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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 serene trails of the mystic Himalayas in the peaceful ambience of Lava amidst a fluffy, cloudy, pine-covered landscape. It is an ideal getaway for solitude seekers, bird lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Altitude
2,200 meters
Region
Darjeeling
Min temp
-2°C to 2°C
Max temp
20°C to 25°C
You can take a peaceful escape into the lap of the serene Himalayas at Lava, encompassed by refreshing mountain air, panoramic views, breathtaking mountains and lush pine forests. It is a paradise for tranquil seekers, trekkers and bird lovers. You can expect spiritual charm, Himalayan beauty and a nature escape from Lava.
You can expect chill weather, bird songs, Kanchenjunga views and pine forests in Lava. I felt like time slowed down on my trip to Lava, where I enjoyed digital detox while sipping tea and exploring the misty trails and soaking myself in the stillness of the mountain.
Lava is an undisturbed Eastern Himalayan town of Kalimpong, West Bengal, situated at a height of around 7,200 feet above sea level. Encircled by thick forests of Rhododendron, Fir and Pine, where you can enjoy a refreshing mountainous climate throughout the year. It is the gateway to the biodiversity hotspot, Neaory Valley National Park. Lava is rich in natural beauty and is a perfect destination for trekkers, bird lovers and nature enthusiasts.
I reached Lava after a scenic 3-hour drive via Kalimpong from Siliguri; the road was winding and surrounded by misty hills and pine forests. I enjoyed occasional mist and hushed valleys during my peaceful journey to Lava. Lava experiences a misty, cool climate all year round. Below is a season-wise breakdown of Lava-
| Season | Temperature | Weather | Best activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | 10°C – 18°C | breezy and pleasant | forest trails and nature walks |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 12°C – 20°C | comfortable and mild | monastery visits and sightseeing |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 8°C – 16°C | crisp air and clear skies | stargazing, trekking to Neora valley |
| Winter (December to February) | 2°C – 10°C | occasional snowfall and cold | bonfire nights, cosy stays |
A trip to Lava is recommended between October- May. The clear skies and cool weather create a perfect ambience for sunrise viewing, birdwatching and nature walks. The perfect weather also creates an opportunity to enjoy nature photography and sightseeing of the surrounding landscape, surrounded by colourful foliage.
My trip to Lava in November felt like a surreal mountain dream surrounded by golden sunsets and misty mornings.
| Months | Weather | Footfall | Category | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | pleasant | Moderate | Peak Season | sunrise views, nature walks |
| Monsoon (June-August) | rainy | Low | Off-Season | peaceful retreats |
| Autumn (September-November) | crispy air | High | Peak-season | mountain views, trekking |
| Winter (December-February) | cold | Low to Moderate | Shoulder Season | cosy stays, bonfires, snowfall photography |
You can enjoy several activities in Lava, such as sipping tea with Kanchenjunga view during sunrise, birdwatching or walking across the misty forest trails. I collected postcard-perfect memories in Lava, surrounded by peace and adventure.
Lava Monastery
This stunning Tibetan Buddhist Monastery is also known as Jamgyong Kongtrul Monastery, surrounded by stunning views, spinning prayer wheels and colourful prayer flags. It is an ideal place to enjoy a peaceful retreat and a serene meditation session.
Neora Valley National Park
The base of this eco-diversity hotspot is Lava, where you can spot some rare bird species, lush forest trails and exotic red pandas. You will require a guide and a permit to enter this national park.
Changey Waterfall
It is an isolated, serene waterfall encompassed by lush forest. It is an ideal spot to enjoy nature photography, picnics and short treks.
Nature Interpretation Centre
It is a quaint museum situated in Lava, presenting the environmental richness, flora and fauna of the Neora Valley.
Kolakham Village
This quaint hamlet is situated at a distance of 10 km from Lava and is in proximity to the Neora Valley. You can enjoy the raw charm of the Himalayas and enjoy short treks by staying at the serene eco-cottages present here.
Tiffin Dara Viewpoint
This viewpoint is situated at a distance of 12 km from Lava, which you can reach by travelling via Rishop. It is an ideal spot to enjoy the charming Kanchenjunga view and go on short scenic trails.
Rishop Village
It is a quaint hamlet situated at a distance of 5-6 km from Lava and presents the best view of charming forest trails and magical Himalayas to its spectators. It is an ideal spot to enjoy offbeat stays, stargazing and nature walks.
Loleygaon
The distance between Lava and Loleygaon is about 25-28 km. It is an ideal spot to enjoy a short day trip from Lava, where you can explore Jhandi Dara Viewpoint, heritage forests and a hanging canopy bridge.
Lava is well-accessible by various means of transportation, such as
By Air
Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is the nearest to Lava and is situated at a distance of 110 km. You can take a cab from the airport premises to reach Lava via Gorubathan or Kalimpong and Algarah in a picturesque route, which will take you about 4.5-5 hours.
By Train
Situated at a distance of 105 km, the NJP railway station is the nearest to Lava. You can take a shared cab from this station to reach Lava via Gorubathan or Algarah.
