Lungthung: A hilltop village with views of the Himalayas
Lungthung View Point is a place situated at an elevation of 13,000 feet. It is situated on the famous Silk Route. This route is between Zuluk and Nathang Valley. Thambi View Point offers a beautiful zigzag view of the Eastern Himalayan range, which is 4.2 KM from here. Lungthung offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalayan range from the hilltop.
The area is in the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, boasting diverse flora and fauna. These are sure to delight wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary is now home to varied species. It includes Himalayan Monal, Red Panda, Khaleej, and blood pheasant. Lungthung Valley is mostly covered with a blanket of white snow during winter.
Know The Whispering Beauty Of Lungthung View Point
At Lungthung View Point, visit a place with a cool mountain climate. The rainy season here is the season for flowers to bloom, with several species of colorful flowers everywhere. Autumn again is the time that seems to have a magnificent view of the mountains with a clear blue sky.
Lungthung is a magical place, and the landscape changes every time with the changes of seasons. It is a different experience to visit the place at different times. It is a magical sight when you see the sun’s first golden rays reach the magnificent peaks of Mount Kanchenjunga by changing their color dramatically. Lungthung view point offers a sight to cherish for a lifetime.
Oh No! Photography is prohibited At Lungthung view point
Lungthung View Point requires a proper permit for entry. Photography is allowed here for the spectacular landscape and sunrise, though you must strictly avoid photographing military establishments or personnel. And you will need to carry the required documents alongside the requirements.
Watching Mt. Kanchenjunga changing its color dramatically to cherish for a lifetime. It is said that the place is, however, restricted because of its proximity to the Chinese border. The proper permit to visit Lungthung View Point is achieved from the right place.
What To See In And Around Lungthung In 2026?
Sunrise:
It is something that you cannot miss out on seeing when you are in Lungthung. The adjective ‘beautiful’ seems inadequate for description. It is indeed a majestic view altogether. People prefer to book a Lungthung homestay here so that they can have a complete view of the area. This is indeed the wisest option one should opt for. In the dense forest around there are wildlife animals like Himalayan Black Bear, Leopards, and various species of birds.
My Experience: I recall being at the view point at 5 AM, the cold was harsh and it pierced through my jacket. But when the first ‘golden line’ met the Kanchenjunga peak and turned it from frigid blue to fiery orange, everyone around me fell dead still.
Padamchen visit:
Visiting Padamchen is one of the next in the row when it comes to exploring Lungthung as an offbeat tourist place for vacation. People never forget to include this place in their list. It is devoid of snowfall. Padamchen is a village that is renowned as the best tourist place. Among all other tourist places of attractions, Padamchen receives plenty of sunlight. Besides this, it is also the home to numerous flora and fauna of the place.
Heritage Forest Rest House:
The rest house will take you back in time to when the Sahibs and Forest Officers used to throng the land. It is to observe the ancient wooden floors, fireplace and furniture. Heritage Forest Rest House is recommended for multiple visits.
Original Silk Route:
Original Silk Route is the road through the forest of Padamchen. Travelers trek to the place where the home offers a fading trail for the original Silk Route. It is that road that saw great surges amidst the trade carried out on horseback which offers complete satisfaction to the people. Lungthung homestay provides all the adequate facilities which travelers desire as expected by them.
Rare Fauna:
The Red Panda is a popular sight amidst the abundance of rare wildlife. The Red Panda is the state animal of Sikkim. Other animals in this place include Blood Pheasants, Snow Pheasants, and Kalij Pheasants. These are some of the favorite fauna of the place.
Kuikhola Falls:
This fall is a few minutes’ distance away from Padamchen. Padamchen lies near the beautiful falls. Be careful while approaching it as the roads can be slippery. As these falls are based in the heart of nature, there are local arrangements along with services for a comfortable stay with all the necessary facilities.
How far is Zuluk From Lungthung View Point?
The distance of Zuluk from Lungthung View Point is 14.6 KMs. It is famous to zig-zag roads which are locally called Bhulbhulaiya. The name owes for its 30 hairpin turns. Thambi is a roadside viewpoint that opens up suddenly to Mount.
Where is Lungthung situated amidst the hills?
Lungthung is located at a height of 13,000 feet above sea level. The viewpoint is nearby Thambi View Point, Sikkim. The distance between these places is 4.2 KM, which can be covered within 20 minutes by car. With the support of the Lungthung homestay, which offers panoramic views of nature.
Here you will be able to see the mountains and the snow-clad cliffs that cover the place on the whole. Moreover, the Lungthung village is located at an altitude of almost 11,500 feet above sea level. This climb of 1,500 feet between the village and the peak is what provides that spectacular ‘bird’s eye view’ of the Kanchenjunga range and the zigzag roads below. Perched on the hilltop that offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges. The location is awesome and even if the day is cloudy, the beauty of the place is unbeatable.
On the other hand, the roads that lead from Zuluk make it a perfect place for a short vacation tour. If you consider the distance of the Himalayas from the Lungthung-Dhupidara region, let us tell you that you are just a distance of one kilometer from the main village and the Lungthung view point. The peak season to visit Lungthung is from April to June (mid of June) but the best season is during the Durga Pujas or between September and Mid-November.
