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Chattakpur - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Chatakpur Darjeeling Travelogue

Chatakpur is a quaint eco village located at a distance of around 22 KM from the Darjeeling town. Nestled within the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, Chatakpur is a paradise for nature lovers. But if you are looking for ‘sightseeing spots’, then it is not the right destination for you. It is a place where you can relax for a day or two, roaming along the village path and inside the pine forest; and enjoying the romance of green mountains and milky white clouds from the comfort of your homestay.

Situated at an altitude of 7887 feet, the village caters to spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga range on one hand and stunning sunrise on the other. In fact, on a clear morning, arguably one can experience a better sunrise here compared to the famous Tiger Hill.

Reaching Chatakpur:

We travelled to Chatakpur in the summer of 2022, and it was the second leg of our trip. We spent the first 2 days visiting Tinchuley, Takdah and Lamahatta ; and on the 3 rd day we had planned to travel to Chatakpur from the Rai Resort in Tinchuley. As I already mentioned in my blog on Tinchuley , the weather was not on our side and it was either raining or cloudy throughout.

On the 3 rd morning, it was drizzling continuously. As we were getting ready to check-out, it started raining cats and dogs. Soon the visibility became near zero, and our driver Michael ji suggested that we wait for some time. After an hour, the rain subsided a bit, and we started our journey.

Chatakpur is located at a distance of 7 KM from the nearest town – Sonada. From here, the road gets bumpy and full of boulders (but at-least it is better than the road to Rishop and Lolegaon ). Due to the condition of the road, you would necessarily need to hire a bigger vehicle like Sumo, Bolero, Innova etc.

Soon we reached the Forest check-post, where we had to pay an entry fee – Rs. 400 for our vehicle and Rs. 120 per adult for every night’s stay.

We reached Chatakpur around 12.30 PM. Luckily for us, the rain had stopped by then, but it was still cloudy. And so unfortunately, there was no view of the Kanchenjunga range.

About the village:

At the onset, let me explain you the topography of Chatakpur. That will help you as you move forward.

At the entrance of the village, there is an abandoned check-post. Here the path bifurcates into two – the left one goes downhill to Lower Chatakpur and the right one to Upper Chatakpur .

Most of the homestays are located in the Upper Chatakpur, and you can view the Kanchenjunga range (of course, on a clear day) from almost each of these homestays. We stayed in Upper Chatakpur, at the Prem Homestay .

The Lower Chatakpur has only one homestay and the Eco-village cottages owned by WBFDC (West Bengal Forest Department Corporation). From here, one can view the Pine forest only, and not the Kanchenjunga. There are two more homestays on the way to Lower Chatakpur.

The primary source of livelihood of the residents is farming. In the recent past, the Forest Department had taken the initiative to promote the village as an eco-tourism destination and since then all the villagers have developed a homestay to welcome tourists.

Kali Pokhri and the Forest Trail:

After lunch, we headed towards the only sightseeing spot of Chatakpur – Kali Pokhri (Kali = Black, Pokhri = Pond) – the sacred pond . The destination, that is the pond itself is not much attractive, but the forest trail on the way is indeed pristine. Bordered by huge pine trees on both sides, you would surely lose yourself in the lap of the nature during this 15-20 minutes walk.

The forest starts just after the Eco-village cottages of Lower Chatakpur. Although not absolutely necessary, you can avail the service of a trained guide, as the forest inhibits wild animals like leopards, red panda etc.

We were misguided by the owner of our homestay and we came down to the Lower Chatakpur by walking down the motorable road. Although the walk downhill was not much of a problem, the way back uphill to Upper Chatakpur was very strenuous. Later I found a shortcut – a flight of stairs that start from the backside of the Akriti Homestay (in Upper Chatakpur) and ends at the back-side of Eco-village cottages (in Lower Chatakpur).

I would suggest that while coming down, you take the road; otherwise you would miss the Welcome Gate of Lower Chatakpur. While going up to the Upper Chatakpur, take the stairs – that would be less arduous.

Rest of the day:

We spent the rest of the afternoon roaming along the alleys of the village.

Our stay in Chatakpur would have remained incomplete until our visit to the Watch tower, a short walk away from the homestays in Upper Chatakpur. The panoramic and 360 degree view of the surrounding area that we witnessed from here was mesmerizing. We were also awed by a thick and vast blanket of cloud that engulfed a wide portion of the valley below. It felt like travelling in an aircraft with the clouds moving beneath.

After sunset, the temperature suddenly started dropping. Our hosts served hot chicken momos along with piping hot Darjeeling tea. It was just the need of the hour. We spent the rest of the evening gossiping with the hosts. The dinner was served around 8.30 PM, and it comprised of chapatti, vegetables and delicious chicken curry.

Next day morning – the Sunrise :

We woke up around 4.30 AM and headed for the Watch tower. If you happen to book a room at the Sunrise Homestay, you don’t have to go anywhere – you can get the same view from the open space in front of your cottage.

As I mentioned earlier, Chatakpur caters to majestic views of sunrise. Some tourists argue that it is even better than the Tiger Hill. So we had high expectations. Unfortunately for us, it was cloudy and the sunrise was ultimately not that grand.

Good bye Chatakpur :

All good things have to end and so was our trip to Tinchuley, Takdah, Lamahatta and Chatakpur. Although we enjoyed a lot, clouds and rain accompanied us everywhere. So, we couldn’t enjoy the fascinating views of Kanchenjunga or the sunrise that these places boast of.

As our train from NJP to Kolkata was in the evening, we had planned to visit Kurseong on the way. In my next blog, I will take you to the popular spots of Kurseong that you can visit on a weekend trip.

Some useful information and tips:

Best time to visit chatakpur :.

You can visit Chatakpur throughout the year except during the monsoon months of mid-June to mid-September, when the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary and the entry to the village is closed.

But the best time to visit is during the extended winter months, i.e. mid-October to February. During this time, the sky is normally clear and you would get an exquisite view of the Kanchenjunga range. We travelled in May, when it remained mostly cloudy.

Homestays in Chatakpur :

The homestays here are literally extensions of the villagers’ homes. Do not expect luxury here. The charges are per person per night basis and include lodging and 4 meals – lunch, evening snacks, dinner and breakfast.

We stayed at the Prem Homestay (+91-89003-12186, 81018-93469, 63549-61534), where the hosts were very courteous. Our room was spacious enough to accommodate 4 adults, but the bathroom was miniscule (It seems they have plans to re-construct the bathroom soon). They charged us Rs. 1200 per person.

The only disadvantage of Prem Homestay is that, tourists have to trek a little from the motorable road. But the hosts would help you in carrying your luggage.

Two other homestays that I would mention here are Sunrise Homestay (+91-81169-69563, 70478-00613) and Akriti Homestay (99331-04230). Both their locations are fabulous (in terms of view) and do not need trekking to reach.

Details of Car :

We travelled from Tinchuley to Chatakpur in the Tata Sumo of Michael ji (+91-86705-83748), which had cost us Rs. 2700. The charge for pick/ drop from/to NJP is Rs. 3500. As we included the sightseeing spots of Kurseong, we had to pay Rs. 500 extra.

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Chatakpur Eco Village – Explore The Green Hamlet

Chatakpur is a small eco-friendly hamlet within the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary in Darjeeling district, West Bengal. Located at an altitude of 7,887 feet, Chatakpur is surrounded by the stunning Kanchenjunga Mountain Range in the North and the gorgeous river Relly Khola in the south. The whole setting of this village is amidst overwhelming lush green forest. People generally indulge in organic farming and there are only 18 village homes in Chatakpur. During your trip to Darjeeling, do not miss out on visiting Chatakpur eco-village.

How to reach Chatakpur

Chatakpur is 80 km away from its nearest airport of Bagdogra and 65 km away from the New Jalpaiguri (NJP) train station. This wonderland is 26 km away from Darjeeling city and 17 km from Ghoom, nearest popular town. The only way to reach this village is by adventurous roads. There are 3 routes to reach here:

Kurseong -Dilaram-Bagora via the Hill Cart or Rohini Road.
Rambi-Mongpu-Jorebunglow and finally Sonada which is 7 km away from Chatakpur.
Darjeeling-Sonada (1-hour drive) and then to Chatakpur.

The last several kilometres of the road will get tougher and passes through dense jungles. Travel tip – Vehicles like Sumo, jeep, Bolero etc with good ground clearance are always recommended on these roads. Reserved vehicle fare from NJP/Bagdogra to Chatakpur would cost you around INR 5000 for the trip.

Attractions in and around Chatakpur

Sundakphu- the dream destination for a trekking expedition is just a 10 minutes walk from the Chatakpur tourist cottages. Sunrise trek to the Tiger Hill is probably one of the top things to do in Darjeeling. This famous 5 am trek is just a 10 minutes walk from the tower of Chatakpur. One can have the best and closest views of the Kanchenjunga range from this offbeat village of Chatakpur.

You can go on light treks into the dense forests which are just 200 metres away from the eco-cottages here. If you are lucky, you can witness wild leopards, barking deer and even a Red Panda along with hundreds of birds unique to the Himalayan ranges.

Also Read: Batasia Loop, A Must- Visit During your Darjeeling Vacation

Best places to stay in Chatakpur

There are only 2 wooden eco-cottages set up by the forest department here with balconies on both the front and back sides. Each of the fully furnished cottages has 2 rooms with a double bed in each room. A maximum of 3 people can stay in a room. There cannot be a better place to be in solitude and enjoy the wilderness of the Himalayan range.

Also Read: These unique HomeStay experience in Darjeeling must not be missed

The cottages have enough blankets and quilts to counter the cold weather. In addition, you also have geysers for hot water, attached bathrooms and good electricity for your stay in Chatakpur. The package here includes all 3 meals plus morning tea during your stay. Eco Cottages for two people would cost around Rs. 3,300 + Tax with all meals per night.

Best time to visit Chatakpur

Your visit to Chatakpur can be all year round except for the monsoon season (July to mid-September) when the eco-cottages remain shut. The winter months of November to February can be extremely cold. Make sure to pack enough winter clothes for your trip to Chatakpur.

Also Read: Best Time to Visit Darjeeling

Chatakpur eco-village is a breathtaking place in the wilderness of the Kanchenjunga ranges. For more such offbeat places to visit during your trip to Darjeeling reach out to the travel experts at Pickyourtrail. Book your curated hand-picked North-East tour packages with Pickyourtrail. Pickyourtrail provides exceptional International tour packages, allowing you to tailor your itinerary to perfection for an unforgettable travel experience.

FAQ’s

Senchal forest.

Ghoom Railway station is the near to Chatakpur.

7,887 feet.

It is famous because of its lush green forests and pure natural beauty.

There might be snowfall during the month of January.

The Great Himalayan Black Bear, Leopards, Barking Deer and Antelopes can be spotted in Chatakpur.

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Unveiling Darjeeling’s Secret: Top 3 Reasons Why Chatakpur Should Be Your Next Escape in 2024

Chatakpur is one of the viewpoints of Darjeeling, North Bengal. Offbeat places are getting popular nowadays. Chatakpur is one such place. A lot of birds can be seen here. If the weather is clear, Kanchenjunga is sure shot to be seen from here. This is also a hilly village, the main work of the people here is Homestay.

