound made by the small insects like cricket. 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 the dark shade of blue to the light color sky when the sun slowly rises above the horizon revealing the mountainous valley whilst glazing the mountains with an orange hue and making its 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 rhododendron and oak tree 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.

Places to Visit near LepchaJagat

Near LepchaJagat, 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. The village got its name due to its twin lakes. The calmful ambiance and the beautiful view attract travelers towards it.

Ghum Monastery: Ghum is merely 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 worth visiting site.

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.

Hot to Reach Lepchajagat

New Jalpaiguri is the closest railway station (NJP). Bagdogra 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 but remember to carry all your winter wear if you are visiting in the season of winter.