Sikkim Tour Must-Visit: Dzongu, A Hidden Safe Haven

Dzongu, Sikkim – A Hidden Lepcha Sanctuary for Offbeat Travellers

Tucked away in the untouched landscapes of North Sikkim lies Dzongu, a protected reserve and cultural heartland of the indigenous Lepcha community. Far from the usual tourist trails, Dzongu offers a rare chance to explore Sikkim’s soul—dense forests, cascading waterfalls, fruit-laden orchards, and stories rooted in sacred folklore. For travellers seeking offbeat destinations in Sikkim, Dzongu is a haven of peace, sustainability, and authentic local living.

Recognized as a Lepcha heritage zone, Dzongu is considered the mythical bridge to Mayal Lang—the “heavenly abode” of the Lepchas. Surrounded by the Teesta River and the mighty Kanchenjunga range, this area remains preserved for its people and culture, requiring an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for visitors. This makes Dzongu a truly exclusive destination, untouched by commercialization and blessed with nature’s abundance.

Why Visit Dzongu in Sikkim?

Dzongu is a sparsely populated region in the northern district bordered by the Teesta River in the south east and the Kanchenjunga range in the west and was declared a natural reserve, as it falls completely in the Kanchenjunga biosphere. It has served as a safe haven for the natives of the land since the early sixties. Hence, it is quite natural that the area is cut off from the general public at large and remains self-sufficient and contained within itself.

The place is blessed with nature’s bounty and abounds with fruit trees, medicinal herbs, vegetables and shrubs. The large black cardamom, which is one of the major cash crops of the state, can be found growing in abundance around Dzongu. The drive from Mangan right up to Munlom, though precarious, is laced with fruit bearing trees of every kind – guava, grapefruit, passion fruit, pears, oranges and figs!

• Experience the pristine Himalayan wilderness away from the tourist crowd
• Explore the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Lepcha people
• Wake up to panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga 
• Enjoy guided nature walks, monastery hikes, and organic Lepcha cuisine
• Unplug and rejuvenate with a true digital detox—no Wi-Fi, just peace

Learn more about the Local Lepcha Community in Dzongu

The Lepchas are the original inhabitants of the state and they are also referred to as “Rongkup”, meaning the children of God and the Rong. The Lepchas are among the most peaceful and environmentally friendly communities residing in the country and live in close harmony with nature.
The Lepchas believe that a life well spent in accomplishing good deeds is rewarded by eternal bliss in Mayal Lang, the mythical ”kingdom of heaven”. This is where Dzongu comes into prominence. According to folklore, it is believed that Dzongu is the bridge to Mayal Lang where all Lepchas are thought to have originated from. Since this is a holy and sacred place, it is of immense importance to the Lepchas. 
The Lepchas believe in worshiping nature in all its manifestations and consider Mount Kanchenjunga as their guardian deity and protector. They consider the rivers, lakes, trees, waterfalls all to be sacred and spiritual places of dwelling and actively work to conserve and preserve them. Visits to the area require special permits to be acquired in advance, as this is an area exclusively set up for the indigenous community to preserve their primitive culture and traditions in its original form.

The Journey from Gangtok to Dzongu 

Many travellers visit Dzongu as their main destination when they are travelling from Gangtok or often times, they also stay in Dzongu as a one night rest/ layover when they return from their North Sikkim Tour. The journey from Gangtok to Dzongu can be an enthralling experience as your car zig zags it’s way up the hilly terrain. You also come across a number of reed thin suspension bridges which are sure to make you hold your breath in alarm! The journey is an absolute shot of adrenaline rush for an adventure junkie, but not so much so for the faint of heart. It is true that the roads of Dzongu will test you. But it is also true that difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations! The jouney takes about 3 hours from Gangtok to Munlom Nature Resort in Dzongu. You will need to get an Inner Line Permit before your visit. The OurGuest
team can help arrange a taxi as well as permits for you.