The road from Sonada to Chatakpur is quite bumpy. But the journey can be enjoyed if you see the surrounding scenery. The travel of these tourists to Chatakpur started only 10-12 years ago. Before that, the residents of the area were living only by farming and animal husbandry

In the darkness of the night, the lights of the village below will look like Thousands of “Jonaki” There is no shortage of hospitality in the mountains.

Table of Contents

How To Reach Chatakpur West Bengal

Chatakpur to Darjeeling distance is about 20.8 km via NH110 . Lepchajagat to Chatakpur distance approx. 22km . But after crossing the check post of Senchal Fores t, the 7 KM road is a jungle safari road, the car will move slowly here so it will take time to approximately 50 min.

Go up to Sonada from NJP by shared Taxi. NJP to Sonada Shared cab fare 250/- per head then Sonada to Chatakpur approx fare 1000/-. The way to Chatakpur is risky enough. Don’t go in a Small car. From NJP direct Chatakpur car rental will be around 3500/- by road 60 km distance. in monsoon season the road from Jorebunglow through Senchal Forest is closed. You have to take another road through Sonada or Bagora at this time

Chatakpur Height

Chatakpur is a popular village at the height or altitude of 7800 ft and located in the Senchal forest area

Entry Fee Chatakpur Darjeeling

Entry fees per person at Chatakpur are Rs. 120/- for Indians and 500/- for foreigners and per Car Rs.400/-. Homestays can arrange permissions when you book any homestay by providing your valid ID proof

Caution: Small Car is not permissible on this road.

Chatakpur Homestay List

Some popular Home Stays are here:

1. Akriti Homestay – Barsha Rai (9933104230), Bikash Rai (9531628290)

2. Chatakpur Resort (West Bengal Forest Development Corporation, Govt. of West Bengal) – https://wbfdc.net/

3. Sunrise Homestay – 81169 69563 / 70478 00613

4. Premhomestay, Chatakpur : +918900312186

5. Yang Homestay : 083482 25307

6. Norbu Homestay : 089003 11554 / 9609722353. It’s a 3-4 mins walk to the watchtower from here. You can see the Kanchenjunga from the room

7. Roman Homestay: 9002720129

Most of the Homestays in Chatakpur are Tidy, clean rooms. Normally Homestay cost of food and lodging Per Head is Rs. 1500/- Per Day. Food quality and hospitality are very good here like own home. Breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner are included.

WBFDC Chatakpur Eco Resort

Chatakpur Eco Huts are run by Govt. of West Bengal. These Eco-huts are to be booked in advance and are very cozy stay. But views from these huts are not as homestays in the upper Chatakpur

Offbeat Places in Darjeeling

Weather at chatakpur.

Chatakpur has a pleasant climate all over the year, temperature remains between 8 degrees C and 19 degrees C. There is a lot of rainfall at the end of summer, and in the winter it is quite dry again.

The monsoon in Chatakpur begins in June and ends in September. Roads become slippery and chances of landslides. Not recommended to visit this time.

The winter in Chatakpur starts from December to February and the temperature falls to 5 degrees C. So it is advised to carry warm clothes during this time.

Does Chatakpur have snowfall?

you can see in the video, If you are lucky you can have snowfall here

Activity in Chatakpur

Try to reach Chatakpur at least by noon. Then take lunch and after that explore the small village, and go up a little to View Point. The entire Kanchenjunga range can be seen from the front balcony

Leave the Kali Pokhri for the next morning, because going there after 4 pm is not permissible, as there is a fear of wild animals. You can go 7 km hiking from Chatakpur to Sonada. This will surely enrich your experience. But avoid Moonson

Chatakpur in Winter

December to February are winter here. temperature can drop to 5 degrees Celsius. Must carry heavy warm clothes

Chatakpur Sightseeing

Chatakpur Village : A small but beautiful hill village

2. View Point : A 180-degree view of Kanchenjunga can be seen from here

3. Kanchenjunga : This is the main attraction here

4. Forest Bungalow : Old bungalow, can be booked via govt site

5. Pine Forest : The beautiful straight pine forest is one of the attractions. The sanctuary is full of pine, birch, and juniper and it is spread across 39 sq km at 7800 ft altitude. Varies types of birds, peacocks, deer, black bears, and cheetahs live here

6. Kalipokhri : “Pokhri” means “Pond”, water is blackish so the name. The locality is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. The place is beautiful and quiet. There is a stone that is shaped somewhat like a snake. That is their mother Mansa. You can sit in silence for a long time. Wild animals can be seen. But they probably prefer hidden ties.

Travel Tips for Chatakpur:

If you are planning to go to Chatakpur, first book your homestay, then tell them to pick you up from NJP. If you try to book a cab from NJP it may cost a higher
Chatakpur has only 28 families and 28 homestays. The population is below a hundred
The owner of each homestay will try their best. Avoid Chatakpur in monsoon as Road condition becomes the worst
The road towards Kalipokhri is very adventurous, don’t miss it. Here you can listen to the call of the forest
Take the forest department’s permission before entering the village. They will take 120/- per head and 400/- per car (excluding the driver). To feel the thrill come walking through a forest. Distance is 6-7 km
Try to book at upper Chatakpur as the lower Chatakpur view is not good

A picturesque village Chatakpur is located in Kurseong, Darjeeling. It is within Sinchal Sanctuary at an altitude of 7788 ft. Around this village, there is deep greenery and various birds and more over Kanchenjungha. So Let’s plan for it. Happy Journey.

🅵🅰🆀 About Chatakpur

Q. 1 which is higher darjeeling or chatakpur.

Ans: Chatakpur is one of the highest villages in Darjeeling at 7800 ft

Q.2: Can we see snowfall in Darjeeling?

Ans: Yes. You can see snowfall. But this is a rare case in Darjeeling. But chances are high in December and January

Q.3: What is Chatakpur famous for?

Ans: Chatakpur is famous for its green pine forest, viewpoint, Kalipokhri, and pleasant weather throughout the year

Q.4: Which is the best season to visit Chatakpur?

Ans : Avoid monsoon season, otherwise Chatakpur can be traveled throughout the year

Q.5: Is Chatakpur worth visiting?

Ans: Yes. Chatakpur is a wonderful offbeat village in Darjeeling. The best time to view Kanchenjungha is from October to January

Q.6: How is Chatakpur?

Ans: Chatakpur is a small village in Darjeeling. It is famous for watching birds in forests

Q.7: How much is a taxi from Darjeeling to Chatakpur?

Ans : Depending on the demand It Is around Rs 3000/- 3500/-

North Bengal's offbeat magic is my muse. I find adventure in whispering waterfalls, vibrant village life, and breathtaking Himalayan vistas. Join me as I delve deeper, seeking stories and experiences beyond the mainstream, from Darjeeling's tea havens to the unexplored corners of this incredible region

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Chatakpur Hike

About this activity

Discover Darjeeling’s charm with Chatakpur Hike. Traverse through forests, tea gardens, and villages. Reach 7,887 ft Chatakpur, admire Kanchenjunga vistas. Immerse yourself in the culture, savor organic meals, and spot Himalayan birds. Eco-friendly lodges offer a serene nature escape.

Duration : The Chatakpur Hike covers a distance of approximately 14km from Jorebunglow and will take 4-5 hours depending on the pace to reach Chatakpur.

Route : Starting from Jorebunglow, the hike spans approximately 14km and can be completed in a day, depending on your pace. The trail meanders through Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary and picturesque villages, offering glimpses of the stunning landscapes along the way. As you reach Chatakpur, situated at an altitude of 7,887 feet, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the majestic Kanchenjunga range.

The Chatakpur Hike offers stunning panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range and the surrounding landscapes.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as you trek through enchanting forests filled with diverse flora and fauna.
Discover the local culture and hospitality as you pass through quaint villages along the hike.
Spot a variety of Himalayan birds along the way, making it a delight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Stay in eco-lodges that promote sustainable tourism and provide a comfortable resting place amidst nature.
Interact with the friendly locals, experience their traditions, and savor delicious organic meals.
Encounter beautiful waterfalls cascading down the hills, adding a touch of natural beauty to the hike.

Frequently asked questions

What is chatakpur famous for.

Chatakpur is renowned for its bird-watching opportunities, attracting bird lovers from both domestic and international destinations. This eco-friendly village captivates visitors with its stunning mountain views, abundant greenery, and scenic trekking routes and forest trails.

Which time to visit Chatakpur?

The best time to visit Chatakpur is during the months of March to May and September to November when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.

Does Chatakpur have snow?

Chatakpur does not typically receive heavy snowfall. However, during the winter months, there may be occasional light snowfall or frost in the region, adding a touch of winter charm to the surroundings.

What animals are in the Chatakpur forest?

Blue Magpie, Rufous Sibia, Black Redstart, Verditer Flycatcher, Himalayan Bulbul, Pipit, Long tail Shrike, Warbler, Prinia, Blue Fronted Redstart, and Water Redstart are the major species one can see in Chatakpur.

How far is Sonada to Chatakpur by road?

From Sonada there is a motorable road that goes through a forested area to Chatakpur (about 6kms).

What is the entry fee for Chatakpur?

The entry fee for Wildlife Sanctuary at Chatakpur is 120/- per person and Rs. 500 for Foreigners.

Can we see Kanchenjunga from Chatakpur?

Chatakpur provides a spectacular view of the range of Kanchenjunga and the evergreen forest.

What is the height of Chatakpur?

Chatakpur eco-village is located at an altitude of 7887 feet in the hill town of Darjeeling district.

Can we cover to and from Chatakpur hike in a day?

Yes, you can but depends on the pace.

Activity's Location

Beautiful trails and great views

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Home / Travel / For the best view of Kanchenjungha visit charming Chatakpur

The mist suddenly floats in and leaves you drenched. From the window of your homestay, you gaze at sailing clouds bringing in the message from beyond the Kanchenjungha. A fairytale unfurls before you. Locals believe Lord Buddha is in deep sleep beyond those mountains. This is the unexplored terrain of Chatakpur, that is fast developing as one of the best tourist havens of the Darjeeling Hills.

Chatakpur is a remote hamlet, about 26 kilometres from Darjeeling, circled by a pristine forest. The ethnic village has a population of just 80-90 people. Even a few years back, the only place to stay here was the West Bengal Government’s Eco Resort at the entry point of the forest. Now quite a few lovely homestays have come up.

Here lies the kingdom of pine forests and for those who love to get lost in the woods, this is the ideal location. The best part of Chatakpur is its virgin forests, where many a trail leave you mesmerized. The forests have a haunting charm and silence, that will take any adventurous tourist on a discovery of the unknown. There lies the eerie track from Matpu, Bagura that leads to Chatakpur. You can trek this route and if you are lucky you can catch a glimpse of a Himalayan deer or leopard.

Lying at an altitude of 8,000 feet, Chatakpur has a chilly weather throughout the year. Kanchenjungha is a constant companion and its majestic appeal is best felt from Chatakpur compared to even Darjeeling. The homestays and wooden houses have a rustic appeal. Most houses have cardamom farms and flock of hens, while orchids are displayed as decorations. Stairs connect one house to the other.

