About Rong Lungten Lee
Prime Day & Hours: Weekends, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours
Tickets: Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri railway station, about 182 km away
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport, about 179 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: Lachung Bus Stand, about 55 km away
Rong Lungten Lee is a carefully preserved copy of a traditional Lepcha house called "Kaa-den-mo-lee" that is located in Namprikdang, North Sikkim. This museum-like home sits at the point where the Teesta and Kanaka rivers meet. It has a peaceful Himalayan atmosphere and vibrant displays of local culture, making it one of the best places to visit in Sikkim.
Three connected rooms inside, including the loft or Phodong, hold rare items like woven clothing, ritual tools, household tools, and old family heirlooms. These tell the story of Lepcha traditions and craftsmanship that have been around for hundreds of years. The structure is built without nails, using huge wooden pillars set on flat stones. This design is strong enough to withstand earthquakes and floods and was made using knowledge passed down through generations.
It is also home to the Lepcha Namsoong festival in December and January, which celebrates local stories, traditional dances, and the cycles of farming. It's a must-see cultural stop on North Sikkim heritage circuits.
Rong Lungten Lee Highlights
• Explore a traditional indigenous Lepcha house at Rong Lungten Lee, a full‑scale replica in Namprikdang, North Sikkim.
• Discover rare Lepcha artefacts, housed across three chambers, including the attic “phodong,” with tribal tools, jewellery, clothing, and musical instruments.
• Visit the confluence of the Teesta and Kanaka rivers amid lush flora and peaceful forested surroundings.
How To Reach Rong Lungten Lee
By car/taxi: Namprikdang is about 71 km away from Gangtok via Singtam - Chungthang Rd. It will take you around 2 hours and 40 minutes to get there.
Best Time To Visit Rong Lungten Lee
Peak Season (March to June):
- Weather Insights: Clear skies, mild days at 10 to 25 °C, nights cooler at 5 to 15 °C
- Things to Do: Explore the Lepcha heritage house, enjoy blooming rhododendrons, and riverside flora
Moderate Season (September to November):
- Weather Insights: Crisp, clear air, daytime highs of 10 to 20 °C, nights around 2 to 8 °C
- Things to do: Explore artefact chambers, photography at the Teesta–Kanaka confluence
Low Season (July to September: Monsoon; December to February: Winter):
Monsoon:
- Weather Insights: Heavy rain, poor visibility, with temperatures ranging from 4 to 17 °C;
- Things to do: Enjoy lush greenery, nature photography
Winter:
- Weather Insights: Cold weather, with temperatures ranging from 0 to 7 °C; sub-zero nights likely
- Things to do: Experience the Namsoong Festival, enjoy the snow-capped surroundings
Rong Lungten Lee Other Essential Information
Know before you go
- Wear light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes, as exploring the exhibits and outdoor areas can take a few hours.
- Carry water and other snacks, especially on warm days, if you are planning to stay for longer hours.
- Check the timings in advance to avoid long waits, especially during weekends and holidays when it can get crowded.
- Ask for permission from the authorities before taking any pictures and making videos inside the science centre and planetarium.
- Allocate at least 3-4 hours to fully explore the artefacts and the deep history of the place.
Admire the Authentic Lepcha Architecture
Check out the traditional wooden Kaa-den-mo-lee, which is perched on stone stilts to protect it from floods and earthquakes. This three-room building has a “phodong” attic. It is a great example of simple rural architecture that uses local wood, bamboo, cane, and thatch in a thoughtful way.
Explore the Rich Artifact Displays
Inside, you can walk through old rooms that show off Lepcha cultural treasures like traditional clothing, musical instruments, bamboo and cane household items, ritual tools, and family heirlooms. The attic is home to valuable artefacts that give a vivid, immersive look at the daily lives and customs of Indigenous people.
Attend the Lepcha Namsoong Festival
Come to Namsoong (Lepcha New Year) at Rong Lungten Lee, where you can enjoy storytelling, ritual offerings, folk dances, ceremonies led by shamans, and communal feasting. These events are based on agricultural rites and Lepcha spirituality.
Enjoy the Scenic Riverside Location
The site is surrounded by thick Dzongu forests and is located at the confluence of the Teesta and Kanaka rivers. People who come here enjoy peaceful views of the river, and a wide variety of plants and animals. The calm atmosphere here is enhanced by the area's sacred natural heritage.
Tourism Board Alliances
Rong Lungten Lee FAQs
What is Rong Lungten Lee, and where is it located?
Rong Lungten Lee is a preserved replica of a traditional Lepcha house called "Kaa-den-mo-lee." It is 8 km from Mangan in Namprikdang. It is located next to where the Kanaka and Teesta rivers meet in North Sikkim, which makes it a great place for heritage tourism because of its rich culture and natural beauty.
What cultural artefacts are on display?
The three connected rooms are full of rich Lepcha culture, including handwoven traditional clothing, bamboo and cane utensils, musical instruments, ritual tools, and old family heirlooms. The upper attic zone has valuable items that give you a real look at Lepcha's daily life and material culture.
Are festivals celebrated here?
Yes, the site comes to life during Namsoong/Lepocha New Year, which is in early December to January. During the three-day festival, shamans (Mun/Bongthing) do rituals, folk dances, archery, burning effigies, and eating together. Visitors can learn about deep Lepcha spirituality and take part in local celebrations.
