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Dokchen

Nestled in the Pakyong district of Sikkim, Dokchen is a peaceful village at an elevation of about 1,800 meters above sea level. It is situated just off the ancient Silk Route and offers a clear view of Zuluk across the hills. The Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a wide variety of biodiversity, including the endangered red panda, lies next to this hidden gem in the Regu GPU. Dokchen is a village on the outskirts of this sanctuary that is crucial to conservation initiatives funded by the SBI Foundation and WWF-India, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a genuine, environmentally conscious Himalayan experience.

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Village Attractions


(Dokchen: An Undiscovered Treasure in the Highlands of Sikkim)
As you leave the main Silk Route and take the diversion toward Dokchen, the adventure begins with about 500 meters of off-road terrain before reaching the smooth metal road that leads up to the village. This scenic drive takes you over a 40 meters-span steel bridge over the Sudam Khola (River), marking the start of an uphill journey into the heart of Dokchen. Visitors are welcomed by sweeping views, serene landscapes, and an authentic glimpse into traditional Himalayan life.
 
Dokchen is renowned for its expansive fields of black cardamom, which stretch across the hillsides and invites tourists to stroll or hike among the crops.Nearly every home is equipped with drying sheds, known locally known as Bhatti, showcasing the importance of cardamom to the village’s livelihood. Dokchen possesses self-sufficiency, simplicity, and an untouched charm with its well-kept by the locals.
The surrounding nature enhances Dokchen's beauty, with lush vegetation and vivid sunsets adding color to the landscape. Layered mountain views emerge from the village, with pyramid-shaped peak of Mount Kanchenjunga visible on clear days, adding to the village's breathtaking panorama.
 
A traditional blacksmith workshop adds a historical element, with community members carrying on a tradition passed down through generations. The village's spiritual center is its monastery, where Yeshe Dorjee, a dedicated monk, has kept the sacred space intact for over 20 years, accompanied by his two faithful cats.

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The villagers of Dokchen have a particular place in their hearts for Devi Than, and they come together here once a year to offer prayers for prosperous farming and the community's welfare. After a cow became ill while grazing nearby, the locals began to consider this location sacred. As a sign of reverence and respect, they have since maintained the location by not trimming any trees, grass, or branches close by.

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Nag Than is steeped in local legend, where villagers once believed a pond existed to water horses passing through. According to the story, a tragedy struck when a grandmother tragically drowned in the pond. Following this incident, the pond was filled in, leaving only a small stream as a reminder of its past.

Must-Visit Spots in Dokchen:


For those seeking even more, hidden trails in Dokchen accessible by hiking with a local guide lead:

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  • Pangolakha (Birding)

  • Marshkharka (red pandazone)

  • Dhinkha

  • Kingsha

  • Pacha view point

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