Also Read LAMAHATTA – THE NEW NORTH BENGAL HILL STATION WHERE TIME STANDS STILL

Wherever you look, your eyes meet lush green forested tracks and hills. Every local greets you with a warm smile. The watch tower at the village top, offers you a wide view of the land lying beneath. The sunrise from this watchtower is par excellence. For those who would like to avoid the cacophony of a Tiger Hill sunrise, can always sit atop this watch tower and feel the dawn breaking into a plethora of colours, far from the madding crowd.

You must not miss the land of fog at Kalipokhri. It is a small waterbody which the locals consider holy and often come to worship. Himalayan Salamanders - one of the oldest and rare amphibian species of the world are found here. You can also find pink frogs, caterpillars, a variety of birds. The place is indeed a photographer’s delight.

If you wish to look around, you can walk down to Sonada. This road is simply unforgettable and locals say, fairies often visit this place. The roads of the village remain closed from June 15 to September 15 as this is the mating season for animals. Do not miss this paradise for sure!

How to reach Take a car from Bagdogra or New Jalpaiguri Station. , NJP or Darjeeling.

Favourite Homestays Lumbini Heritage Home, Lalit Heritage Home, The Inn Patan, Peacock Guest House, Shiva Guest House, Government Eco Resorts

When to go The best time to visit Chatakpur is from October to March.

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Destinations
Day Hikes in Darjeeling

Darjeeling to Chatakpur Hike - 2 Days

The landscape view of Darjeeling to Chatakpur Day Hiking

Mt. Kanchenjunga Seen From during your Chatakpur Day Hiking

Darjeeling to Chatakpur Day Hiking

Duration 2 Day
Destination India
Difficulty Level Easy
Max Altitude 7,887ft

Darjeeling to Chatakpur Hiking is, of course, wealthy in its nature and a highlight region can be done in two day it's one of the papular short hikes in Darjeeling thrught Senchal wildlife Sanctuary and the place of the imposing hills, towering conical trees altitude of 7,887 feet is couch small Eco village.

Chatakpur is a charming village located in the Darjeeling district of the Indian state of West Bengal. Nestled in the lush greenery of the Eastern Himalayas, Chatakpur is known for its serene ambiance, breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, and its commitment to sustainable tourism.

Highlights of Chatakpur include

Scenic beauty.

Chatakpur offers panoramic views of the majestic Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. The village is surrounded by dense forests and pristine landscapes, providing a tranquil and picturesque setting for visitors.

Ecotourism Initiative

Chatakpur is recognized for its emphasis on ecotourism and sustainable practices. The local community actively participates in preserving the environment, promoting responsible tourism, and maintaining the ecological balance of the region.

Relaxing Atmosphere

Chatakpur offers a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. It's a place to unwind, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and connect with nature.

Community-based Tourism

The village is home to a community-based tourism initiative where locals actively engage in hosting tourists. Visitors can experience the warm hospitality of the villagers and gain insights into the local way of life.

Nature Trails and Hiking

Chatakpur offers various nature trails and trekking routes for adventure enthusiasts. These trails take visitors through dense forests, offering opportunities to witness diverse flora and fauna.

Accommodation in Chatakpur mainly consists of homestays, providing visitors with an authentic experience of the local culture and lifestyle. Staying with local families enhances the overall cultural immersion.

This trip gives you an extra experience of nature, culture, mountain views.
A Nature walk in wildlife Sanctuary and the place of the imposing hills.
Within easy reach from Darjeeling.
Stunning views of the Himalyas (on a clear day).
Beautiful village along the way of your hikes.

Day 1: Darjeeling to Ghoom Jorebungalow by car and Trek to Chatakpur 14km

You will be picked at morning 8am by Ashmita Trek and Tours representative and drive to Ghoom Jorebungalow by car 30 minutes and start our trek to Chatakpur 14km through dense forests, offering opportunities to witness diverse flora and fauna. after 3 hour hike we reach the place call Sherpa Gaon know as Naya basti. we have our local lunch here. and later continuse hike to Chatakpur eco village. overnight stay at homestay.

Lunch ,Dinner

Day 2: Chatakpur to Darjeeling via three Mile 15km

Early in the morning one can walk down for 10 minutes to enjoy the sunrise and A glimpse of Mt. Kanchenjunga along with other parts of the Himalayan range can be seen from Chatakpur. Chatakpur View Point is located nearby from where one can get a view of the Pine and Rhododendron Forests. The place is also a bird lover's paradise. Different species of birds including Yellow Billed Blue Magpie, Warbler, Himalayan Bulbul and Black Capped Redstart are seen here. return to homestay for breakfast and continues hike to three mile we finish our hike here and drive to Darjeeling.

Breakfast, lunch

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What's Included

Permit for National park entry
Accomodetion at Homestay
Melas during the trek
Pick up and droop of hotel in private tourist vehicle
Senchal wildlife Sanctuary National Park Entry fee
Helpful and friendly local mountain guides (licence holders)
Tips for trekking staff and driver. (Tipping is expected
Items such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry.
Personal trekking Equipments.

Useful Information

During the monsoon seasons the Chatakpur Hike is under the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary will remain closed from mid 15 June to mid 15 September, so we not running this day trek so we have another option for low altitude day trek available Please contact us we will provided you more information.

Not suitable

Pregnant women
Wheelchair users
People with pre-existing medical conditions

Customer Reviews

Aditya velamuri, india - february 03, 2020.

Great trek operators with very flexible itineraries for every trek. Guide was very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. Overall a memorable experience.

Arnab Nag, India - February 12, 2019

We were planning to do this for a very long time. But let me tell you in advance, its not too easy but its definitely worth the pain. Note: All of us were beginners. We started off from Darjeeling around 9:30 in the morning. The journey to Ghum was pretty steep and drained out most of our energy. From there we entered the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary. The journey was absolutely magical with the entire forest covered in mist and fog. The initial part of it was quite comfortable but the challenge was yet to come when we had to ascend again to reach the topmost part. We decided not to go to Chatakpur since it was already late. But the downhill ride to Jorebunglow was really challenging as the path was muddy and filled with rocks. During the entire journey there were a number of times when we thought that we won't be able to complete it but that's when we got a hell lot of motivation from our guide-Kunzang Sangay Bhutia! He was absolutely amazing, encouraging and super fit at his 40s!! The journey was well organised by Ashmita Trek and Tours although we felt that there should have been a provision for taking enough rest and food in between at some place since it was really tiring. A word of advice: Do carry snacks bar, bananas, energy drink and water. And make sure you have Sangay with you to make your task a lot easier.

Manuel N, United Kingdom - October 06, 2015

Totally recomended. Me and one friend did the one day hikking IN Darjeeling chatkapur with dalaw lama as guide. All the staff very kind people. Also know a lot of himalayas and dont have problem to share it with you. I would like to do it again and more days!

kabdac, United Kingdom - September 08, 2015

Despite the rain and cloud we had a great day's hike with Subash. The area is stunning we can only imagine what it is like when the clouds clear! We learnt a lot from Subash about area and the people of the region. His English is excellent and above all he was a lot of fun, he made us laugh a lot! The food we had for breakfast and lunch on the hike was some of the best we had in Darjeeling. Thanks Subash!

Emma karl, United Kingdom - August 13, 2015

Subash helps you to organize a varied and fun trip so you can enjoy the Himalaya even if you don't have many days for your visit. We did a very simple tour with cycling and hiking, people with no previous experience could easily do the same tour as we did. Besides from the active parts Subash also took us to a museeum, a buddist temple while a ceremony was going on, got us to taste local beer in a cottage in Nepal (with an open fire sparkeling in the background)

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First trip after lockdown in Chatakpur, a small hamlet near Darjeeling

Mar 19, 2021 | Birdwatching trips , North Bengal , West Bengal | 1 |

My first trip after lockdown was in Chatakpur. It was an amazing experience to view such awesome hill beauty after so long time caged in home. In this writeup I will tell you how madly I was looking for this trip to get some fresh air.

The person beside the other side of the phone was very clear about his question ‘….but you should have some choice right? Please tell me where would you like to go?’ I screamed impatiently, ‘I don’t know, I just don’t want to be confined anymore.’ ‘Oh come on! At least you must have some places in mind. You want birding right?’ he asked affectionately. Yes definitely, you know me. Plan something that will amaze me.

That was the initial conversation between me and the person who arranges my tours very often. I knew that he would make it a success. I couldn’t tell this plan to my tour companion husband and son, because It supposed to be a surprise gift for them.

A hungry person can hardly afford the freedom of choosing his/her food. I was feeling like a starved person in lockdown. I was obeying the sanitization rules and distance rules. I locked myself in my home for more than 8 months. The phase was horrible because I couldn’t imagine myself without watching birds for so long time. After a long period, I planned something for myself and my family. I realized how deeply and madly I had missed my travel days.

I called Dipankar da , who arranged my trips usually, and asked him to plan something. After a couple of alterations and modifications, I finalized three places. I was not fussy about the dates, I only wanted to start on a weekend.

I got my train ticket in Darjeeling mail. It was a rush when I bought those. I was wondering why it is a rush because the pandemic is not still over. Two of my childhood friends told me to plan something for them. I asked them to join me on my trip. Still, the places were not finalized. After a couple of long telephonic conversations with Dipankar Da and my friends, we finalized three places. Our plan was pretty simple but had some conditions. We wanted to have birds for birders and good natural beauty for non-birders. So according to that, we finalized Chatakpur, Lamagaon, and Latpanchar.

‘Do you think, Latpanchar would be a good choice for non-birders?’ I asked Dipankar da. I was not sure whether they liked it or not, because it was recognized as a birder’s paradise for a long time. It would be my first visit but he was a regular visitor. He completely smashed my doubt. ‘Your friends will stay one night at Ahaldara, and you will go there for a day visit.’ I couldn’t wait for going out and the days in between were simply flying.

In this blog, I will tell you how we enjoyed Chatakpur. What was our initial overview. How often should I recommend it as a place to visit? I have a plan to write the whole story in an episodic format.

Darjeeling Mail was pretty clean. Our ticket was in Sleeper berth. I wanted to avoid the AC coach because of the safety issue. It was well spread knowledge that coronavirus could thrive in air conditions. Rail stopped providing bedsheets in AC coach. Maybe this is another reason that why many commuters who used to avail AC coach, currently getting their tickets done in a sleeper. The compartment was very clean and got a light smell of sanitizer everywhere. Dipankar da came to the station himself to see us off and wished us a happy journey along with the sanitization kit on behalf of NorthEastTravels.

We sanitized our seat before using. I was a bit worried about the whole process because I was traveling with my kid who is only 5 years old. He wanted to sit in front of the open window. ‘Can I look through ma?’ – My son asked me timidly. ‘Yes baby, you can, but don’t take out your mask and don’t put your fingers in your mouth by mistake.’ ‘Sure ma. Another thing, can you stop calling me baby in front of others? Calling Kid or my boy should be ok with me.’ ‘Ha ha,’ I laughed out loud. ‘See, I am not forcing you to wear the mask and gloves they provided in the kit, but consider it as a necessity.’

