Lepchajagat forest village: The gateway to Darjeeling and Nepal

Lepchajagat is a serene hamlet within dense oak and rhododendron forests about 18 km from Darjeeling in West Bengal. An offbeat tourism destination, Lepchajagat offers mesmerizing sunrise views over the Kanchenjunga Peak.

The small village in the wilderness was originally inhabited by the Lepcha tribe. That led to the name Lepchajagat (also Lepcha Jagat) which translates to the world of Lepchas. The Lepcha people are originally from Sikkim and are now spread over Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and Darjeeling hills.

Situated at a height of 6,956 feet (2,123 meters), Lepchajagat lies along the route between Ghoom and Sukhia Pokhri (also Sukhiapokhri). 

The biggest draw of Lepchjagat is its proximity to Darjeeling, Nepal and Bhutan, combined with breathtaking natural beauty. 

Locals say that over 250 years back, Lepchajagat began as a settlement of 20 Lepcha families. With the rise of tea estates around Darjeeling in the 1800s, more members of the Lepcha community migrated to the surrounding areas in search of work. 

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Plantation owners sought a local workforce familiar with the dense, mysterious hills and willing to work for low wages, and the Lepchas were an ideal fit. Over the years, Lepchas made the forest their permanent home, giving birth to Lepchajagat.

In and around Lepchajagat

Lepchajagat is now part of a reserved forest area under the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation (WBFDC). There are many homestays run by Lepchas, allowing visitors to familiarize themselves with the local culture.

Lepcha houses follow vernacular architecture and are mostly made of wood, bamboo, and stone and are square-shaped. Most of them do not have more than two storeys. 

The Hawa Ghar in Lepchajagat is the point from where you can see all five peaks of the Kanchenjunga on a clear day. 

There is a lot one can do at Lepchajagat. People can visit Pashupati, a Nepalese settlement on the Indo-Nepal border, around 15 km or a 30-minute drive from Lepchajagat. Indian tourists can cross the border checkpoint for shopping and other activities, though Indian vehicles are not permitted entry. 

Pashupati town is a convenient stop for visitors looking to explore Nepal while staying in the vicinity of Lepchajagat. 

The Pashupati market offers many options for buying trekking and hiking gear, winter wear, backpacks, shoes, bags and many other items.

Sukhia Pokhri is another popular tourist spot near Lepchajagat. Situated along the Indo-Bhutan border, Sukhia Pokhri provides clear, uninterrupted views of the Himalayan Range. The bustling local market here is full of local products and souvenirs.

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From Lepchajagat, one can also visit the Manebhanjan village amid forests. It serves as the gateway for treks to Sandakphu, which stands at 3,636 meters. Sandakphu offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the tallest peaks in the world. Located only 11 km from Lepchajagat, Manebhanjan is a must-see for travellers. 

The village is also famous for its collection of vintage Land Rovers, with the Land Rover Jeep Safari to Sandakphu being a major tourist attraction.

Jorepokhari, located near the WBFDC Forest Bungalow in Lepchajagat, is another must-visit destination. Surrounded by the lush Senchel Wildlife Sanctuary, the name "Jorepokhari" translates to ‘Twin Lakes’. This area is one of the last habitats of the endangered Himalayan Salamander. In addition to its ecological significance, Jorepokhari is known for its stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga.

The sunrise over Kanchenjunga Peak magnifies Lepchajagat's charm. Combined with the pleasant weather and the melodious chorus of birds, the hamlet is a truly rejuvenating retreat.

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