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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
+91 70017 24300

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Lungthung is a serene hamlet which is also referred to as Dhupidhara. It is situated at an altitude of about 11,500 feet, offering a sweeping view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and the meandering roads of Zuluk from both sides. The famous Thambi View Point offers a stunning view of the Eastern Himalayas, and the majestic Kanchenjunga range is situated just at a distance of 1 km away.
Altitude
11,500 ft
Region
Sikkim
Min temp
0–5 °C
Max temp
10–15 °C
You will be enchanted by the sunrise view rising above the majestic Kanchenjunga from the comfort of your room in Lungthung. You can enjoy the extensive view of several hill towns such as Pedong, Kalimpong, Algarah, the sub-Himalayan range of West Bengal & Sikkim, and Lava can be witnessed from the Laxmi Chowk situated nearby. You will get to spot several rare bird species such as Pheasants and Red Pandas in the adjacent forests while getting charmed by the blooming wildflowers, ferns and Rhododendrons.
You can expect raw mountain wilderness, serene high-altitude silence and stunning Himalayan panoramas from Lungthung. I went on a trip to this magical land, where it felt like I was on the roof of the world, with icy winds brushing through my face, and I witnessed colourful prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
Lungthung is a scenic village of East Sikkim nestled at an altitude of 11,500 feet, situated near the famous Old Silk Route. Encompassed by piping meadows, vibrant Rhododendron forests and a breathing view of the majestic Kanchenjunga, this peaceful hamlet presents an unparalleled blend of scenic beauty and robust hilly terrain. You will be mesmerised by the breathtaking view of the famous Zig-zag road and the golden sunrise lighting up the Himalayan sky with the clouds appearing as a sea of cotton.
Roosted at an elevation of about 11,500 feet, Lungthung experiences changing weather, snow-clad beauty and crisp mountainous air. Below mentioned is the season-wise breakdown of weather and temperature in Lungthung-
| Season | Temperature | Weather | Best activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | 5°C to 15°C | blooming rhododendrons, clear | photography, birdwatching |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 8°C to 18°C | occassional rain, misty | cloudscape photography, scenic drives |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 2°C to 12°C | clear skies, crisp air | stargazing, mountain viewing |
| Winter (December to February) | -5°C to 5°C | freezing nights, snowfall | snowfall photography, snow trekking |
The best recommended time for a visit to Lungthung is between March and October and December, as the landscape appears vibrant with pleasant weather during this time, offering the best view of the Himalayas, resulting from the clear skies. These seasons are the best for enjoying nature walks and road trips amidst vibrant wildflowers and trying out nature photography in the golden landscape.
My visit to Lungthung in late autumn felt like a perfect postcard of nature, where the snow-peaked mountains glimmered under the deep blue sky.
| Months | Weather | Footfall | Category | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | bloomng and pleasant | Moderate | Peak Season | clear views, Rhododendron blooms |
| Monsoon (June-August) | foggy and wet | Low | Off-Season | solitary stays, misty landscapes |
| Autumn (September-November) | clear and crisp | High | Peak-season | mountain views, photography |
| Winter (December-February) | snowy and cold | Low to Moderate | Shoulder Season | adventure seekers, snowfall |
You can enjoy sunrise views over the Kanchenjunga range, serene walks around the mountainous roads and panoramic views from the Thambi View Point in Lungthung. I woke up early every morning during my trip to Lungthung to witness the first ray of the sun touch the snow-peaked mountain, which felt like a warm hug to me from the mountain itself. Lungthung is a scenic beauty adorned gracefully with nature’s bliss, offering soulful solitude and high-altitude adventures. Some of the top attractions to explore and activities to try out in Lungthung are mentioned below
Thambi View Point
This spot offers one of the best sunrise views of East Sikkim, 32 hairpin curves of the famous Zig-Zag road and a sweeping view of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Zig-Zag Road
This road is also referred to as Bhulbhulaiya Road, and its iconic curve along the mountainside makes it perfect for some scenic drives and nature photography.
Old Baba Mandir
It is a venerated shrine which is dedicated to the iconic Baba Harbhajan Singh, encompassed by snow, serenity and local faiths.
Tukla Valley
It is a high-altitude, windy valley highlighting striking terrain and vibrant prayer flags, ideal for solitude seekers and nature photographers.
Nathang Valley
This valley is situated at a distance of 12 km from Lungthung and is often referred to as “Ladakh of East Sikkim”. It is characterised by changing landscapes from snow, gold or green, winding meadows and yak herders.
Padamchen-
It is a forested village situated at a distance of 12 km from Lungthung en route to Zuluk, ideally famous for its peaceful mountain ambience, charming waterfalls and cosy homestays.
Gnathang Monastery
This is a high-altitude monastery, nestled in the Nathang Village, presenting a sweeping view of the surrounding landscape and spiritual vibes.
Jelep La Pass
This is an age-old trade pass situated near the border of Indo-China, and it was a part of the Silk Route once. The civilians are not allowed to enter the actual pass; however, the view from the nearby Kupup Army Camp and Kupup is breathtaking.
Yak Golf Course
Perched at an elevation of about 13,000 feet, this high-altitude golf course ranks amongst the highest in the world en route to Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir. The Indian army maintains this scenic photo stop.
Tukla Battle Memorial
This is a must-visit for history lovers, which commemorates the reminisce of the Anglo-Tibetan War with its stone memorial standing charmingly with the Himalayas at its backdrop.