Wearing too much sanitization dress like a mask, gloves, PPE, face shield, headwear was silently snatching the happiness of the trip. I really don’t feel good to receive those kits. It was like a hospital. I memorized how I used to receive roses, goose made by towels on our arrival in hotel rooms and how could I forget the rhododendron juice as a welcome drink in the month of March April. All seems to be a dream now.

The train journey was usual and less disturbed. No hawker, no regular visitor board the train. Everyone in our coach brought dinner from home and the pantry was not bothered, though they asked once if anyone wished to avail their service. Co travelers were good. They didn’t hear the name Chatakpur before. They were all Darjeeling goers. We talked with each other wearing masks and didn’t jump on each other when we got a glimpse of a clear view of Kanchenjunga from the train window.

The train was 30 minutes late which seems to be pretty unusual. Now with lesser number of trains and fewer traffic trains were moving before time if not on the right time.

It was a nice nostalgic feeling when I dragged my trolley bag over the bridge of New Jalpaiguri Station. I already had goosebumps with the clear Kanchenjunga view from my train window. I have never seen this quite clear. It was always a cloudy foggy story for me in my past trips. Dipankar da arranged the car for us. Our driver Darshan was a helpful guy and he proved himself quite was a good choice in the trip. He was waiting with his well-conditioned Xylo in the parking area. We waited for my friends to come. They have followed us in Padatik express which was at the right time.

It was a being a long article but I can’t stop writing verbatim. Let me tell you a few about how I tagged a usual driver good or bad.

1) Of course a good driver should rule the road. I appreciate how a good chauffeur managed to drive on tougher roads.

2) I don’t like the driver to talk too much and interfere in passengers’ discussions. The driver may be a pool of knowledge but he should speak out if was asked. Being a creative person and a calm blogger, I like to spend my time with nature silently. Many of my trips were spoil because of the talkative chauffeur.

3 ) Knowing the possibilities of birds and willing to stop anywhere asked midway, is a plus point for them. I always appreciate those drivers who were frequently deal with birdwatchers. Darshan ji didn’t handle birders before but he was very prompt when we suddenly tell him to stop midway. This is very important in en route birding.

4) Being a good and helpful guy, he helped us with our bags and trolleys.

5) I hate those who picked up their calls while driving.

6) I like the overall smoothness of driving. Too much rush speed and sudden break made the journey awful

So, back to the point. After a quick breakfast in a small roadside restaurant, We reached Chatakpur via Kurseong. We were stuck in some traffic jam due to the political rally. Otherwise, it was a pleasant journey. Chatakpur is situated in the Senchal wildlife sanctuary. We needed to buy the tickets for entering the WLS. It was only Rs. 120/per day per head. The road became unbearable from this point. It was just like a trek route and our driver was pushing the car hardly onto it. I sometimes thought of going there by trekking. In my opinion, trekking proved to be a good choice than a car, though the road is pretty long. Chatakpur is a small hamlet with nineteen families only. All the people here were running homestay though their primary occupations were farming and grazing. With the help of tourism, they are trying to grow. Their children are now able to get admission to the Catholic schools of Sonada. Chatakpur homestay owner Barsha Rai has a clear view of sustainable tourism.

Things to do in Chatakpur

1) kanchenjunga view.

Chatakpur has a beautiful Kanchenjunga view. If the weather is clear, one can have a magnificent Kanchenjunga view.

2) Sunrise point of Chatakpur

Chatakpur has a sunrise point. It is the highest area of Chatakpur. There is a watchtower. From this place, one can view the beautiful sunrise and how Kanchenjunga looks in different shades. The 360-degree view of the hills can make one spellbound.

3) Village beauty

Chatakpur is a beautiful village. The little houses with lots of greenery can attract the mind of a tourist. One can stroll around the village and talk with villagers, experience their simple daily lives, and get enriched.

4 ) Pukhuri of Chatakpur

There is a small water body in the jungle. Locals call it Pukhuri. The water source is natural. Local people thought that this area is pious. They worship God here. They believed that the God of the forest doesn’t like too much crowd there. It is a good thought for nature too. Many wild animals including boar, bear, deer, etc. come here to have water.

5) Birdwatching in Chatakpur

Chatakpur has a good scope for birdwatching. Here we found many Himalayan birds. The whole area is good for birds. The bird activity depends on different conditions like sunlight, fog, etc.

We got many birds near the homestay, on the way to Pukhuri, near Govt. tourist lodge. I have described all the possible locations along with the bird list.

6) Other places around Chatakpur

Apart from Chatakpur, one can visit Darjeeling, Lamahatta, Takdah, Tinchuley, etc. All the places are very beautiful.

I have made two videos on this in Hindi and Bengali.

I am providing the links here. You can watch to get a glimpse of the tour Trip to Chatakpur in Bengali Trip to Chatakpur in Hindi Birds of Chatakpur in Bengali Birds of Chatakpur in Hindi

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Chatakpur – An Infinite Serenity Amidst Unexplored Mountain Hamlets.

Inside this article, table of contents.

1001 Things

February 12, 2021

Chatakpur : Stress has become a staple word in people’s vocabulary these days. Everybody’s stressed! Be it because of work, studies, family or any other reason, people are struggling to get that mental peace. While each individual has their own way of letting out their stress, traveling is something that works for all. Just going on backpacking trips brings comfort and peace to your mind and going on a planned vacation is no less than bliss.

Discover the Serenity of Chatakpur: A Wildlife Paradise in North Bengal

Chatakpur is one such travel destination in North Bengal that completely washes your stress away. Nestled amidst the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, it is a paradise for wildlife lovers.

An escape from the city to a place populated with Flora and Fauna. As far as the human settlement is concerned, it is thinly populated. This forest is in the picturesque town of Sonada and sits at the elevation of 7887 ft. It is one of the best places to visit, whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a long vacation.

The place offers immense peace along with all the greenery. Being in Chatakpur is like being one with nature and travel enthusiasts from places around the world can be seen enjoying that here. Another reason this place is visited by thousands of people every year is the Panoramic view it offers of the Mountain Range.

It faces the mighty Kanchenjunga and other various mountain ranges which are covered with snow throughout the year. The view gets better especially in the morning and the evening when the snow capped mountains turn golden.

The forest is home to tall Pine trees , birds and wild animals like Leopards , Great Himalayan Bear, Barking Deer and Antelopes among many others.

Chatakpur is also a centre point to a trekking trail leading to Tiger Hill , which is best known for providing a view of Mount Everest.

How to get to Chatakpur?

The nearest Airport to Chatakpur is Bagdogra and the nearest Railway station is NJP (New Jalpaiguri). Both Bagdogra and NJP are almost 10 Kms from Siliguri.

How to get to Chatakpur from Siliguri?

Taking a road trip from Siliguri to Sonada is the best way to get to Chatakpur. It takes almost two hour to get to Sonada from Siliguri which is at a distance of 48.5 kms. You need to further cover a distance of 7 Kms from Sonada. Vehicles keep running from Siliguri to Sonada on a daily basis.

Best Time to visit

There is no specific time period to visit Chatakpur, it extrudes beauty throughout the year. If you are more into exploration and trekking avoiding the rainy season i.e. June to September would be best. Rain brings along landslides and other natural calamities which can ruin your travel experience. To get the best view of the mountain range the ideal time is from October to December.

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Tour Chatakpur – A Mystic Eco Village with Tranquality

True nature lovers have foregone the luxuries of city life to settle down in the remotest places and worshipped it. Such places are rare but exist within our reach not too far from where you are! With Chatakpur Tour explore one such serene village within the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary in Darjeeling District, West Bengal.

This pristine village is bounded by the Kachenjunga Mountain Range in the North and the river gorge Relly Khola in the south. With a Chatakpur Tour Package , which is indeed a paradise for nature lovers as one can get a spectacular view of the imposing mountain range of Kanchenjunga and at the same time experience the overwhelming lush green forest.

Apart from that, NatureWings - also offers personalized and flexible Kashmir Package Tour from Mumbai , Kashmir Package Tour from Kolkata , Silk Route Tour Package , Andaman Package Tour from Kolkata , Sri Lanka Package Tour from Kolkata , Darjeeling Gangtok Package Tour at Best Price. So, pickup your phone and give us a call for any kind of package booking or assistance at +91-98300-13505

What is the Altitude of Chatakpur?

The location of chatakpur is 7,887 Ft (2380 meter) above Sea level. Coordinates are 26.9671° N, 88.3112° E

How is the Weather of Chatakpur?

Chatakpur can be travelled throughout the year, but winter season mainly end of October to end of March are the best time to visit chatakpur. NatureWings strongly sugest you to travel during 20th November to 10th of December. During this time the weather is crystal clear and offer 100% fog and cloud free visibility of Mt Kanchenjungha.

chatakpur Tour Information with Lamahatta

Book Chatakpur Lamahatta Package Tour @ BEST PRICE FOR BOOKING CALL +91-99039-89505

Package Name : Mystic Chatakpur Tour with Lamahatta

Tour Duration : 4 Nights & 5 Days [Chatakpur-2N, Lamahatta-2N]

Places to visit in Chatakpur Tour : Chatakpur Remote Village, Latpanchar, Darjeeling, Senchal Lake, Senchal Wildlife Sanctury, Runglee Rungliot Tea Estate, Kurseong, Lamahatta Eco Park, Dense Dhupi Plantations

Pickup and Drop : Bagdogra Airport / Siliguri Station / NJP Station

Why Book Chatakpur Tour Package with NatureWings?

→ NatureWings is North Bengal Tour Specialist for more than 8 years

→ Company has Best Delux Homestays at Chatakpur / Lamahatta

→ Company has the team of experience Passionate Travelers

→ Choice of more than 10 hands picked destinations

→ All property personally visited & certified by NatureWings team

→ Complete day to day guidance and assistance from NJP to NJP by NatureWings team member

→ Always handled by NatureWings Team itself, not handed over to a Sub-Agent

LAMAHATTA TOUR
SITONG TOUR
KOLAKHAM TOUR
NORTH BENGAL OFFBEAT TOUR
SANDAKPHU LAND ROVER TOUR
SANDAKPHU TREKKING PACKAGE

How to reach Chatakpur from NJP / Bagdogra / Siliguri?

Different distance to remember for chatakpur tour, chatakpur tour plan with lamahatta, day 1 : njp/bagdogra to chatakpur [60 km - 2.5 hrs].

Meet and greet at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport. Proceed to the pre-booked Chatakpur Homestay or Chatakpur Eco Village Resort . Chatakpur is an untouched hamlet settled in the middle of Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary. The road towards Chatakpur is quite scenic and about 75 kilometres driving distance away. After covering these three hours of driving distance, reach Chatakpur and check-in to the homestay. During the evening you are all yours to stroll around the village. You can even trek to Tiger Hill which is just 10 minutes from the village. After witnessing the beauty of a mesmerizing sunset, have dinner and overnight stay at Homestay in Chatakpur .

