Lepchakha
A Drukpa mountain village above Buxa Fort, known as the 'Crown of the Duars', with views over the plain and the rivers winding across it.
Lepchakha is a small mountain village about 3 km above Buxa Fort, at roughly 1,000 m. Most residents are Drukpa people of Bhutanese descent, and the village has small shrines and prayer flags. It sits on an open grassy ridge. On clear days, you can see the whole Duars Plain, with the Jayanti and Bala rivers and others flowing south like silver ribbons. Visitors have dubbed it the 'Crown of the Duars'. The village can only be reached on foot, about 3–4 hours from Santalabari. It has a few family homestays, where you can stay for sunrise and stargazing. The mountain paths are steep, so bring plenty of water and hire a guide.
Opening hours
Open all day (hike-only access)
Nearby sights
- Buxa Fort
- Pokhri Hill
- Jayanti River Valley
- Raimatang
- Mahakal Cave
- Buxa Tiger Reserve Jungle Safari
- Rajabhatkhawa Nature Interpretation Centre
- Chilapata Forest