Tungkyoung Dho
Tungkyoung Dho is a serene, high-altitude natural lake that holds immense spiritual significance for the local Lepcha community. The name translates to "Sacred Lake" in the Lepcha language. Unlike the more famous lakes of Sikkim, Tungkyoung Dho remains a quiet, untouched gem that offers a peaceful environment for reflection. It is surrounded by dense forests and is often shrouded in mist, giving it a mystical appearance. According to local legend, the lake is protected by a deity, and any disturbance to its waters is considered disrespectful. The lake serves as a source of water for the surrounding ecosystem and is a vital part of the local biodiversity. Many traditional rituals are performed here by the Lepcha shamans (Bongthings) during special occasions. The path to the lake involves a short trek through cardamom plantations and rhododendron forests, making it an adventure for nature enthusiasts. The water is crystal clear and reflects the surrounding greenery and sky beautifully. It is an ideal spot for bird watching and experiencing the raw, uncommercialized beauty of North Sikkim. The silence here is profound, allowing visitors to hear the sounds of the forest and the distant mountains. It is a place that embodies the spiritual bond between the indigenous people and the natural world.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 HoursPlace Type:
Lake / Sacred SiteEntry Fees:
Entry Fee: There is no formal entry ticket to visit the lake as it is a natural public site.
Local Guide Fee: It is recommended to hire a local villager as a guide, which may cost around 300 to 500 rupees. ...Entry Fee: There is no formal entry ticket to visit the lake as it is a natural public site.
Local Guide Fee: It is recommended to hire a local villager as a guide, which may cost around 300 to 500 rupees.Timing:
Regular Timings: Best visited between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to avoid the dense evening mist and darkness.
Ideal Visit Time: April and May are best for seeing the blooms, while October is ideal for clear reflections. ...Regular Timings: Best visited between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to avoid the dense evening mist and darkness.
Ideal Visit Time: April and May are best for seeing the blooms, while October is ideal for clear reflections.Special Events:
Lhabab Duchen: A significant Buddhist festival where many locals visit the lake to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Lepcha New Year: Special rituals are performed by tribal elders to pray for the prosperity of the village and forest. ...Lhabab Duchen: A significant Buddhist festival where many locals visit the lake to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Lepcha New Year: Special rituals are performed by tribal elders to pray for the prosperity of the village and forest.Best Photo Spots:
Lake Mirror: The calm surface of the lake provides a perfect reflection of the surrounding pine trees and sky.
Stone Altars: These traditional structures offer a foreground element for photos representing local culture.
Read MoreLake Mirror: The calm surface of the lake provides a perfect reflection of the surrounding pine trees and sky.
Stone Altars: These traditional structures offer a foreground element for photos representing local culture.
Misty Path: The forest trail leading to the lake, especially when covered in fog, makes for atmospheric shots.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Nature Trekking: Enjoy a moderately easy trek through the forest to reach the secluded lake shores.
Bird Watching: Spot rare Himalayan birds like the Verditer Flycatcher and the Great Barbet near the water.
Meditation: Sit on the stone altars and experience the deep silence and spiritual energy of the sacred lake.
Macro Photography: Focus on the tiny mosses, lichens, and orchids that thrive in the humid lake environment.
Cultural Observation: Witness traditional Lepcha offerings if you happen to visit during a local ritual day.
Picnicking: Enjoy a quiet lunch by the lakeside, ensuring that no plastic or waste is left behind.
Journaling: The peaceful atmosphere is...Nature Trekking: Enjoy a moderately easy trek through the forest to reach the secluded lake shores.
Bird Watching: Spot rare Himalayan birds like the Verditer Flycatcher and the Great Barbet near the water.
Meditation: Sit on the stone altars and experience the deep silence and spiritual energy of the sacred lake.
Macro Photography: Focus on the tiny mosses, lichens, and orchids that thrive in the humid lake environment.
Cultural Observation: Witness traditional Lepcha offerings if you happen to visit during a local ritual day.
Picnicking: Enjoy a quiet lunch by the lakeside, ensuring that no plastic or waste is left behind.
