Lepcha Museum

4.4

Location: 3F7C+8X6, H.L Dixit Rd, Kalimpong Khasmahal, Kalimpong, West Bengal 734301, India.

Estimated Visiting Time: Approximately 45 minutes.

A visit to the Lepcha Museum is a food of heart for the art and culture enthusiasts. Sonam Tshering Lapcha, who was awarded the Banga Bhushan Award, built it. He is also a noted folk song and dance teacher in the area. The museum is a milestone in preserving and illustrating the Lepcha culture and tradition. At a distance of 1 km from Kalimpong bus station, it is one of the best places to visit in Kalimpong. It helps to enrich your knowledge about an old generation and their rich culture. Though they have migrated from other regions, they established themselves as a nation with individual cultures. Sometimes, Sonam Tshering Lepcha, the museum’s founder, might personally guide the visitors, play folk tunes, and sing.

Attraction

The Museum’s main attractions are the articles of worship, original Lepcha musical wind instruments, handicraft items, and manuscripts. Every item in this Museum reminds us about the community’s life, culture, and tradition. It reflects their rich tradition. For those people who are interested in studying heritage and old collections, this Museum is absolutely an appropriate place. The Museum will be the best place to spend a day with various artifacts. One can enjoy the community’s historical tales filled with rich culture, language, and heritage.

History

It is said that many people from various cultures, such as different hill tribes, have lived in this area for centuries. Among them, Lepchas are one of the groups who migrated centuries ago from either Myanmar or Mongolia. Over decades, they have become local, setting down in Kalimpong, Sikkim, Darjeeling, and adjoining areas. Padmashree Sonam Tshering Lepcha built a local Lepcha School and a museum. This 90-year-old man aimed to preserve the rich tradition of Leocha communities. So, he created the school and museum on his initiative. Sonam Lepcha is an incredible musician and plays various wind instruments. That’s why he was able to set the museum as one of its kind in Asia.

Inside/Outside Views

Some places are decorated in the museum with historical tales and breathtaking picturesque landscapes, while others are for their rich indigenous art and culture. On the first floor, the building organized the Lepcha school and the museum. The number of wind instruments made and used by the community will be hypnotized. The stories, songs, and music related to the history of the community will satisfy your heart. It will indeed be a delight to know the tribes of the Himalayas.

Opening Hours

Saturday Closed

Sunday Closed

Monday 10:30 AM–4:30 PM

Tuesday 10:30 AM–4:30 PM

Wednesday 10:30 AM–4:30 PM

Thursday 10:30 AM–4:30 PM

Friday 10:30 AM–4:30 PM

Entry & Others Fees

There are no entry fees for visitors.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By Road: The distance between Kalimpong Bus Station and Lepcha Museum is only 1km. From here, one can quickly get any local transport to the museum, which takes only 30 minutes. Teesta Bazar bus station is the nearest bus station to the museum. It requires only a 10-minute walk downhill, below the sports ground.

By Train: Kalimpong doesn’t have a railway station. The nearest railway station to this place is the New Jalpaiguri railway station. It takes around 3 hours to reach Kalimpong. You can get to the museum by any local transport or Cab.

By Air: Bagdogra International Airport is the nearest airport to Kalimpong, which is 79 km away. It is well connected with the rest of India. You can hire a taxi or Cab to reach the museum quickly.