Lungthung-Dhupidara

The village of Lunghthung-Dhupidara located at almost 11,500 feet is perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjungha on one side and the winding roads of Zuluk on the other. Thambi View Point which offers a great bird’s eye view of Mt. Kanchenjungha and the whole of Eastern Himalayas is within a kilometre of Lunthung–Dhupidara village. From January to April the whole of Lungthung–Dhupidara is virtually buried in snow and the only colour you can see is white. The mountain slopes and valleys are drenched in a riot of colours around Lungthung–Dhupidara from July to September when the wild flowers bloom. There are few homestays in Lungthung–Dhupidara which has recently been made available to the tourists. The home-stays are clean with all basic comforts and attached Western Bathrooms and great views of snow capped mountains.

What to see in Lungthung-Dhupidara:

You can see a mesmerising sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjungha range just walking down from your room. Lungthung–Dhupidara village is very near to the famous Thambi View Point and offers one of the best views of Eastern Himalayas with Mt. Kanchenjungha on one side and the Zig Zag Roads (Bhul Bhulaiya) on the other. The homestays are located just on the top of these Zig Zag Roads. The panoramic views from nearby Laxmi Chowk of the hill towns like Kalimpong, Pedong, Lava, Algarah and the sub Himalayan ranges of Sikkim and West Bengal can also be seen from here. The surrounding forests of Lungthung–Dhupidara is home to numerous species of birds and even the Red Panda. Wild flowers, rhododendrons and ferns bloom during the seasons around Lungthung. While staying at Lunghthung you can cover Padamchen, Zuluk, Nathang, Kupup Lake, Tukla Valley and all other spots in the Silk Route circuit in day trips.  Lungthung–Dhupidara shelters some of the rarest birds like Pheasants. The whole of Lungthung–Dhupidara is controlled and patrolled by Indian Army, and the place is truly great for romancing nature. Here, you will pass through army barracks, ammunition camp, bunkers and various artilleries.

Accommodation in Lungthung-Dhupidara:

Homestay accommodations are the only options at Lungthung Dhupidara. These mountain facing wooden cottage type homestays are equipped with nice comfy beds, electric lamps and facilities like attached Western Bathrooms. Earthly comforts like room-heaters and hot food are served with care. They may be basic in nature but are clean and warm. There are no televisions in rooms. Food is typically Indian cuisine with vegetables, egg and chicken being the most prominent fares. Fish is usually not available.

Best time to visit Lungthung-Dhupidara:

Lunghthung is drenched in a riot of colours of wild flowers during August and September. The whole region is covered in various wild flowers during this time. Lungthung-Dhupidara is covered in snow from January to April. The rainy season of May to July is usually foggy but the rest of the year it has nice sparkling weather.