PABONG
Pabong (also known as Pubong) is a small hamlet of Kalimpong sub division in Kalimpong district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Pabong is nestled at 4700 feet in altitude and is surrounded by the lush greenery of Oak, Pine, Debdaru, Fern trees of Neora Valley forest range. Pabong is known for its picturesque valleys, thick natural vegetation and breath-taking view of the snow-capped Himalayan range of Mt. Kanchenjunga along with other peaks. The village of Pabong is mainly inhabited by Lepcha people of Rai, Magar, Gurung, Limboo, Tamang, Sherpa and the like communities. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood of the villagers of Pabong. Apart from that tourism has also contributed to the mainstream economy of Pabong. These local villagers came up with the opportunities to offer homestay services to tourists at Pabong. The valleys of Pabong are widely occupied by farmlands of Cardamom, squash, Corn, Broccoli, Peas, Tomatoes, Cabbage, Carrot, Ginger and other vegetables which are grown through organic process. Pabong is abundant in Cinchona plantations along with numerous species of known as unknown flowers including varied species of Orchids which are often spotted in the balcony or in the home yard of the local houses of Pabong. Throughout the day tourists are greeted by the symphony of numerous bird species those inhabit the periphery of Pabong. Pabong is equally ideal for a romantic, adventurous or family retreat for tourists. At Pabong one can enrich their soul in solitude and absolute tranquillity of a Himalayan village. The homestays which are scattered throughout the village of Pabong though gives a rustic rural charm yet has a touch of modernization. The hospitality and the warm greetings of the local villagers of Pabong are sure to cherish for lifetime. While at Pabong tourists can reconnect with nature far away from the hectic city life.
Activities and attractions in and around Pabong.
Pabong being a small hamlet offers tourists with handful of local attractions to witness and numerous activities to explore.
- The main attraction of Pabong is the breath-taking view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga and other peaks. Apart from the surrounding scenic view of Pabong is also worth mentioning. One can leisurely sit back and enjoy the natural bounties of Pabong village.
- Pabong offers stunning view of the morning Sunrise and evening sunset at the backdrop of the mountain ranges. During Sunrise as the Sun paint hues of different colours on the mountain ranges and during Sunset the golden hues painted by the Sun are worth admiring. There are viewpoints at Pabong which offers the view of this enigmatic charm.
- In the evening tourists can enjoy star gazing at Pabong. The night sky of Pabong lightens up with countless twinkling stars and tourists can lay back and spend their leisure time relaxing and staring at the night sky.
- In the evening Pabong also offers clear view of the glistering lights of the Kalimpong, Deolo and Namchi to the far distant.
- Pabong is an ideal place for bird photographers. The village of Pabong is home to wide species of birds like Laughing Thrush, Swift Babbler, Warbler, Indian Roller, Scarlet Minivet, Sunbird, Red Whiskered Bulbul, Verditer Flycatcher, Hill Myna and many others which are commonly spotted. Tourists can take a local guide and get deep into the wilderness of Pabong in search of these birds.
- For adventure enthusiast Pabong offers few hiking and trekking trails those leads to different directions of the village. Some of these hiking trails from Pabong also pass through thick natural vegetation and towering Pine forests. One is recommended to take a local guide from Pabong while exploring these trails.
- On leisure day one can opt for a walk along the village trails of Pabong and meet the local people to get a deep insight of their daily lifestyle. One can lay hands with the local villagers of Pabong in farming activities or can also get involved in other activities like ploughing a field or simply milking a cow. Apart from that tourists can also deeply interact with the villagers of Pabong to know more about social customs, rituals, heritage or traditions which helps them to maintain a strong bond with Mother Nature.
- From Pabong in a day tour tourists can opt for a visit to the nearby tourists places like Jhandi Dara Viewpoint (14 km), Charkhole (05 km), Samthar (77.6 km), Dabbley Viewpoint (50 km), Lava (35 km), Lolegaon (25 km), Kaffergaon (15 km), Rishyap (86.4 km), Sinji Market (35 km) and others.
- Kalimpong is also located at 35 km away from Pabong via NH710. In a day tour tourists can opt for a visit to Kalimpong town and witness the local watchable therein.
