CHALAMTHANG
Chalamthang is a Himalayan village lies in the southern part of Indian state of Sikkim. Chalamthang village lies under Temi Namphing constituency in South Sikkim and the village is surrounded by lush green vegetation and a never – ending array of organic fields all around. Nestled at an altitude of 3500 feet at the foothills of the Maenam Hills, Chalamthang is surrounded by forests on one side and farmlands on the other. Chalamthang is regarded as an eco-friendly village which is adorned with renewable and recyclable eco-friendly products from the immaculately placed bamboo based flower pots to drinking mugs. The word Chalamthang literally means ‘Orange Farm’ in Lepcha language and the small village of Chalamthang is a paradise for true travelers within the lap of Mother Nature. The village of Chalamthang is mainly inhabited by different communities like Chettris, Bharmans, Karmis and Subbas. This makes Chalamthang a melting-pot for indigenous cultures. Chalamthang has some of the best organic farms in Sikkim and the locals mainly grow Rice and Maize through the usual step-cultivation process. Apart from these other vegetables grows at Chalamthang are bitter gourds, pumpkins, cabbages, cauliflowers, tomatoes and many more. Apart from agriculture the local youths are also getting involved in tourism activities like guiding the tourists in trekking activities.
Around the village of Chalamthang:
At Chalamthang village one can experience the authentic Sikkim’s rural lifestyle, organic food, folklore and jungle trails. The village of Chalamthang celebrates sustainability and promotes the use of handcrafted products which are created locally and it also encourages the visitors to take part in organic farming by helping them select seasonal crops and vegetables from the local organic farm thus supporting the concept of agro- farming tourism in the state. At Chalamthang Village time runs slow and most of the sightseeing options can be covered on foot. Chalamthang village also showcases eco-friendly products curated by the local women of self-help group.
Things to do:
The village of Chalamthang offers a whole lot of activities starting from angling, vegetable picking to trekking, forest picnics, local sightseeing and many others.
Heritage House:
There is a 160-year-old local heritage house at Chalamthang which is a true wonder for tourists. The heritage house at Chalamthang is built completely with locally available materials like wood, bamboo and Siru. After countless earthquakes and natural hazards this heritage house is standing strong till date. This heritage house is three levels high and is built in the traditional Sikkim’s architecture.
Ban Jakhri Cave:
Jakhris or witch doctors of Sikkim are known to cure many ailments of the villagers and control the natural elements. They are said to dwell in caves far from the human settlements and came down to meet the commoners during crisis. One such cave still exists in Chalamthang known as Ban Jakhri Cave which is located within few kilometer short treks.
Daras of Chalamthang:
Dara refers to the highest point of a hill and surrounding Chalamthang. Various Daras like the Harray Dara, which is very sacred to newly married couples who come here to seek blessings for a successful conjugal life, and then there is the Deorali Dara from where one can catch a panoramic view of the surrounding villages and mountain ranges around Chalamthang.
Green Beach:
Green Beach is a verdant green valley, which is crisscrossed by the mighty River Teesta. From Chalamthang a couple of kilometer by car and another few kilometer hike through farmlands, forests and mountain streams reaches to one of the best kept secret of Chalamthang village – the Green Beach. Here at Green Beach one can bask in the sun savoring the sweet river breeze or involve in catching fish from the river.
Organic Farm:
Chalamthang has some of the best organic farms in Sikkim and tourists visiting Chalamthang can indulge in the day to day activities of ploughing and sowing which are still practiced through traditional methods. Tourists can take a tour by walking through the farms of Chalamthang and opt to pluck some vegetables and bring them back to the kitchen to get it prepared.
Forest Picnics:
There are some selected secluded spots within the surrounding forests of Chalamthang where tourists can opt for picnics. The locals arrange for tents and tourists can enjoy the village walk to reach the spot.
