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DHOTREY

Dhotrey is a small hamlet of the North Bengal hills nestled within the buffer zone of ‘Singalila National Park’. Dhotrey is elevated at an altitude of about 8550 feet above mean sea level and the hamlet is a part of Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Dhotrey is mainly located on the eastern Himalayan region and offers stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The forest village of Dhotrey is mainly inhabited by the hill people those mostly belong to Rai, Lepcha, Bhutia, Tamang and like communities. Dhotrey is also spell as Dhotre and is inhabited by around 65 to 70 families. Once in the past the Forest Department used to collect logs of wood from the Dhotrey using a 05 km long rope-way which adds to the economy of the village as the village was established during that time. But during the mid-80s the rope-way was demolished and the economy of Dhotrey was ruined. Later during the mid-90s efforts were taken to develop Dhotrey or Dhotre as a tourism center or tourism circuit. It took about 05 years to convince and motivate the local villagers to establish and develop tourism in this region. After that Dhotrey continued to be a part of tourism center or circuit mainly as a base camp for Sandakphu – Phalut trek. But in the year 2008 a massive fire broke out and destroyed most of the small huts of Dhotrey. It was again by the joint efforts of ‘Forest Department’ and other surrounding village of Darjeeling hills to rebuilt Dhotrey once again as a tourism circuit. Dhotrey offers quite peaceful stay for tourists and trekkers. At Dhotrey tourists and trekkers will find homestays and Trekker’s Hut to comfortably accommodate them. At most of the places of Dhotrey electricity is not provided as the village is a part of the Singalila National Park range. Dhotrey is also a paradise for bird watchers and photographers as the village is inhabited by wide species of numerous Himalayan birds. The village of Dhotrey is guarded by dense thick Pine trees all over. Dhotrey is an ideal gateway for those who prefer secluded hilly environment with absolute calmness. On a clear day tourists can also experience the beautiful surrounding landscapes of India and Nepal as well from Dhotrey. The local culture and tradition of the locals of Dhotrey are also worth admiring.

Places to visit around Dhotrey:
There are few places or tourist spots located nearby to Dhotrey which are worth visiting. In a day trip tourists can easily visit these places and get back to Dhotrey by afternoon or evening.

  • Tonglu: Tonglu is an important place of tourist’s halt during Sandakphu – Phalut trek. From Dhotrey around 06 to 07 km away is Tonglu located. In a day trip tourists can easily visit Tonglu from Dhotrey. And from Tonglu around 2.8 km away is Tumling located. The route to Tonglu from Dhotrey passes through a trail of dense Pine forests which is a magnificent experience.
  • Ramiteydunga View Point: Ramiteydunga View Point is a highly recommended tourist spot at Dhotrey during the early hours of the day. Ramiteydunga View Point is located 2.5 km hike from Dhotrey village and on a clear day it offers stunning view of 270 degree range of Mt. Kanchenjunga along with parts of Sikkim and Bhutan. Ramiteydunga View Point also offers stunning view of the morning sunrise.
  • Kagyu Sect Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism: The Kagyu Sect Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism is a local monastery at Dhotrey which is worth visiting. In this monastery the Lamas practice Kagyu Sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
  • Medicinal Plants Nursery: At Dhotrey there is a nursery that grows different species of medicinal plants which is also worth visiting. This is basically a medicinal plants conservation center at Dhotrey and here tourists will get a deep insight about the cultivation process of these medicinal plants.
  • Bansbotay: Bansbotay is a village in Indian state of West Bengal, located right on the territory of Singalila National Park. From Dhotrey around 10.4 km away is Bansbotay Most of the local inhabitants in Bansbotay make their living from agriculture or working in some services for the National Park. At Bansbotay village tourists can spot Mungmung Khola or Lodhoma River.
  • Palmajua: Palmajua is a tourist spot also located within the periphery of Singalila Range and is located around 8.4 km away from Dhotrey. Due to its geographical location, though Palmajua does not offers the view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, but the surrounding natural vegetation along with wide availability of birds attracts tourists and bird watchers at Palmajua.
  • Maneybhanjan: Maneybhanjan is an important gateway or halting option for tourists towards Sandakphu – Phalut trek. Maneybhanjan is located around 18 km away from Dhotrey.
  • Gurdum Forest Village: Gurdum is a picturesque hamlet cradled within the periphery of Singalila range and located around 13 km away from Dhotrey.
  • Rimbick: Rimbick is also a small village near Indo – Nepal border area and is located around 22 km away from Dhotrey. Rimbick is popularly known for its scenic beauty along with a local market.

Things to do around Dhotrey:
Apart from being a night halt option for tourists and trekkers, Dhotrey also offers tourists with number of activities to experience.

