Lungchu is a small but unexplored secluded village in North Bengal, which displays the full glory of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains. It is located in the Kalimpong district and is 16 km from Lava and just 3 km from Chenji Falls, the highest waterfall in West Bengal. Lungchu has captured the hearts of tourists for its untouched natural beauty and serene environment.
The natural beauty of Lungchu
Lungchu village is located at an altitude of 5250 feet and is surrounded by the mighty Himalayan Mountains. The view of the Kanchenjunga mountain range covered with 180 degree snow is seen from here, which attracts the tourists. The main USP of this place is its untouched pristine beauty, which is of particular interest to off-stream tourists.
The Neora Valley National Park
Lungchu is located within the Neora Valley National Park, which consists mainly of pine, cedar and oak trees. Being less visited, Lungchu is an ideal place for bird watchers and bird photographers. Walking in the green nature, resting in the bright sunlight, capturing the pristine landscape, seeing the clear sky with the shining stars at night are some of the ways through which tourists can enjoy the beauty of Lungchu.
Travel plans
On a beautiful evening, stumbling upon Lungchu while surfing social media, we get to know about this secluded village. After being stuck at home for a long time due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we finally made plans to travel. Planning to spend the New Year in Darjeeling, I plan it as a 12-day long trip.
Skyline Retreat Lungchu
Skyline Retreat Lungchu is a small and comfortable accommodation located in the picturesque surroundings of Lungchu. There are four rooms, each with a beautiful view of the valley. The rooms are equipped with modern furniture and each room has a comfortable double bed, a small table, two chairs, and a wardrobe. The rooms are clean and comfortable for the guests.
This homestay offers local and home-cooked meals. Three meals are provided for guests.
Breakfast: Roti, parotta, omelette, and locally made tea or coffee.
Lunch: Lunch is provided with rice, dal, vegetables, fish or meat, and salad for the guests.
Dinner: Dinner includes locally prepared foods for guests, such as momos, thukpa, and other local dishes.
At low cost homestay in Lungchu, guests have the opportunity to taste local culture and cuisine while dining. The food is prepared using good quality and healthy ingredients.
We wasted no time in booking our flights and accommodation. Even though we are budget travellers, we travel by air without taking the risk of travelling by train during the pandemic. Ayan Da, our trusted guide, helps us on this journey.
How to reach
Getting to Lungchu is quite easy. It is located 16 km from Lava and 3 km from Chenji Falls. One has to take a shared vehicle from NJP or Siliguri to Kalimpong. Then you can take a private car or shared car to reach Lhungchu from Lhava.
What to do / what to see
The main attraction of Lungchu is the view of the snow-peak Kanchenjunga. Lungchu is a paradise for bird watchers, Chenji Falls highest waterfall in West Bengal. You can visit famous destinations like Lava, Lolegaon, Riship and Kolakham.
Conclusion
Lungchu is an unexplored paradise in North Bengal, where natural beauty, bird watching, and views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains captivate tourists. A visit to this secluded village can be a beautiful experience of life.