PRIOR INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR THESE PLACES OF VISIT

Rugged and beautiful in northwestern Sikkim, it is the homeland of the Lepchaism, the original inhabitants of Sikkim.its rocky peaks and remote valleys are homes to rare fauna and flora that are endemic to the area. Dzonju is about 70 km north of Gangtok and takes 2 hours by jeep. This picturesque valley was formed by fast flowing glacier-fed rivers emerging from the Himalayas. The area is very remote and surrounded by sharply titled verdant mountains that are stacked on top of each other at a forbidden angle. Many of the village trails pass through gorgeous, pristine forest dripping with moss and orchids. The people of Dzongu are mostly cultivators and are known for their amicability. Activities of Dzongu can include invigorating walks in upper and lower Dzongu to experience the thrill of crossing cane and bamboo bridges that pass over churning rivers. Birds,waterfalls and dense pristine vegetation makes the place ideal for botanical excursions. Tholung Gumpa at upper Dzongu is marked with beautiful Chortens as its entrance and prayer flags circle the shrines. Every three years and important religious is held here. However it is to be noted that the visitors to Dzongu must obtain a Restricted Area Permit before coming.

Tholung valley is the home of the Ethnic Lepcha people of Sikkim and is now a protected area. The Lepchas live in small villages amongst the dense forested slopes high above the Tholung valley.

The Tholung monastery houses many relics and antiques collected from other monasteries for safe keeping. Many of these relics are displayed on a special day every three years. The trek up this beautifully forested valley leads to the higher alpine valleys where yaks graze below the snow capped mountains of the Khanchenjunga range.

Apart from the Dzongri trek in extreme Western Sikkim, trekking in sikkim, particularly to northern frontiers is still in its nascent stage owing to permit formalities or its proximity to the borders. But the hassles are there no more.
A trek up to Tholung via halts at Tingvoong homestay at Thingvoong is one of the best trekking areas following the northern fringes. The trek demands good fitness and medically sound body so as to meet the challenges like steep trek through thick forest as well as resistance to sleep in makeshift jungle houses, caves, cowsheds etc.
When the night falls, local Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese gather at the homestay and entertain the guests with traditional folk songs and dances. Tingvoong is one of the happening villages in Dzongu, the Lepcha reserve.
We can see the intermingling of three communities here – where they live, work and merry make together. All the three enjoy Chang, a local drink made of brewed millet. The fermented millet is put in a slender Bamboo container and the water is taken with the help of bamboo straw. Chang is also a demanding drink among the foreign people.
There are interesting things we get to see as we proceed towards Sakyong Pentok, between Tingvoong and Tholung particularly the swinging cane bridge. A place where accessibility is nil, the Lepchas who are known for their ingenuity in weaving items from canes and bamboos have made bridges out of canes. Log bridges are also made so as to cross smaller rivers.

The Kamsel ceremony usually lasts for three days.The Kamsel Ceremony is something very special, as it is held only after a gap of three years. The ceremony refers to the airing and sunning of the belongings of, particularly the Thankas, and other personal effects of Lhatsun Chenpo, one of the three great lamas who met at Yuksom in West sikkim.
Tholung is not only known for this ceremony, but a number of sacred places like the holy water spring or Thulkhang, which the devout only after a good prayer performance flows or else abruptly stops make the place exceptional place to visit. This water can cure one from diseases like goiter.
The shape of the water body is something like a mother’s womb, there by dictating purity. The Thulkhang water as experimented by many people never turns dirty or changed like other water. Moreover, the water flow of Thulkhang stops if something bad is about to happen, devout believe.
Additionally, before reaching this spring, there is a sacred rock on which is seen a conch but surprisingly nobody has reached it to feel the touch of it. There is a waterfall nearby that would cure from headache. In another direction of the rock are the footprints of Guru Rimpoche, his rib parts, imprinted whole opening the tear (sacred relic box) and nearby a place to pray for wealth at a place called Sinje Badong..The waterfall produces a loud, scary sound, which if get a drop one would go to heaven after death. Nobody is, moreover prohibited to go in and the departments has developed network fencing and foothpath last year only to give a better view and protection.
On the other hand, opposite to Tholung, across Tholung river there’s Kang Chachut drinking hot water spring, the only one in Sikkim that has the power to cure a diabetic patient. Likewise, a cane bridge is also built here for the pilgrims in large. If only the cane bridge be renovated then there would be no danger for such a big crowed to pass through.
Phatuk, a kid of greyish white colour bird comes to drink this water in October and November. It is also known that the Lepcha priests pray for more of this kind of birds here. It is commendable work on the part of the department to plan proposals to revive these Lepcha prayers.