Jorepokhri Twin Lakes

Jorepokhri Twin Lakes are two small natural freshwater lakes located at about 7,400 feet elevation in Jorepokhri village, Darjeeling district, West Bengal, within the Jorepokhri Wildlife Sanctuary. Surrounded by pine and rhododendron forests, the lakes are known as a habitat for the endangered Himalayan salamander and offer views of Mount Kanchenjunga. A small Shiva temple and landscaped gardens border the lakes, making it a popular nature and sightseeing stop near Darjeeling.

Visitors can expect two small, adjacent lakes set in a forested high-altitude bowl within Jorepokhri Wildlife Sanctuary, connected by a landscaped promenade with benches, viewpoints and a small Shiva temple. The area is surrounded by pine, fir and rhododendron trees with clear views of Kanchenjunga on clear days. Visitors can walk around the lakes, observe the protected Himalayan salamander habitat, photograph the lakes and mountains, and enjoy a quiet natural setting about 20 km from Darjeeling.

Jorepokhri Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1985 primarily to protect the habitat of the endangered Himalayan salamander found in the twin lakes. The lakes themselves are natural high-altitude water bodies long used by local communities and later developed as an eco-tourism site by the forest department.

The twin lakes are considered sacred by local communities and a small Shiva temple on the bank is visited by devotees. The name Jorepokhri means 'twin lakes' in Nepali, reflecting the cultural identity of the area. The site is valued for nature conservation and as a scenic stop on the Darjeeling-Mirik tourist circuit.