Offbeat Himalayan Trail: Kalimpong’s Hidden Gems
Overview
Escape the crowds and embark on a journey through the tranquil heart of North Bengal. This unique itinerary is designed for the traveler who wants to discover the hidden gems of the Kalimpong district, staying in quiet, picturesque villages, each with its own unique charm. From the panoramic views of Kafergaon and the wild beauty of Kolakham to the serene pine forests of Teenchuley and the rustic orange orchards of Sittong, this trip is an immersion into the peaceful soul of the mountains.
Trip Highlights
- Explore a series of unique, offbeat villages in the Kalimpong district.
- Experience the thrilling Canopy Walk in Lolegaon.
- Stay in Kolakham, on the edge of the beautiful Neora Valley National Park.
- Enjoy the warmth and delicious food of authentic homestay experiences.
- Witness a spectacular 360-degree Himalayan sunrise from Ahaldara View Point.
Itinerary
Morning/Afternoon: Your offbeat adventure begins! We’ll greet you at NJP Station or Bagdogra Airport and start our drive into the hills. We'll cross the scenic Loop Bridge and stop at Soureni View Point in Dara Gaon for spectacular views. Our journey continues to the famous Lolegaon, where you can experience the thrilling Canopy Walk. Finally, we'll arrive at the beautiful village of Kafergaon.
Evening: Check into your homestay in Kafergaon, a small hamlet known for its stunning, wide-angle views of the Kanchenjunga range. Relax and enjoy the profound peace of your surroundings.
Trip Memories Tip: Kafergaon is all about the views. Wake up early the next morning for a chance to see a spectacular sunrise directly from your homestay.
Meals: Lunch, Snacks, Dinner, Next Day Breakfast
Includes: Private Transfer, Accommodation in Kafergaon
Morning: After breakfast, we'll drive towards Kolakham, a village nestled deep in the Neora Valley National Park. On the way, we'll stop at Dubling View Point and the charming town of Lava.
Afternoon: We'll drive through the beautiful pine forests of Rishop and visit the famous Deolo Hill in Kalimpong for panoramic views of the town and the surrounding landscape. After a day of exploration, we'll arrive in Kolakham and check into our homestay.
Trip Memories Tip: Kolakham is a paradise for bird watchers. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready as you might spot some rare Himalayan bird species right from your window.
Meals: Lunch, Snacks, Dinner, Next Day Breakfast
Includes: Transfer, Sightseeing, Accommodation in Kolakham
Journey from Kolakham to Teenchuley
- Morning: After enjoying a final breakfast amidst the wilderness of Kolakham, we begin our scenic drive towards Teenchuley. The route is beautiful, winding through tea gardens and small villages. We'll stop at various viewpoints along the path to soak in the scenery.
- Afternoon: Arrive in the quiet, pine-clad village of Teenchuley. Check into your cozy homestay and enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch. Spend the afternoon walking through the forests and visiting the Teenchuley Viewpoint for a stunning 180-degree view of the Himalayas.
- Trip Memories Tip: The local monastery in Teenchuley is a place of profound peace. A short walk to visit it in the late afternoon can be a very calming experience.
- Meals: Lunch, Snacks, Dinner, Next Day Breakfast
- Includes: Transfer, Sightseeing, Accommodation in Teenchuley
Morning: After breakfast, we make the short and scenic journey from Teenchuley to Sittong. The drive takes you deeper into the valley, offering a different perspective of the landscape.
Afternoon: Check into your homestay in Sittong. After lunch, take a leisurely walk through the village, explore the famous orange orchards (seasonal), and visit the old church and monastery that add to the charm of this beautiful hamlet.
Trip Memories Tip: Sittong is divided into upper, middle, and lower sections. A walk down to the Riyang River in Lower Sittong is a wonderful way to spend a peaceful afternoon.
Meals: Lunch, Snacks, Dinner, Next Day Breakfast
Includes: Transfer, Sightseeing, Accommodation in Sittong
Morning: After a final, delicious home-cooked breakfast, we will drive up to the magnificent Ahaldara View Point. Prepare to be mesmerized by a breathtaking 360-degree view of the entire Kanchenjunga range and the winding Teesta River below.
Late Morning: With your camera and heart full of incredible memories, we will drive you back to NJP Station or Bagdogra Airport for your journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
Includes: Sightseeing, Transfer to Airport/Station
Includes/Excludes
- Accommodation in cozy homestays for 4 nights.
- All transfers and sightseeing in a comfortable, private vehicle.
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Dinner) throughout the trip.
- All necessary permits and taxes.
- 24/7 on-trip support from the Trip Memories team.
- Airfare / Train fare.
- Additional Services (Entry fees for parks, monuments, or activities).
- Insurance
- Personal expenses.
FAQs
This is an authentic village experience. You will be staying in clean, comfortable, and welcoming homestays, which is the best way to experience the culture of the region.
Yes, for this specific offbeat itinerary, all meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, and Dinner) are included from your arrival on Day 1 to your departure on Day 5, ensuring a completely hassle-free experience.
We provide a comfortable and well-maintained private vehicle like a Bolero, Sumo, Innova or similar car suitable for mountain roads, ensuring your journey is safe and pleasant.
The best time to visit is from September to May, when the weather is pleasant and the skies are generally clear, offering the best chances for spectacular mountain views.
Yes, this trip can be suitable. The pace is manageable, and we ensure our vehicles are comfortable and our drivers prioritize safety. We can also customize the itinerary to include more rest time if needed.
No, this is a leisure trip focused on scenic drives and gentle nature walks. It involves minimal physical exertion and is suitable for most fitness levels.