  • Trekking: The most popular activity for tourists at Dhotrey is trekking. Several trekking routes emerged from Dhotrey those reaches to many other locations which are worth enjoying. Among these trek routes the most noteworthy is Sandkphu – Phalut trek via Tonglu, Tumling, Meghma and Gairibas.
  • Bird Watching and Bird photography: As Dhotrey is nestled within the buffer zone of Singalila National Park range, hence Dhotrey offers tourists with wide opportunities to witness numerous species of Himalayan birds. For bird photographers Dhotrey is an ideal gateway.
  • Village Trails: On a leisure day tourists can opt to explore the village of Dhotrey by walking. The village of Dhotrey is surrounded by thick Pine trees all over along with that Dhotrey is itself a gem of natural beauty. Tourists can explore its surroundings and meet the local people of Dhotrey and get a deep insight of their daily life, culture, traditions and customs.
  • Watch Tower Visit: At Dhotrey there is a watch tower that offers stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges along with the surrounding panoramic view which is worth admiring.
  • Monastery Visit: There is a monastery in Dhotrey village which is worth visiting. The surrounding ambience of the monastery is very calm and serene. Tourists will find peace of both mind and soul inside the monastery.
  • Relax in the lap of nature: On a leisure day at Dhotrey tourists can opt to relax and enjoy the natural treasures of the village. The floating clouds all over the village along with wide range of vivid colourful flowers and butterflies are worth admiring.
  • Buddhists Chortens: There are few Buddhists Chortens located inside the village of Dhotrey which are also worth admiring.
  • Temple Visit: There is also a temple of Lord Shiva located at Dhotrey village. On a leisure day tourists can opt to visit this temple by walking only.
  • Organic Farm Visit: There are numerous organic farms all around Dhotrey where the local villagers of Dhotrey grow organic seasonal vegetables. Tourists can opt to visit these local organic farms and also get to know the process of organic cultivation.
  • Forest Visit: The village of Dhotrey is situated within the forest area of Singalila range. On a bright sunny day tourists can opt for a trekking through this forest area of Dhotrey. In this forest area of Dhotrey tourists can spot rare sightings of wild animals. Apart from that Dhotrey village also forms the natural habitat of rare species of Red Panda, but it is rarely seen.

How to reach:

By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Dhotery located around 100 km. From Kolkata, Guwahati and Delhi regular flight services are available for Bagdogra Airport. Bagdogra is well connected by good road networks with Dhotrey and tourists will get both reserved and shared vehicles to reach Dhotrey.

By Rail: New Jalpaiguri is the nearest rail head to Dhotrey located at a distance of about 95 km away and Siliguri the nearest city is located around 94 km away. New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is well connected by good rail networks with Kolkata and other major cities of India. From NJP railway station both shared and reserved vehicles are regularly available for Dhotrey.

By Road: Dhotrey is well connected with Siliguri (94 km), Darjeeling (44 km), Kurseong (61 km) and Mirik (47 km). The route to Dhotrey from NJP/ Siliguri/ Bagdogra is via Simulbari Tea Estate, Dudhia, Singbul Tea Estate, Tingling View Point, Soureni Tea Estate, Mirik, Gopaldhara Tea Estate, Pashupati Nagar Market, Simana, Sukhiapokhri and Maneybhanjan. From Siliguri (Darjeeling More Crossing) shared vehicles to Dhotrey are available two times a day. From Siliguri a journey of around 04 to 05 hours reaches to Dhotrey.

Best time to visit:
Though Dhotrey can be visited throughout the year. But the best time to visit Dhotrey is spring season (March – April) as during this time of the year numerous Rhododendrons, Magnolia, Orchids and other seasonal flowers blooms in full at Dhotrey. Summers are the best time to escape the scorching heat of the plains. Winter is the best time to witness the stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges along with maximum bird activity. But in winters Dhotrey also receives occasional snowfall.

ZAMBALA HOMESTAY

Zambala Homestay is located at Dhotrey offers tourists with accommodation at this serene village. Zambala Homestay offers heart-warming and hospitable stat to tourists with love and care. Zambala Homestay is surrounded by lush greenery, serene atmosphere and calming spirit of the hills and nature. Zambala Homestay is a perfect leisure escape from the madding crowd. Foods offered at Zambala Homestay are all organic. Tourists visiting Zambala Homestay will get both traditional Nepali dishes along with Indian dishes. Zambala Homestay is an abode of wellness, luxury and finest experience of whatever best could be arranged at such a remote location of Dhotrey.

Amenities available:
All rooms are well wooden furnished with attached bathrooms.
All rooms are equipped with western type toilet.
Wall to wall carpet in each room.
In – house dining options available.
Arrangement of local sightseeing on request (chargeable).
Pick up and drop facility available on request (chargeable).
View of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges from the rooms.
Hot water available.

Tariffs:
Per person per day @ 1200/- (both food and lodging included).
Meals includes morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea, snacks and dinner.

HOW TO BOOK: Call us at 9831311606 , 9830381306, 9830619422 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)
Distant Booking can also be done either by phone or by mail. You need to send all your queries to the above mentioned number(s) by whats app. Accordingly we will send you the Bank A/C details where you need to deposit an advance in order to confirm your booking. The booking confirmation receipt will be shared with you by mail directly.