Kabi Longstok (also spelled Kabi Lungchok) is the most important historical site in Sikkim. It is located 17 km north of Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway.
This is not just a tourist spot; it is the place where the history of Sikkim began in the 13th century. This site is famous for the “Treaty of Blood Brotherhood.”
It was here that the Lepcha Chief Thekong Tek and the Bhutia Prince Khye Bumsa performed a ritual to become blood brothers.
They swore that the two tribes would live together in peace and harmony forever. To mark this event, giant stone pillars were erected in the middle of a dense, sacred forest grove.
The area is incredibly peaceful and feels like a “hidden forest.” There are life-size statues of the two leaders, memorial stones, and a beautiful pathway covered in moss and prayer flags.
Because of its deep history and spiritual vibe, Kabi Longstok is a must-visit if you are planning your Gangtok Tour.
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Best time to visit Kabi Longstok
Since Kabi Longstok is located in a forested area on the way to North Sikkim, the weather plays a big role in your experience. You can visit this place year-round, but certain months are better for photography and festivals.
Spring (March–May)
This is a beautiful time to visit. The forest grove is lush and the weather is very pleasant (10°C – 20°C). Many cultural festivals like Saga Dawa happen during this time, giving you a glimpse into local traditions.
Autumn (October–November)
This is the best time for clear views. The skies are blue, and the air is crisp. After the monsoon, the moss on the stone pillars and the trees looks vibrant green. This is also when the Pang Lhabsol festival is celebrated to honor the blood brotherhood treaty.
Winter (December–February)
It gets quite cold (up to 4°C), but it is very peaceful. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the silence of the sacred grove, winter is a great choice.
Monsoon (July–September)
The road to North Sikkim often faces landslides during heavy rains. The path inside the forest can become very slippery and full of leeches.
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How to Reach Kabi Longstok
Kabi Longstok is a historic landmark located in North Sikkim. Since it sits directly on the North Sikkim Highway, it is very easy to access while you are heading towards Lachen or Lachung. Here is the detailed guide on how to reach this site:
By Road
Kabi Longstok is located about 17 km to 19 km north of Gangtok. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes depending on traffic.
- Private Taxi: You can easily hire a private taxi from the main taxi stands in Gangtok (like the one near MG Marg or Vajra Stand). Most tourists visit Kabi as part of their North Sikkim tour; you can simply ask your driver to stop here for a 30-minute break.
- Shared Jeep: Regular shared jeeps that travel between Gangtok and Mangan pass right through Kabi. You can board these at the Vajra Taxi Stand in Gangtok.
- Self-Drive: The road is well-paved (NH-10 and then the North Sikkim Highway), making it a smooth drive through lush green forests and small waterfalls.
By Flight
Sikkim has its own airport, but connectivity depends on the weather.
- Pakyong Airport is the nearest airport, located about 45 km from Kabi Longstok. From Pakyong, you first take a taxi to Gangtok (approx. 1.5 hours) and then continue towards Kabi.
- Bagdogra Airport the most reliable airport, located about 140 km away in West Bengal. After landing, you can take a private or shared taxi to Gangtok (4-5 hours). From Gangtok, Kabi is just a short drive away.
By Train
There are no railway stations inside the state of Sikkim yet. New Jalpaiguri is the nearest major railway station, located about 141 km from Kabi Longstok.
Upon reaching NJP, you can hire a reserved taxi directly to Kabi or take a shared jeep to Gangtok first. From NJP to Gangtok, it takes about 4.5 hours. Once you reach Gangtok, you follow the North Sikkim Highway to reach the Kabi sacred grove.
Or you can book a Gangtok Tour Package, which include every place you want to visit and arranged and hassle-free trip.
Travel Tips
- See the original stone markers where the blood brotherhood treaty was signed.
- There are impressive statues of Chief Thekong Tek and Khye Bumsa depicting the historic meeting.
- Take a 5-minute walk through the “Sacred Grove,” a dense forest where the trees are considered holy.
- There is a small, quiet monastery nearby where young monks study.
- The surrounding forest is home to many rare Himalayan birds.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
These are nearby places to visit in Gangtok and Kabi Longstok.
FAQs
What are the timings?
It is generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is best to visit during daylight as it is located inside a forest.
Is any permit required?
No special permit is needed for Kabi Longstok. However, if you are going further towards Lachen or Lachung, you will need a North Sikkim Permit.
How much time is needed for the visit?
You can easily explore the entire site in 30 to 45 minutes.
Is there food available nearby?
There are a few small local shops (Dhabas) on the highway that serve tea, snacks, and Maggi. For proper meals, it is better to eat in Gangtok.
Is there an entry fee for Kabi Longstok?
No, entry to the historical site is Free for all visitors.
