ANDEN, SOMBARIA – 122 KMS. FROM SILIGURI

• Weekend Tour

Anden is a heaven located high in the hills surrounded by forests overlooking the snow-cappped mountains. It is also one of the destinations from where you can take the famous Barsey Rhododendron Trek. Other nearby attractions include Jureli View Point, Gathang Waterfalls, Dodak Helipad, Devi Falls, Daramdin Sai Mandir, a Manghim and the market at Sombaria. You can also continue to other destinations of Sikkim like Rinchenpong and Biksthang is West Sikkim and Namchi in South Sikkim. A beautiful Forest Rest House with all modern facilities is the only accommodation in Anden.

Places to see in Anden: Anden is a the base for the famous Hilley – Varsey Rhododendron trek. Hilley, which is the checkpost for the 4 km long trek to Varsey is just 18 kms from Anden. While travelling to Hilley from Anden, you can catch the view of the Mt. Kanchenjungha range.

Jureli Dara view point, which offers great views of the snow-capped mountain ranges, Darjeeling, Sombaria and endless stretches of mountains is just a walk from this destination. You can enjoy nature walks and birdwatching in the Anden-Forests.

Nearby attractions of Anden Forest House: You can make a trip to Hilley, located 18 kms. from here, which marks the beginning of the Hilley – Varsey Rhododendron trek. There is a beautiful Sai Temple in Daramdin just 20 kms away. Other nearby attractions are Anden Olong Monastery (12 kms away), Kitan Falls, Dodak Helipad, Butterfly Shape Valley and numerous other view points. You can visit most of these destinations while travelling from Somabaria to Anden – they would fall on the way. Other attractions that you cover in a sightseeing trip are Devi Falls, Gathang alls, the EPC church (one of the oldest churches of Sikkim), Ribdi Village and a Lepcha Museum.

Things to do in Anden: Trekking is the favorite activity of the tourists visiting this place. Most tourists travel to Hilley by car from Anden (18 kms) and start the 4 kms long Hilley – Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary trek. The sanctuary offers excellent views of Mt. Kanchenjungha and endless stretches of Rhododendrons in their array of red, pink and white colours. Birdwatching is another great activity to be enjoyed here. In the mornings you can enjoy your hot cup of tea in the Forest Resthouse’s terrace enjoying the snow capped mountains and in the evenings you can also enjoy a campfire roasting your chicken.

Best time to visit Anden: You can visit throughout the year. You can enjoy magnificent views of Mt. Kanchenjungha in October to January. To see Rhododendrons in full bloom, you should visit Anden from mid of March to mid of April every year. Birdwatching can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Lodging and dining facilities in Anden: The only accommodation in Anden is the Forest Resthouse, which is located far from any other human settlement in the fringes of a forest. The Forest Resthouse comes with all modern facilities like attached western bathrooms, room heaters, geysers and even TVs. The rest house also arranges trek guides for the guests and cars for sightseeing trips. The rooms are spacious and luxuriously decked with wooden furniture and carpets. There is also car parking facilities and a badminton court here.