Doban Valley

Doban Valley is a fast emerging offbeat tourists destination of Kalimpong sub division in the Indian state of West Bengal sharing an open and common boundary with East Sikkim. Doban Valley is an ideal escape for tourists looking for serenity and tranquillity in the lap of nature surrounded by lush greenery all over far away from the clutch of urbanization. The word Doban is derived from a Nepali word that translates into ‘Do – two and Ban – to tie or a place between’. Doban Valley is nestled at the confluence of two different Himalayan streams namely Rangpo Khola and Rishi Khola and is set at an elevation of 4000 feet. Doban Valley is gaining popularity among tourists for its unique location and picturesque landscapes, moreover Doban Valley can also be an ideal stopover during Silk Route trip. The surrounding open meadows and forests of Doban Valley is a rejuvenation point for tourists traveling to the hills of North Bengal.

Things to do around Doban Valley:

Relaxing: For Silent observers Doban Valley is a perfect gateway. Here one can sit back on an easy chair and enjoy the natural wonders of the region.
Bird Watching: For bird watchers and photographers Doban Valley is also a perfect hotspot, as it gets occasional visitors of different species of migratory birds along with that Doban Valley is also home to several species of native Himalayan birds.
Fishing: Fishing at the confluence of Rongpo Khola and Rishi Khola is an experience worth enjoying.
Leisure Walking: Tourists can have a leisure walk through the village and visit the nearby places of Doban Valley. Or tourists can also walk up to the nearby bridge at Rorathang through the jungle route.
River Bathing: Tourists opt to visit Doban Valley during the summer season can have refreshing time while bathing in the clear and cool water of Rangpo and rejuvenate their soul and body.
Trekking: Tourists can opt for short treks from Doban Valley, as few mild trek routes have emerged those goes upto different tourist destinations.
Riverside Camping: Tourists can also set up camping on the banks of the river (which are organized by the locals) and is an experience worth remembering. On a full moonlit night the view of the river along with the dazzling stars in the sky forms a perfect picture.
Sunrise: Doban Valley also offers stunning view of the sunrise at the backdrop of the mountains.
Landscape Photography: Doban Valley offers tourists with ample options of landscape photography as the place is dotted with thick natural vegetation along with the flowing river between the mountains.

Places to visit near Doban Valley:

Rishikhola: Rishikhola is a riverside tourist spot on the banks of River Rishi or Reshi located around 13 km away from Doban Valley and is a place worth visiting.
Aritar: Another spot of East Sikkim is just 18 km away from Doban Valley. Aritar is mainly known for its lake (namely Lampokhri), along with lush green forests, steeped farmlands and waterfalls. Tourists can also opt for boating in Aritar Lake. There is also a Dak Bungalow at Aritar which is worth visiting.
Mankhim: Mankim is the top view point of Aritar which is just 05 km uphill. Mankhim offers excellent view of Mt. Kanchenjunga along with other snow-capped Himalayan ranges. There is also a monastery of Kirat Rai and a temple of Lord Shiva.
Pedong: Pedong is located 38 km away from Doban Valley. Pedong is mainly known for the historical ruins of Damsang Fort a reminiscent of the Last Lepcha King.
Kalimpong: Kalimpong is located 47 km away from Doban Valley. Tourists can opt for a day tour to Kalimpong from Doban Valley and witness the local points of tourist’s interest around the town.
Lava: Lava is located around 55 km away from Doban Valley. Lava is mainly known for its dense Pine forest, thick clouds and the view of Rachela Peak. From Lava tourists can also further extend their journey upto Rishyap located around 04 km away.
Simanadara: Simanadara is mainly a viewpoint and an offbeat destination of Kalimpong hill located around 02 km away.

How to reach:

By Air: Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is the nearest airport to Doban Valley located at a distance of 93.4 km away. From Bagdogra Airport tourists can rent a car upto Rorathang and from there only 02 km away lays Doban Valley.

By Train: New Jalpaiguri Railway station is the nearest rail head to Doban Valley located around 89 km away. NJP railway station is well connected with rest of India by good railway networks. From NJP railway station tourists can hire vehicle upto Rorathang Bridge on the way to Rhenok. From there around 02 km away lays Doban Valley.

By Road: Doban Valley is easily accessible by road from Bagdogra Airport, NJP railway station and Siliguri by hired vehicles. The route to Doban Valley from Bagdogra Airport/ NJP railway station passes through Siliguri – Melli – Rorathang, and is a journey of about 3.5 hours by road. Both reserved/ shared vehicles are available upto Rorathang Bridge, from there one can easily reach Doban Valley.

Best time to visit Doban Valley:
The best time to visit Doban Valley is from October to May. Winter is the best time to witness the maximum activity of the migratory birds along with the surrounding view. Summers are the best to escape the scorching heat of the plains. But monsoon is not at all recommended, as during this time the water level rises and Doban Valley becomes inaccessible for tourists.

KANNAN VALLEY HOMESTAY

Kannan Valley Homestay is the only staying option/ accommodation available at Doban Valley. Kannan Valley is situated on the river bank and is surrounded by hills covered with lush greenery all over. Rooms of Kannan Valley Homestay are constructed in concrete and wood with large windows that opens up to the view of the neighbouring stream and the low mountains. Though amenities at Kannan Valley Homestay are basic, but still the service is very good. Meals served are fully organic and garden fresh. Rooms of Kannan Valley Homestay are in the form of cottages.

Amenities available:
All rooms are semi wooden furnished.
Attached bathrooms with 24 hours running water.
Western toilet and geyser facility available.
Arrangement of local sightseeing available.
Pick up and drop facility available (chargeable).
Bon fire and Bar-B-Que available (chargeable).
Arrangement of adventure sports.
Room service available.

Tariff:
INR @ 1600/- per day/ per person (both food and lodging included)
Meals include: Morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea, snacks and dinner.

HOW TO BOOK: Call 9831311606 / 9830381306 to get the rooms avalability status or use the query form furnished below with all your tour queries and we will reply you back at the earliest. Or please drop your query by whats app to the mentioned numbers.