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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
+91 70017 24300
Discover Charkhole, an untouched haven draped in the serenity of the Himalayas and surrounded by majestic pine forests, panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga and mystic mists, a perfect weekend getaway for peace-seeking and nature-loving tourists.
Altitude
1,980 meters
Region
Darjeeling
Min temp
5°C
Max temp
25°C
If there are any upcoming plans to visit Charkhole, you can expect peace and serenity shrouding this quaint village, besides majestic pine forests and panoramic views of the entire Kanchenjunga range. This charming village is known to be a paradise for all birdwatchers, teeming with vibrant butterflies and rare Himalayan birds. Your stay here will be defined by leisurely nature walks and soulful sunset views. Also, the homestays here offer their guests warmth and heartfelt hospitality. You will get a personal stay experience when there are not many guests around. The mobile networks here are not very strong, which makes this a great place to experience digital detox.
You can expect pure tranquillity, stunning Kanchenjunga views and pine forests from Charkhole. I went on a trip to Charkhole, where the silence of nature felt like a pure meditation, and I woke up to misty valleys every day.
This serene offbeat village is in the district of Kalimpong in West Bengal, India. Sitting atop viewpoints that are at a height of 5500 feet, Charkhole is a village distinct with its beauty and lifestyle that can captivate its visitors and leave them speechless, just 27 km away from Kalimpong.
You can experience a pleasant and cool climate at Charkhole, year-round, with stunning panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga and occasional mist.
| Season | Temperature | Weather | Best activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | 10°C - 20°C | pleasant and mild | trekking, nature walks |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 15°C - 25°C | sunny and warm | sightseeing, hiking |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 8°C - 16°C | clear and crisp | hiking, birdwatching |
| Winter (December to February) | 0°C - 8°C | occasional snow, cold | splitude, snow views |
Charkhole is open to visitors all year round, although what the visitors want may vary from season to season. For instance, visitors who want to trek and get spectacular views of the area surrounding the village, coming to the place in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) could prove to be effective. Visiting the place in the summertime would be apt for people wanting to get away from the heat of the summer (May to July). However, travellers may experience some pre-monsoon showers by the end of June. For people wanting to experience lush greenery and want to be one with misty forests, the monsoon (July to early September) time would be perfect for them. Visitors and travellers who want to just come to the village and relax and cut themselves off from the cacophonic society, the village accepts everyone all year round.
I went on a trip to Charkhole in November, where the golden sunlight and refreshing mountain air filled my days and made it magical.
| Months | Weather | Footfall | Category | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | mild, pleasant | Moderate | Peak Season | nature walks, trekking |
| Monsoon (June-August) | monsoon showers, cool | Low | Off-Season | photography, peaceful retreats |
| Autumn (September-November) | clear skies, crisp air | High | Peak-season | birdwatching, hiking |
| Winter (December-February) | occasional snow, cold | Low to Moderate | Shoulder Season | solitude, snow views |
Charkhole offers tourists a quiet nature experience to embrace to soothe their souls, alongside quiet forest trails and scintillating views of the Himalayas. Here is a small list to guide you to see what you can see and do when in Charkhole!
You can enjoy serene village walks, birdwatching and walking around the forest trails surrounded by panoramic Kanchenjunga views in Charkhole. I took walks around the forest trails here each morning to enjoy sunrise views, which felt like a postcard.
Enjoying the panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga
One of Mother Nature's hotspots for biodiversity is the great Mt. Kanchenjunga. With its majestic size and plethora of wildlife, the mountain has blended in with the surroundings that could be experienced by travellers coming to Charkole.
Neora Valley National Park
While exploring this UNESCO World Heritage National Park, you can spot a wide variety of species. It is also considered a paradise for bird watchers. This park is home to black bears and is considered a biodiversity treasure for tourists.
Lolegaon
Walking below the canopy through the dense forests and reaching sunrise points and forest trails. This area is 12 Km from the village and the travel time is approximately 30 minutes, and it is a haven for bird watchers and photographers.
Kolakham
Just a few kilometres away from the Neora Valley National Park, it is known for its lush green forests, waterfalls, and is especially excellent for trekking, forest trail exploration and is 30 km and 1 hr away from the village.
Rishyap
Known for its Tffindara Viewpoint, and a 45-minute car ride away from the village, is an efficient place for experiencing the views that are offered by the stunning Kanchenjunga range, during sunrise and sunset.
After reaching Siliguri via flight, train, or road across India, you can opt for either of the three ways to reach this scenic hamlet, Charkhole.
You can take a cab from Siliguri to reach Charkhole via Kalimpoig. I enjoyed the soothing uphill journey to Charkhole, which was filled with fresh mountain air with pine scents, and the drive was winding and scenic.
By Air
The nearest airport to Charkhole is Bagdogra Airport, about 79 km away. It takes approximately 3 hr 30 minutes to reach this quaint village near Darjeeling via NH 10, depending on the road conditions. Bagdogra is well-connected by flight to almost all major cities.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Charkhole is New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP), which is about 75 km away. It takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes to reach the destination via NH 10. NJP is a major railway station hub that is very well-connected to almost all rail stations. After reaching NJP, you can either hire a vehicle or take a shared cab to Charkhole.
