TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
The Tinjurey Ecotourism Festival, a true Ecotourism
Experience!
The Tinjurey Ecotourism Festival was held at Pangthang, East
Sikkim on the 12th& 13th March, 2016. This is the 2nd Festival
held, the first was held in March 2015. The first Tinjurey
festival had been participated by 500 Eco tourists (source:
Forest Department, GoS).
What is Ecotourism?
TinjureyDaara, a description
The Tinjurey festival in photos with description
12 Things to follow
The Log house, Golitar: Accomodation and base for Tinjurey trek
The Activity Area
Food Stalls/ Sikkimese cuisine
People, The Lepchas
Antique Lepcha items
Dos and Donts in the festival
The Tinjurey Trek
Villages in the Area: Lyndok-Nampong Village, and RakdongTintek Village
Homestays in RakdongTintek
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
The Festival was organised by the Forest Environment Wildlife
Management Department, supported by the Tourism
Department and other line Departments. A major achievement
in thisfestival was that the organisation in Tinjurey and its
activity areas for the tourists were made possible by the
members and stakeholders of 51-Lingdok- Nampong Eco-
Development Committee (EDC). This goes to show that the
local people of the area had greatly benefitted from the 1st
instalment of the Festival and this festival showed that locals
had understood the concepts of ecotourism which was on
display in the festival.
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
What is Ecotourism?
In simple words, ecotourism is about preserving natural
resources and forest life and at the same time, appreciating
and enjoying the ingenuous charm of the land.
Ecotourism is viewed as an opportunity to generate income and
employment. The basic premise of the ecotourism component
is to develop successful community based tourism i.e. ventures
that satisfy both conservation and development objectives,
which are envisaged through community based ecotourism,
which help in promoting the Himalayan way of life.
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
Ecotourism is a remarkable and pivotal part of tourism because
it enhances the natural and cultural integrity of the people in a
responsible manner
This 2nd Tinjurey Ecotourism Festival is ecotourism in the true
sense because along with keeping the triple bottom line, as in
environmental, economic, and cultural aspects in balance the
materials used to build the stalls, and other required
infrastructure like shops stages and even accommodation were
made up of wood, bamboo (prominently) which are locally
available with local artisans involved in the construction. This
way expenses and dependency on materials bought form
outside of the locality are mitigated and the capital is passed to
the local stakeholders, thereby enhancing the economy of the
locality.
The activity area was the site where the festival was inaugurated
followed by speeches by Ministers and departmental heads. The activity
area also witnessed cultural dances and food stalls and was further
accentuated by the calm and inviting hospitality of the members of the
Eco Development Committee comprising of the locals and people of the
villages of the area. The villages surrounding the festival sites are
Lingdok, Pangthang, Nampok, RakdongTintek.
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
“TinjureyDaara” In Nepali simply means the three pointed small hills,
which looks like humps of an ox. However, it is also named as “Thyung-
Numpu” in Lepcha and “Chyo-Nampong” in Bhutia Language. Though
it is called and known by different names, it is a sacred place for all
beings and is believed and worshiped by people of every community. It is
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
a holy place, where from all communities visit and offer prayers and
wishes. The holy occasion of Pang Lhabsol is also celebrated where people
pray to the Mt. Khangchendzonga in protecting the peaceful state of
Sikkim. Tinjurey is an excellent trekking zone as it takes a day to cover
the trek provided tourist halt at the Golitar log house. The magnificent
views of Mt Khangchendzonga, breath taking sceneries, splendid
environment with chirping sound of joyful amazing birds, countless plant
species including many beneficial herbs, naturally decorated with colourful
ornamental flowers and wildlife is the least to expect from this trek.
Apart from its beauty, this place is highly facilitated with most appreciable
and trustworthy, well cultured “stake holders” with their kind hospitality
and guidance which makes the visitors trip to Tinjurey most exciting,
fascinating and memorable.
12 THINGS TO FOLLOW
1. Be prepared for outdoor
Remember, you will be walking in the woods; therefore your attire should
be something that will make you feel comfortable and won’t drag you
down.
