Khedum Village
Traditional Life in the Valley: Khedum Village is a small, serene hamlet primarily inhabited by the Lachungpas, offering a genuine glimpse into the traditional high-altitude village life of North Sikkim. Unlike the main town of Lachung, which has adapted to high-volume tourism, Khedum retains a more rustic and quiet character. It is an area of stepped cultivation and traditional wooden homes, surrounded by lush green mountains. Location near Bhim Nala Falls: The village's main claim to fame is its location very close to the majestic Bhim Nala Falls (sometimes called Amitabh Bachchan Falls by locals), which is often the stop named in tour itineraries. Tourists pass through or stop near Khedum en route to/from Lachung. Self-Sufficient Lifestyle: The residents live a relatively self-sufficient life, engaging in terrace farming of crops like potatoes and maize, and livestock rearing. Visitors can observe the simple, peaceful rhythm of life, which is largely untouched by modern hustle. A Photo Opportunity: The village is extremely photogenic, with the classic Himalayan scene of small wooden houses clinging to a steep hillside, backed by tall peaks and framed by the valley's forests. It is an excellent contrast to the pure snowscapes of the upper regions.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
30 Minutes (Stopover)Place Type:
Traditional Village/Scenic StopEntry Fees:
Zero Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit Khedum Village. It is a residential area.
Waterfall Viewpoint Fee: Sometimes, a local body (like the Dzumsa or a community group) might charge a minimal viewing fee (e. g. , INR 10-20) for acce...Zero Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit Khedum Village. It is a residential area.
Waterfall Viewpoint Fee: Sometimes, a local body (like the Dzumsa or a community group) might charge a minimal viewing fee (e. g. , INR 10-20) for access to the platform near Bhim Nala Falls for maintenance.
Permit: Access is granted only with the mandatory Inner Line Permit (ILP) required for the entire Lachung Protected Area.
Homestay Charges: Staying overnight in a village homestay will incur a cost (approx. INR 1500-3000 per night, including meals) but is entirely optional.Timing:
Regular Timings: The village is a residential area, accessible 24 hours. The best time for visit/stroll is during daylight hours.
Ideal Visit Time: Mid-morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) for the best sunlight on the village and to witness the vil...Regular Timings: The village is a residential area, accessible 24 hours. The best time for visit/stroll is during daylight hours.
Ideal Visit Time: Mid-morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) for the best sunlight on the village and to witness the villagers engaged in their daily chores.
Ideal Day: Any day is fine, as village life follows its own timeless rhythm, mostly unaffected by the day of the week.Special Events:
Local Harvest Celebrations: Depending on the season (September-October for potatoes/maize), the villagers may have small, intimate harvest celebrations, which can involve local music, feasting, and community gathering.
Dzumsa Meetings: While...Local Harvest Celebrations: Depending on the season (September-October for potatoes/maize), the villagers may have small, intimate harvest celebrations, which can involve local music, feasting, and community gathering.
Dzumsa Meetings: While rare for tourists to witness, the traditional 'Dzumsa' system meetings occasionally take place in the village, offering a truly unique cultural event.
The Waterfall at Peak Flow: The majestic display of the Bhim Nala Falls during the peak monsoon and post-monsoon period (July-September) is the village's natural 'event,' drawing maximum attention.Best Photo Spots:
Houses on the Slopes: Capture the entire cluster of traditional wooden houses nestled on the steep slope, preferably with morning mist rising from the valley below.
The Terraced Farms: Photograph the precise, layered geometry of the terraced...Houses on the Slopes: Capture the entire cluster of traditional wooden houses nestled on the steep slope, preferably with morning mist rising from the valley below.
The Terraced Farms: Photograph the precise, layered geometry of the terraced fields with the mountains in the far background, symbolizing the human-nature harmony.
Waterfall from a Distance: The best shots of Bhim Nala Falls are often taken from a distance (near the village), allowing the photographer to capture the massive height of the cascade against the green cliffs.
Close-ups of Doors and Windows: Focus on the intricate, simple wood-and-stone detailing of the traditional house facades.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Waterfall Viewing: Stop near Bhim Nala Falls (13 KMS from Lachung), which is the area's main attraction, to take photos and enjoy the mist.
Village Walk: Take a gentle, guided stroll through the village streets and trails to admire the traditional architecture and the flower gardens.
Interact with Locals: Politeness and respect go a long way; attempt to greet or chat with the villagers (often through a guide) to learn a few phrases of the local language.
Photography of Village Life: Focus on the textures of the old wooden houses, the villagers carrying out daily chores, and the bright colors of the prayer flags against the mountain backdrop.
Buying Local Produce: If available and in season, purchase local agricultural products l...
Information
-
Why Famous:
Proximity to Bhim Nala Falls: It is most famous for hosting or being the nearest settlement to the magnificent Bhim Nala Falls, one of the highest and most visually striking waterfalls in Sikkim.
Authentic Village Charm: The village is famou...Proximity to Bhim Nala Falls: It is most famous for hosting or being the nearest settlement to the magnificent Bhim Nala Falls, one of the highest and most visually striking waterfalls in Sikkim.
Authentic Village Charm: The village is famous among 'slow travelers' for offering a peaceful, authentic cultural experience away from the commercial hub of Lachung town.
Scenic Backdrop: Its position on the hillside, overlooking the valley, makes it a quintessential postcard-perfect Himalayan village, often photographed on tour packages.
Gateway on the Route: It's a key geographical marker on the main road between Chungthang and Lachung, making it a known point for travelers. -
Architecture:
Vernacular Himalayan Architecture: The village houses are a prime example of vernacular architecture, built using local timber (cedar/pine) and slate stones. The buildings feature cantilevered balconies, low-eaved roofs, and raised plinths to deal with heavy rainfall and sn...Vernacular Himalayan Architecture: The village houses are a prime example of vernacular architecture, built using local timber (cedar/pine) and slate stones. The buildings feature cantilevered balconies, low-eaved roofs, and raised plinths to deal with heavy rainfall and snow. Dimension (Scale) Typically small, 2Rs.3 storied structures, approximately 10 meters×8 meters in footprint.
Stonework and Wood Carving: Look for intricate stonework in the plinths and simple, functional wood carvings around the doors and windows, which serve both aesthetic and insulating purposes.
Terrace Farming: The 'architecture' of the landscape itself—the precise, multi-tiered terrace farms—is a major structural feature of the village's design, engineered for high-altitude agriculture. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) (approx. 233 KMS to the village). Taxi to Gangtok, then authorized vehicle to Lachung (overnight), then a short, final drive to Khedum Village.
By Train: Nearest station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) (ap... -
Near Tourist Places:
Bhim Nala Falls (Amitabh Bachchan Falls) (2 KMS), Lachung (13 KMS), Chungthang (27 KMS), Lachung Monastery (15 KMS), Khanda Waterfalls (5 KMS), Singhik View Point (50 KMS), Phuentsho (18 KMS), Yumthang Valley (41 KMS), Zero Point (64 KMS), Mangan (38 KMS).
Tourism Tips
-
Health & Safety: Be respectful of the private property and homes in the village. Ask for permission before taking close-up photos of people.
Packing: Bring small gifts for children (pencils, notebooks, or sweets) but distribute them discree...
Reviews
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Borong
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chopta Valley View Point
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chungthang
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Green Lake Trek Base
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Hot Springs
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kala Patthar
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Katao
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Katao - North Sikkim
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Khanda Waterfalls
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Khedum Village
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities