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Introduction

D zongu in the North District of Sikkim, though small in area, has a special historical and cultural significance for the indigenous Lepchas. The Lepchas are the original inhabitants of Sikkim, the Mayel-lyang. Dzongu is one of the most beautiful geographical areas in North Sikkim and is surrounded by high mountains, hills, valleys and rivers, which is why it has a rich flora and fauna. Such regions prove to be a suitable home for butterflies and it is mainly for this reason that numerous fascinating species are found here in Dzongu.  View of the mighty Himalayas from the 2000 meter high small village of Thingvong in North Sikkim. I believe that in future, places like Dzongu can prove to be important geographical habitats for promoting conservation and protection measures for various butterfly species. It will be equally potent to build awareness about these precious habitants with the help of eco-tourism and by means of informative guided tours for nature enthusiasts that a

Dzongu Butterflies

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    The Blue Duke (Bassaroan durga durga (Moore - 1858)  was named Sikkim's State Butterfly on World Environment Day 2022. Photographers:  Sikkim's Butterfly Experts  Sonam  Wangschuk Lepcha and Nosang Muringla Limboo  View of the Mount Kongchen Chu in Dzongu Nord Sikkim - World Cultural Heritage It is said the pure spirit souls of our God and Goddess, ancestors lives in Mt. Kongchen Chu and that is why we believe this Chu as our guardian deity and offer prayers every years. Instead, I believe offering is done by all the people of this World butterfly enthusiasts. It is fairly recent, since I began appreciating the fact that our Nye Mayel lyang especially Dzongu,  is truly blessed with beautiful species of butterflies known as Thamblyok in Lepcha.  During my explorations, I had to acknowledge that Dzongu is indeed a paradise for butterfly enthusiasts. This has been established earlier on by individuals like Isaac Kehimkar who published a book on Indian  butterflies, similarly,

Dzongu - The land of butterflies.

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A young butterfly enthusiast is on a quest to chronicle the  butterflies fluttering in his native Dzongu region and give them indigenous names in Lepcha language. Dzongu, a Lepcha protected area in North Sikkim, is a bio-diversity hotspot and its richness in butterflies had already been recorded way back in mid-19th century by the famous British botanist and explorer J.D. Hooker during his Sikkim expedition. By: Biyoy Gurung

Lingchi Chu

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Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha A trip to Lingchi Chu Upper Dzongu - North District Sikkim - Himalaya Documentation was done during 2020 Best time to visit May to July & October to November 2 nights & 1 day will be the best trip to explore the nature into the wilderness Anyone interested to visit can contact me in my email : mythsofmutanchi@gmail.com

Inspired

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Firstly, I would like to thank  Mr. Nosang Muringla Limboo (Green Ambassador of Sikkim)  from Darap - West Sikkim, who encouraged and inspired me by  his positive work. He always had a good time for my book:  "The book on Dzongu Butterflies". I am very much thankful to him for forwarding my book. I have more to mention President of "Butterfly & Moth of Sikkim" Mr. Nawangla G. Bhutia thank you so much for always supporting and guiding me. I believe that we can work together in more coming days. "The book on Dzongu Butterflies" Author Sonam Wangschuk Lepcha

Presentation Dzongu Butterflies

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   Pale Grass Blue Snapshot by Sonam Wangschuk Lepcha in the village of Lower Dzongu Gnon Sangdong Butterflies are beautiful in their colors and dancing movements. In the fantastic Dzongu in North Sikkim the most beautiful and glorious butterflies flutter. The butterfly expert Sonam Wangschuk Lepcha has in and around his home town Noom Panang in the Dzongu the masterly and rare butterflies are captured with the camera. In his book "Dzongu Butterflies" he presents the most beautiful butterfly photos.  T he presentation of the book "DZONGU BUTTERFLIES" was led by Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling of Sikkim, the spokesman Shri Sonam Gyasto Lepcha, cum area MLA Dzongu, the "Joint Director" HRDD North Shri Sonam Lepcha,  the motivated me to this book and supported me in my work. "Dzongu Butterflies" by Sonam Wangschuk Lepcha  -A first-class book for all butterflies friends- The book is availa

Guady Baron

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  Ren. Nosang Muringla Limboo, author of "The Flying Pearls of Sikkim Himalaya".  A Picture Guide book on the butterflies of Sikkim cum President of Sikkim Ornithological Society  and Green Ambassador of Sikkim declared: "Guady Baron will be in Sikkim for the first time in  2016 Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha from Dzongu - North Sikkim recorded."                                                                  I am glad that "Guady Baron Butterfly" there are no records of it being photographed  earlier from Sikkim which makes me the first person to photograph and document it through  Good News, Sikkim magazine will no less than scientific journal for a beginner like me.  Thank you -Ren Nosang Muringla- for your guidance and support. Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha (SOS Member)

Indian Tortoiseshell

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I'm glad to share you all about INDIAN TORTOISESHELL (Aglais cashniriensis)  whose wingspan is 55-65mm with beautiful colours and patterns like the legend  TIGER on the back. This butterfly are common and are mainly seen on the months  from Oct-Jan in and around Dzongu areas, North Sikkim. They are commonly seen  playing in the road sides and in deep forest specially at dry places also in village  areas with no fear with the people like us enjoying the sunny day. They are mostly found up to 4,945m. And yes they do flies very closed to ground level.  The "Dzongu" in North Sikkim is a paradise for butterflies. One can visit to above mentioned months for best spot for this butterfly in Dzongu  and get change to meet many others butterflies at the same time. Leebek Lee Homestay Ideal place for a butterfly safari.  www.facebook.com/LeebekLee

Butterfly videos

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Great Windmill - Bayasa dasarada (Moore - 1858)   Blue Bottle Yellow Jezebel Jungle Queen Striped Tiger Golden Sapphire Yellow Flat Hill Jebezel Videos of Sonam Wangschuk Lepcha Upper Dzongu - North Sikkim