2. Buy the ticket
Ticket booths are near GBPHED Gate and sanctuary entry gate and Office
of the directorate of ecotourism (in picture above), the ticket price covers
sanctuary entry fees, guiding & activity charge. Revenue being generated
from the ticket sale will be distributed among the beneficiaries & VDF
3. Experience traditional Hospitality
You will be welcome to the village in a typical Lepcha, Bhutia& Nepali
style with traditional customs and songs.
4. Enter The Natural Zone
Now you enter the FambongLho wildlife sanctuary, here you get to feel
nature in its pristine best, at the “Golitar Gate” visitors will be received by
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
the local guide who will brief them about the sanctuary rules and various
activities that are on offer in the nature Zone.
5. Observe, Interpret & Appreciate
Become part of the nature. Observe different forms of local biodiversity
around you-trees, plants, flowers, birds, butterflies, animals etc. You have
self-guided nature trails or can avail the service of interpretative guides
from the local village.
6. Be Your own Guide @ Gurasey trail
Gurasey Nepali Name for Rhododendron trail is about 1.2 km long and is
developed into a self-guided trial with sigh boards and interpretative
materials. A walk on this trail will fetch you splendid pine forest
rhododendron, birds, butterflies and breathe taking valley views.
7. Birds, Birding and bird trail.
The birding trail starts from the camping around area and meanders
through bamboo forest and water bodies before reaching the open ground
area; here you get a view of mountain range including Mt.
Khangchendzonga. This trail offers incredible chances to spot and
photograph good number of bird species.
8. Village life experience
At “Gairi-goan” the visitors can see and experience a typical sikkimese
village. One can walk around the village and see various activities like
farming, cardamom plantation, mulching, traditional games etc.
9. Ethnic food
Different ethnic food items of the Bhutia, Lepcha and Nepali community
are available at above welcome centre. The visitors can buy and enjoy
various food items.
10. Ethnic museum and local souvenirs.
An ethnic museum showcasing different traditional artefacts of local
community is there at Rail Goan, above the welcome centre next to the
museum is souvenir shop, where the visitor can shop souvenir products
made by the local crafts men
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
11. Traditional Dance:
Visitors can enjoy the dance performance of member belonging to local
community namely Bhutia’s, Lepcha’s and Nepali.
12. Local Drink Making
It is a tradition, that when a guest visits, the local people welcome them
with drink that is considered a gesture of honour
The Tinjurey festival in photos with description
Pic: Golitar Ground (Activity Area)
Pic: Stakeholders and tourists witnessing the cultural dances
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
Pic: Permits to the Fambongla Wildlife Sanctuary can be obtained here by the tourists
Pic: An eco-friendly welcome to the Village activity areas
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
Pic: Steps made of cane and bamboo leading to the Village activity area
The Activity Areaconsisted of Games, food stalls, antique Lepcha
equipment and traditional hospitality, where tourists are guided and
explained about the traditional way of life, food, culture of Bhutia, Lepcha
and Nepali lifestyle and traditions
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
Pic: A Lepcha Game of dart throwing in the Village activity area
Pic: Tourists and tradition in action, Lepcha Dart game
Food Stalls/ Sikkimese cuisine
Pic: Traditional Food stall
Pic: Bhutia and Lepcha ladies serving traditional food
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
Pic: On display in the Bhutia stall were Khabjee, Zeero, beef koftas,
chicken koftas, fried eggs, Shyaphaley (beef), Sungur-ko-Khutta (pork), millet and sugarcane dessert along with local wine and drinks like Ara,
Niggar, Tongba, Jaar
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
Pic: On display in the Lepcha stall were KhureeKhoo(mellet pancakes),
Chibeb(BhattiJaar), Steamed Fish, Steamed Pork, Sing Bok(Ghartarul),
Gyuma fried, Egg fried
Pic: Local vegetables like Simrai, Duku, Ningro (fern), Sag(spinach), tomato, dried greens(Gundruk), Sinki
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
Pic: The organic stall were laden with traditional snacks like Khabjee, Zheroo, puffed rice, flattened rice, flattened corn
Pic: Organic Stall
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
People, TheLepchas
Pic: The Lepchas (RINA family) Click on the link to know more about the Lepcha People and their heritage haven, Dzongu that they are so trying to protect http://www.natgeotraveller.in/magazine/month/october-2013/ancient-guardians-nature-has-always-come-first-for-sikkims-lepcha-people/
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
Pic: Stall for Lepcha Antique Equipment Pic: A handmade Lepcha Hunter’s Hat or Say rabuthaktuk is made up of cane and bamboo and is used for
safety from rain and sunshine by Lepcha people.