Day 2 : Chatakpur Seightseeing Tour

chatakpur tour package booking from NJP with NatureWings

Day 3 : Transfer to Lamahatta [30 km - 1.5 Hrs]

lamahatta tour package booking from NJP with NatureWings

Day 4 : Lamahatta Seightseeing

Tinchule tour with Darjeeling from NJP with NatureWings - The North Bengal Tour Specialist

Day 5 : Lamahatta to Bagdogra / NJP Drop

After breakfast proceed towards NJP / Bagdogra [IXB] with sweet vacation memory.

Top Attractions in Chatakpur

What are the top most attractions to visit in Chatakpur Tour ?

Tiger Hill - Tiger Hill offers one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Greater Himalayas. Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world, is lit up at sunset and sunrise in a mesmerising display of colours. Mt Everest and several other mountain peaks belonging to the 8000+m club can be easily seen from this hilltop. You can even spot the town of Kurseong on a day with clear weather it's a destination by itself offering not just great views during sunrise, it's a place where you can soak yourself with Himalayan beauty anytime during the day. Senchal Lake - Senchal Lake is a beautiful water body situated within the territory of Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary. This lake offers stunning views of the hilly surroundings. The water of this lake is clean and potable, which is why it is supplied to the entire city of Darjeeling. Encompassed by dense forests of oak, pine and birch, this topography is where you can find nature in its most expressive form. Colourful flowers like rhododendrons and orchids on the lakeside enhance the overall beauty. Senchal Wildlife Sanctury - The dense canopy of the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is also the house to a variety of wildlife and birds. You would be actually amazed to see birds like the Himalayan Bulbul, Blue magpie, warbler and the Verdant Flycatcher are quite commonly seen. As for wildlife, if you are lucky enough, then you can view the Great Himalayan Black Bear, mountain leopard and the barking deer. Runglee Rungliot Tea Estate - Among the famous Tea estates in Darjeeling district, RungleeRungliot is one of them. It is actually one of the oldest tea brands of Duncans. One can visit the estate factories and watch the tea processing but not in winters as it is usually remain closed during winter. The picturesque view from the tea garden will surely mesmerize one. You can explore the place by walking through the tea gardens and by interacting with the locals.

Best Things To Do in Chatakpur

What are the best things to do in Chatakpur Tour ?

You can view the trekkers' dream destination Sundakphu from the Watch Tower in Chatakpur, this view tower is also known as the sunrise point, to view the sunrise or take a panoramic view from Sandakphu Trekking . You can also spend time at the Pokhri (Pond). Bird lovers can spend their time watching birds and tourists can even enjoy the breathtaking view of Mt. Kanchenjunga from nearby or enjoy the folk dances performed by local people.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS [FAQ] FOR CHATAKPUR TOUR

Q. can i get amenities like running hot water and 24 hour electricity in chatakpur.

Yes, Chatakpur has good home stay and cottage hut where you will get 24x7 electricity and hot water on demand.

Q. Is Mt. Kanchenjunga visible from Chatakpur?

Yes, Chatakpur offers amazing views of the entire range of Kanchenjunga right from your window also on a clear day.

Q. How much time it requires to reach sunrise point in Chatakpur?

It takes 10 min walk to reach the watchtower, the view tower called Sunrise point also, from where you can view the Sandakphu also, and it gives the best view of sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Q. Can we do small treks from Chatakpur?

Yes, there are some forest trails through lush greenery ideal for light treks, but always go with a guide as the forest has wild lives like leopards, deer and red panda as well.

Q. Can we buy organic vegetables from Chatakpur?

Yes, you can buy organic vegetables from the villagers, you can pick farm fresh vegetables from the farmland also.

Q. What is the best time to visit Chatakpur?

Chatakpur can be visited throughout the year but for those planning to visit the forest are advised to avoid the rainy season.

Q. What are the best Homestays in Chatakpur?

Chatakpur has some best homestays in the lap of mother nature with good ambience and amenities. Humro Home Norbu Homestay - Chatakpur Eco Village Hut - Chatakpur Dhanmaya Niwas Homestay - Chatakpur Humro Home Angchu HomeStay - Chatakpur Eco Resort - Chatakpur Sherpa Homestay - Chatakpur Sunrise Homestay - Chatakpur Green Valley Homestay - Chatakpur Kulung Homestay - Chatakpur Akriti Homestay - Chatakpur Chetan Homestay - Chatakpur

Q. What is Chatakpur famous for?

Chatakpur is a beautiful, quaint, eco-friendly village right at the opposite of Tiger Hill. Chatakpur is famous for offering unobstructed views of the whole range of Kanchenjunga right from your window.

Q. What is the best way to reach Chatakpur?

There are three different routes to come here, the most common way to reach Chatakpur is Dilaram - Bagora route. From Bagdogra / NJP drive to Dilaram near Darjeeling (55 km), from here a steep forested road will take you to Bagora, about 3 km away.

Q. Can I get a share taxi for Chatakpur from Bagdogra?

There is no direct share taxi service available from NJP/Siliguri or Bagdogra. Take a share taxi service for Darjeeling and get down at Sonada bazaar. From Sonada Bazaar, take a private vehicle to reach Chatakpur.

Mili Bhowmik - Chatakpur Tour Review

If you are looking for a laid-back relaxing getaway, this is the perfect place. The 4N/ 5D short trip to Chatakpur and Lamahatta is always a good idea to imbibe some offbeat culture of Ecotourism in North Bengal, especially if you live close to Bengal. Live the days of your vacation in the lap of the nature with the beautiful calm, yet mysterious forest of Senchal. The view of Mt Kanchenjunga from here is way better than tiger hill. I highly recommend every tourist to give a visit to this place if you are a nature freak and want to break away from your day to day busy, noisy, hustle-bustle life.

Narendra Inamdar - Chatakur Review

In a nutshell, If you're looking for luxury and indulgence, this isn’t the place. But if you want great views of the hills, it's a great spot. This place is pretty remote surrounded by theforest. The eco-huts at the bottom of the village have better amenities but the homestays on the hills have great views. We had a homestay room just below the viewing platform and had great views of the Kanchenjunga Mountain just outside our rooms. The food is wholesome and good but pretty standard: rice, dal, and vegetable, eggs for lunch, roti and chicken for dinner and puri sabji for breakfast. The viewing platform on the top provides spectacular views of the mountains. Finally, do try and interact with the local villagers. They are all lovely people and have some great stories to share. One of the best moments from our trip was sharing stories with them on a cold night over an amazing bonfire.

Rakhi Mukherjee - Sitong Tour Review

If you love oranges then you can't resist a Sittong Tour . The place, the people, their affection towards the guests/visitors is true from heart. Although the small village is famous for its Orange plantations, you will be surprised to find various species of birds around you.The trip to the orange village was satisfying in all accounts. If you are looking for going away from the city at the weekend, Sitong can be a good option. Our Sitong Lamahatta Tour organized by NatureWings was a perfect one. The homestays at every place were very good and best in the respective places. In Sitong, we stayed in fact inside an orange orchard. The chatakpur homestay was in upper chatakpur, from where our entire team enjoyed the beautiful views of snow Peak Mountains.

Joy Saha - Sittong Homestay Review

Relatively unknown to tourists, Sitong is probably the most off beat destination in North Bengal Tour . There are orange orchards and pine trees all around and the people out there will definitely steal your heart. A visit to this hamlet is strongly recommended. If you want to enjoy the offbeat places in Darjeeling, I would strongly recommend Sitong, Lamahatta and Chatakpur Tour and you will feel the complete relaxation of your mind and soul.

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Chatakpur, North Bengal – The mountain village

The mountain village of Chatakpur is located at an altitude of 7887 feet within Senchal WLS. On its northern side, is the Mt.Kanchenjunga and on the southern side of it are the swinging green valley and the river gorge of Relly Khola. The small village has a population of around 100 people. The organic crops, the shrubs and medicinal herbs which are acquired by means of the terrace cultivation from the forest, form the means of livelihood of the locals. The place offers spectacular views of Kanchenjungha, lush greenery, forest trails and wooden cottages. It is a perfect destination for those seeking peace and tranquillity in the Himalayas.

Places to see at Chatakpur: A number of popular trek routes are from Chatakpur that lead to the top of the Tiger Hill. During this trek, you might even catch a glimpse of the ‘Chumbalumba’ or Mount Everest. While going to the forest, make sure to take a trained forest guard as the forest is the home to the Great Himalayan Black Bear family, Leopards , Barking Deer and Antelopes.

Nearby attractions of Chatakpur: During your stay make a visit to the Tiger Hill. There are many other places that are situated nearby such as Jorebungalow, Ghoom and Sonada. Darjeeling is the nearest popular tourist destination of Chatakpur. You can enjoy a number of small treks to Tiger Hill, Rimbi village, Sixeen village, Labda. Most of the trekking trails run through the wild life sanctuary and you would be accompanied by our expert guide.

Best time to visit Chatakpur: Chatakpur can be visited throughout the year but for those planning to visit the forest are advised to avoid the rainy season.

How to go ?

Chatakpur is located at a distance of around 16 kilometres from Jorebungalow that lies on Siliguri-Darjeeling Road and 7 kilometres from Sonada. You need to go through the Hill Cart Road and enter the jungle trail, in order to reach Chatakpur. Air Route : The nearest airport is Bagdogra. It is 80 km away and connects with Delhi, Guwahati and Kolkata.

Rail Route : Ghoom is the nearest station connected by Indian Heritage Toy Train with New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri Junction station which are nearest broad gauge railway station and is 87 km away.

Road : NH 55 passes along the Western side of the Sanctuary . The sanctuary is 9 km away from Darjeeling. Chatakpur Eco village is 17 km from Ghoom, Jorebunglow and 7 km from Sonada.

Where to stay ?

Forest Department had made two cottage with four double bedded room and all modern facilities with warm hospitality of the villagers will impress you. Home stay is available in selected houses in Chatakpur.

You may contact following for booking: WIND OZ 34 Sarat Bose Road, Hakimpara, Siliguri -734 001, West Bengal Ph. No :91 353 2520492 / 91 94340 72552 / 91 94341 41812

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.

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The Best Time to Visit Darjeeling: A Seasonal Guide

We always want to identify The best time to visit Darjeeling as, Darjeeling is a picturesque hill station known for its numerous green tea gardens, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and historic colonial past.

The best time to visit Darjeeling depends on your preferences and what you want to get out of your vacation, even though it is a well-liked location all year round. We’ll give you a seasonal guide in this post to aid in organizing your trip to Darjeeling.

Weather in Darjeeling

Darjeeling’s height and position in the eastern Himalayas have an impact on the weather there. A subtropical highland climate characterises the town, with cool temperatures all year round.

Yet, depending on the season, the weather can change significantly. Darjeeling experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

Best Time to Visit Darjeeling: Spring (March – May)

One of the greatest seasons to travel to Darjeeling is spring. There are sunny skies and mild days, which make the weather pleasant. This time of year, the temperature varies from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius.

Although the trails are not too slick and the mountain views are breathtaking, now is a fantastic time to go trekking or hiking. Visitors can also see the famed Darjeeling tea being harvested during this time, as well as the tea being processed.

