Mangerjang
Mangerjang is a small village, surrounded by forests overlooking Mt. Kanchenjungha and River Teesta. Far from the tourist rush – it’s a refuge for the soul searchers. Here, you wake up to bird calls and fall asleep to starry nights. You can take jungle walks and stay in a village still not marked on the tourist map. Located at an altitude of 3500 feet on a cliff, Mangerjang is very near to Munsong and just 11 kms from Rangpo. The village has around eight resident families, who till a small piece of land and leave the rest to the deep forests. A village monastery, a playing field and a homestay run by an enterprising villager, is what makes most of the village. You also have a small thatched seating space on the cliff’s edge to enjoy your cup of tea and an open Maachan (bamboo watch tower) jutting out and hanging over the hill to overlook River Teesta and Mt. Kanchenjungha. BOOKING DETAILS OF MANGERJANG
Places to see at Mangerjang: There is a small monastery in Mangerjang and the village is surrounded by forests. You can take a forest walk with your hosts or spend all the time at The Maachan hanging over the cliff and witnessing the changing colours of Mt. Kanchenjungha and River Teesta. From the Maachan, you can enjoy views of Sikkim on the distance and the winding highways along the river. This little village of Mangerjang is near to Pedong, Munsong and Rangpo.
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Nearby attractions at Mangerjang: After a restful night you can make short trips to the nearby attractions. The Cross Hill near Pedong built in 1882 is acknowledged as a site of pilgrimage by the Local Christian Community. Another wonderful location is the Shahid Park, which nestles 2 km away from Pedong Bazar.
View of Teesta from Mangerjang
The park guards a stone, in honor of a local young soldier of Indian Army, Late Palender Raj who gave up his life at the (Kargil War). A trip to the Damsang fort, located in Pedong is also rewarding. However, only the ruins of the fort exist now. Do not miss to have the fascinating beauty of the Silence Valley, a small forestland. Many tourists also visit the Jalsa viewpoint in upper Munsong, a great place within the Cinchona plantation with a magnificent view of Mt. Kanchenjungha, River Teesta and lush forests surrounding it. There is an old British Bungalow at Jalsa, which gives the place a mystic feel and reminds of the Sahibs and their trips to the Himalayas.
Things to do at Mangerjang: You can either idle away your whole stay or enjoy some activities. You can trek through the forests or hire a car to go around the places. The place is also great for bird watching. However, the best thing to do is to climb up the Machan and gaze towards the mountains, rivers and forests. In the evenings you can arrange a small campfire.
Mangerjung maachan
How to reach Mangerjang: The closest railway station from the destination is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport. You would get shared cars to Rangpo in Sikkim from NJP or Bagdogra. From Rangpo or Kalimpong you can take the pick-up service to Mangerjang.
Best time to visit Mangerjang: Mangerjang welcomes tourist round the year. Winter is the best time for viewing Mt. Kanchenjungha. The monsoons fill up the rivers to the brim and gushing water, lush forests and wild flowers all around make Mangerjang a small paradise tucked along the slope of Himalayas.
Mangerjang homestay accommodation
Lodging and dining facilities: Mangerjang offers only one home stay facility, which provides furnished rooms with attached western bathrooms. Necessities like hot water, electricity, transport facilities and guides for local trek are also provided. There are Double Bedrooms, Triple Bedrooms and even family rooms in the home stay. All rooms come with attached western bathrooms and clean beds. The food is essentially Indian and home cooked and served hot with homely care.
Photo Courtesy Krishanu Majumder and others