You can reach Lungthung via Rongli or Zuluk while crossing through hairpin bends and mountain roads. I felt like climbing through marshmallow-like clouds while I was reaching Lungthung, where each bend offered me breathtaking views than the last one. You can reach this high-altitude gem via different transportation modes, such as
By Air
The Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is in proximity to Lungthung and is situated at a distance of 140 km. You will need to reach Rongli first from the airport premises in a taxi and get all the required permits, and then you can continue your journey up to Lungthung via Zuluk.
By Train
The New Jalpaiguri railway station is the nearest to Lungthung, which is situated at a distance of 135 km. You can hire a taxi from here and then continue your journey up to Lungthun, covering stops such as Rongli- Padmachen- Zuluk- Lungthung.
From Siliguri
The distance between Lungthung and Siliguri is about 130-140 km, and the travel route will include Siliguri- Rangpo- Rorathang- Rongli-Padmachen- Zuluk- Lungthung, which will take you about 6-7 hours to cover via road.
From Darjeeling
The distance between Darjeeling and Lungthung is about 150 km, and the travel route includes Darjeeling- Jorethang- Melli- Rangpo- Rongli- Zuluk-Lungthung, which will take you about 6.5-7.5 hours to cover via road.
The meals in Lingthung are hearty and simple and are prepared with utmost love and warmth by the locals with homegrown and organic ingredients, which are best enjoyed in the chilly weather. Some of the must-try Himalayan and Sikkimese cuisines that you must try here include- Dal Bhat Tarkari, Thukpa, Momo, Phagshapa, Sel Roti and Gundruk Soup. You will get a detailed insight into the traditional East Sikkim lifestyle and the mountain communities in Lungthung. You can immerse yourself in the following activities and get a glimpse of the rich culture prevailing here-
Homestay Experience
The local families residing here are known to provide warm hospitality and basic but comfortable amenities. You will get to know about the local customs prevailing here by staying at the homestays and get a true taste of the Himalayan lifestyle.
Offering Prayers at the Local Shrines
Discover the roadside shrines and charming Buddhist shrines, which are surrounded by colourful prayer flags and butter lamps offered by the locals, and get to know about the spiritual influence prevailing in the region.
Participating in the Seasonal Festivals
You can visit during the local festivals such as Lhabab Düchen or Losar and get the chance to witness the mountain rituals performed with community celebrations and colourful traditional attire.
Learning the Traditional Farming Techniques
You can interact with the host family of your homestay and participate in the traditional ways of wild herb collection, animal tending and doing household chores. This is an immersive way of learning more about the traditions and cultures prevailing here.
There are no luxury resorts or hotels in Lungthung, due to its high elevation; however, you will be able to stay comfortably in the cosy mountain-facing rustic homestays here, which offer delicious meals and warm hospitality. You will get to enjoy basic amenities here, such as attached bathrooms, comfortable beds and room heaters. These homestays are run by friendly local families. Some of the recommended homestays here include- Lungthung Homestay, Snow Lion Homestay, Kanchenjunga View Homestay and Eagle’s Nest Homestay.
My stay at a quaint hilltop homestay at Lungthung was more than just a simple accommodation. The mornings were filled with mistas, which slowly unveiled the mornings, and the cold felt more magical to me as the hosts served me delicious, piping hot tea every day.
| Category | Best stay | Price range | Features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Homestay | N/A (3–4 basic lodges) | ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 | scenic views, home-cooked meals, hot water, shared bathrooms | local stays, budget travellers |
| Mid‑Range Eco Homestays | Lungthung Eco Retreat / Alafiia | ~₹1,250 (includes meals) | Kanchenjunga views, western bathrooms, dinner and breakfast | solo travellers, nature lovers |
Homestays
The homestays of Lungthung offer authentic, budget-friendly options with stunning Himalayan views and cosy, homely vibes. Some of the homestays here also come with an eco-friendly touch. Below are some comfortable homestays of Lungthung
Lungthug will enchant you with its unique natural charm. It is the best spot to enjoy a sunrise view above the Kanchenjunga range and the famous scenic charm of the zig-zag road. A trip to this Himalayan beauty will refresh you and keep your work anxiety away, along with revitalising your energy.
Where is Lungthung located?
Lungthung is situated on the Old Silk Route in East Sikkim.
What is Lungthung known for?
Lungthung is known for its proximity to the Thambi Viewpoints, sunrise viewpoints and breathtaking Kanchenjunga views.
When is the best time for a trip to Lungthung?
October to November for crisp air and clear views and March to June for clear skies.
How can I reach Lungthung?
You can reach Lungthung from Gangtok via Rongli or Zuluk with a permit for entering the Old Silk Route.
Do I need a permit for visiting Lungthung?
Yes, you will need an ILP permit for entering Lungthung, which you can get from Rongli or Gangtok.
Is Lungthung safe for female or solo travellers?
Yes, it is a safe destination for solo and female travellers; however, it is at a high elevation, thus you are required to acclimatise properly.
Can I find good accomodation options in Lungthung?
You can find limited but comfortable stay options in Lungthung, mainly in the form of homestays, which offer basic amenities and warm hospitality.
Can I visit Lungthung in winter?
Yes, you can visit Lungthung in winter; however, due to heavy rainfall, the roads can get blocked. Thus, it is required to check the weather conditions beforehand.