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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
Explore the pristineness of Chatakpur, which is now turned into an eco-village and is perched in the lap of the Eastern Himalayas and offers tourists the scintillating sunrise views, lush greenery and a tranquil experience of the forest walks near Darjeeling.
Altitude
1,300 meters
Region
Darjeeling
Min temp
5°C
Max temp
25°C to 28°C
Once you plan to visit Chatakpur, you can expect a lifestyle replicating an eco-village, embraced by dense pine forests, with occasional glimpses of snow-dusted Kanchenjunga. You will experience and witness organic farming and conservation tourism, which will embrace you in its mindful tourism experiences. You can also hike through the serene trails, visit the nearby watchtower to experience splendid views of the sunrise, and simply enjoy the vibe of a sustainable mountain lifestyle. Chatakpur is surrounded by tall pine and conifer trees and terraced fields, which make it an ideal destination to experience solitude.
You can expect soulful serenity, dense forest and Kanchenjunga views from Chatakpur. I took an escape from the chaos of city life in Chatakpur, where I sipped refreshing tea while taking a glance at the snow peaks and got the chance to wake up to chirping birdsongs every day.
Chatakpur is a quaint, eco-friendly village which is nestled amidst the Senchel Wildlife Sanctuary and is located at an impressive elevation of 7887 ft, surrounded by dense, lush pine forests. This village is just 7 km away from Sonada and still remains unexploited, which is luring tourists with the simplicity and warmth of the local hospitality. This eco-village is a haven, especially for nature lovers. Trekkers’ paradise, Sandakphu, is also just a short walk away, which typically takes about 10 minutes.
If you visit Chatakpur throughout the year, you will observe that this quaint village enjoys a cool and forested climate, with slight mists and splendid views of the Himalayas.
| Season | Temperature | Weather | Best activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | 15°C - 25°C | pleasant and mild | sightseeing, nature walks |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 20°C - 30°C | sunny and warm | outdoor explorations, trekking |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 18°C - 25°C | humid and rainy | quiet retreats, waterfall visits |
| Winter (December to February) | 5°C - 15°C | crisp and cold | photography, peaceful stays |
The serenity and scenic beauty of Chatakpur can be relished by tourists throughout the year but there are special or best times throughout the year which make it special for tourists to catch the unparalleled view of the panoramic Himalayan vistas so, you can see the crowd begin to rise especially from October to December, with great weather experience, clear scenic views of the surrounding nature and slightly snow-dusted mountain peaks. This is also the best time for bird watching and going on short treks.
I was charmed by the clear Kanchenjunga views and enjoyed the peaceful charm of Chatakpur during my trip in autumn.
| Months | Weather | Footfall | Category | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | mild, pleasant | Moderate | Peak Season | nature walks, trekking |
| Monsoon (June-August) | Rainy | Low | Off-Season | solitude, waterfalls |
| Autumn (September-November) | cool and clear | High | Peak-season | sightseeing, photography |
| Winter (December-February) | chilly and cold | Low to Moderate | Shoulder Season | peaceful retreats |
With the whispering of nature and mist shrouding this eco-village, Chatakpur is an amazing exploration in the lap of Darjeeling. Here is all that you can enjoy seeing and doing when in Chatakpur:
One of the most relaxing things about spending time in the hills is being close to nature. Chatakpur is one such eco-village spot for tourists, which is gaining immense prominence for its virgin settlements and promising charm, proving to be a great holiday spot.
I enjoyed several activities in Chatakpur, such as spotting rare Himalayan birds, early morning hikes and so on.
Kalipokhri
This serene, black lake is surrounded by vibrant Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the breeze and mighty rhododendron forests. This is a peaceful site for tourists and is a great stop on the way to the Sandakphu trek route.
Senchel Wildlife Sanctuary
This is known to be one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in India, which is also home to numerous rare species of wildlife, including diverse and rare, spectacular Himalayan flora and fauna. This wildlife is equally important as Darjeeling’s vital water source.
Chatakpur Viewpoint
You can witness the panoramic view of Kanchenjunga, with the carpeted surrounding valleys, which is a perfect spot for photographers to get a scintillating view of the rising sun.
Tinchuley
This is a quaint Darjeeling village with splendid views of the manicured tea gardens and valleys, and vibrant orange orchards, surrounded by scintillating views of the majestic Himalayan range.
Explore Mahaldiram
Mahaldiram is a hidden treasure nestled in the Kurseong Hills, which is a perfect location to enjoy the unexploited beauty of nature, with misty forests, the serenity of the tea estates and soulful solitude.
Bagora Village
This quaint village is popular for its medicinal and herbal plant garden, besides being a top spot for serene and scenic walks and getting insights into the beautiful Himalayan lifestyle and culture.
Ghoom Monastery
This is one of the iconic monasteries in Darjeeling, built back in 1850, housing a gigantic 15-foot-tall majestic statue of Maitreya Buddha, which is a spiritual site to behold. This monastery is known for its cultural and historical significance.
Tiger Hill
This is a world-famous site where there is a massive crowd to catch the scintillating view of the sunrise over the snow-dusted Kanchenjunga. On clear days, you can even catch the majestic glance of Mt. Everest.