From Siliguri
The distance between Siliguri and Lava is about 100-110 km, and the travel route includes Siliguri- Kalijhora- Kalimpong/ Algarah- Lava. It will take you about 4-5 hours to reach Lava via road in a jeep or taxi taken from Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand or Siliguri Junction.
From Darjeeling
The distance between Lava and Darjeeling is about 80-85 km, and the travel route includes- Darjeeling- Jorebunglow- Kalimpong- Lava. It will take you about 3.5-4.5 hours by road in a local cab from Darjeeling.
You can experience an appealing taste of the Eastern Himalayan flavours in the local cuisine of Lava, which is influenced deeply by the Bengali, Lepcha, Tibetan, and Nepali traditions. The dishes here are soul-warming and simple, which are best enjoyed in the cool weather of the mountains. Some of the recommended dishes to try in Lava include- Dal Bhat Tarkari, Thukpa, Momo, Churpi with Spinach or Bamboo Shoots, Aloo Dum & Sel Roti and Suja. You can try out the following experiences in Lava
Exploring the Lava Monastery
You can get a basic idea about the spiritual influence prevailing in Lava by visiting this spiritually encouraging space, and get the opportunity to witness praying monks, prayer wheels and colourful prayer flags. By participating in the prayer rituals of the monks labelled with mantra chants, incense, and gongs, you can enjoy a calming experience. You can also enjoy a sweeping view of the golden sunset and sunrise from this monastery.
Enjoying the Local Cuisine
You can relish delectable home-cooked meals prepared by the locals, such as thukpa, aloo-dam, churpi and dal bhat and interact with them to learn about their stories with a warm cup of refreshing tea.
Learning the Traditional Farming Practices and Local Crafts
You can ask the kind villagers to teach you about their traditional way of organic farming techniques, knitting and weaving and witness the simple lifestyle of the mountains and traditional skills.
Experiencing Seasonal Festivals and Folklore
You can plan your visit at the time of local festivals such as Losar and get the opportunity to witness the vibrant music and dances of the locals, and get to listen to the folklore from the locals that has been passed down between them for generations.
There are several scenic, cosy stays in Lava ranging from eco-resorts, budget-friendly lodges and rustic homestays. The comfortable, clean rooms offer the best view of Mount Kanchenjunga. The homestays here offer delicious home-cooked meals and warm hospitality. You must carry an extra power bank, as there can be occasional power shortages. Some of the recommended stays here include- Lava View Point Homestay, Rinchen Homestay, Hotel Orchid Lodge, Lava WBFDC Nature Resort and Neora Valley Jungle Camp.
I felt like living a Himalayan dream during my stay at a cosy homestay in Lava, surrounded by stunning Kanchenjunga views and pine forests.
| Category | Best stay | Price range | Features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside / View Homestay | Neoravalley Homestay | ₹1,400–₹1,800 | picnic area, fireplace, balconies with views, private bathrooms | scenic retreats |
| Budget Homestay | Serenity Nest Lava, Jhambala Homestay | ₹900–₹1,200 | basic amenities, clean rooms,mountain views | budget travellers. |
| Mid-range Cottage | Kanchenjunga View retreats, Tea Garden Nest Homestay | ₹1,400–₹1,800 | balcony, geyser, tea estate setting, BBQ available | solo travellers, couples |
| Hotel-style Stay | Mystic Hillstay, Elegant Serenity View Hotel | ₹1,300–₹1,700 | terrace, geyser, AC rooms | comfort seekers |
Homestays
The homestays of Lava are very scenic and are mostly budget-friendly, offering basic amenities,a cosy feeling and home-cooked meals. You can stay at the following homestays in Lava
Lava is an ideal destination to reconnect with nature and disconnect from the chaotic outside world. You can take a digital detox from mundane routine in the trails of pine forests amidst fresh mountain air and panoramic Kanchenjunga view to soothe your peace-craving soul.
Where is Lava located?
Lava is located around 30 km away from Kalimpong, in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal.
What is Lava known for?
Lava is the entry point of the Neora Valley National Park and is known for sunrise viewpoints, birdwatching and pine forests.
What is the altitude of Lava?
Lava is situated at an elevation of around 7,200 ft.
How is the weather of Lava?
Lava has very misty and cold weather all year round, with pleasant summers and cold winters.
When is the best time for a Lava trip?
October to November and March to May are the best times for the best views and clear skies.
What should I pack for my Lava trip?
Trekking shoes, umbrella, light layers and warm clothes.
Can I find any ATMs in Lava?
Yes, you can find a few ATMs here; however, it is recommended to carry sufficient cash.
Can I enjoy family trip or solo travelling in Lava?
Yes, Lava is safe and peaceful, ideal for family trips or solo travelling.
Can I find mobile network in Lava?
Jio and BSNL work well here with patchy networks in more regions. It is an ideal place for some digital detox.
Is it possible to drive alone to Lava?
The road to Lava is curvy and narrow; thus, it is best to travel with an experienced driver.
What are the major attractions
Changey Falls, Kolakham, Neora Valley, Loleygaon, Rishop
How is the cuisine of Lava?
The cuisine of Lava is a mix of Tibetan, Bengali and Nepali meals with limited options in cafes.