Lepchakha is a small, serene village perched on a hilltop within the Buxa Tiger Reserve, very close to the Bhutan border. It is a Drukpa village, as its original inhabitants are the Drukpa people, who are Bhutanese in origin and have a distinct culture different from the Nepalese who live in the lower hills. The architecture of their homes, their lifestyle, and their food are all unique, making it an interesting place for tourists to experience tribal village life.
The main attraction of Lepchakha is the stunning panoramic view from the hilltop. From a large open ground, visitors can sit and take in the view of the entire Dooars region and a large portion of the Buxa forest. As many as seven rivers can be seen flowing through the forest, including the famous Sankosh, Raidak, and Jayanti. Alipurduar town, the Jayanti riverbed, and Santalabari are also visible. The whole area was once under Bhutan's Pasakha region, and its history is tied to conflicts between the Bhutanese and the Cooch Kings of the plains. This led to the Dooars War, after which the Treaty of Sinchula was signed in 1865, bringing the Buxa area under British control, and the Pasakha Dzong became Buxa Fort.
Lepchakha is surrounded by five popular peaks, including Mahakal, Chunabhatti, and Rovers Point, which together make it a great destination for trekking and excursions. The trek to Lepchakha is an adventure in itself, passing through thick forests, historical sites like Buxa Fort, and orange orchards. The village is also a paradise for bird watchers, with the trekking trail providing opportunities to spot exotic Himalayan birds. From Lepchakha, visitors can embark on short treks to nearby places to get a closer look at the hills and their adventurous landscapes.
