28/05/2022
DARJEELING OFF- BEAT DESTINATIONS 🌲🌲
LEPCHAJAGAT
Lepchajagat literally means "site of the Lepcha people" or "village of the Lepcha." The Lepcha people originated in Sikkim. However, it is currently found in Bhutan, Tibet, Nepal, and the Darjeeling highlands. Lepchajagat is a small town located in the forest at an elevation of roughly 7000 feet above sea level. The settlement is surrounded by rhododendron, pine, and oak forests, which provide a wealth of natural beauty. On the north-eastern side of Lepchajagat, Mount Kanchenjunga stands tall with its surrounding peaks. This is a perfect location for nature enthusiasts who want to stay in a unique setting that combines nature and quiet. The only sound here is the chirping of many birds during the day and the sound of cricket after dark.
Things to do in Lepchajagat include:
Because nature is so abundant here, walking in the woods with wild animals, countless birds, a sea of mountains, and the silver-glazed Kanchenjunga can be the prime activities. Lepchajagat has amazing views of sunrise and sunset. Ghoom Rock, located 1.5 kilometres from Lepchajagat and accessible by walk at an altitude of 7900 feet, gives a stunning sunrise vista. The Balasan Valley can also be seen clearly from here. Darjeeling looks like a hill lit up with Deewali lights at night. Lepchajagat is also a popular destination for birdwatchers.
KOLAKHAM Neora Valley National Park
kolakham a small village in neora valley national park lavaKolakham – a small picturesque village, inside of Neora Valley is 62 Nepali families belonging to the “Rai” community is one of the most beautiful and sought after places by adventure loving people and bird watchers. The village is also a paradise for nature loving people. Located at an height of 6200 ft and on the fringe of Neora Valley National Park. The village comes under Kalimpong Subdivision of Darjeeling District.
Kolakham offers a majestic view of mighty Kanchenjunga, the world third highest peak along with its adjoining peaks, ie. Kabru, Kabru Dome, Pandim, Siniolchu etc. stand high on the north western sky. Lava with its monastery along with Rishyap are distinctly visible and Nathula is a distant view from the village. Number of mountain ranges creates numerous valleys which are mesmerizing.Kolakham is just 8 kms from Lava and the entire route passes through Neora Valley National Park.
Activities:
Kolakham is a place of serenity. Walking leisurely in and around the village and to watch the lifestyle of the villagers along with enjoying the spellbound natural beauty. A further walking inside to Neora Valley forest is enthralling.
Another major attraction of Kolakaham is Changey water falls, which is 6 kms away from the village.
From Kolakham it’s easy to visit several beautiful places as a day tour. Lava, Loleygaon, Rishyap, Charcole, Rikisum, Pedong etc are the places which are full of natural beauties
ICCHEY GAON ( Icchey Forest) :
Icchey gaon photo, icchey gaon tour Icchey Gaon or Ecchey Gaon in Kalimpong Sub-division of Darjeeling hills has become a very popular tourist destination for nature lovers. Ichchey Gaon or “ wishing village”. Located at an altitude of 5800 ft above the sea level and around 15 kms away from Kalimpong town. Icchey Gaon offers spell bound view of Mount Kanchenjunga and its adjoining snow clad peaks.
Activities:
Icchey Gaon is place of serenity. Walking around the village and to watch Himalayan beauty is one of the major attractions. Sillery Gaon – another beautiful Himalayan place is separated by a hill and just 2.5 kms away from Icchey Gaon. Ramitey Dara viewpoint is considered as one of the best view points to watch beautiful meandering river Teesta with its 14 curves. Tinchuley view point offers breathtaking view of majestic Kanchenjunga and eastern Himalayas. On a clear day Nathu-la pass and Jelep-la pass are clearly visible from here. Damsang fort - a 6 km journey from Icchey Gaon is worth visit. A 300 years old monastery called “ Sangchen Dorjee Monastery” near Pedong worth visit.
CHARKHOLE
visit charkhole and view charkole photo Charkhole is an offbeat destination where the nature welcomes with its abundant beauties and varieties. It’s a very small village on the hilltop and indeed can be declared as a paradise of the Eastern Himalayas. Charkhole is in Kalimpong Sub-division and Darjeeling hills of West Bengal state and located at an altitude of 5500 ft above the sea level. Neora Valley National Park covers the place with lush green forest.This place is one of the most favourite destinations for bird watchers.Due to the forest coverage of Neora Valley National Park some wild animals are also available here.
Activities:
Charkhole is a place of serenity.From Charkhole it’s easy to visit several beautiful places as a day tour. Lava, Loleygaon, Rishyap, Kolakham, Rikisum, Pedong etc are the places which are full of natural beauties and offer full blown view of Eastern Himalayas along with mighty Kanchenjunga and its neighbouring peaks. Jhandi Dhara in Loleygaon which is famous for spectacular sunrise view on Mount Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest.
TINCHULEY : An Quaint Himalayan Village
Tinchuley – an quaint Himalayan Village is situated at an elevation of around 6000 ft. in the Darjeeling Hills has now emerged as a tourist Hot-spot. The word “ Tinchuley”, stands for “ Three Chullahs or Ovens”. It has got its name because of the three hill tops surrounded the place which look like Chullahs or Ovens.
By the help of WWF or world Wide Federation, once a sleepy hamlet has become a Model Village. Boasting with their hospitality, the villagers are welcoming tourist to enjoy the abundant natural beauty and offering the feeling of being their home.
The calm and peaceful surroundings, towering peaks of the Himalayas, walking along village trails amidst the pine and oak trees, enjoy the local culture make couple of days worth spending in Tinchuley.
Activities:
Tinchuley is basically a heaven for nature lovers. It is not a place for the point to point sightseeing, but it’s a place, which offer virgin nature, chirping sounds of many known and unknown birds, forests of pine and oaks, Tea Gardens and spell-bound natural beauty. It’s a place to learn simple life from local people and earn the hospitality.
Still, there are some more things apart from the above, which can be enjoied.
Gumbadara – a large rock with historical significances is a couple of kms away and can be reached by 20 mts walking through Pine-Oak forests. Gumbadara offers magnificent view of Sikkim – Darjeeling hills, view of meandering Rivers – Rangeet and mighty Teesta and above all the towering presence of Kanchenjunga. Gumbadara is also a natural cave with a narrow entrance and the rock is a great learning ground for rock-climbers.
Tinchuley View Point – offers a spell-bound sunrise view over Kanchenjunga and other adjoining Himalayan peaks.
Tinchuley Monastery is also worth visit.
Lovers’ View Point – near Peshak Tea Garden offers marvelous view of the confluence of rivers Teesta and Rangeet.