By Road
From Siliguri, the distance covered to Charkhole is about 68 km, which takes approx. 2 and a half hours to reach the destination, via NH 10. You can reserve a cab or get on a shared vehicle from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus in Siliguri. The distance between Darjeeling and Charkhole is just 64 km, and a shared or reserved cab takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes to travel via Peshok Rd/Rishi Rd. Taxis/cabs through Rishi Rd are readily available from Chowk Bazaar.
You are sure to be served with simple local dishes, yet they are surprisingly delicious and packed with authentic hill flavours! You will not regret trying them out when in Charkhole. The piping hot Momo, steamy hot Thukpa and Sel Roti, besides the staple food Dal-Bhaat and brewing butter tea, are just delicious. These are perfect foods to enjoy and relish in the chilly evenings. You cannot miss out on tasting Gundruk and Sinki, which is often offered as a side dish and is full of unique flavours of the fermented leafy vegetables. These are their comfort food, which are all infused with the authenticity of the flavours of the hill. These hill cuisines will remain a memorable moment in your culinary experience. If you wish to experience authentic village life with the warmth of Lepcha hospitality, you can check out this list to select the cultural experiences you wish to experience when in Charkhole!
Experiencing the local Lifestyles
While getting a complete experience of the overall place, interacting with the local Lepcha and Nepali families is a guaranteed way to improve the quality of stay that one experiences. You also need to try the local cuisines here, which are soul-soothing.
Folk Music and dance
The traditional festivities and dance are a delight to be experienced by the travellers. During seasons the fun and frolic are high among the community with traditional Nepali dances like Maruni or Tamang Selo.
Religious and spiritual traditions
Even the visitors can put on the local traditional wear and partake in the festivities that are welcomed by the locals. The visitors can learn about the culture through the local shrines and participate in small rituals or observe community prayers during Losar.
Explore the legacy of Lepcha weaving traditions
You can witness the exquisite weaving traditions of the Lepcha community and can try purchasing one, which will add a unique souvenir to your textile collection, back home.
Charkhole offers numerous peaceful retreats for tourists, with a great blend of scenic homestays and forest retreats, perfect for spending the vacation in solitude. You can get a range of accommodation facilities in Charkhole, but be careful to book them well in advance to ensure you get standard and hassle-free accommodations, especially during the peak seasons.
Check out these options here for a tension-free booking. Accommodation options in Charkhole range from Private accommodations or luxury private stays like The Sojourn Charkhole Resort with superior amenities. You also have other options, like Silent Valley Retreat, for a mid-range, yet comfortable accommodation experience. You also have the option of staying in guesthouses, with a budget-friendly, local vibe, which, however, has basic amenities, like in Charkhole Paradise Homestay. However, you can experience the rustic charm of village life while staying in these guesthouses in Charkhole.
I stayed at a peaceful wooden homestay in Charkhole, which felt like a home away from my home, and every morning, mist rolled inside my room right from the window. My entire stay felt like a dream.
| Category | Best stay | Price range | Features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Charkhole Homestay | 800 - 1500 | local meals, basic amenities | solo explorers, budget travellers |
| Mid-Range | Pine View Resort | 2500 - 4000 | cosy rooms, scenic views | small families |
| Luxury Resort | Himalayan Retreat | 6000 - 9000 | nature walk, comfort, premium stay, spa | luxury seekers |
| Homestay | Local Village Homestays | 1000 - 2000 | home-cooked meals, authentic experience | solo travellers, culture explorers |
Homestays
You will get an intimate and local experience, surrounded by stunning Himalayan views, by staying at the homestays here
This travel destination is a dreamland for many peace-seeking travellers, with purity and silence embracing nature. Charkhole promises tourists soulful solitude, unhindered snow-dusted mountain vistas and clean air. This is indeed a peaceful, hidden gem in the heart of North Bengal.
Where is Charkhole located?
Charkhole is situated at a distance of 27 km from Kalimpong and 12 km from Loleygaon in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal.
What is the altitude of Charkhole?
Charkhole is situated at an elevation of around 5,000 to 5,500 feet.
What is Charkhole known for?
Charkhole is known for panoramic, unobstructed views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga range, birdwatching, tranquil ambience and local culture
What are the top attractions and activities nnear Charkhole?
Some of the top attractions here include Kanchenjunga Views, Gompa Dara Viewpoint, Nature Walks & Trekking, Birdwatching, Charkhole Monastery and strolling around the village.
When is the best time for a Charkhole trip?
Charkhole is a year-round destination. However, you must stay cautious of landslides during the monsoon.
How can I reach Charkhole?
You can reach Charkhole from NJP/Bagdogra via Kalimpong town or the Dooars.
Can I find good accomodations in Charkhole?
Charkhole offers simple homestays and resorts. In the homestays, you can enjoy warm hospitality and home-cooked meals, and in the resorts, you can enjoy basic amenities, a geyser, in-house dining, attached bathrooms and sometimes rooms with Kanchenjunga views.
Are essentisl facilities such as marketplaces, mobile nework, electricity available in Charkhole?
Charkhole is an offbeat village, thus you cannot find any large markets or commercial areas here. Electricity is patchy, especially in the monsoon; thus, you are recommended to carry a power bank. There is no mobile internet available, with limited mobile connectivity, and Idea and Aircel work better in most areas.
Can I enjoy a family outing in Charkhole?
Yes, Charkhole is a perfect destination for a peaceful family outing.
How is the road to Charkhole?
The road to Charkhole is quite challenging, especially after crossing the Teesra River and the final stretch leading to the village.