Best Time to Visit Darjeeling: Summer (June – September)

Another popular time to travel to Darjeeling is in the summer. This time of year, temperatures range from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. There may be a few showers here and there, and there may be some foggy days.

Yet now is a fantastic time to tour the town and its surroundings. The vistas of the Himalayas are still breathtaking, and the tea plantations remain lush and green. A serene refuge for people wanting a break from the rush of daily life, the town is much less busy during this time of year.

Best Time to Visit Darjeeling: Autumn (October – November)

If you wish to take part in the town’s exciting festivals and festivities, autumn is the finest season to travel to Darjeeling. This time of year, the temperature at Darjeeling varies from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius.

During this time, the well-known Darjeeling tea festival is conducted, allowing guests to sample a variety of teas and discover how tea is produced. The town also observes the Durga Puja and Diwali festivals at this time, which are distinguished by vibrant processions, cultural events, and regional cuisine.

Best Time to Visit Darjeeling: Winter (December – February)

If you want to experience frigid weather, the best time to travel to Darjeeling is during the winter. This season’s temperature ranged from 2°C to 7°C. With snow-capped mountains in the background, the town is changed into a winter wonderland. It’s crucial to remember that some of the roads and hiking paths can be closed as a result of snowfall.

What to Pack for Your Darjeeling Trip

It’s crucial to take the season and your planned activities into account when choosing your travel attire for your trip to Darjeeling. Among the necessities are: Warm clothing: Even in the height of summer, it can get chilly at night, so bring a warm jacket or jumper. Pack an umbrella or raincoat because Darjeeling is renowned for its sporadic rainfall. Appropriate footwear: If you intend to go hiking or trekking, carry a pair of supportive, comfy shoes. Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must because the sun may be very powerful in the highlands.

The best time to travel to Darjeeling ultimately depends on your interests and preferences. If you like nice weather and want to avoid crowds, the best time to come is between March and May or between October and November.

The best time to go is between December and February if you want to enjoy snow activities and the town’s winter beauty. No matter when you go, Darjeeling has a special combination of scenic beauty, charming colonial architecture, and vibrant culture that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

What is the weather like in Darjeeling?

The weather in Darjeeling can vary depending on the season. In general, the summers are mild and pleasant, while the winters can be chilly with occasional snowfall.

What are some popular tourist attractions in Darjeeling?

Some popular tourist attractions in Darjeeling include the tea gardens, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the colonial-era buildings and museums, and the trekking and hiking trails.

Is Darjeeling safe for tourists?

Darjeeling is generally a safe destination, but it’s important to take some precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

What are some popular festivals and events in Darjeeling?

Some popular festivals and events in Darjeeling include the Darjeeling Tea Festival, Durga Puja , and Diwali .

What should I pack for my Darjeeling trip?

When packing for your Darjeeling trip, be sure to consider the season and the activities you’ll be doing. Some essentials include warm clothing, rain gear, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen/sunglasses.

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Sittong, Chatakpur & Darjeeling 05 Nights & 06 Days

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Itinerary for Package Tour

Arrival and transfer to Sittong - On arrival guests will be representative will receive guests and assist them to forwarding journey to Sittong - Sittong is a village in the Kurseong block and its subdivision of the Darjeeling district in the state of West Bengal, India - There are two option to reach Sittong - One is approximately 55 kilometers and is nearly 02 - 2½ hours drive along River Teesta i.e. National Highway 10 - The other route is via Kurseong - After reaching Kurseong one has to turn via Dilaram, Buggura / Bagora to reach Ghaleytar and then Sittong - Guests has to drive to either Mongpoo bazaar - Or after crossing Sevoke via N H 10 on the way to Gangtok from Kalijhora one can take left turn to Latpanchor - From Latpanchor its nearly 14 kilometers to Sittong - Popularly known as the Orange village is a quaint Lepcha Hamlet - Situated amidst the alpine pine forest is this offbeat destination near Darjeeling - It is situated at an elevation of 4000 feet - Its serene ambiance and calm weather attracts tourist throughout the year - Within a distance of nearly 20 kilometers are many a places of interest like Dilaram, Kurseong, Latpanchar, Mungpoo, and Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary - Evening free to stroll around the place - Check into Home Stay - Night Stay at Sittong

Local Sightseeing around Sittong - The village is situated in deep valley beside Riyang River - There’s a bamboo bridge, a church, some winding village paths skirting through orange orchards and few meandering streams - Early morning drive to view Sunrise at Durpin Dara and return back to homestay - Next have breakfast - Post breakfast visit the village - Next guests can visit the Tea garden and maybe with prior notice watch the manufacturing of Tea - Namthing Pokhari (Salamander Lake) - Ahal Dara - It offers a lovely view of the flowing river Teesta - Other attraction nearby is house of Rabindranath Tagore at Mongpoo nearly 8 kilometers and Latpanchar, the highest point in Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is 13 kilometers from Sittong - Latpanchar is also home to the Himalayan Salamander and numerous species of birds and butterflies - Back to Homestay for Lunch - One can enjoy Camping and riverside picnic or cultural program Or - Guests can avail some light treks to the nearby Labda village and few nearby spots with a local guide - One can also enjoy dinner after campfire cooked at the campsite - Evening free to stroll around the place - Check into Home Stay - Night Stay at Sittong

Transfer to Chatakpur - It is approximately 35 kilometers and is nearly 02 hours drive via Baggura - This pristine Village situated in the middle of Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary has an elevation of 1500-2600 meters - At an altitude of 7887 feet this small Himalayan village called Chatakpur - It is at a distance of 18 kilometers from Jorebunglow, 07 kilometers from Sonada - Check into the hotel - The terrace cultivation of organic crops and the shrubs and medicinal herbs acquired from the forest, form the means of livelihood of the locals - The unique location of Chatakpur which offer the panoramic view of the snow-clad mountains and Eastern Himalayan range within the lush green forest of the alpine tree has made Chatakpur the safe haven for the nature lover - One can walk to Tiger hill which is just 10 minutes from the village - The place has now transformed itself to a tourist destination - Where visitors make a beeline for the lush greenery, wooden cottages, forest trails, trekking routes, and overall, a getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life - It is also paradise for bird lover’s people, small trek to village and Labda will give immense pleasure for shutter happy people - In the evening one is free to stroll around the village - After sunset, it is advisable to be inside the room - Overnight stay at Chatakpur

Transfer to Darjeeling - Early morning one can walk down to enjoy the sunset - Back to homestay - After breakfast drive, 45 kilometers 01½ - 02 hours - Darjeeling was the Summer capital of the East India Company - Situated at a height of 2123 meters / 70001 feet lies the land of breathtaking beauty, sloping tea gardens with spectacular views of the Mount Everest is the Queen of the hills - It is also home to the famous World Heritage train - The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), etc - Beautiful tea garden with the view of The Himalayan range along with the snow peaks of Mount Kanchenjunga is one of the tourist hot spots of this region - Check into hotel - Evening free to roam around Mall or local Shopping center - Over Night stay at Darjeeling

Darjeeling Local Sightseeing - At about 4:00 AM drive to Tiger Hills [Subjected to availability of Permit], Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop, War Memorial - Back to hotel for breakfast and next - Tenzing Rock, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Tibetans Refugee center, Tea garden - Lunch at the hotel or on the way - Japanese Peace Pagoda, Natural History Museum, Ava Art Gallery, Lal Kothi are sightseeing spot and can be visited as per the day's program - Sightseeing places are dynamically set depending upon the road condition and time factors - It is not possible to visit all the places but the important ones are covered for the satisfaction of guest - Evening free to roam around the Mall or visit the age-old Bakery, Or One can visit the Local market or Historic Glenary's or Pub - Das Studio is one such shop that operates from before independence - Back to Hotel, resort or Home Stay - Overnight stay at Darjeeling

Departure transfer to Siliguri [Optional Via Mirik] - It is approximately 110 kilometers and is nearly 02½ - 03 hours drive via Mirik Or Via Kurseong - It is 90 kilometers and is nearly 02 - 02½ hours drive along the scenic road via Kurseong and is 110 kilometers via Mirik 02½ - 03 hours drive along equally scenic road - Morning breakfast - Hotel check-out time is 09 AM - 10 AM - After breakfast departure transfer - Mirik is a quiet town between Siliguri and Darjeeling noted for its secluded charm, Beautiful Tea Gardens, Samendu Lake, Orange Orchards, Cardamom Plantation and its pleasant Climate - Halt at Seemana for view Or Via Kuseong - One will travel through the best Tea estate of the world - One stop at Kurseong Tourist Lodge for Tea is recommended to guests - Drive to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) /Siliguri - Guest are advised to start early and not to rush - Forwarding Journey

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Chatakpur Norbu Homestay

Chatakpur is a small village situated in the northern part of West Bengal, India. Chatakpur is mainly considered as an Eco-village nestled at an altitude of 7887 feet in the Kurseong sub division of Darjeeling district. For last few years Chatakpur Eco Village has gained much popularity among travel enthusiasts and tourists as an off-beat tourist destination settled at the highest point of Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary (perhaps one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries of India). Chatakpur Eco Village mainly attracts tourists for its breath-taking view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga and other peaks of the eastern Himalayas along with thick and tall Alpine forests those surrounds the village of Chatakpur. The overwhelming lush green Eco-village of Chatakpur has a population of only around 100 people and 18 to 20 village houses those mainly belong to the Sherpa, Rai, Gurung and like communities. Chatakpur Eco-village promotes organic farming through the process of terraced cultivation or step cultivation. The local villagers of Chatakpur Eco-Village are mainly into Agro-farming which is the main source of their livelihoods. These local villagers of Chatakpur Eco-village produces organic seasonal vegetable and medicinal herbs on the valleys along with that cattle farming is also another source of livelihood of these villagers. But for the last few years by the initiative of West Bengal Forest Department Chatakpur Eco-village has been developed into an Eco-tourism place where the villagers actively participate in order to make tourism an alternative source of livelihood other than just farming. Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 38.6 sq. km and its elevation ranges from 1500 to 2600 meter (4900 to 8500 feet). Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is surrounded by high mountain ranges and receives heavy amount of precipitation along with that the sanctuary is crisscrossed by number of streams and waterfalls making a source of water supply for the whole Darjeeling town. Chatakpur Eco-village is an ideal tourist location for those seeking absolute peace and tranquility. The pristine Eco-village of Chatakpur is bounded by the imposing Mt. Kanchenjunga range to the North and the Reili Khole (River) gorge to the south.

Activities around Chatakpur : Chatakpur Eco-village being settled within the heart of Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary offers tourists with numbers of activities to experience.

