ECOSS - Projects

		Dzongu Ecotourism Project
		Khangchendzonga Conservation Project

Best Seasons

The best times to visit Dzongu are:
Spring - April till end of May
Autumn- October to January.

Background of Homestay

Dzongu Ecotourism Committee (DETC) was formed in the year 2003 by a group of dedicated members from Upper and Lower Dzongu. The committee was formed to ensure that ecotourism development in the area has positive benefits to the locals and the negative impacts are minimized.

The DETC is headed by the President with support from the General Secretary and members. The DETC manages to look after the ecotourism operations in Dzongu, provide all the logistical support for the activities to ensure that visitors have a pleasant experience.

Dzongu Attractions

A local guide who can speak English will accompany you throughout your visit and guide you through one or more of the the following attractions:

• Buddhist monastery at Tingvong, Lunggthem and Hee-Gyathang
• Experience the Lepcha traditional way of farming and other daily activities of the Lepcha people.
• Observe religious practices performed by the Lepcha priest who are known as Mun (Female priest) and Pudim (Male Priest).
• A Lepcha Cultural show in the evening can be arranged
• Over 67 species of birds in a lush mountain landscape.
• Medicinal Plants, their importance and how the local people use these plants in traditional ways.
• Visits to Cardamom fields to explore their richness.
• Visit to Cane Bamboo bridge at Possingdang and learn how it is built.
• Angling can be done on the River Teesta .
• Village hikes

Sikkim Dzongu Himalayan Homestay

In Dzongu there are 8 to 12 Homestays where accommodation and food are arranged for all the visitors. Homestays provide following services:

# A clean comfortable room with electricity or candle.

# Sleeping arrangements with clean bedsheets

# Traditional (Lepcha) local meals are served in a homely

style with boiled drinking water

# A clean bathroom with toilet attached

Getting to Dzongu:

Dzongu is well connected with roads and it is approximately 70 kms away from Gangtok and its a three hours drive. Dzongu can also be approached directly from Siliguri via the Singtam road, travelling 153 kms and taking about five housrs. The nearest Airport is Bagdogra in North Bengal, and Railway station is New Jalpaiguri.

Prices

All prices are made up of the following charges: base rate (given to the Homestay Provider), 10% of base rate (collected by the Dzongu Ecotourism Committee) and 25% of base rate (collected by the Dzongu Travel Agent). The prices have been agreed to by all participating groups and individuals.

• Accommodation - Rs 175/person
• Food – Snacks – Rs 40/person, Breakfast - Rs 90/person, Lunch/Dinner – Rs 280/person
• Local Guide – Rs 340/day (1-4 person group), 550/day (more than five persons)
• Cultural Event – Rs 1350/show (1-4 person group), Rs 2025 (more than five persons)
• Transportation – Reserved Full Jeep from Gangtok to Tingvong return to Gangtok– Rs 2970

How to Book a Dzongu Himalayan Homestay:

All visitors must book through a registered Travel agent from Dzongu: no-one can visit the area individually. The Travel Agent will take care of all permits and other formalities. Bookings should be done a week in advance if you are in Sikkim, and earlier if you are overseas.

Travel Agents and contact details:

Mr. Sherap Lepcha
Tragopan Travels (IND)
Near Play Zone, Development Area, Gangtok – 737101
Email: sherap@rediffmail.com
Telephone No. +91- 3592 – 226162
Mobile: +91 - 98320 – 36781

Dr. N.T. Lepcha
President
Dzongu Ecotourism Committee, Mangan, North Sikkim, India
Telephone No. +91- 3592 – 234259
Mobile: +91 – 94341 79160

ECOSS, State Archives Annexe,Zero Point, Gangtok,Sikkim - 737101, India
Phone : 0091-3592 - 228211, 225182, 229154 ; Fax : 229183; Email : ecoss@sikkiminfo.net