Tendong Hill
Tendong Hill is a prominent landmark and a sacred destination situated at an altitude of 8,530 feet above sea level. In the local Lepcha language, "Tendong" means "the upraised horn," originating from a legend where the hill rose up to save the Lepcha people from a great deluge. The hill is essenti ally an extinct volcano and offers a unique geological perspective of the region. To reach the summit, one must undertake a 6 KM trek through the lush forests of the Tendong State Biodiversity Park. This trail is a haven for nature lovers, featuring a dense canopy of bamboo, oaks, and flowering rhododendrons. The forest is home to various wildlife, including the elusive Red Panda, Himalayan bears, and over 90 species of birds. At the top, a three-storied watchtower provides a staggering 360-degree view of the Eastern Himalayas. On a clear day, one can see the plains of West Bengal, the Singalila Range, and even parts of Tibet and Bhutan. The summit also houses a small monastery and remains a place of spiritual retreat for Buddhist Lamas who come here for long periods of meditation. The trek is moderately challenging but deeply rewarding for the silence and scenic grandeur it offers. It is a place where mythology and natural beauty converge perfectly. :
General information
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Ideal Duration:
6 to 8 Hours (Including Trek)Place Type:
Hill / Trekking / PilgrimageEntry Fees:
Entry to the Trail is currently Free for all visitors. Professional Photography Permits may be required for commercial shoots and can be obtained from the Forest Department for a fee of 500 to 1,000 INR.
:...Entry to the Trail is currently Free for all visitors. Professional Photography Permits may be required for commercial shoots and can be obtained from the Forest Department for a fee of 500 to 1,000 INR.
:Timing:
Regular Timings are from Sunrise to Sunset. It is advised to start the trek by 8:00 AM to return before dark.
Ideal Visit Time: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM is best for clear visibility and avoiding the afternoon mist.
:...Regular Timings are from Sunrise to Sunset. It is advised to start the trek by 8:00 AM to return before dark.
Ideal Visit Time: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM is best for clear visibility and avoiding the afternoon mist.
:Special Events:
Tendong Lho Rum Faat is the biggest festival held on August 8th, where the Lepcha people offer prayers to the hill for protection and prosperity.
:...Tendong Lho Rum Faat is the biggest festival held on August 8th, where the Lepcha people offer prayers to the hill for protection and prosperity.
:Best Photo Spots:
The Watchtower Summit is the best place to capture the Kanchenjunga peak at sunrise. The Forest Canopy halfway through the trek provides a moody, ethereal backdrop for portrait photography. The Prayer Flags at the monastery offer a colorful foreground for shots of the valley below.The Watchtower Summit is the best place to capture the Kanchenjunga peak at sunrise. The Forest Canopy halfway through the trek provides a moody, ethereal backdrop for portrait photography. The Prayer Flags at the monastery offer a colorful foreground for shots of the valley below.
:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Trekking from Damthang is the primary activity, taking you through a mystical forest trail. Birdwatching is exceptional here, with chances to spot the Kalij Pheasant and various species of Laughingthrush. Panoramic Sightseeing from the watchtower is the ultimate reward for the climb. Spiritual Meditation at the summit monastery provides a sense of calm and clarity. Nature Photography of the dense ferns and moss-covered trees along the trail is very popular. Picnicking at the flat grassy patches on the summit is a local favorite during summer. Studying Local Folklore by talking to the village elders in Damthang before you start the hike.
:...Trekking from Damthang is the primary activity, taking you through a mystical forest trail. Birdwatching is exceptional here, with chances to spot the Kalij Pheasant and various species of Laughingthrush. Panoramic Sightseeing from the watchtower is the ultimate reward for the climb. Spiritual Meditation at the summit monastery provides a sense of calm and clarity. Nature Photography of the dense ferns and moss-covered trees along the trail is very popular. Picnicking at the flat grassy patches on the summit is a local favorite during summer. Studying Local Folklore by talking to the village elders in Damthang before you start the hike.
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Information
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Why Famous:
Mythological Significance makes it a pilgrimage site for the Lepcha tribe who believe the hill saved their ancestors. Breathtaking 360-Degree Views from the watchtower are unrivaled in South Sikkim, offering sights of the entire Himalayan range. Rich Biodiversity attracts researchers and birdwatc...Mythological Significance makes it a pilgrimage site for the Lepcha tribe who believe the hill saved their ancestors. Breathtaking 360-Degree Views from the watchtower are unrivaled in South Sikkim, offering sights of the entire Himalayan range. Rich Biodiversity attracts researchers and birdwatchers looking for rare Himalayan flora and fauna.
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Architecture:
The Watchtower at the summit is a simple yet sturdy three-storied structure made of concrete and iron, designed to withstand high-altitude winds.
Dimension: The tower stands approximately 35 feet tall, with an observation deck of about 400 square feet on the top fl...The Watchtower at the summit is a simple yet sturdy three-storied structure made of concrete and iron, designed to withstand high-altitude winds.
Dimension: The tower stands approximately 35 feet tall, with an observation deck of about 400 square feet on the top floor. The Tendong Gumpa (monastery) is a traditional Sikkimese structure featuring stone masonry and a sloping wooden roof adorned with colorful prayer flags. The interior of the monastery is small, roughly 15 by 15 feet, housing ancient idols and sacred scriptures.
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How To Reach:
By Air via Bagdogra (125 km) followed by a drive to Ravangla. By Train via NJP (120 km). By Road, drive 13 KM from Ravangla to reach Damthang Bazaar, which is the trek's starting point. By Local Transport, local taxis run frequently between Ravangla and Damthang for a small fare.By Air via Bagdogra (125 km) followed by a drive to Ravangla. By Train via NJP (120 km). By Road, drive 13 KM from Ravangla to reach Damthang Bazaar, which is the trek's starting point. By Local Transport, local taxis run frequently between Ravangla and Damthang for a small fare.
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Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Spring (March to May) is the best time for blooming rhododendrons and mild temperatures. Autumn (October to November) offers the best visibility of the snow-capped peaks. Summer (June to August) is the time for the local festival, though trails can be slippery due to rain.
Read MoreSpring (March to May) is the best time for blooming rhododendrons and mild temperatures. Autumn (October to November) offers the best visibility of the snow-capped peaks. Summer (June to August) is the time for the local festival, though trails can be slippery due to rain.
:Near Tourist Places:
Buddha Park (14 km), Temi Tea Garden (15 km), Samdruptse Hill (20 km), Maenam Hill (18 km), Namchi (14 km), Bon Monastery (16 km), Ralong Monastery (23 km), Rayong Viewpoint (15 km), Kewzing (18 km), Borong (26 km).Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety is vital; carry a walking stick and plenty of water, as there are no shops on the trail. Packing should include a raincoat and salt/tobacco for leeches during the monsoon months. Cash is necessary for the taxi and snacks at the base in Damthang. Connectivity is almost non-existe...Health & Safety is vital; carry a walking stick and plenty of water, as there are no shops on the trail. Packing should include a raincoat and salt/tobacco for leeches during the monsoon months. Cash is necessary for the taxi and snacks at the base in Damthang. Connectivity is almost non-existent at the summit, so inform your hotel about your return time.
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