Trekking:
Chalamthang is an idle option for forest trekking. The two most popular treks – Maenam la and Tendong Hill trek – are arranged from Chalamthang. Tendong Hill is an extinct volcano and the trail passes through deep forests teeming with local birds and animals. There is a watch tower at the top that offers panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and parts of West and South Sikkim. And Meanam Hill trek is equally famous to birdwatchers. The watch tower at Maenam Hill top also offers majestic view of snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Though both these treks can be done in a day but it is advisable to stay overnight at the respective hilltops in order to enjoy the heavenly early-morning view of the mountains. Tents can be arranged for tourists or one can also stay in the trekker’s huts located on the hill top.
Nature Walk:
Chalamthang is surrounded by forests on one side and farmlands on the other and tourists visiting Chalamthang can take long village walks through the surrounding villages and see the traditional village life unfolding before them. Guides are available locally at Chalamthang who shows the route through the forests to some caves or the riverside.
Fishing:
Fishing is one of the popular activities at Chalamthang village. River Kaleej Khola and River Teesta are located around 02 km from Chalamthang through the forests where one can practice angling skills. Local cold water fish like Asala, Buduna, Chirkey, Bhitti are found in plenty but rare species like Goonch have also been spotted in Kaleej Khola in the past.
Birdwatching:
Chalamthang is a place that falls on the seasonal migratory route of the Himalayan birds. The usual birds spotted at Chalamthang are Woodpeckers, Warblers, Magpies, Finches, Sunbirds, Flycatchers, Robins, Eagles, Patridges and many more.
Cultural Programs:
Chalamthang offers tourists with the opportunity to experience the cultural programs organized by different communities like Chaburny dance and Maruni dance. The local residents of different communities usually organizes these cultural programs in order to entertain the tourists.
Relax at the Machaan:
Tourists at Chalamthang village can opt to sit or lay back at the Machaan lies adjacent to the homestay. From these Machaans tourists can experience the view of the adjoining hills and enjoy the tranquility of nature. These Machaan at Chalamthang are the sitting area which are very aesthetically decorated and also offers the view snow-capped mountains, the valley and river.
Places to visit around Chalamthang:
From Chalamthang one can opt to visit the nearby tourist’s places of South Sikkim.
Tarey Bhir:
Tarey Bhir is a 10000 feet long cliff edge with almost 3500 feet abrupt drop and is located at a distance of 30 km from Chalamthang. There is a small pathway over the edge of the cliff that reaches to the middle of the cliff from where one can catch a glimpse of the River Teesta and River Rangeet. The hilltop of Tarey Bhir is covered in pine forests and one can often spot the rare wild mountain goats – Bharals grazing on the steep cliff face.
Ravangla:
Ravangla is a small town of South Sikkim located at a distance of 40 km away from Chalamthang. Ravangla is noted for its best views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Siniolchu, Mt. Pandim and Mt. Kabru on a clear day. Apart from those other major attractions of Ravangla are Buddha Park, Ravangla Monastery, trek to Maenam Hill and others.
Chaardham in Solophok:
Chaardham in Solophok is renowned known for replicas of the 12 jyotirlingas of Hindu religion and four Dhams or pilgrimage sites. Located at a distance of 04 km from Namchi and 35 km from Chalamthang. There is an 87-foot high sitting Shiva placed on a 107 feet high temple at Chardham in Solophok. Along with that there is a 16.5 feet high statue of Lord Kiriteshwara.
Samdruptse Monastery:
Around 35 km from Chalamthang is the Samdruptse monastery located on a hilltop adjacent to Namchi town. There is a 45-meter high statue of Guru Padmasambhava adorns the hill top of Samdruptse which was built in 1997.
Temi Tea Garden:
Located just 17 km from Chalamthang, the only tea garden of Sikkim – Temi Tea Garden is spread across an area of 453 hectares. There are viewpoints and tea houses built within the lush slopes of Temi Tea Garden which offers the panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga. At Temi Tea Garden tourists can also witness tea processing in the nearby factories.
Tendong Bio Diversity Park:
Tendong Bio Diversity Park is spread across 255 hectares and perched on an altitude between 4500 feet and 6500 feet above sea level. Located at a distance of 38 km away from Chalamthang, this bio diversity park is a true hotspot of Eastern Himalayan flora and fauna. Lies on the foothills of the sacred Tendong Peak, this bio diversity park is rich in Chestnut, Walnut, Alder and Oak trees and abundant in animal life like Flying Squirrels, Barking Deer and varieties of lesser mammals along with wide number of birds.
Rekap Village:
From Chalamthang tourists can travel downhill and reach Rekap Village. From here the route continues further downhill through the forests, mountain streams and reaches Green Beach on River Teesta. This is one of the best angling spots of this Chalamthang region. Tourists can also opt to avail car service to reach at Rekap Village.
How to reach:
By Air: There are two different airports from where tourists can easily reach Chalamthang by hired vehicles. One is the Bagdogra Airport which is well connected by regular flight services with Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati. Chalamthang is located at a distance of 108 km away from Bagdogra Airport via NH10 and is a journey of around 04 hours. The other one is at Pakyong Airport at Sikkim which is located at a distance of 40 km away from Chalamthang. From Pakyong Airport either via NH717A and NH10 tourists can reach at Chalamthang or via Gangtok tourist can also reach Chalamthang. From both the airports hired vehicles are available to reach Chalamthang.
By Train: The nearest rail head to Chalamthang is New Jalpaiguri railway station located at a distance of 102 km away. From NJP railway station tourists will also get vehicles on hire to reach at Chalamthang.
By Road: Chalamthang is well connected with good motor-able roads with Siliguri, Bagdogra, Pakyong Airport and other nearby tourist spots. Chalamathang is located around 42 km away from Gangtok and 98 km away from Siliguri. Vehicle services are available from all the locations to reach at Chalamthang. From NJP railway station tourists can hire car service upto Singtam Bazaar which is a distance of 92 km away and from there a drive of 45 minutes reaches at Chalamthang.
Best time to visit: Chalamthang can be visited throughout the year as every season has its own kind of charm. But tourists are advised to avoid the monsoon season. Summers are best to escape the scorching heat of the plains and winters are best to catch some of the best views of the surrounding mountains and the maximum bird’s activity.
CHALAMTHANG HOMESTAY
Chalamthang Homestay is one of the leading homestays in the Indian state of Sikkim on the its southern district. Chalamthang Homestay presents a unique experience for its guests which are provided by only a few others in the entire state. Chalamthang Homestay is surrounded by lush green vegetation and a never – ending array of organic fields all around. Chalamthang Homestay was started in the year 2014 by the benefits of the Chief Minister’s Homestay Scheme. With time, Chalamthang Homestay has earned immense revenue along with various accolades which includes the ‘Best Homestay” award in South Sikkim in the year 2017. Chalamthang Homestay celebrates sustainability and promotes the use of handcrafted products which are created locally. Chalamthang Homestay has taken the initiative on elaborating about the local culture and food which has helped the youths in creating a learning environment along with providing a warm and friendly experience for the visiting tourists. Chalamthang Homestay offers stunning views of the surrounding snow- capped Himalayan ranges from its machaans.
Amenities available:
Well furnished rooms.
Attached bathrooms in each room.
Western type toilet with geyser.
24 hours running water.
In house dinning facility available.
Pick up and drop facility available.
Arrangement of local sight seeing.
Home cooked organic food.
Televisions & Wardrobes.
Tariff:
Tariff: Rs.1650/- per double-bed room per night
Veg Food: Rs.750/- per person per day (breakfast + lunch + dinner)
Non Veg lunch: Rs.250/- per person per day (not served at room)
Extra person lodging: Rs.450 per head per night.
Note: Chalamthang Homestay serve only vegetarian food inside the home stay.
HOW TO BOOK: Call us at 9830381306, 9831311606 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).
