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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 12 th & 13 th March, 2016. This is the 2 nd 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

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Page 1: The Tinjurey Ecotourism Festival, a true Ecotourism Experience!scstsenvis.nic.in/WriteReadData/links/Tinjurey Ecotourism... · 2016. 3. 26. · TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March

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

Page 2: The Tinjurey Ecotourism Festival, a true Ecotourism Experience!scstsenvis.nic.in/WriteReadData/links/Tinjurey Ecotourism... · 2016. 3. 26. · TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March

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.

Page 3: The Tinjurey Ecotourism Festival, a true Ecotourism Experience!scstsenvis.nic.in/WriteReadData/links/Tinjurey Ecotourism... · 2016. 3. 26. · TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March

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.

Page 4: The Tinjurey Ecotourism Festival, a true Ecotourism Experience!scstsenvis.nic.in/WriteReadData/links/Tinjurey Ecotourism... · 2016. 3. 26. · TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March

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.

Page 5: The Tinjurey Ecotourism Festival, a true Ecotourism Experience!scstsenvis.nic.in/WriteReadData/links/Tinjurey Ecotourism... · 2016. 3. 26. · TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March

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

Page 6: The Tinjurey Ecotourism Festival, a true Ecotourism Experience!scstsenvis.nic.in/WriteReadData/links/Tinjurey Ecotourism... · 2016. 3. 26. · TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March

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

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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

Page 8: The Tinjurey Ecotourism Festival, a true Ecotourism Experience!scstsenvis.nic.in/WriteReadData/links/Tinjurey Ecotourism... · 2016. 3. 26. · TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March

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

Page 9: The Tinjurey Ecotourism Festival, a true Ecotourism Experience!scstsenvis.nic.in/WriteReadData/links/Tinjurey Ecotourism... · 2016. 3. 26. · TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March

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

Page 10: The Tinjurey Ecotourism Festival, a true Ecotourism Experience!scstsenvis.nic.in/WriteReadData/links/Tinjurey Ecotourism... · 2016. 3. 26. · TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March

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

Page 11: The Tinjurey Ecotourism Festival, a true Ecotourism Experience!scstsenvis.nic.in/WriteReadData/links/Tinjurey Ecotourism... · 2016. 3. 26. · TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March

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

Page 12: The Tinjurey Ecotourism Festival, a true Ecotourism Experience!scstsenvis.nic.in/WriteReadData/links/Tinjurey Ecotourism... · 2016. 3. 26. · TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March

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

Page 13: The Tinjurey Ecotourism Festival, a true Ecotourism Experience!scstsenvis.nic.in/WriteReadData/links/Tinjurey Ecotourism... · 2016. 3. 26. · TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March

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

Page 14: The Tinjurey Ecotourism Festival, a true Ecotourism Experience!scstsenvis.nic.in/WriteReadData/links/Tinjurey Ecotourism... · 2016. 3. 26. · TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March

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

Page 15: The Tinjurey Ecotourism Festival, a true Ecotourism Experience!scstsenvis.nic.in/WriteReadData/links/Tinjurey Ecotourism... · 2016. 3. 26. · TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March

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/

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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>>

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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.

Page 18: The Tinjurey Ecotourism Festival, a true Ecotourism Experience!scstsenvis.nic.in/WriteReadData/links/Tinjurey Ecotourism... · 2016. 3. 26. · TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March

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]

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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

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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

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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

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TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism

Pic: Trekkers on the way to the summit of Tinjurey

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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

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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

Page 25: The Tinjurey Ecotourism Festival, a true Ecotourism Experience!scstsenvis.nic.in/WriteReadData/links/Tinjurey Ecotourism... · 2016. 3. 26. · TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March

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

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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

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TINJUREY ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL, March 2016 ENVIS centre Sikkim on Ecotourism

Pic: The Khangchendzonga massif from Tintek viewpoint

Pic: Landscape view from the view point

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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.

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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