wildlife · Lepchajagat, Darjeeling
Jorepokhri lake and Sukhiapokhri market
Jorepokhri lies a few kilometres west of Lepchajagat, close to Sukhiapokhri. The name refers to its paired ponds, and the site is protected as a small sanctuary for the Himalayan salamander, a dark, rough-skinned newt that lives in wet hill habitats and breeds in still water. It is one of very few places in India set aside for an amphibian. Visitor facilities are limited and access rules change, so ask locally whether the lake area is open.
Do not expect to see a salamander on demand; they are secretive and most active in the wet season, when visiting is hardest. The value here is the quiet lake, the forest around it and the idea that such a small place is protected for a small animal. Keep to marked paths and do not touch the water or disturb plants around the edge.
Sukhiapokhri, a little further on, is a busy junction bazaar where roads split for Mirik, Manebhanjan and the Nepal border at Pashupatinagar. Its weekly market draws farmers from the surrounding villages with vegetables, chillies, cheese and household goods. Have tea and momos, watch the shared jeeps fill up, then ride back to Lepchajagat. Combine the trip with a Mirik day out if you have a car.
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What is Jorepokhri known for
Jorepokhri is a small lake near Sukhiapokhri, a few kilometres from Lepchajagat, protected as a sanctuary for the Himalayan salamander, a rough-skinned newt of wet hill habitats. Sightings are uncommon because the animals are secretive. Most visitors come for the quiet lake and forest. Ask locally about access, which can change.
How far is Sukhiapokhri from Lepchajagat
Only a few kilometres, roughly 15–20 minutes by road. Shared jeeps between Darjeeling and Sukhiapokhri, Mirik or Manebhanjan pass through Lepchajagat, so you can hop on for ₹40–80, indicative 2026. Sukhiapokhri is also where you change for Manebhanjan, the start of the Sandakphu trek.
Is there a market day in Sukhiapokhri
Yes, Sukhiapokhri holds a weekly market that draws farmers and traders from nearby villages, along with its daily shops. The day can change, so ask your homestay or a driver. Even on other days the bazaar is a lively junction with tea stalls, momo shops and shared jeeps leaving for Mirik and Manebhanjan.
Also in Lepchajagat
More things to do
A pine-forest hamlet past Ghum, quieter than Darjeeling