The jewels of the himalayas

At the Eastern side of Darjeeling lies the Lebong Race Course, which symbolises the sporting legacy and cultural heritage of this hill station. Situated in the mesmerising Lebong Valley, the timeless elegance and scenic beauty would leave you amazed. As you embark on a journey to explore the Lebong Race Course, you will be transported to a realm where tradition, nature, and adventure mingle in perfect harmony.

The history of the Lebong Race Course dates back to the time when Darjeeling was a British colony. The Race Course was originally established in the 19th century as a source of entertainment for British residents. The beautiful backdrop of the Labong Valley and the mighty Himalayas made it an ideal setting for racing. The formation of this race course showed the convergence of the British colonial influence and the Indian heritage.

When tradition meets thrills

The Lebong Race Course is a little different from the conventional race courses that we generally see on flat lands. It is situated on the Lebong Valley’s natural and rough terrain. The race course is 480 meters long making it significantly shorter than traditional race courses. The view offers a sense of thrill and excitement for both the audience and the participants. It is an architectural genius with sloping roofs and wooden facades. Any moment spent on the Lebong Race Course would not be boring as you would be too busy admiring the visceral beauty of nature.

Over the years, this race course has found its way to becoming a cultural icon of Darjeeling. The annual racing events serve as a celebration that brings together the ever-so-sweet locals and visitors from all around the world. For many residents, attending these races is a part of rituals that have been passed down to them through generations. This race course has also helped in identifying talents. Each race boasts grace, speed and agility, which come from extreme and rigorous training.

Ensuring the future of lebong

The Lebong Valley, being a traditional hub of Darjeeling, requires proper care, but it has often been neglected in the past. This is why local authorities and community groups have joined forces to address the issues faced by this place, like land encroachment, infrastructure development, and environmental conservation. Due to this brand new commitment of the locals, the future of the Lebong Race Course seems to be safe, and you can visit the place over and over again to enjoy the unparalleled ambience and thrill.

Beyond lebong race course

Darjeeling is a town with countless places to visit, so thinking that Lebong Racecourse is all you get to see on a trip to Darjeeling would be wrong. One of the most visited and popular places of Darjeeling is Tiger Hill which stands 8000 feet tall. You can experience a clear and amazing view of the majestic peaks of Kanchenjunga, which is the third-highest mountain in the world.

Then you can visit the Batasia Loop, which is a spiral railway loop gradually coming down from the mountains. It was also considered to be an important part of the UNESCO World Heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as “Toy Train” which is an attraction for kids as well as fully grown adults. The railway loop passes through beautiful valleys and tea gardens, hence you will not be bored for even a second.

Darjeeling is also a great place to shop. The famous Mall Road offers a variety of products which you can buy as keepsakes and gifts something to your loved ones. The Mall Road has a famous cafe called Glenary’s, which has the best food platters, but the place is mostly preferred for its ambience. Once you enter Glenary’s, you will not want to leave the place. The live music, great food and mesmerising view outside is bound to make your heart melt. So what are you waiting for? The mountains are calling, and you must answer.