BORONG – SOUTH SIKKIM
Borong is a quaint and serene village in the southern district of the Indian state of Sikkim. Borong is rapidly gaining its fame due to the increasing popularity of village tourism and Eco-tourism activities. Borong is nestled at an altitude of 1770 meter (5800 feet). This charming hamlet of Borong beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts with a promise of mesmerizing experience. Covered with long and thick Oak, Pine and Dhupi trees, Borong is an ideal place for exhibiting the beauty of untouched nature. Over the years village tourism has given Borong a special mark in the tourism map of Sikkim and India as well. The hilly terrains of Borong can be a perfect place of expedition. Nestled amidst the enchanting embrace of Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, Borong a hidden gem of South Sikkim offers stunning view of the magnificent snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga along with Mt. Siniolchu, Mt. Pandim and Mt. Narsingh. Borong not only stops at the jaw dropping vitas but Borong is a haven for those who crave the thrill of bird watching. While at Borong one will find them in the midst of a vibrant avian symphony of wide species of Himalayan birds those inhabit Borong. The rich biodiversity of Borong is home to birds like Blue Magpie, Himalayan Pheasants, Scarlet Minivet, Verditer Flycatcher and many others. Apart from these Borong has something more to offer for the wanderlust travelers, as many trekking trails has crisscrossed the landscape of Borong offering to get close to the untamed beauty of the region and get more breath-taking views of the surrounding Borong. This tranquil village of Borong is also abundant in wide species of flora along with several unknown Himalayan stream those are viewed while wandering in and around Borong.
Activities and attractions in and around Borong:
Borong being a small hamlet of South Sikkim offers tourists with numerous local attractions and activities to enjoy.
- Ravangla: Ravangla is a popular tourist destination of South Sikkim located at a distance of 16 km away from Borong via Ralong Rd. Ravangla is also popular for many local watchable. In a day trip from Borong tourists can visit Ravangla which is a journey of 40 minutes.
- Karma Rabten Choeling or the Old Ralang Monastery: Situated at distance of 04 km from Borong, The Old Ralong Monastery or Karma Rabten Choeling was built in 1730. It is the first Kagyupa Monastery in Sikkim. The monastery is known for its annual “Pang Lhabsol” (worship of Mt Kanchenjunga) and “Kagyad” Chaam (religious mask dance).
- Palchen Choeling Monastic Institute or the New Ralong Monastery: Located at just 5 km away from Borong. The New Ralong Monastery was built by the XII Gyaltsab Rinpoche, one of the four regents of the Karma Kagyu lineage in 1995. This is one of the biggest monasteries in Sikkim, its architecture and paintings retain the authenticity of the Kagyupa monasteries from Tibet.
- Tathagata Tsal (Buddha Park): Situated around 12 km from Borong, Tathagata Tsal or the Buddha Park is a beautiful 20 acre size Buddha Park that features a giant statue of Sakyamuni Buddha (130 feet high).
- Silver Falls: Siler Water Falls of South Sikkim is a beautiful waterfall located at a distance of 05 km away from Borong. Tourists can opt to hike from Borong to reach Silver Water Falls.
- Barmeley Bridge: This is a hanging suspension bridge of South Sikkim located at a distance of 05 km away from Borong. Barmeley Suspension Bridge is easily accessible both by car or foot from Borong and is a popular stop-over for trekkers towards Phamtam Village.
- Lasooney: Lasooney is located at a distance of 12 km away from Borong and is claimed to be one of the best viewpoints of Sikkim that offers stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
- Borong Tsa-Chu: Borong Tsa-Chu is a popular hot spring with medicinal properties located on the banks of River Rangeet. One has to travel 7 Km from Borong by car and then 30 minutes of mild hiking to reach Borong Tsa-Chu.
- Tinkitam: Tinkitam is a village located at a distance of 27.5 km away from Borong. Tinkitam is known for its splendid view of the majestic snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
- Titanic View Point: Perched at an elevation of 5500 feet, Titanic View Point is a picturesque gem of South Sikkim situated at Namlung Village of Ralong and located at a distance of 13.2 km from Borong. The driving distance between Borong and Titanic View Point is 38 minutes. Titanic View Point is locally known as Chuchey Dara or Titanic Dara (Dara means Viewpoint) because of the massive rock fairly resembles with the bow or fore of a gigantic ship.
- Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary: Located at a distance of 12.5 km away from Borong. Maenam Wildlife sanctuary is home to variety of flora and fauna including Leopards, Elephants and Tigers. Apart from that there are several trekking trails inside the sanctuary which are worth enjoying.
- Borong-Polok Handmade Paper Unit: This handmade paper industry was established in the year 2003 at Borong. Borong-Polok Handmade Paper Unit is a successful venture by the Sikkim Development Foundation with the participation of the local households. The locals first discovered the paper-making technique involving the use of raw plants to make paper, without pollution or logging of trees while on a trip to a neighbouring state. The handmade paper is lightweight, long-lasting and insect-resistant. Explore the process of paper making and learn this ancient art of how paper is made traditionally from the bark of the Argeli (Nepali language pronounced as Ar-gay-li) or Edgeworthia Gardneri plant (a fast-growing plant that grows abundantly throughout Sikkim and other regions in the Himalayas).
- Trek to Menam Peak: Tourists can opt for a trek from Borong to Maenam Peak set at an altitude of 1830 meter (6000 feet). This trek from Borong takes about 03 days to complete. Maenam Peak offers breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains.
- Sunset at Borong: Borong offers stunning view of the evening sunset from the resort vantage points.
- Nature’s Embrace: One can opt for a leisure walk through the village trails of Borong and meet the local people to get deep insight of their daily lifestyle.
- Tranquil Surroundings: As Borong is set amidst lush greenery and thick natural vegetation with the magnificent snow-covered Himalayan peaks standing at the front, hence at Borong tourists can enjoy the surrounding natural landscapes in tranquility.
- Paragliding: Tourists can also opt to enjoy paragliding while at Borong and get a bird eye view of the whole village which is worth remembering.
- Bird Watching: Bird watching or birding is one of the prime attractions at Borong. As Borong is home to wide species of Himalayan birds hence one can take a local guide to spot these birds.
- Landscape Photography: Borong is also an ideal location for landscape photographers. The surrounding lush greenery, the mountains along with the deep valley and waterfalls offers photographers with some of the best shots in and around Borong.
- Nearby Villages: From Borong in a day tour tourists can opt to visit Fatam Village, Sangmo Village, Vanjan Valley, Rainbow Falls and others.
Things to Know:
Borong is a virgin village and the locals try their best to upkeep their tradition along with the cleanliness of the place, so, it is recommended that always travel around with a local guide of Borong, as there is no better person to describe about the rich history and the culture of the place. Do not pollute the place as it may affect the balance of nature and as we know that life at these villages are much closed to nature.
Local Cuisines at Borong:
Being a part of Indian state of Sikkim, Borong also offers tourists and travelers to taste their local and traditional delicacies like Thukpa/Gya-thuk, Momo, Kinema curry, Gundruk & Sinki, Chhurpi etc.
These traditional delicacies are completely home-made and produced from organic products.
How to Reach:
By Air: There are two airports from where tourists can reach Borong. The main airport is Bagdogra Airport located at a distance of 145 km away from Borong via NH 10 and NH 710. And the other one is at Pakyong Airport located at a distance of 85 km away via Dorjee Kazi Marg. Though Pakyong Airport is the closest airport to Borong, but Bagdogra Airport is more connected with regular flight services with Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati and Bangalore. From both the airports tourists will get vehicles on hire to reach Borong. The driving distance from Bagdogra Airport to Borong is about 05 hours and from Pakyong Airport to Borong is about 03 hours.
By Train: New Jalpaiguri is the nearest and the main rail junction to Borong located at a distance of 140 km away via NH 10 and NH 710. NJP railway station is well connected by regular train services with Kolkata and other major cities of India as well. From NJP railway station tourists will get vehicles on hire to reach Borong.
By Road: Borong is well connected by good road networks with Siliguri (130 km) the main gateway to Sikkim along with Ravangla (16 km), Gangtok (69 km), Pelling (85 km), Zuluk (141 km) and Darjeeling (87 km). Tourists will get vehicle services from all these places to reach Borong. Apart from that daily bus service is available between Namchi and Borong (41 km) operated by Sikkim National Transport. Tourists can also opt to avail bus service from SNT bus stand at Siliguri upto Ravangla and from there by hired vehicle one can reach Borong.
Best time to visit Borong:
Though Borong can be visited throughout the year, but the best time is spring (March to May) as during this time the climate remains very pleasant and the village of Borong blooms with vibrant colourful flowers. During monsoon (June to September) the surrounding greenery becomes denser. During autumn (October to November) the sky remains clear and is ideal to enjoy the breath taking view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga. And winter (December to February) Borong gets occasional snowfall. In the winter Borong becomes ideal for snow enthusiasts and solitude seekers.
WILD FLOWER RETREAT
The Wild Flower Retreat an Eco-friendly resort located very close to Mainam Hill base, a place of divine beauty that will mesmerize your senses overlooking Borong in the most splendid from. Lying pretty in the picturesque slope. Wild Flower Retreat spreads over an area of about 2 acres with six cottages traditionally designed cottages set amidst landscaped greenery. A feast for the sore eyes along with the majestic sunrise and the breathtaking view of snow capped mountain range. The other beauty of Wild Flower Retreat includes a lot of wild flowers and wild birds which can be viewed from the private balcony without any disturbance.
The rooms are named after the trees of hill like Oak, Pine, Fir, Juniper etc. One can view the exotic & majestic mountain range from the resort rooms of Wild Flower Retreat.
Rooms Categories:
Deluxe Double Room @ Rs.2050/-
Honeymoon Cottage @ Rs.2850/-
Family Cottage (accommodation of 4 pax) @ Rs.4100/-
Extra Bed Charges @ Rs. 400/-
Child above 9 years will be charged as extra.
Tax @ 12% on room rent applicable on the room tariff.
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)