Pic: Millet strainer or Shure Pic: Traditional Doko to carry wood
Click here for more Antique Lepcha items>>
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
Pic: Thankas and paintings of the Bhutia and Lepcha people
Pic: Dos and Don’t’sat the festival to be followed by all.
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
The Log house, Golitar:Accomodation and base for
Tinjurey trek
The permit and booking of the log house can be made at the
Office below in picture
Pic: Office of the Directorate of Ecotoursim, FEWD, GOS. It may be mentioned that the permits to the Fambongla Wildlife Sanctuary can be
obtained here by the tourists
Pic: Log house, Golitar
Bookings Contact PhurdenTshering Lepcha,
President Eco-development Committee 51-Lingdok Nampong (EDC) under Forest, Environment
Management Department (FEWMD) Call: +91 7797888401, +91 9933715397
Email: [email protected]
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
Pic: The Log House at Golitar, above the Activity Area which provides
accommodation up to 10 people and can be booked from the office of the Directorate of Ecotourism or the president of EDC
Pic: Our guide Mr. Sameer at the log house and base for the Tinjurey Trek
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
Pic: Traditional healer and Medicinal plant stall at the camp site
Pic: Traditional and medicinal herbs
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
Pic: Camp site for people interested in sleeping in tents, these tents can
also be booked at the office of the Directorate of Ecotourism
The Tinjurey Trek
Pic: The start of the Tinjurey trek
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
Pic: Trekkers on the way to the summit of Tinjurey
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
Pic: A water table to verify the volume of the streams in the Fambongla
Wildlife Sanctuary. Picture taken during spring, March2016 where the volume of water looks worrisome in this stream
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
Pic: Trekkers trekking down from Tinjurey, we can see a dried spring in the picture
Pic: Tourists enjoying food and drinks after trekking at the festival
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
Villages in the Area:Lyndok-Nampong Village, and RakdongTintek
Village
Pic: A traditional Bhutia house in the village of Lyndok where a lady weaving a basket can be seen.
Pic: RakdongTintek Village, A Lepcha village
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
Pic: Traditional Lepcha houses in the Lepcha village, most Lepcha houses
here are well over 70 years old
Pic: View point at RakdongTintek
Pic: View of Mt. Khangchendzonga from Tintek view point
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
Pic: The Khangchendzonga massif from Tintek viewpoint
Pic: Landscape view from the view point
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
Pic: Protruding rock face at the base of the picture
Pic: Motor biking is the ideal way to see the sites in Sikkim owing its clear
undisturbed views as well as manoeuvring through hilly and narrow terrain, provided it doesn’t rain.
TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism
Pic: The Butterfly waterfalls at RakdongTintek
Homestays in RakdongTintek:verified
Contact Mr. Sameer: +91 8172058269
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pingtarvilla
References: 1. Natgeotraveller.in, October 2013, magazine 2. Lingdok Nampong (Eco Development Committee) under
Forest,Environment Management Department (FEWMD) 3. Directorate of Ecotourism, Forest, Environment Management 4. Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management
Project (SBFP), JICA 5. Sikkim Lepcha Youth Association 6. Forest, Environment Management Department (FEWMD),
Government of Sikkim Source: All Pictures and text by Sherap N Bhutia, Sr. Programme
Officer, ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism