About Kabi Lungchok
Opening Hours: 08:00 am- 03:00 pm
Prime Day & Hours: Weekends, early mornings
Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours
Tickets: Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Junction, about 133 km away
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport, about 144 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: Gangtok Bus Stand, about 21 km away
Kabi Lungchok, which is about 17 km north of Gangtok along the North Sikkim Highway, is both a sacred grove and a symbol of unity from the past. It honours the 13th-century "Blood Brotherhood Treaty" that was made between Lepcha chief Thekong Tek and Tibetan prince Khye Bumsa. This symbolic agreement, signed under the watch of Mount Kangchenjunga, was made permanent by blood-dipped feet and stone pillars. Later, life-size statues were built to honour both leaders, a definite addition to your Sikkim tour package.
Visitors walk along a stone path covered in moss through a subtropical hill forest with alder, Castanopsis, and Michelia trees. It is also a heaven for birdwatchers, where the rich biodiversity houses species like crest serpent eagle, rufous-necked hornbill, and grey-crowned prinia.
Sekhiuk Puja and Pang Lhabsol are two annual rituals that keep the shared culture of the Lepchas and Bhutias alive. Kabi Lungchok gives visitors a real taste of Sikkim's tribal and spiritual roots, with a mix of cultural respect and peace in the mountains.
Kabi Lungchok Highlights
• Visit the stone pillars commemorating the 13th-century Blood Brotherhood Treaty at Kabi Lungchok.
• Wandering the dense forest that shelters varied species like the grey-crowned prinia and Ward’s trogon.
• Witness prayers offered to Mount Kanchenjunga, mask dances, and evocative ceremonies during festivals like Pang Lhabsol & Sekhiuk Puja Festivals.
How To Reach Kabi Lungchok
By car/taxi: The Kabi Lungchok is about 2 km from the Kabi city centre. It will take you around 5 minutes to get there.
Best Time To Visit Kabi Lungchok
Peak Season (March to May):
- Weather Insights: Pleasant weather, moderate temperature, 10 to 20 °C by day, cooler nights (~5 °C)
- Things to Do: Explore the Coronation Throne, Norbugang Chorten
Moderate Season (September to November):
- Weather Insights: Post-monsoon clarity, 10 to 18 °C daytime, around 5 °C at night
- Things to do: Hike to Dubdi and Kartok Lake, sample local momos
Low Season (June to August: Monsoon; December to February: Winter):
Monsoon:
- Weather Insights: Temperatures hover between 15 °C to 25 °C with high rainfall and periodic fog
- Things to do: Enjoy lush greenery
Winter:
- Weather Insights: Cold weather, and snowfall blanket Yuksom, with temperatures ranging from -5 to 10 °C
- Things to do: View the frozen Coronation Throne, trek to Dubdi with snow gear
Kabi Lungchok Other Essential Information
Know before you go
- Obtain the Inner-Line Permit in advance which is required for North Sikkim entry, and ensure documentation to avoid delays.
- Wear sturdy footwear as the forested site features stone pathways and uneven terrain, a good grip prevents trips and slips.
- Hire a local guide to enrich your visit with the historic “blood–brotherhood” story and sacred grove knowledge.
- Carry cash as no ATMs are nearby and connectivity is also limited; small village shops and homestays rely on cash transactions.
- Respect sacred grove etiquette, dress modestly, keep noise low, and seek permission before photographing statues or rituals.
Stand at the Blood-Brotherhood Memorial
Go see the life-size statues and moss-covered stone pillars that honour the "Treaty of Blood Brotherhood" between Lepcha chief Thekong Tek and Bhutia prince Khye Bumsa in the 13th century. It’s a profound moment under ancient trees with Kangchenjunga seldom in view.
Wander the Sacred Grove Pathway
Take a peaceful 5-minute walk through subtropical alder, Castanopsis, and Michelia woodland along a stone-lined path covered in prayer flags. Let the waterfalls calm you down and listen to birds like rufous-necked hornbills and crested serpent eagles.
Indulge in Birdwatching
Crested Serpent Eagles, black-breasted parrotbills, grey-crowned prinias, Ward's trogons, and other birds live in Kabi Lungchok's biodiverse forest. Bring binoculars and a camera so you can see wildlife in peaceful natural settings.
Join Annual Ritual Festivals
During Sekhiuk Puja (the 9th Bhutia month) or Pang Lhabsol (the 7th Bhutia month), you can see colourful mask dances, prayers to Mount Kanchenjunga, and communal honour of the historic treaty. It's a great way to learn about tribal traditions and local Sikkimese culture.
Tourism Board Alliances
Kabi Lungchok FAQs
What is the historical significance of Kabi Lungchok?
The Lepcha chief Thekong Tek and the Bhutia king Khye Bumsa made a "blood-brotherhood" treaty at Kabi Lungchok in the 13th century. This was the start of Sikkim's formation. Stone pillars, life-size statues, and yearly ceremonies to honour this old agreement mark the spot.
Are any permits required to visit?
Kabi Lungchok is outside of restricted areas, so you don't need any special permits to go there. To get into North Sikkim, you only need regular vehicle permits. Local drivers usually take care of any paperwork that needs to be done for their cars.
When is the best time to visit, and any special events?
The best months to visit for clear weather are October through March, even though the site is open all year round. Pang Lhabsol (July, honouring the treaty and Kanchenjunga) and Sekhiuk Puja (September) are two cultural festivals that add a lot of local ceremony and visuals.
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