Following a short uphill trail through the forests, you can reach Chatakpur, opting for any of the 3 ways after you have reached Siliguri via train or flight. This will be a drive via Sonada.
To me, the adventurous and bumpy ride to Chatakpur felt surreal, which made the ultimate destination more rewarding and postcard-perfect.
By Air
The nearest airport to Chatakpur is Bagdogra Airport, about 60 km away. It takes approximately 2 hr 30 minutes to reach this quaint village near Darjeeling via NH 110 and Matigara-Kurseong Rd, depending on the road conditions. Bagdogra is well-connected by flight to almost all major cities.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Chatakpur is New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP), which is about 64 km away. It takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes to reach the destination via NH 110 and Matigara-Kurseong Rd. 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 Chatakpur.
By Road
From Siliguri, the distance covered to Chatakpur is about 54 km, which takes approx. 2 and a half hours to reach the destination, via NH 110 and Matigara-Kurseong Rd. You can reserve a cab or get on a shared vehicle from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus in Siliguri.
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 Chatakpur. 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 are often offered as a side dish and are 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. Chatakpur offers tourists a beautiful glimpse into rhythmic Himalayan lives and an insight into their age-old Himalayan traditions, which are rooted in nature. Check out this list to get an idea about cultural experiences at Chatakpur:
Visiting Local Monasteries
Spend your time in Chatakpur by exploring the nearby monasteries like Samdrup Dorjey Choeling Monastery, where you can experience the peaceful ambience and excellent Tibetan Buddhist artwork and architecture.
Discover Traditional Handicrafts
Browse the handicrafts made by the locals, which are also eco-friendly and are nature-inspired crafts, including bamboo and wool products, and other items of home decor.
Experience Local Cuisines and Festivals
You cannot miss out on enjoying some home-cooked dishes, loaded with authentic Himalayan flavours and experiencing the vibrant celebrations in the village, filled with traditional music, dance and other cultural rituals.
Sip Local Wine at Hidden Taverns
You can enjoy the locally brewed rice and millet wine, which is specially offered during festive seasons and community gatherings. You can relax in these village taverns and experience the nightlife while sipping your drink.
You can get a range of accommodation facilities in Chatakpur, which are cosy lodging options amidst panoramic Himalayan views and pine forests, 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 Chatakpur range from private accommodations like the Chatakpur Eco-Village Resort, which has superior amenities and eco-luxury stays. You also have other options like Basera Homestay, which is popular for its standard and cosy accommodation. You also have the option of staying in guesthouses, which, however, have basic amenities. However, you can experience the rustic charm of village life while staying in Sunakhari Homestay, with authentic village hospitality and vibe. However, it is important to pre-book accommodations to avoid any unforeseen situations, especially during the peak seasons!
I enjoyed a surreal stay experience at a cosy homestay in Chatakpur, the rooms were made of wood surrounded by warm hospitality, and I got to witness sunrise over the snow peaks right from the balcony of my homestay.
| Category | Best stay | Price range | Features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Chatakpur Homestay | 800 - 1500 | local experience, basic amenities | budget travellers |
| Mid-Range | Hillside Resort | 2500 - 4000 | meals, Wi-Fi, scenic views | families |
| Luxury Resort | Chatakpur Mountain Lodge | 6000 - 9000 | bonfire, spa, premium facilities | luxury seekers |
| Eco-Friendly | Nature Nest Eco Stay | 3000 - 5000 | nature-centric, sustainable | eco-conscious |
Homestays
The homestays of Chatakpur focus mainly on local experiences, stunning Himalayan views and sustainable tourism.
When you visit Chatakpur, you will experience the epitome of mindful tourism amidst nature. This place offers tourists with forest-filled, quiet and starry-night experience, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This is indeed a true Himalayan experience!
Where is Chatakpur located?
Chatakpur is one of the highest villages of Darjeeling district and is situated within the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, around 25 km away from Darjeeling town.
What is the elevation of Chatakpur?
Chatakpur is situated at an elevation of around 2,404 meters.
What is Chatakpur known for?
Chatakpur is known for its panoramic views, eco-friendly tourism, rich biodiversity and tranquil environment.
What are the things to do in Chatakpur?
You can enjoy several activities here, such as enjoying the Kanchenjunga views from the watchtower, walking around the forest trails, birdwatching, wildlife sightings, exploring Senchal Lake, learning organic farming, and trekking in areas such as Sonada and Tiger Hill. You can also enjoy camping here by taking permission from the Forest Department.
How to reach Chatakpur?
You can reach Chatakpur from Sonada, Ghoom or Darjeeling, where the road is rough, with the final stretch passing through the jungle.
What kind of accomodation options available in Chatakpur?
West Bengal Forest Development Corporation (WBFDC) offer eco-huts here. You can also find some cottages and homestays run by the local families.
Do I need a permit to visit Chatakpur?
Yes, you will need a permit from the forest department to visit Chatakpur, as it is situated in the wildlife sanctuary.
How is the road to Chatakpur?
The road to Chatakpur is bumpy, especially the one which passes through the forest.