As the proximity of the resort closes in, the road gets even rougher and at this point there is a change of transport. Your vehicle which brought you up to this point is exchanged for the resort’s own well-seasoned and reliable old Gypsy car. It is usually Mr Kim or Rinchen the caretaker, who comes to greet you and take you through a bumpy ride to the resort grounds, which feels like an oasis in the middle of nowhere! You will also notice that most houses here keep a greenhouse nearby for their daily supply of fresh herbs and vegetables like coriander, spring onions, basil, chillies, tree tomato, cherry tomato, cucumber etc. Besides the wild orchids, there are also a few varieties of edible orchids called “Nakima” in the local dialect, which you could sample if it is in season. Most of the food that is served at Munlom Nature Resort is what is grown locally on the farm or what can be foraged from the forest, like the fiddle head ferns. 

Stay in Authentic Lepcha Homestays and Eco-Resorts

Dzongu doesn’t have typical hotels—travelers stay in family-run homestays or eco-resorts like Munlom Nature Resort, which offer a unique glimpse into traditional Lepcha life. Surrounded by forest and farmland, Munlom is built sustainably and serves food foraged or grown on-site—like fiddlehead ferns, local herbs, and fermented delicacies.

Enjoy your evenings with a cup of hot millet beer (Tongba) beside a rustic clay oven, or sample house-brewed wines in flavors like rhododendron, passion fruit, or cardamom. This is not just a stay — it’s a soulful experience.

 Things to Do in Dzongu

There are many interesting activities that one can opt for while staying at Dzongu during your Sikkim Tour - like the guided village walks, hikes to the local monastery in Hee Gyathang, a visit to the Sulphur hot springs, a day outing with fishing and a river side picnic, birding around the area, as well as interactive session with your host preparing a local meal.  

• Village walks and cultural immersion
• Hike to monasteries in Hee Gyathang
• Bathe in natural sulphur hot springs
• Bird watching in tropical forests
• River-side picnics and local fishing
• Participate in traditional cooking with your host family

As night falls and the day comes to a close, one gets a sense of the environment around you coming alive. The sounds of the resident animals and insects fill the air with a sickly sweet buzz. As dinner preparations get underway you can try a swig of the local millet beer called “Tongba”,  which is drunk with hot water to keep your spirits warm in the spacious lounging area, adjoining the dining hall which houses an authentic country style, rustic clay oven fueled with firewood. 

Is Dzongu Right for You?

If you are looking for:

• A peaceful retreat in the mountains
• An authentic cultural exchange
• Offbeat Sikkim travel away from crowds
• Nature, simplicity, and soulful hospitality

Then Dzongu is the perfect destination for your next Himalayan journey. It’s not just a place—it’s a feeling of being held gently by nature, tradition, and time.

Whatever your notion of tranquility and calmness maybe, you need to do this! This is taking a break from your daily routine life and going to nature to heal. Waking up to fresh morning air, walking barefoot on dewdue drops, plucking fruits straight out of the boughs and tasting them, eating organic and drinking water out of the fresh mountain springs. Like a childhood friend of mine put it in one of her poems -

 "Whatever else you may leave undone, once ride a wild horse to the Sun!”

 Take that chance, make it happen. You don’t have nine lives like a cat does. 

 Written by Pintso Gyatso: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Northeast India

Pintso, a native of Gangtok, Sikkim, isn't just a travel writer – he's a seasoned explorer. Years spent trekking and mountain biking across the region honed his intimate knowledge of Sikkim and Darjeeling's hidden treasures. Co-founding OurGuest, Pintso's passion extends beyond travel. He champions sustainable tourism, working with local homestays and communities to create enriching experiences that benefit both travelers and the region. From building eco-lodges to collaborating with local guides, Pintso's expertise ensures you discover the authentic Northeast India, one adventure at a time.

For a customized Offbeat Sikkim Tour experience you can contact us at +91-7669503993 or email to contact@ourguest.in