Journaling: The peaceful atmosphere is perfect for writers and artists to find inspiration in the mountain scenery.
Flower Spotting: Search for wild rhododendrons and primulas that bloom in the surrounding woods during May.
Information
-
Why Famous:
Spiritual Landmark: Famous as one of the oldest and most sacred lakes in the Mangan district for the Lepcha people.
Biodiversity Hotspot: Known for its unique high-altitude flora and as a watering hole for Himalayan wildlife.Spiritual Landmark: Famous as one of the oldest and most sacred lakes in the Mangan district for the Lepcha people.
Biodiversity Hotspot: Known for its unique high-altitude flora and as a watering hole for Himalayan wildlife.
Mystical Ambience: Renowned for its year-round misty environment that creates a surreal and calm atmosphere. -
Architecture:
Natural Basin: The lake is a natural glacial depression with a circumference of approximately 500 meters.
Traditional Stone Altars: Small stone structures built by the Lepcha community for offering prayers are located along the eastern bank...Natural Basin: The lake is a natural glacial depression with a circumference of approximately 500 meters.
Traditional Stone Altars: Small stone structures built by the Lepcha community for offering prayers are located along the eastern bank.
Rustic Pathway: The approach path is made of naturally occurring stone slabs and wooden logs to prevent soil erosion.
Dimension: The lake covers an area of roughly 1. 5 acres with a varying depth of 10 to 15 feet depending on the season. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Pakyong or Bagdogra; take a taxi to Mangan and then proceed to Singhik.
By Train: From NJP railway station, hire a private cab to Mangan and Rs.Rs.Rs. a local taxi to the trailhead.
By Road...By Air: Nearest airport is Pakyong or Bagdogra; take a taxi to Mangan and then proceed to Singhik.
By Train: From NJP railway station, hire a private cab to Mangan and Rs.Rs.Rs. a local taxi to the trailhead.
By Road: Reach Singhik village on the North Sikkim Highway; the lake is a short trek from the village road.
By Local Transport: Use a shared jeep from Mangan to Singhik and then walk or hire a local cab to the trek start point. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Spring (March-May): The best season for nature lovers to see the forest in full bloom and active birdlife.
Autumn (October-November): Clear weather provides the best views of the lake and the surrounding peaks.
...Spring (March-May): The best season for nature lovers to see the forest in full bloom and active birdlife.
Autumn (October-November): Clear weather provides the best views of the lake and the surrounding peaks.
Winter (December-February): The lake may partially freeze, offering a unique and starkly beautiful landscape. -
Near Tourist Places:
Singhik Viewpoint (1 km), Mangan Bazaar (5 km), Sirijonga Yuma Mangheem (2 km), Rong Lungten Lee (4 km), Naga Waterfall (12 km), Seven Sister Waterfall (12 km), Phodong Monastery (35 km), Labrang Monastery (37 km), Dzongu (16 km), Chungthang (20 km)
Tourism Tips
-
Health & Safety: The trek path can be slippery; wear waterproof trekking shoes with good grip.
Packing: Carry drinking water and snacks as there are no shops at the lake; bring a raincoat.
Accommodation: S...Health & Safety: The trek path can be slippery; wear waterproof trekking shoes with good grip.
Packing: Carry drinking water and snacks as there are no shops at the lake; bring a raincoat.
Accommodation: Stay in Singhik homestays to be close to the lake for an early morning visit.
Cash & Connectivity: No mobile signal at the lake; ensure you have enough cash for the guide from Mangan.
Respect the Sacred: Do not wash hands or feet in the lake water as it is considered holy by the Lepchas.
Reviews
FAQs
Mangan Itineray And Cost:-
Information about New and Updated Locations() of Sikkim Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Bhewma Falls
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bhim Nala Falls
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chungthang Dam View Point
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dikchu River View Point
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dzongu Valley
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Flower Valley
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Hanging Bridge on Kanakha Khola
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kabi Lungchok
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kanchenjunga View Point
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Karmapa View Point
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities