YAKTEN – PAKYONG
Yakten is a small virgin village or hamlet situated in the eastern part of the Indian state of West Bengal and is located within close proximity to Pakyong Airport (the only airport of Sikkim). The serene and calm village of Yakten is nestled at an elevation of 5300 feet and offers spectacular view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga on a clear day. Yakten village is popularly known for the cultivation of rare species of Himalayan Orchids and several green houses. The local inhabitants of Yakten are mostly belongs to Limboo community, along with that Yakten is also inhabited by Buddhists and Hindus. The socioeconomic value of Yakten village mainly depends of organic farming and dairy farming. But with the introduction and development of tourism at Yakten, a different source to boost the socioeconomic background of the villagers has developed. Yakten village is also home to wide species of Himalayan birds and butterflies. Surrounded by lush alpine forests all over, Yakten is an ideal gateway for nature loving and adventure seeking tourists. Most of time the village of Yakten remains covered in mist and caressed by soft chilling winds. Yakten village is an ideal night halt option before proceeding towards the higher altitudes of OId Silk Route.
Activities and attractions around Yakten:
Being a tiny village of East Sikkim, Yakten offers tourists with numbers of activities and attractions to experience.
- Explore Nature: Yakten village is an ideal hideout for tourists to explore the surrounding nature. While at Yakten tourists can opt to stroll around the village leisurely, meet the local people to get deep insight of their daily life and visit the organic farmlands and witness the process of plucking vegetables from the garden. During this leisure walk around Yakten tourists can also spot numerous species of orchids and other unknown species of flowers all around the village of Yakten.
- Short treks and hikes: Yakten offers tourists with the option of short treks and hikes around the village those leads to different directions of the village.
- Trek to Jhandi Dara View Point: From Yakten a trek of 07 km through the lush green Alpine forests leads to Jhandi Dara View Point situated at an elevation of 6700 feet. Jhandi Dara View Point offers stunning panoramic view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks along with parts of Nathula range and parts of Kalimpong Hills.
- Trek to Budaang Gadi (Bhutia Fort): From Yakten by short trek tourists can reach at Budaang Gadi or Bhutia Fort, the ruins of an old fort located nearby Yakten village. The trek route to Budaang Gadi is blossomed with different species of Rhododendrons and Orchids.
- Brojeytaar Cave: From Yakten village a walk of 05 km will reach at Brojeytaar (an ancient cave temple) settled within the mountains and is a popular spot among tourists.
- Serendipity House: Serendipity House is a 200 year old structure made of wood now converted into a museum and is located within Yakten village. Inside Serendipity House tourists will get to witness the pictures and photos of the rulers of Sikkim along with their uniforms, weapons and arms which are preserved here.
- Karthok Monastery: Karthok Monastery is considered as the sixth oldest monastery of Sikkim situated at Pakyong of East Sikkim and is located at a distance of 11.6 km away from Yakten. Karthok Monastery follows the Nyingma Order of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Saramsa Garden: Saramsa Garden is a public garden located close to Ranipool in Pakyong and is situated at a distance of 20 km away from Yakten. Saramsa Garden is spread over an area of 07 hectares and is known for the cultivation of medicinal plants.
- Pakyong Airport: Pakyong Airport has a view point located nearby which offers panoramic view of the entire airport along with the snow-capped Himalayan ranges at its backdrop. Pakyong is located at a distance of 10 km from Yakten.
How to reach:
By Air: Yakten village can be reached from two different airports located nearby. One is Pakyong Airport located at a distance of 10 km away from Yakten while the other is Bagdogra Airport located at a distance of 145 km away via NH10. Though Pakyong Airport is the closest airport to Yakten village but it is connected by very limited flight services with other cities of India. Bagdogra is the well connected by regular flight services with Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Mumbai and Bangalore. Both from Pakyong Airport and Bagdogra Airport tourists will get hired vehicle service to reach Yakten.
By Train: New Jalpaiguri railway station (NJP) is the nearest rail head to Yakten village located at a distance of 140 km away. From NJP railway station tourists will get hired vehicles to reach Yakten Village. NJP railway station is well connected by good railway networks with Kolkata and other major cities of India.
By Road: Yakten village is well connected by good road networks with some of the nearby towns and other major tourist spot. Yakten is connected by good motor-able road with Siliguri (135 km), Gangtok (35 km), Ranipool (22 km), Pakyong (10 km) and Kalimpong (65 km). From all these locations tourists will get hired vehicles to reach Yakten.
Best time to visit Yakten:
Yakten can be visited throughout the year, but tourists are advised to avoid the monsoon season. Winter is the best time to witness the view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges, trekking and hiking and to witness the maximum bird’s activity. Summers at Yakten are cool enough and provides a good summer escape from the scorching heat of the plains.
YAKTEN VILLAGE HOMESTAY
Yakten Village Homestay is nestled amidst lush greenery and surrounded by mountain ranges from all sides. Yakten Village Homestay offers tourists with cosy and comfortable stay at Yakten. Tourists are served with local organic meals at Yakten Village Homestay which are completely home cooked. Yakten Village Homestay offers stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges from the rooms itself. All rooms of Yakten Village Homestay are well maintained and hygenic. The staffs along with the host of Yakten Village Homestay are very courteous and helpful towards tourists. Due to the location of Yakten Village Homestay tourist get the option to travel easily to other places. Yakten Village Homestay has their own farmland in their backyard where they use to grow organic vegetables.
Amenities available:
All rooms are semi wooden furnished.
Rooms are equipped with attached western toilet.
Hot water is available.
Pick up and drop facility available (chargeable).
Arrangement of local sightseeing (chargeable).
Camp fire option available (chargeable).
All rooms offer stunning view of the Himalayan peaks.
Tariff:
INR @ 1300/- per day per person.
Tariff includes: Both staying + Meals
Meals include: Morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea, snacks and dinner.
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).
