{"id":293,"date":"2022-09-16T00:10:54","date_gmt":"2022-09-16T00:10:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myoffbeatravelog.com\/blog\/?p=293"},"modified":"2024-10-27T11:41:31","modified_gmt":"2024-10-27T11:41:31","slug":"the-sacred-land-of-lepchas-dzongu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myoffbeatravelog.com\/?p=293","title":{"rendered":"Dzongu, Sikkim: The Sacred Land of Lepchas"},"content":{"rendered":"

In mid of May 2021, after being infected with COVID-19, I became physically and mentally weak. After slowly recovering, I felt like going somewhere, so I decided to visit a offbeat Lepcha village TINGVONG<\/strong>\u00a0with one of my childhood friends. I wanted to go for a long time but due to timing, busyness, and lockdown, I could not go at all.
\nSo on March 10, 2022, we both started for NJP by Teesta Torsa Express<\/strong> train, but we booked the homestay in advance as the only place to stay. We first reached Singtam by a shared jeep from NJP after that again we took a shared jeep for the next destination \u201cMangan\u201d and reached there around the evening.
\nThe vehicle sent from the homestay owner was waiting for us and the first arrival at Sankalong Out Post<\/strong> from Mangan where we were allowed to enter after seeing our permits. When there was nothing but darkness and car lights all around but the sound of the flowing river and distant villages looking like Fireflies, then we experience that we were moving towards a magical world. Thus began our magical journey.<\/p>\n

\"Entry<\/p>\n

Dzongu: Bridge of Mayal Lyang<\/strong><\/h1>\n

According to the Lepcha mythology, Mayal Lyang <\/strong>means Hidden Paradise <\/strong>or The land blessed by God<\/strong>\u00a0which locates somewhere hidden in the foothills of Mt Kanchenjunga (Kongchen Chu <\/strong>in Lepcha language). Dzongu is said to be the bridge to Mayal Lyang. The Lepchas themselves believe that their place of origin is in Mayal Lyang. <\/strong>More than 4000 Lepchas are living in Dzongu.<\/p>\n

Back to the History of Lepchas<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Lepcha (Mu-tanchi-Rongkup<\/strong>) means Mother’s Loved Ones<\/strong> or Children of the God<\/strong> or Children of the Snowy Peak<\/strong>. The origin of the Lepchas is described in Lepcha folklore, which is really rich in fairy tales. The Lepchas themselves strongly believe that they are the original inhabitants of Sikkim (earlier it was the Independent Eastern Himalayan Kingdom). According to the 2001 census, the current population is around 80,316 people spread across the Indian states of Sikkim (Dzongu and South Sikkim<\/strong>), West Bengal (Darjeeling and Kalimpong<\/strong>), Western Bhutan, and Nepal (Ilam, Panchthar and Taplejung Districts<\/strong>). Currently, the majority of lepchas follow Buddhism and Animism (worship of nature) both side by side. Earlier, they followed the MUN religion. Some section of lepchas follow Christianity as well.<\/p>\n

\"Mantam
Mantam Lake<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Where is Dzongu Located?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dzongu is a fairly triangular shape dense forest mountain region in North Sikkim, located at 3000-20,000 feet(approx.) above sea level. This Lepcha Reserve area is bordered to north-east area by rapid flowing Tholung or Rongyoung chu (Chu means river in Bhutia Language) and the south-east area by the Teesta River. It is bounded by majestic Himalayan peaks, such as Mt. Kanchenjunga (27,803 feet), Mt. Pandim (21,950 feet), Mt. Simvo (22,476 feet) and Mt. Siniolchu (22,600 feet)<\/b> in the west.<\/p>\n

Note:<\/strong> Elevation is measured in Feet(approx.).<\/p>\n

It borders the Khangchendzonga National Park<\/strong> (or Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve)<\/strong> in the north. This area is spread over an area of about 80 square kilometers. The place is full of quaint and picturesque villages. Administratively it is under Mangan subdivision and the nearest small town. The Rongyoung Chu (A tributary of the Teesta), also locals known as Kanaka<\/strong>. This river divides Dzongu into 2 parts, Upper Dzongu at North Side<\/strong> and Lower Dzongu at South Side<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Dont miss these Villages<\/strong><\/h4>\n