Charkhole

CHARKHOLE – OVERVIEW

Charkhole or Charkole is a small organic village or hamlet tucked nestled within the dense wilderness of Pine, Birch and Fir trees. Charkhole offers a majestic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga almost throughout the year. Charkhole mainly comprises of very few families or local villagers those inhabit the place. Charkhole is a place where mystic clouds and fog plays hide cover the hamlet throughout the day. In the night as the hamlet becomes silent, one can hear the sound of dew drops very clearly. Charkhole is an ideal option for bird watchers. The dense wilderness of towering Pine, Oak, Fir, Cypras and numerous rhododendrons will accompany you during your stay at this hamlet. Suddenly the silence get debarred by chirping melodies of numerous Himalayan birds those inhabit the region. Very often birdwatchers may get to see Blue Fronted Redstart, Indian Robin, Green Backed Tit, Ashley Prinia, Verditer Fly Catcher, Green Backed Tit and many more.  Situated at an elevation of about 5000 feet above sea level located very near to Kalimpong. The main livelihood of the people at Charkhole is agriculture, the locals grows tea and elaichi on the steep slopes and valleys of the region. The locals of the village of Charkhole are mainly lepchas. From Charkhole on a clear day to the far horizon Darjelling hills is clearly visible. Charkhole is also an ideal place for Sunrise at the backdrop of Mt. Kanchenjunga. From Charkhole on a day trip one can visit Lolegaon. The spectacular view of Sunrise from the nearest hilltop of Jhandidara is a sensible memory to cherish throughout. Charkhole has already won the prestigious award for the ‘Best new promising destination’ in the year 2007. The sight of floating clouds touching the ground throughout the day will make your stay at Charkhole even more admirable. From Charkhole adventure seekers can take up short treks to Kaffer and Gumba Dara.

Around Charkhole: From Charkhole one can go around the local spots like Lava is 39 km, Lolegaon, Kolakham, Rishyap is about 30 km, Jhandidara, Rishikhola, Rikisum is about 53 km, Gumba Dara is about 29 km and Pedong is about 50 km.

How to reach: From Charkhole the nearest rail head is New Jalpaiguri and the nearest Airport is Bagdogra. Charkhole can easily reach from Lolegaon within a distance of about 15 kilometres time takes around 45 minutes, from Kalimpong it lays within 34 kilometers. From Kalimpong one can reach Charkhole by a share car. From Sevoke at a distance of about 55 km is Chukhim and from there at a distance of about 50 km is Charkhole. From Lava within a journey of about 105 hours one can also reach Charkhole.