JORPOKHARI, DARJEELING – 85 KMS. FROM SILIGURI

• Weekend Tour

At 7400 feet above sea level, you have a lovely wooden cottage in the lap of the mighty Himalayas surrounded by dense pine forests. The magnificent Mt. Kanchendzonga – the third highest mountain stands in front of you – and two small lakes where a few swans are taking their leisurely swim witness the spectacle with you. The lakes are the breeding areas for the endangered Himalayan Salamanders. The wooden cottage is accompanied by beautifully landscaped gardens and lawns. You can make day trips to popular spots like Lepchajagat, Mirik, Darjeeling and Pashupati Market in Nepal.

Places to see at Jorpokhri: The word “Jore” means two and “pokhri” stands for “pond.” Jorpokhri is marked by two natural water tanks and a beautiful view of Mt. Khanchenjungha. It is a wonderfully landscaped hilltop with the view of Darjeeling and Kurseong on one side and the entire Kanchendzonga range on the other side. Sunrise is a heavenly experience from here. The water tanks are the breeding areas for the endangered Himalayan Salamanders. During Rainy season you may catch a glimpse of them. Jorpokhri actually falls within the Senchal Forest area and a leisurely walk in the forested area would be the experience of a lifetime.

Mirik is only an hour journey from Jorepokhri, Darjeeling is only 21 kilometers from here, Sukhiapokhri – the nearest town is only 2 kilometers and the Pashupati market in India-Nepal border is 30 minutes from here. Another nearby destination is Lepchajagat, which is only 5.5 kilometers from Jorepokhri. It too has a beautiful view of Mt. Kanchenjungha.

Nearby Attractions at Jorpokri: The famous Darjeeling, Mirik and Lepchajagat are nearby, easily accessible if you hire a car. Other attractions are Sukhiapokhri (for the Sandakphu Trek), Pashupati Nath Market (Nepal), Kurseong, Simana (India-Nepal border), Senchal Forest Area and the Tea Gardens all along.

Things to do at Jorepokhri: Enjoy the views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, enjoy the adjacent forests and trip to Mirik and Darjeeling. You can also drop at Pashupati Nath market of Nepal. You can also feed the geese swimming in the pokhri.

How to reach Jorpokri: Located, almost on the India-Nepal border on the road from Ghum to Mirik it is 21 kilometers from Darjeeling,  13.5 kilometers from Ghum, 85 kilometers from Siliguri, 23 kilometers from Mirik and 5.5 kilometers from Lepchajagat.
Nearest airport: Bagdogra airport
Nearest Railhead: New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
From NJP station hire a prepaid cab to Jorepokhri. It takes around 3.5 hours via Mirik. You can also take the Kurseong route but it takes more than 4 hours and this route is not as scenic as the Mirik route. There are no bus services to Jorepokhri but Sukhia pokhri can be reached from Siliguri and Darjeeling by bus. Jorepokhri is only 2 kilometers from Sukhia pokhri.

Best time to visit Jorpokhri: October to March if you are seeking beautiful views of Mt. Kanchenjungha June – August (Rainy Season) if you want to share a glimpse of the Himalayan Salamanders.

Lodging & Food at Jorepokhri: The only accommodation option available in Jorepokhri is the bungalow. The exotic wooden cottage comprises 2 Double bed rooms on first floor and 2 Double suites on the ground floor. The lobby is on the first floor and a single balcony attached with the lobby shares the Khanchenjanga mountain views. The Double Bed rooms have adjacent terraces with a view of the rolling plains and mountains. Bedroom views of the Kanchenjunga range are available from the suites. A couple of new rooms in the annex  building is available near the cottage with a view of the mountains. Food is served in the dinning hall and it is essentially Indian.