One of the main activities to try out while at Chatakpur is trekking. There are several short trek routes those emerge from the main village of Chatakpur and goes to different directions. But tourists are also advised to take a guide from the local villagers as they have clear idea of these jungle routes.
There is a watch tower at Chatakpur Eco-village which is worth visiting in the early hours of the day. This watch tower at Chatakpur Eco-village is situated just few minutes trek distance from the cottages or homestays and offers stunning view of the morning sunrise at the backdrop of Mt. Kanchenjunga along with the route which trekkers avail during their journey towards Sandakphu. Some perhaps argue that this watch tower give better view of sunrise than that of Tiger Hill (which requires 40 minutes journey in the early hours from Darjeeling ).
Bird watching is another prime attraction at Chatakpur Eco-village. Being set at the heart of Senchal wildlife division, Chatakpur Eco-village is home to wide species of birds to name but a few are Blue Magpie, Himalayan Bulbul, Verditer Flycatcher, Pipit, Long tail Shrike, Warbler and many others. Apart from that numerous species of colourful butterflies are also spotted at Chatakpur Eco-village.
There is a small pond (pokhri in local dialect) located within few steps down from the main village of Chatakpur amidst thick natural vegetation. This pond is home to the rare species of an amphibian the ‘Himalayan Salamander’ or ‘Himalayan Newt’. It is also believed that wild animals those inhabit the nearby forests comes near the pond to drink water.
On a leisure day tourists can opt for a village trail around Chatakpur Eco-village and meet the local people to get a deep insight of their daily lifestyle. The villagers at Chatakpur mainly depend of nature. One can also spot villagers carrying products from deep inside the forest for their daily requirements. Apart from that tourists can also lay hand with the local villagers in organic farming and cattle farming.
At Chatakpur Eco-village tourists can explore the raw nature surrounding the village. At Chatakpur tourists can find numerous species of flowers blooming all around including Rhododendrons, Magnolia and Orchids in abundance. Tourists can also hire a local villager as guide and visit the forest area which is worth enjoying. There are generations still exists at Chatakpur who will accompany tourists by storytelling about their myths, cultures, customs and experiences.

Places to visit around Chatakpur : From Chatakpur in a day trip tourists can visit the nearby places as detailed below.

Darjeeling is located at a distance of 26 km away from Chatakpur Eco-village. In the early morning tourists can opt for a visit to Darjeeling and visit the local watchable and can easily get back to Chatakpur before sunset.
Ghoom, popularly known for its Asia’s highest altitude railway station and Ghoom Monastery is located at a distance of 17 km away.
Bagora is another tourist destination nestled within Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of 14 km away from Chatakpur.
Kalej Valley Tea Estate is a popular tourist destination located at a distance of 15.4 km away from Chatakpur Eco-village. Kalej Valley lies within Rongbull sub division.
Jorebungalow is also a popular tourist spot located at a distance of 14 km away from Chatakpur Eco-village.
From Chatakpur at a distance of 08 km away is Rimbi forest village. There is a tourist rest house located at Rimbi forest village which is worth visiting.
From Chatakpur Eco-village in a day tour tourists can visit or opt to trek Tiger Hill located at a distance of 8.9 km away. The trekking trail to Tiger Hill from Chatakpur Eco-village is through the wilderness of Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary.

Flora and Fauna at Chatakpur : Being nestled within the periphery of Senchal Wildlife division, hence Chatakpur Eco-village is home to wide species of wild flora and fauna those inhabit the surrounding areas of the village. Among the species of flora Long Alpine Trees, Deodar, Rhododendrons, Orchids and Magnolias are very commonly spotted at Chatakpur Eco-village. Apart from these, wide species of medicinal herbs, numerous species of unknown Himalayan flowers are also spotted around Chatakpur Eco-village. The surrounding forest area of Chatakpur Eco-village is also home to wide species of wild animals like Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Barking Deer, Wild Hog, Hedge Hog, Sloth Bear and others. Along with these one can very rarely spot Red Panda deep inside the wilderness, but this sight is very rare. Hence tourists are strictly advised not go in the forest area without a proper guide.

How to Reach :

By Air : Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Chatakpur Eco-village located at a distance of 80 km away. Bagdogra Airport is well connected by regular flight services with Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai. From Bagdogra Airport tourists will get direct vehicle service on hire to reach Chatakpur Eco-village.

By Rail : New Jalpaiguri railway station (NJP) is the nearest rail head to Chatakpur Eco-village located at a distance of 87 km away. From NJP railway station by direct hired vehicles tourists can reach Chatakpur. NJP railway station is well connected by regular train services with Kolkata and other major cities of India.

By Road : Chatakpur Eco-village is well connected by multiple roadway networks with Bagdogra Airport, NJP railway station and Siliguri (74 km). There are multiple options to reach Chatakpur. From Bagdogra/ NJP via Kurseong , Dilaram and Bagora one can reach Chatakpur. Tourists can also reach Chatakpur via Jorebungalow located at a distance of 14 km. Chatakpur is located at a distance of 07 km away from Sonada railway station, 17 km away from Ghoom railway station, 26 km away from Darjeeling (via Hill Cart Road).

Things to know :

Chatakpur is an Eco-village and the villager lives very close to nature. Tourists are advised not to disturb their lifestyle.
As Chatakpur is nestled within wildlife division hence tourists are advised not to tear leaves from the trees or flowers as it is an offense under forest department.
Tourists are advised not to litter in and around the village as it may enhance pollution in the village.
The surrounding periphery of Chatakpur is home to wildlife species and hence tourists should not roam and get in the forest area alone, one is advised to get accompanied by a village guide.
Playing loud music or shouting in the open area for late night is not allowed at Chatakpur Eco-village.
Tourists should not bring any natural product from the forest area near Chatakpur along with them.
Tourists are required to pay a nominal jungle entry fees to the forest department for entering Chatakpur Eco-village.
Guides charges are as applicable, payable to the local village guides.
Chatakpur do not have any luxury accommodation for tourists. All accommodations are provided either in the Eco Resorts of Forest Department or in the local homestays.
Forest Department has taken initiative to electrify Chatakpur, brought drinking water facility and brought sanitation in each household in order to make Chatakpur a habitable place.

Best time to visit Chatakpur : Chatakpur Eco-village can be visited from September 16th to June 14th. From June 15th to September 15th the forest area remains closed for tourist’s entry. Winters are quiet cold and sometimes snowfall also happens during the month of January. Summers are quite comfortable and is an ideal escape from the scorching heat of the plains.

NORBU HOMESTAY

Norbu Homestay is another homestay available at Chatakpur , at the top of the village serving the tourists with a concept of Eco tourism that has grown up here. Norbu Homestay has very well wooden furnished rooms with attached bathrooms (all western type toilets), geyser facility is also available. There is a big lawn at the front of Norbu Homestay where you can sit for the whole day and experience some of the most beautiful creations of nature, from birds, flowers and the most outstanding of all the majestic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. From this point of Chatakpur , you will here nothing except the roaring sounds of dense pine forest.

Amenities available: Wooden furnished rooms with attached bathrooms. Wall to wall carpet and western toilet in each bathroom. Offers 180 degrees magnificent view of Mt. Kanchenjunga on a clear day. Arranges for jungle trails and hikes. Pick up and drop facility on request (paid service) Offers both traditional Nepali dishes and Indian dishes as well.

Tariff: Per pax per day @ 1500/- (includes both food and lodging) GST @ 5% on the above tariff. Food includes – Bed tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea, snacks and dinner. Note: Miscellaneous Charges – Car entry fees @ INR 100/- per day + Jungle entry fees @ INR 100/- per person.

HOW TO BOOK: Call us at 9831311606 , 9830381306 to get the current availability status or use the query form furnished below with all you travel queries and submit, we will call/ contact you directly. Or, you may also directly book from our Kolkata office at : 8C Shanti Ghosh Street, Kolkata – 700003. Nearest Landmark: Manindra Chandra College and Shyambazar Metro Railway Station (Gate No: 3)

+91 81455 84286 +91 94348 60604
Offbeat Destinations

Latpanchar: Full Birding Guide

Latpanchar, offbeat destination in Dooars

Perched at an elevation of 4500ft Latpanchar overlooking the roaring river Teesta is a picturesque forest village of Dooars. Nestled on the highest point of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Latpanchar is endowed with an abundance of flora and fauna making it a paradise for nature lovers. Located 41km from Siliguri, Latpanchar is a hidden jewel of Dooars region which tourists making it's a crowd-free zone. Hidden amidst the hilly region Latpanchar has emerged as a favored offbeat destination in Dooars. Blessed with enthralling natural beauty and serene ambiance Latpanchar is an ideal place for tourists who want to spend their weekend far from hustle and bustle of the rambunctious city crowd.

Latpanchar blessed with enthralling beauty is the peaceful abode of the rare Himalayan Salamander and Rufous Necked Hornbill. Cuddled amidst the dense forest of sal, teak, pine, and cinchona tree, Latpanchar located at the heart of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary with its serene ambiance which is only disturbed by the chirping of birds and panoramic view of the Teesta valley has become the ideal getaway destination for the tourist who is looking forward to spending some quality time in a place where nature still thrives at its pristine form.

Local Sightseeing near Latpanchar

Surrounded by dense mixed-wet forest, Latpanchar is a sparsely populated and less trodden forest village of the Dooars region. Latpanchar is a mesmerizing mirror of natural beauty covered with deciduous forests and Cinchona Plantation which is used for manufacturing medicines for malaria.

Ahal Dara Viewpoint

The viewpoint of Ahal Dara is one of the major sightseeing attractions nearby. Merely 7 km away, the viewpoint offers a sweeping view of Kurseong, Chatakpur, Namchi, Dooars, and Siliguri. Moreover, the hilltop of Ahaldara also offers a beautiful view of the snaking Teesta River, the hills of Kalimpong, Lava, Lolegaon, Tinchuley, and more. In short, the viewpoint of Ahaldara is what every travel enthusiast would love to visit and treat their distressed souls with the alluring beauty of this site. Moreover, from Latpanchar Sunrise point tourists can witness a phenomenal sunrise above the Teesta valley with the figure of a mighty Himalayan range looming over it. After witnessing the breathtaking sunrise from Latpanchar Sunrise Point, they can explore the surrounding areas.

Raja Rani Hill

The picturesque forest hamlet Latpanchar is dotted with numerous trekking trails. The most famous trekking trail in Latpanchar which has hyped the interest of tourist is the 6km treks through Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary to Raja Rani Hill. During the Raja Rani Trek from Latpanchar tourists can spot the exquisite animals while listening to the alluring chirping of the exotic Himalayan birds and being overwhelmed by the fragrance of flowers, if lucky tourists may even find the footprints of the Royal Bengal Tiger. There is a temple of Lord Shiva at the peak of the Raja Rani Hills where the locals offer their prayers. The trails also lead to a few astounding sightseeing destinations in Latpanchar.

Namthing Lake

A trek through the alpine forests and Cinchona Plantation of Latpanchar leads tourists to a lake called Namthing Pokhri, which is the abode of endangered Himalayan Salamanders. It is situated at an elevation of 5000 feet above sea level and offers an unearthly view of the surrounding. Different kinds of species can also be seen near it. The tranquil atmosphere and the magical surrounding created by the lake and its enclosing thick pine forest make the visitors fall in love with this place.

This village is approximately 4 km from Latpanchar. By driving through the mountainous road through the Cinchona, Sal, Teak, and Pine trees, travelers will be reaching here to witness the wonder of nature. Spending a day here in the village treats the eyes of the visitors with a fascinating view of daunting hills and the lush greenery. However, visitors can also further visit the Kuhi area with a special permit from the forest department. Colorful butterflies and birds are seen in abundance in this area.