Which is the Best Season To Visit Lungthung?
The best time to visit Lungthung is from February to May. Lungthung temperature also plays a big role in attracting tourists to this part of the country. Again September to November is the best time to visit Lungthung. It is advised to keep all the ID cards and other important documents ready with you so that there is no difficulty in roaming about the place and exploring the tourist spots.
Contact Numbers For Lungthung Homestay:
Lungthung Eco Retreat: 9830107879.
Lamakhang Homestay Lungthu: 8509365888/ 8900083678.
Alaffia Lungthung Eco Homestay: 7407700920.
Lungthung Eco Retreat: 9830107780.
The Lungthung Homestay is clean and offers the finest comforts to travelers. There are western bathrooms that fit in with the best view of the snow-capped mountains. The mountains around the Thambi viewpoints are drenched in a mix of colors and more. In addition to this, the viewpoint is engrossed in the old silk route near Zuluk.
Expected Budget: In 2026, most homestays in Lungthung charge between ₹1,500 and ₹2,500 per person per day. This price generally includes a stay in a cozy room with a western toilet and four homemade meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snacks, and Dinner).
What are the amenities that Lungthung homestay offers?
If you travel by car or your private vehicle then you can make it a point to reach Lungthung within 6 to 7 hours. The facilities in the homestay that make them unique are as follows:
- Homemade food.
- Attached Bathroom with the rooms.
- Affordable room tariff.
- A travel agent or guide.
- Welcome drinks.
- Forest Paid hike.
- Wildlife.
- National park.
- Free parking space.
- Campfire.
- Western Toilet.
- Lunch.
- Evening snacks.
- Breakfast.
- Dinner.
- Electricity.
- Taste local foods.
- Best view of Kanchenjunga.
- Night walk.
- Mountain trekking.
- High-altitude mountain lakes.
- Sightseeing.
- Shower.
- Beds.
- Blankets.
We offer a unique style of hospitality in which guests may immerse themselves in the local ambience and culture by staying in a home like a native of the place they are visiting. We treat our guests like family and prioritise their safety and well-being. Suppose you want to pre-book any Lungthung homestay then you can directly talk to the homestay owners and do the needful.
How to reach Lungthung?
By Air: The nearest large airport is the Bagdogra International Airport (IXB) in West Bengal. It takes 6.5 to 7 hours to reach Lungthung by road from the airport. Or you can fly into Pakyong Airport (PYG) in Sikkim (in the vicinity of Gangtok), which is closer, but flights to Pakyong are weather-dependent and have very limited frequency.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in West Bengal. From NJP, Zuluk can be reached in approximately 6 to 7 hours by road. It is advisable to check your train’s arrival time via IRCTC to ensure you reach NJP by the morning, allowing enough time for the mountain drive and permit processing before dark.
By Road: Lungthung may be reached from Siliguri in approximately 6 to 7 hours by various chartered vehicles. Tourists can also hire private vehicles and travel to Zuluk from Gangtok in 4.5 to 5 hours to visit Lungthung.
Plan a tour vacation at Lungthung!
Visitors to East Sikkim frequently stop in Lungthung for a quick snack. Sunrise Point is nearby, and you can enjoy an excellent picture of Kanchenjunga from here. It is the best vantage point for seeing the mountain.
Tourists can embark on a short forest trip, and those concerned about their health due to the high altitude can easily tour East Sikkim from here. The distance between Lungthung and Nathang Valley is only about 5 kilometres.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need a permit to visit Lungthung?
Yes. Since Lungthung is close to the Indo-China border, all tourists (including Indians) require a Protected Area Permit (PAP). You can obtain this at Rongli or through your travel agent by providing your ID proof and photos.
Q: Is there snow in Lungthung in April?
While the lower Silk Route begins to bloom with rhododendrons in April, you can often find patches of leftover snow at Lungthung (13,000 ft) and nearby Nathang Valley.
Q: Is it possible to travel Lungthung along with older citizens?
Yes, but proceed with caution. There is less oxygen at this high altitude (13000 feet). Before spending the night in Lungthung, it is preferable to spend a night at a lower altitude, such as Padamchen.
Q: What is the distance between Zuluk and Lungthung?
Distance between Zuluk to Lungthung is only 14.6 KM. The drive is between 45 minutes to an hour and you will wind your way through the famous 32 hairpin turns and by Thambi View Point.
In The Nutshell
Lungthung, commonly known as “Dhupidara,” is perched on a mountaintop at 13,000 feet, overlooking the beautiful Mount Kanchenjunga. It is a popular tourist destination and a must-see on any Zuluk itinerary. Tibetan refugees who fled the Chinese invasion live in the village.
Lungthung View Point is approximately a 1-hour drive from Zuluk and offers a stunning view of the Old Silk Route’s winding roads. It is located 4.2 km further uphill from Thambi View Point, another ideal site to view the magnificence of the Eastern Himalayan range.
Hence make your booking this summer vacation and have a pleasant and cool vacation amidst the greenery escape of Lungthung.
Talk to the travel experts today!