Monsong is a lovely little quaint village located in the charming eastern Himalayan region. It is quite an offbeat destination and a perfect weekend getaway. The beautiful and cool weather, the formidable mountains, the lush green forests of fir, pine, birch shaal, cinchona and cypress, innumerable birds, some endangered animals and hospitable and warm people are some of the characteristics of this charming hamlet, Monsong. It is situated at a short distance of only 8 kilometers from Pedong and 32 kilometers from Kalimpong, the major town. Sparsely populated and far from the din and bustle of city life, this is an ideal place for rejuvenating the senses; tired body, mind and soul.
Tag: Lava
Rishikhola located at the border of West Bengal and Sikkim
Rishikhola is a unique gift of nature to Kalimpong. It is rapidly becoming a popular tourist destination due to its scenic landscape and peaceful environment. Located at the border of West Bengal and Sikkim, it gets tourists from both the parts. Khola in the local language means stream and Rishikhola the place derives its name from the stream itself. Only 13 kilometers from Pedong sitting at an elevation of 1700 feet, Rishikhola offers a blend of fishing and trekking activities for the adventure lovers and lot of opportunity to sit and back, relax and relish the beautiful, tranquil environ with occasional chirp of birds and only constant noise of the stream flowing.
Kolakham, only pollution free village in india at an altitude of 6200 feet
Kolakham, a beautiful land in the clouds facing the mighty Mt. Kanchenjunga is home to 62 Nepali families from the Rai community. Bird watchers and adventurous souls regard Kolakham as paradise on earth because the land is replete with natural abundance. Perched at an altitude of 6200 feet, the hamlet lies on the fringes of the famous Neora Valley National Park in the Kalimpong subdivision of Darjeeling district. The mountainous village of Lava is located just 8 kilometers from Kolakham. Mt. Kanchenjunga can be viewed from here in its full glory along with other peaks of Eastern Himalaya which include Pandim, Kabru, Siniolchu. Kolakham is 108 kilometers from Siliguri, the gateway to North Bengal. Continue reading
Gumabadara Village, nestled in Kalimpong is 12 km from Lava and 10 km from Lolegaon
When you come to think of it Gumabadara Village, nestled in Kalimpong, is not exactly one of the leading tourist destinations in this part of the hilly terrain of Bengal. But boy, you would make a great mistake if you never visited this place at least once in your life when you had the chance to do so. In case you have been to Kalimpong before you would be well conversant with the destination known as Lolegaon.
How to reach Gumbadara Village
Before you make the trip to Gumabara you need to be aware of the fact that the accommodation that you shall get here is mostly village style facilities. It is 12 km from Lava and 10 km from Lolegaon. It is situated at a height of 6500 feet and is regarded as a virgin beauty of sorts. The hamlet is dotted with trees such as oak, pine and trees known in Bengali as jhau. It is a really wonderful site for the tired souls. It is like a riot of blue and green over here – the natural beauty will simply take your breath away.
Attractions in Gumbadara Village
Nearby Gumbadara is located the Kafer Village (Also known as Loleygaon or Lolegaon). You know, what the best part of this journey is – the jungle that you need to pass through in order to get to Gumbadara from Lolegaon! For each day the cost for one person would be in the range of INR 1000. This includes both food and lodging. However, if you are not going alone then there is a good chance that the costs could come down. This place is known as the land of cloud fairies and not without reason. The greenery here is mind-blowing as well and you could jolly well spend at least a couple of days over here.
A monastery is building up in this village. A big Buddha statue and a lama school are here. In downhill there is a nice village is there. A newly set up high school and doctor’s dispensary are also there.
Accommodation in Gumbadara Village
Salakha Guest House is one of the various options that you would get here in case you are looking to spend a day here. You can also try out D600. Here you will get both food and lodging. Otherwise you can opt for home-stay facilities as well. The costs are not too much.
Salakha Guest House
Phone: 09933780018 / 09593652607
Tariff: Rs. 500.00 – Rs. 1600.00
Loleygaon is a beautiful Lepcha hamlet located at an elevation of 1,675 meters
Loleygaon (also spelt Lolaegaon or Lolegaon) is a beautiful Lepcha hamlet located at an elevation of 1,675 meters with a population of 5000 residents. Kaffer is the Lepcha name for Lolaygaon. This small but picturesque hamlet is 24 kilometers from Lava and 55 kilometers from Kalimpong town. Located at the extreme end of the Himalayan ridge, Loleygaon is known for forests, scenic beauty, sunrises and sunsets. Loleygaon along with Lava is one of the most popular tourist destinations and hill station for the tourists from all over the world. The sunrise and sunset over the mighty Kanchenjunga viewed from Jhandi Dara will mesmerize you and as if it is not enough, you can also enjoy the spectacular view of the Kanchenjunga from Charkole nearby. Continue reading
Lava is located 34 kilometers east of Kalimpong
Lava is a small beautiful hamlet in Darjeeling district located 34 kilometers east of Kalimpong. One of the popular destinations Lava means the land with the presence of God. True to the meaning of its name, Lava is paradise on earth. With an elevation of 7,016feet, it is one of those few places in West Bengal to experience snowfall which is one of the major attractions to his charming village. The heavy forests covering the land mostly consist of wet alpine trees of birch, pine and fir and the forest here is a deciduous one. However, during the rainy season the forest is infested with leeches for which tourists are advised to carry salt, stick and occasionally knives with them. Continue reading
Trek to Seole Village
2-2.5 kilometers downhill from Rishyap, the 2nd last village of West Bengal a small village within ideal trekking rout. You can go through the main road which is 1 kilometer uphill from Rishyap and then turn left for downhill within the jungle. Other than that there is a short cart. The short cart road is very beautiful and enjoyable for an ideal trek. Start walking from in front of the Resort Sonar Tari for downhill. There is a narrow footpath here. You need to cross a small falls to reach the main village. Cross the village and ask for the “Mandir” road, the villagers will show you the road for Seole Village. There is a big “Shri Shiva Buddha Temple” at the end of the village. Tired?? Take rest and ask water from any village houses, they are very helpful.