- For landscape Pabong is also an ideal destination. The surrounding landscapes of Pabong those comprises of lush greenery, rolling mountains, Himalayan streams offers landscape photographers with numerous opportunities to get random clicks.
- Staying in a local homestay at Pabong with the native villagers is an experience worth remembering. While staying in a homestay tourists can get closer to the daily lives of these people at Pabong. Apart from that one can also get the opportunity to taste some of the lip smacking authentic local delicacies of the region which are prepared from the organic produce.
- In the evening at Pabong tourists can get involved with the local people in bon fire and indulge in local songs and dance which are performed by the local inhabitants only.
- From Pabong tourists can opt for a trek to Neora Valley National Park located at 95 km via Rishi Road. This trek from Pabong to Neora Valley National Park passes through crisscrossed hilly terrains and forested trails.
How to Reach:
By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Pabong located at 109 km away via NH710 and NH10. Bagdogra Airport is well connected by regular flights with Kolkata and few other cities of India. From Bagdogra Airport tourists will get hired vehicles to reach Pabong directly. Or one can also opt to avail shared vehicles upto Kalimpong or Lava and from there by another vehicle one can reach Pabong.
By Train: There are two major rail heads to Pabong. One is New Mal Junction located at 104 km away and the other is New Jalpaiguri located at 100 km away. New Jalpaiguri is the major rail head which is well connected by regular train services with Kolkata and other major cities of India. But New Mal Junction is connected with very limited train services with Kolkata. From both New Jalpaiguri and New Mal Junction tourists will get hired vehicles to reach Pabong.
By Road: Pabong is well connected by good motor-able with Siliguri located at 99 km away via NH 10 and NH 710. There are two different routes from Siliguri to reach Pabong. One is via Bagrakot, Chuikhim and Charkhole which is around 70 km away. And the other route is via Kalimpong which is around 99 km away. Apart from that Pabong can also be reached from other popular and offbit tourist places like Kalimpong (35 km), Darjeeling (50 km), Kurseong (80 km), Gangtok (72 km) and many other places by hired vehicles.
Best time to visit:
Though Pabong can be visited throughout the year, but it is recommended to avoid the monsoon season. The best time to visit Pabong is October to May. Summers Pabong are best to escape the scorching heat of the plains and are also ideal for outdoor activities. Winters at Pabong are ideal to get the clear view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks along with maximum bird activities. Though during monsoon season the surrounding landscape becomes greener but heavy rainfall makes travel challenging due to messy road condition and the view of the surrounding landscape becomes blur.
COPA VILLA HOMESTAY
Copa Villa Homestay is a tranquil homestay located in the serene and offbeat village of Pabong that offers homestay accommodations for tourists. On a clear day Copa Villa Homestay offers stunning views of the Mt. Kanchenjunga range from its rooms and common rooftop. Copa Villa Homestay has rooms which offer cosy accommodations blended with modern comfort and local charm. Copa Villa Homestay offers a peaceful retreat amidst lush greenery and cardamom plantations all around. Meals offers to tourists in Copa Villa Homestay are all home-made which are prepared with fresh, local ingredients, reflecting the region’s culinary heritage. The host along with other staffs at Copa Villa Homestay in Pabong offers great hospitality and are always forward with helping and serving tourists in every possible way. Every staffs of Copa Villa Homestay are very attentive, kind and will always make every tourist feel at home experience. Copa Villa Homestay is an authentic stay immersed in local culture of the region.
Amenities available:
Spacious rooms with wall to wall carpet
Attached washrooms with western toilet
Geyser for running hot water
In house dinning facility
Pick up and drop facility (chargeable)
Arrangement of local sightseeing (chargeable)
Bon fire and Bar-B-Cue available (chargeable)
24 hours running water
Rooms are equipped with wide windows
Tariff:
INR @ 1500/- per day per person (both food and lodging included)
Meals include: Morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea, snacks and dinner.
Bon fire and Bar-B-Cue charges are extra and payable at spot.
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 send your query in full details through whatsapp @ 9831311606 and we will revert you back at the earliest.
