10 Offbeat Places to Visit around Kalimpong

Bidyang

Bidyang is a serene riverside village, tucked away in the lap of nature. Surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of the Reli River, this hidden gem is perfect for those seeking peace and rejuvenation. The village offers birdwatching and riverside picnics opportunities, making it a great spot for families and nature lovers. Bidyang is also known for its simple yet charming homestays, allowing visitors to experience the local way of life.

Ideal for: Families, nature enthusiasts.

How to reach: Bidyang is around 15 km from Kalimpong and is accessible via a short drive through scenic mountain roads.

Charkhol

Charkhol is a pristine and secluded village located at an altitude of 5,500 feet, surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills. It offers mesmerizing views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and a tranquil atmosphere, making it a haven for those seeking to connect with nature. The village is relatively untouched by commercialization, which adds to its charm. The fresh mountain air, chirping birds, and serene environment make Charkhol an ideal peaceful getaway.

Ideal for: Nature lovers, solitude seekers, and trekkers.

How to reach: Charkhol is located about 35 km from Kalimpong and can be accessed by car via Lava or Lolegaon.

Burmaik, Daragaon, Icche Gaon, Ramdhura

Burmaik is a quaint, offbeat village near Kalimpong that offers breathtaking views of the Teesta River and the Eastern Himalayas. Surrounded by terraced fields, dense forests, and traditional Lepcha homes, Burmaik is an ideal spot for those who wish to experience the simplicity of rural life. The village is also known for its orange orchards and serene atmosphere.

Daragaon is a serene village located approximately 20 km from Kalimpong. It is renowned for its spectacular views of Mount Kanchenjunga, verdant landscapes, and a peaceful ambiance. The village is surrounded by forests, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching and short treks. Visitors can also engage with the locals to learn more about their traditional way of life.

Icche Gaon, meaning “Village of Wishes,” is a charming hilltop village located around 17 km from Kalimpong at an altitude of 5,800 feet. The village offers stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the Teesta River, and the Himalayan foothills. Surrounded by dense pine forests and rhododendrons, Icche Gaon is a paradise for nature lovers and trekkers.

Ramdhura is a peaceful village located just 15 km from Kalimpong. Perched on a hilltop, the village offers spectacular views of Mount Kanchenjunga and the Teesta River. Surrounded by pine forests and orange orchards, Ramdhura is ideal for those looking for a tranquil escape in the lap of nature.

Ideal for: Nature lovers, peace seekers, Families, and couples.

How to reach: Ramdhura is about 15 km from Kalimpong and easily reachable by car. The other three places are also nearby.

Kaffer (Kafer) and Lolegaon

Kaffer is a serene and less-explored village near Kalimpong, offering mesmerizing views of the Himalayas and the Teesta River valley. Located amidst lush greenery, this peaceful hamlet is perfect for those looking to escape the usual tourist spots and immerse themselves in nature. The village is surrounded by forests and rolling hills, providing short treks and nature walk opportunities. On clear days, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga and the nearby landscapes.

Lolegaon is a charming village located at an altitude of 5,500 feet. Nestled amidst pine and cypress forests, it offers a tranquil environment, stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range, and refreshing mountain air. The highlight of Lolegaon is the Canopy Walk, a hanging bridge that takes you through the dense forest, providing a unique perspective of nature. Sunrise from Jhandi Dara, a nearby viewpoint, is a breathtaking experience as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the snow-capped peaks.

Ideal for: Solitude seekers, trekkers, and nature lovers.

How to reach: Kaffer is around 40 km from Kalimpong and can be accessed by road. Lolegaon is around 2 km from Kaffer.

Lava

Lava is a quaint, mist-covered hamlet located at an altitude of 7,200 feet. Known as the gateway to the Neora Valley National Park, Lava is a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The village is surrounded by dense forests of oak, pine, and rhododendrons, offering a cool and serene ambiance perfect for relaxation and exploration. A key highlight is the Lava Monastery (Ratnashri Centre), a beautiful Buddhist monastery that exudes peace and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills.