Birds and Animals of Latpanchar

Apart from being famous as a less trodden destination, Latpanchar is also known for its vast collection of birds. In the dense forest enclosing Latpanchar more than 240 species of birds like Burn Swallow, and Ashy Backed Shrike, and Spotted Eagles have been spotted. But that's not all the thick wooded forest of Latpanchar is the home to the most elegant, colorful, and endangered species the Rufous Necked Hornbill. Rufous Necked Hornbill migrated to Latpanchar from Nepal hills due to its climatic condition making Latpanchar the birding paradise for avid bird watchers. The beauty of Latpanchar can be enjoyed through a slow jungle walk where tourists can breathe in the musky fragrance of wooded forest while being lulled by the alluring chirping of birds.

Being a part of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, here in this village we also get to see 36 types of wild animals. The animals sighted in the region are wild boars, monkeys, mountain goats, elephants, barking deer, leopards, black bears, and more. However, to see most of the wild animals, travelers need to visit the core area of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary.

Getting There

By Road: The most easiest and comfortable way to reach the village is by road. Plenty of private cars are available to hire from NJP, Bagdogra as well as Siliguri. The distance from Siliguri to Latpanchar is 40 km and takes not more than 2 hours to reach. By Air: Bagdogra is the only airport nearby. Being the maiden airport of North Bengal, several flights can be availed quite easily. Upon landing, rented cars are the only option to reach. The Distance from Bagdogra Airport to Latpanchar is 52 km. By Rail: NJP is the nearest major railway station close to this village. The railway station is one of the busiest and is connected with all the other major railway stations of Bengal. The Distance from NJP to Latpanchar is 43 km.

Where to Stay

Being a less trodden destination there are no fancy hotels and resorts in Latpanchar but instead, visitors will find cozy homestays and lodges to stay in. These homestays are run by the local people with great hospitality. The amenities found in these homestays are mostly basic. Guest can expect attached western bathrooms, running water, view-rooms, and more. You can book a room in some of the finest homestays of this village through North Bengal Tourism's Room Booking Service.

Best time to visit Latpanchar

Every season has its own charm to relish in this hamlet but to make most of the trip the best time to visit Latpanchar is between October and April. Between these times the weather in Latpanchar is pleasant and the sky remains clear. It is also an ideal time for bird watching and trekking in Latpanchar.

Travel Ideas regarding Latpanchar Tour

Q. How Do I get to this place?

Tourists can directly visit this place after reaching Bagdogra Airport or NJP and then by renting a cab from a trusted cab rental agency.

Q. Is the weather of this place comfortable?

The weather of the hamlet remains mostly soothing. The temperature never goes down to extremely low. However, still, woolen clothes are recommended to carry.

Q. Why the place is called a birding paradise?

Several Himalayan Birds such as Burn Swallow, Laughing Thrush, Sunbird, Scarlet Minivet, Minla, Yuhina, Scaly Thrush, Ashy Backed Shrike, Spotted Eagles, Magpie, Drongo, Woodpeckers, Black Bulbul, Drongo, Kingfishers, Robin, Himalayan pheasants, etc are found in abundance in and around this place, thus this place is called a birding paradise.

Q. What is the best time to visit Latpanchar?

Apart from the monsoon season when heavy rainfall and frequent landslides happen, every season can be proved as the best time to visit this hamlet.

Q. Can I travel solo to this hamlet?

Yes, you absolutely can. The village is quite safe to visit and the local people are quite friendly, welcoming as well as co-operative.

QUICK ENQUIRY

DARJEELING 49
KALIMPONG 29

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Commercialization of Home Through Homestay Tourism: A Study on Chatakpur of Darjeeling District (India) in Commensurate to ASEAN Standard and Revisit Intention

Published: 27 July 2023

Cite this article

Payel Bhattacharya 1 ,
Adrika Mukhopadhyay 2 ,
Subrata Haldar 4 ,
Jayanta Saha 3 ,
Manas Mondal 5 ,
Bhaskar Samanta 1 ,
Subhasis Bhattacharya 6 &
Suman Paul ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-6666-0683 4

132 Accesses

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Homestays are a key component of the tourist infrastructure that can draw both domestic and international visitors. Tourists who book a homestay get the opportunity to meet locals and experience their way of life. Unfortunately, it continues to be ignored, particularly in the domestic market, and it also falls short of what customers want from both domestic and international tourists. To satisfy the demands of the national plan and create a sustainable business, homestay management should be conducted in accordance with international standards. The major goal of this study is to learn more about homestay management in Chatakpur village, which is located in the Himalayan region of India's Darjeeling district, in relation to the ASEAN Homestay Standard, as well as the destination image-experience-satisfaction behavioral intents for likelihood of return. Using the ASEAN Homestay Standard indicators, the management traits of the homestays in Chatakpur village were determined. Nine categories, including host, lodging, activities, management, location, hygiene and cleanliness, safety and security, marketing and promotion, and sustainability principles, make up the indicators. This study employed a descriptive qualitative research approach. Data were gathered from 25 homestay owners and 125 tourists. The findings imply that visitor satisfaction has a significant influence in experience value, willingness to return, and recommendation of the Chatakpur village following their returns. When designing and offering Chatakpur village as tourist attractions, tour operators might take advantage of some useful advice from our research. Governments and non-profit organisations attempting to promote Chatakpur village's homestay tourism should benefit from the findings.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful for the reviewers’ courteous assistance during the revision process and the editor’s immediate response. The owners of the homestays and the tourists to Chatakpur Village in Darjeeling are also thanked by the authors for being helpful during the interview.

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Payel Bhattacharya & Bhaskar Samanta

Dept. of Geography, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, W.B, India

Adrika Mukhopadhyay

Government Model School, Basanti, W.B, India

Jayanta Saha

Dept. of Geography, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, Purulia, W.B, India

Subrata Haldar & Suman Paul

Mata Monomohini Madhyamik Vidyalaya, Bonhoogly, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Manas Mondal

Dept. of Economics, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, Purulia, W.B, India

Subhasis Bhattacharya

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Bhattacharya, P., Mukhopadhyay, A., Haldar, S. et al. Commercialization of Home Through Homestay Tourism: A Study on Chatakpur of Darjeeling District (India) in Commensurate to ASEAN Standard and Revisit Intention. Glob Soc Welf (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40609-023-00305-7

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Chatakpur Tourism: Tripadvisor has reviews of Chatakpur Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Chatakpur holiday resource.
Chatakpur Looks Toward a Sustainable Future
A Sustainable Future Emerges. We retrace our steps towards Chatakpur. The forest track twists and turns through the green fields and colorful cottages decorated elegantly with seasonal flowers. Village children run playfully up and down the road. It is pre-harvest season and we spot men and women busy in the farmlands.
Trip Plan after Lockdown
Chatakpur homestay owner Barsha Rai has a clear view of sustainable tourism. Things to do in Chatakpur 1) Kanchenjunga view. Chatakpur has a beautiful Kanchenjunga view. If the weather is clear, one can have a magnificent Kanchenjunga view. 2) Sunrise point of Chatakpur. Chatakpur has a sunrise point. It is the highest area of Chatakpur.
Chatakpur
Chatakpur is one such travel destination in North Bengal that completely washes your stress away. Nestled amidst the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, it is a paradise for wildlife lovers. ... Experience the Tranquil Picnic Spot of Tipu Khola,Siliguri. Manokamana Siddhi Mandir (Rolu Mandir) located Amidst Sikkim's Natural Splendor ...
Chatakpur Tour
Day 2 : Chatakpur Seightseeing Tour After Breakfast, proceed towards the full day Chatakpur Sightseeing.Walk around the village to explore 30 huts and its total occupants less than a hundred. Being one of the secluded tourist destinations of the region, the village benefits organic farming of vegetables through terrace farming.
Chatakpur, North Bengal
Nearby attractions of Chatakpur: During your stay make a visit to the Tiger Hill. There are many other places that are situated nearby such as Jorebungalow, Ghoom and Sonada. Darjeeling is the nearest popular tourist destination of Chatakpur. You can enjoy a number of small treks to Tiger Hill, Rimbi village, Sixeen village, Labda.
The Best Time to Visit Darjeeling: A Seasonal Guide
The best time to travel to Darjeeling ultimately depends on your interests and preferences. If you like nice weather and want to avoid crowds, the best time to come is between March and May or between October and November. The best time to go is between December and February if you want to enjoy snow activities and the town's winter beauty.
Chatakpur Eco Hut
OR. You can call us at our helpline. +91 81455 84286. +91 94348 60604. Chatakpur Eco Hut, in Chatakpur Eco Village, is a Government Resort offered by the Government of West Bengal. It is made in the beautiful location of Chatakpur and is being maintained properly for the tourists coming from around the globe to visit Chatakpur every year.
Sittong, Chatakpur & Darjeeling 05 Nights & 06 Days
Duration - 05 Nights & 06 Days. Night Halt - Sittong (02), Chatakpur (01) & Darjeeling (02) Sightseeing - Chatakpur, Sittong, Darjeeling, Dilaram, Kurseong, Latpanchar, Mungpoo, Mirik, Batasia Loop, Tiger Hill, Namthing Pokhari (Salamander Lake), Ahal Dara, Labda Village, Pick Up & Drop - Bagdogra Airport (IXB) / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station ...
North Bengal Tour
In this video you can get all the information about our North Bengal Tour. The Places like Darjeeling , Lepchajagat , Sittong , Chatakpur , Dawaipani .Where ...
Chatakpur Norbu Homestay
CHATAKPUR. Chatakpur is a small village situated in the northern part of West Bengal, India. Chatakpur is mainly considered as an Eco-village nestled at an altitude of 7887 feet in the Kurseong sub division of Darjeeling district. For last few years Chatakpur Eco Village has gained much popularity among travel enthusiasts and tourists as an off-beat tourist destination settled at the highest ...
Latpanchar- Complete Travel and Birding Guide with Tourist Spots
The viewpoint of Ahal Dara is one of the major sightseeing attractions nearby. Merely 7 km away, the viewpoint offers a sweeping view of Kurseong, Chatakpur, Namchi, Dooars, and Siliguri. Moreover, the hilltop of Ahaldara also offers a beautiful view of the snaking Teesta River, the hills of Kalimpong, Lava, Lolegaon, Tinchuley, and more.
Commercialization of Home Through Homestay Tourism: A Study ...
One of these tourist destinations is Chatakpur, where homestay tourism has grown over the past few years. Chatakpur, a small, remote hill in India, is home to a diverse range of fauna and traditional practices. It is a little village located north of West Bengal in the eastern Shiwalik Himalayan Range at an elevation of 7887 feet (Fig. 1). An ...
Amazing North Bengal Package Tour
Unlike the other North Bengal Tourist Spots - Darjeeling, Gangtok, Dooars is not a particular district or city, but a vast topological area that is widely spread over through several Tea Gardens, National parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. Travel Dooars, a beautiful place worth visiting. ... Rishop, Tinchuley, Lamahatta, Chatakpur. 4.4 Stars ...