LUNGCHU
Lungchu is a small less explored secluded hamlet of North Bengal in Kalimpong sub division of Kalimpong district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Lungchu is located ahead of Lava and close to Kolakham. Lungchu is also pronounced as ‘Longchu’. The name Lungchu is derived from a Yoruba word which means ‘Inner Peace’. Lunchu is set at 1600 meter (5250 feet) in altitude and is situated within a part of Neora Valley National Park. On a clear day Lungchu offers stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga and others. The hamlet of Lungchu is also encompassed by thick natural vegetation and lush greenery all over. The thick natural vegetation of Lungchu mainly consists of long Pine, Deodar and Oak trees. Being located within Neora Valley range, Lungchu is a natural habitat of wide species of Himalayan birds. Along with that village of Lungchu is also abundant in vibrant flowers like Orchids along with other unknown species those are in full bloom. The tranquil village of Lungchu is mostly inhabited by Nepali and Lepcha community along with other indigenous groups like Bhutia, Limbu, Rai, Tamang and others those reflect the cultural diversity of the region. Due to its unique location Lungchu makes a close connection with nature that contributes to its serene atmosphere and diverse cultural influences. Most of the native inhabitants of Lungchu are involved into farming which is their main source of livelihood. Apart from that nature also plays a significant role in their routines. Agriculture in Lungchu is practiced through step cultivation methods or terraced farming. Along with that tourism and tourism related services has recently added to their main stream economy of Lungchu as some villagers offer homestay services to tourists. The local villagers of Lungchu mostly speak Nepali as their predominant language, but they are also fluent in Hindi and English in order to communicate with tourists. Lungchu is fast gaining recognition as a peaceful escape in the lap of nature where one can experience pristine nature at its best.
Places to visit in and around Lungchu:
From Lungchu tourists can opt for a visit to the nearby places as detailed below which are worth exploring.
- As Lungchu is located near to Neora Valley National Park hence one can also opt for a day trip to the forest and explore the unknown treasures hidden within.
- From Lungchu in a day trip tourists can opt for a visit to Changey Falls – the highest water fall in West Bengal located at 03 km away. But tourists are also informed that one needs to trek don in order to reach at the end of Changey Falls.
- As Lungchu is located nearby Sikkim border, hence one can also opt for a day visit to some parts of Sikkim (with a prior permission from border police. Places like Rehnok (84.8 km) via NH 710, Aritar (19.3 km) via Lava road, Mankhim (70 km) via NH 10 can be visited from Lungchu.
- As Lungchu is situated in Kalimpong district hence tourists can visit other tourist destinations around Lungchu like Kalimpong (59.3 km), Lolegaon (35.3 km), Rishyap (23.7 km), Charkhole (49.6 km), Kolakham (5.1 km), Lava (14.5 km), Sillerygaon (45.6 km), Iccheygaon (52 km), Pedong (37.2 km), Damsang Valley (41.3 km), Lingsey (16.3 km) and others.
- From Lungchu trekkers can opt for a day hiking to Mulkharka Lake located at 26.2 km via Lava road. On this route tourist are advised to take a local guide along with. While trekking to Mulkharka Lake from Lungchu tourists can spot some of the wild lives inhabiting the region.
Things to do in and around Lungchu:
Lungchu being a small hamlet offers tourists with numerous activities to try and experience.
- Lungchu is a nature lover’s paradise and the most common attraction of Lungchu is the 180 degree range of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga and other peaks. One can sit back and relax while witnessing the natural surroundings of Lungchu at its best.
- Around the village of Lungchu tourists can opt for a nature walk through the narrow trails and explore the different parts of the village to meet the local people and get deep insight of their daily lifestyle.
- For bird watchers and bird photographers Lungchu is an ideal destination. As Lungchu is set within the periphery of Neora Valley National Park hence tourists can spot wide species of Himalayan birds. One can take a local village guide and get deep into the woods in search of these birds.
- Landscape photography is another interesting activity to try while at Lungchu. For landscape photographers Lunchu is an ideal place with its thick natural vegetation, Himalayan ranges, village life, local inhabitants and endless mountain valleys.
- At Lungchu tourists can also opt to indulge with the local villagers and lay hands along with them in their farming activities and other interesting activities which are worth trying.
- Few trekking or hiking trails emerged from Lungchu those goes to different directions of the village. Enthusiasts can take a local guide and explore these hidden or unknown routes around Lungchu which are also worth enjoying.
- Lungchu offers stunning view of the morning sunrise and evening sunset at the backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges which is worth admiring.
- As Lungchu is situated close to Neora Valley National Park hence one can get chance to spot the wild lives inhabiting the region.
- Stargazing is another famous activity to try while at Lungchu. In the evening tourist can lay back and stare at the galaxy with countless stars. Along with that one can also opt for camp fire or Bar-B-Cue in the evening at Lungchu and indulge with the local villagers in local songs and dance.
- The authentic local cuisines prepared by the local villagers from organic produce at Lungchu are worth tasting. The cuisines are prepared from the products grown at the home backyard.
- Tourists can also opt to bicycle ride through the village tracks in and around Lungchu which is also quiet enjoying.
How to reach:
By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Lungchu located at 124 km via NH 717A. Bagdogra Airport is well connected by regular flights with Kolkata and few other major cities of India. From Bagdogra Airport tourists can hire or reserve vehicles to reach Lungchu.
By Train: There are two different railway networks that connect with Lungchu. The major rail head to Lungchu is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station located at 120 km away. The other nearest rail head to Lungchu is New Mal Junction located at 76 km away. Though New Mal Junction is the nearest rail head to Lungchu, but trains connectivity is comparatively less than NJP railway station, as NJP is well connected by several trains Kolkata and other major cities of India. Both from New Mal Jnc and NJP railway station tourists will get reserved vehicles to reach Lungchu.
By Road: Lungchu is well connected by good road networks with Siliguri (115 km) and other nearby tourist destinations. For convenient traveling tourists can reserve private vehicles from Siliguri/ NJP/ Bagdogra Airport upto Lungchu. For budget friendly traveling, tourists need to hired shared vehicles either upto Lava or Kalimpong. From NJP/ Siliguri/ Bagdogra by shared vehicles upto Kalimpong and from there by another shared vehicle upto Lava. From Lava one need to reserve a private vehicle to reach Lungchu. Or if direct shared vehicles are available upto Lava, then from Lava one can hire a private vehicle and reach Lungchu.
From Bagdogra Airport the route to Lungchu is via Siliguri – Sevoke – Kalimpong – Algarah – Lava – Kolakham – Lungchu.
From NJP railway station the route to Lungchu is via Odlabari – Damdim – Gorubathan – Lava – Kolakham – Lungchu.
From New Mal Junction the route to Lungchu is via Damdim – Gorubathan – Lava – Kolakham – Lungchu.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Lungchu is from mid – September to mid – June. During this time the climate remains clear and is ideal for maximum outdoor activities. Summers are ideal to escape the scorching heat of the plains while winters are ideal for maximum bird activity. During summer one can spot numerous species of flowers in full bloom at Lungchu.
LUNGCHU NATURE STAY
Lungchu Nature Stay is a prime accommodation at Lungchu that offers unique oppurtunity to escape within the lap of nature amidst thick natural vegetation. Lungchu Nature Stay is a beautiful well managed property with well-appointed rooms and well behaved staffs those are always keen on serving tourists with utmost facilities possible. Rooms of Lungchu Nature Stay are quite comfortable and quiet spacious with wide open windows that offers stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges. Lungchu Nature Stay has 03 double bed rooms at ground floor and 03 duplex rooms at 01st floor (04 sharing basis). In total Lungchu Nature Stay can accommodate around 18 to 20 pax at a time.
At Lungchu Nature Stay tourists are served with home cooked meals those are made from products grown through organic process. Lungchu Nature Stay has a fascinating garden full of vibrant flowers. Lungchu Nature Stay is ideal for couple, family, friends and groups.
Amenities available:
Well furnished spacious rooms
In house dinning facility
Attached washroom with western toilet
24 hours running hot and cold water
Pick up and drop facility (chargeable)
Arrangement of local sightseeing (chargeable)
Room service available
Bon fire and Bar-B-Cue available (chargeable)
HOW TO BOOK: Call us at 9831311606 , 9830381306, to get the current availability status or use the query form furnished below with all you travel queries and submit, we will call/ contact you directly.