Ideal for: Nature lovers, birdwatchers, trekkers, and spiritual seekers.

How to reach: Lava is easily accessible by road, approximately 34 km from Kalimpong, with regular taxis and shared jeeps available.

Munsong

Munsong is an unspoiled hamlet nestled amidst lush green hills, offering unparalleled peace and breathtaking views of the Teesta River valley. Known for its cinchona plantations, Munsong provides an authentic rural experience and a peek into the lives of the locals. The scenic beauty of the area, combined with its tranquility, makes it a perfect spot for those seeking solitude and nature.

Ideal for: Solitude seekers, photographers, and cultural enthusiasts.

How to Reach: Located around 20 km from Kalimpong, Munsong is easily reachable by car.

Nokdara

Nokdara is a hidden gem near Kalimpong, best known for its picturesque natural lake surrounded by verdant hills and dense forests. This pristine, offbeat destination is perfect for those seeking peace and serenity. The lake is the centerpiece of Nokdara, reflecting the surrounding hills and creating a postcard-worthy view. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, picnics by the lakeside, and birdwatching in the lush surroundings.

Ideal for: Families, couples, and picnickers.

How to reach: Nokdara is about 30 km from Kalimpong and can be reached via a short drive through picturesque mountain roads.

Rikisum and Rishyap

Rikisum is a quaint and serene hilltop hamlet nestled at an altitude of around 6,000 feet, this offbeat destination is known for its panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga and the surrounding valleys. The village is a hidden gem, offering solitude and unspoiled natural beauty. One of the key attractions in Rikisum is the ruins of an old British bungalow, which exude a sense of history and add to the mystique of the place. The area is also a fantastic spot for nature walks, short treks, and photography. On clear nights, the starry skies are an added treat.

Rishyap, often called Rishop, is a serene hilltop village located at an altitude of 8,500 feet. This charming destination is famous for its breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga and the Eastern Himalayan range. The name "Rishyap" means "mountain peak and forest" in the Lepcha language, and it perfectly describes the tranquil beauty of this place. The village is surrounded by dense forests of pine, birch, and rhododendrons, making it an excellent spot for nature walks and birdwatching. On clear nights, stargazing under the open sky is an unforgettable experience.

Ideal for: Solitude seekers, trekkers, couples, and families.

How to reach: Rikisum is located around 25 km from Kalimpong. Rishyap is around 8 km from Rikisum.

Sillery Gaon

Sillery Gaon is a quaint village perched at an altitude of 5,400 feet. Often referred to as the "New Darjeeling" due to its lush tea gardens and stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga, this serene village offers a perfect escape into nature. The village is known for its tranquil atmosphere, with picturesque landscapes, tea estates, and an abundance of flora and fauna. The sunrise views over Kanchenjunga from Sillery Gaon are a sight to behold, making it an excellent spot for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Ideal for: Couples, trekkers, and tea garden enthusiasts.

How to reach: Sillery Gaon is approximately 25 km from Kalimpong and can be easily accessed by car via a scenic drive through Lava.

Tinchuley

Tinchuley is a charming village nestled at an altitude of 5,500 feet. Often referred to as the "Land of Three Hills," Tinchuley offers panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the Teesta Valley, and the surrounding mountain ranges. The village is known for its stunning natural beauty, tea gardens, and peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking solitude. Tinchuley is surrounded by lush green forests, making it a great place for nature walks, birdwatching, and trekking. One of its major highlights is the beautiful sunrise view from the Tinchuley Viewpoint, where visitors can witness the first light of the day breaking over the majestic peaks of Kanchenjunga.

Ideal for: Homestay experiences, trekkers, and those seeking peace.

How to reach: Tinchuley is around 32 km from Kalimpong and can be easily accessed by road through scenic mountain routes.

Getting Around Offbeat Places

All the offbeat places on our list are connected by road to Kalimpong and can be covered within a day. If you are looking for comfort, consider renting a car. Otherwise, you can take shared cabs to some of the places. Remember, road conditions can be rugged, so bring comfortable shoes, a map, and plenty of water.