CHALUM DAMROO ORANGE FESTIVAL - DZONGU, NORTH SIKKIM

Join us as we explore the hidden gem of Dzongu to celebrate Chalum Damroo

Chalum Damroo festival upholds the animistic traditions of the Lepchas who were originally nature worshippers. This festival affirms the close relationship that Lepchas hold with mother nature in their habitat- Dzongu- a sacred landscape. We, therefore, invite you to join us at Chalum Damroo, which is an opportune festival to not only explore the landscape of the Lepchas but to also immerse in the annual cultural activities of one of the oldest tribes of the region.

About Chalum Damroo

Chalum Damroo is the annual celebration of the orange harvest of Dzongu which will take place in the orange village of Gnon-Sangdong from 23-24th January 2023. Dzongu has always been famous for its oranges and is one of the major producers of Sikkim. The Chalum Dambro eco-tourism festival is organized by Chalum Dambro Eco Tourism Committee and community, to highlight the importance of mandarin farmers of Dzongu. The festival showcases the rich culture of the Lepchas through traditional sports, traditional cuisine competitions, bird watching, butterfly sightings, village walks, art and crafts exhibition, orange eating competition, tribal fashion show and community activities.

About Dzongu

In Lepcha teachings and folklore, Dzongu is said to be the bridge to Mayal Lyang, where all Lepchas are thought to originate from and are finally arriving. This is the reason why Dzongu has been marked a natural habitat and reserve for the Lepchas since the sixties. A sparsely populated vast triangular region in the north district, bordered by the Teesta River in the southeast and the Kanchenjunga range of mountains in the west, Dzongu is definitely one of the best-kept secrets of Sikkim. This valley, which is cradled by the snowy foothills of the Himalayas, is juxtaposed by the lush greenery that is omnipresent in the rolling hillocks. Much like this contrast in the landscape of Dzongu, the Lepchas have also been preserving their tradition and culture in these modern, ever-changing and transient times.

The Itinerary

Day 1: 22 Jan - Reaching Dzongu

Our journey starts from Kalimpong at 8 a.m and people joining from other places can meet us accordingly at Chitrey/Teesta Bazar. It will take 4-5 hours to reach our destination Dzongu via /Singtam and Dikchu. At Dzongu, you will be accommodated in the beautiful award-winning Savong lee homestay in Hee-Gyathang Village. After lunch, you can take your time to explore the serene village and get acquainted with the life of Dzongu. In the evening you will be introduced to Dzongu and the Lepchas by your hosts over a bonfire.

Day 2: 23 Jan - The festival

After breakfast, we get ready for the event that we all have been waiting for, The Chalum Damroo festival. At Gnon- Samdong village where the festival is taking place, your whole day in the festival will be filled with various cultural activities and experiences that will fully immerse you in the fabric of Dzongu’s culture and the joy of oranges.

Day 3: 24 Jan - Dzongu is Bliss

Post breakfast we start our day with a short hike to the much revered and one of the first monasteries of the area, the Tashi Choling Monastery to pay our respects to the gods of Dzongu. Fostering our beautiful memories we will have a cozy picnic by the beautiful mountain river of Dzongu. After this, we get back to the festival in the evening for the second day of the event and engage in more orange magic and festivities that follow. The day ends by sharing the experiences of our trip over a bonfire and soothing folk music at the homestay.

Day 4: 25 Jan- Not the last goodbye

After Breakfast, we take our leave from the holy land of Lepchas and head back to Kalimpong.

Trip Inclusions

• Transportation from Kalimpong/ Teesta Bazar to Dzongu (To and fro)
• Permit for Lepcha Reserve Area
• Accommodation in Homestays/ Tents on twin sharing basis
• Three Times Meal
• Entry to Chalum Damroo
• Sightseeing around Dzongu
• River Picnic
• Bonfire and folk music

Trip Exclusions

• Any food/ local items you order at the festival venue
• Any extra food/ local wine demands in the homestays
• Any travel plans beyond the trips itinerary
• Any added costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances.