If you are itching for a trip to the north Bengal mountains but don’t fancy getting lost amid a crowd of tourists in Darjeeling, book a holiday at Lepchajagat.

Lepchajagat i.e. the land of the Lepchas is picturesque and green and offers one of the best views of the Kanchenjunga. And you don’t need to undertake an arduous trip to Tiger Hill to see the sun rise over the peak.

The weather gods willing, the breathtaking snow-capped peak is visible through the day from the terrace of the government nature resort at Lepchajagat.

The bungalow, run by the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation (WBFDC), is the only place to stay at Lepchajagat. It’s modelled on old English bungalows with suites, double-bed rooms and dormitories. The choice of food will please most.

The local people are cheerful and friendly. A hub for nature lovers, the place has an amazing variety of rhododendron, pine and oak trees.

You can glimpse many interesting birds if you take a stroll in the surrounding woods. Shutterbugs will go crazy trying to capture the view on camera.

A nearby attraction called Jorpokhri is about a 30-minute drive away. “Jor” means double or two and “pokhri” stands for lake. At an altitude of 7,400ft, two freshwater lakes, surrounded by a beautiful garden, supply drinking water to the nearby areas. You can sit near the lakes, watch the fishes and swans and enjoy the peace.

Where Jorpokhri ends, Senchal forest begins. The screech of langurs will welcome you there. There is a government lodge at Jorpokhri too.

If you are staying long enough, you can plan and spend a day in Darjeeling, a mere 22km away. It’s even possible to stop over at Kurseong and Mirik and return to Lepchajagat by evening.

Going

Take any New Jalpaiguri-bound train from Calcutta. Cars can be hired from NJP station. A four-hour drive (85km) down the Pankhabari/ Rohini route will take you to Lepchajagat.

Staying

There is only one place to stay, the WBFDC bungalow. You should book rooms well in advance.