Ghoom Rock is located at nearly 7500 feet above sea level, the Ghoom Rock is a large boulder protruding from the hill top. A trek to the top of the Ghoom Rock through rough stairs would lead you to a magnificent view of the Balasun River Valley and the surrounding forests, tea estates and a bird’s eye view of Darjeeling. Ghoom Rock is just 1.5 kms from Lepchajagat.
Jorepokhri is located at 7400 feet and just 2 kms from our Pakhrin Homestay. Jorepokhri is a hill top located amidst the pine forests with a great view of Mt. Kanchenjungha, Darjeeling and Kurseong. “Jore” means two and “Pokhri” refers to ponds – so here you would find two ponds on a hill top. Jorepokahri is popular to wildlife enthusiasts for the Himalayan Salamanders too. They are usually visible during the rainy season.
Pashupati Nagar Market in Nepal is just 17 kms from from Lepchajagat. Here you would find hundreds of stores selling cheap Chinese commodities but if you are really good in bargaining, then you can get good some good stuff like jackets, clothing, toys and stationeries. Our car from Lepchajagat would take you to the Nepal border, there you would need to get a permit and board a different car and visit the market. However, recently some commodities like cosmetics and electronic goods have been banned.
The Yiga Choeling Monastery popularly known as Ghoom Monastery was established in 1850. Located on hill top at 8000 feet and 7 kms from Lepchajagat, the Ghoom Monastery is famous for its paintings and 15-feet high statue of the Maitreya Buddha. The monastery also commands a panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjungha.
Located just below the Ghoom Monastery is the Batasia Loop of Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (popularly known as Toy Train). Here the toy train makes a complete 360 degree loop around the famous Gurkha War memorial. The war memorial was built in 1988 and honours the brave Gurkha soldiers who were martyred after the Indian Independence in various wars. A 30-feet high cenotaph with the “Roll of Honour” of the martyrs written on it is guarded by a 9-feet high bronze statue of a Gurkha soldier at the backdrop of the mighty Mt. Kanchenjunha.
Darjeeling – Lovingly called the “Queen of the Himalayas”, this erstwhile summer capital of the British Empire is a bustling tourist town with fabulous manicured gardens, heritage buildings, the Darjeeling zoo, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (better known as the “Toy Train”), the picturesque Mall and some famous eateries like Glenary’s and Keventers. While in Darjeeling, you should also treat yourself to the legendary blend of Darjeeling tea. Darjeeling is 15 kms from Lepchajagat.
Mirik, just 33 kms from Lepchajagat is the famous Sumendu Lake also known as Mirik Lake. Surrounded by pine forests, this emerald lake overlooking Mt. Kanchenjungha is very popular with tourists. You can take long walks around this lake skirting your way through pine forests or enjoy a horse ride with your kids. Boating on this tranquil lake is another great experience. You can also visit nearby Bokar Monastery for its fabulous paintings and shrines.
Tiger Hill is just 12 kms from Lepchajagat – the highest point in the Darjeeling Himalayas. From here, you can catch a glimpse of the world’s highest mountain Mt. Everest and the third highest mountain Mt. Kanchenjungha at the same time. Other peaks like Lhotse, Makalu, Chomolhari, Pandim, Kabru are all visible from this 8400 feet high viewpoint. Sunrise from Tiger Hill and the changing colours over the world’s highest mountains is one of the main attractions. While returning from Tiger Hill you can also visit the Durga Mata Mandir and Senchal Lake.
