CHIBO, KALIMPONG – 65 KMS. FROM SILIGURI

• Weekend Tour

Chibo is a new tourist destination just 4 kms from Kalimpong. Mountains have always been a wonder for tourists. Chibo claims an average altitude of 4100 feet and is a pristine hill village in the Himalayas located on a ridge, offering spectacular views of the Mt. Kanchenjungha and the surrounding forests and foothills.

Places to see in Chibo Kalimpong: Forests and wild flowers all around make Chibo a small paradise tucked along the slopes of Himalayas. A cactus garden in front of a local village house is just lovely to look at. Chibo has wonderful greenery surrounded by the tall pine trees (locally known as Dhupi) and colourful flowers. The chirping birds and the fresh air of Chhibo makes it an ideal weekend destination to rest and bask in the morning sun.

Nearby attractions of Chibo Kalimpong: From Chibo, you can just take a sightseeing trip to Kalimpong, just 4 kms away. Your first stop could be Durpin Dara – an observatory point offering a stunning view of the Himalayas, the meandering Teesta and Relli rivers and the plains far below. You are sure to be charmed by the wonderful nurseries of Kalimpong.

History hunters and soul searchers can visit the Pedong monastery, built around 1837 to revive their spirituality. There is also another monastery called Thongsa monastery, considered one of the oldest monasteries of the region. The Zong Dhog Palri Fo Brang monastery is situated near the Durpin Dara. You can also visit the Tharpa Choeling monastery, which belong to the Yellow Hat sect of lamas. Travelling through the monasteries, do not miss the remains of a historic Bhutanese fort in Pedong.

The Kalimpong Arts & Craft Center established by Mrs. Graham is famous for teaching carpet weaving, dyeing, painting, leather craft, tailoring and carpentry to the locals. The center also promotes the creations of local craftsmen and artisans. The Mangal Dham Mandir spanning an area of two acres, built in 1993, contains the holy Samadhi of their Guruji. In Kalimpong, you can also spot a hidden sanctuary of Rabindranath Tagore – the Gauripur House. Some other noteworthy sightseeing places of Kalimpong are Swiss Dairy, Dharmodaya Vihar and Pranami Mandir.

A picnic is always a welcome among groups of tourists. The Delo Hill is an ideal picnic spot with a newly built park and Science Center. A visit to Central Sericulture is truly rewarding, where you can see the breeding of silkworm and the production of silk.

Things to do in Chibo Kalimpong: Nature always brings peace of mind. Relax, Drink coffee or tea enjoying the cool and sweet breeze. Let your children run about with full energy. Sink into the panoramic beauty of changing colours on Mt. Kanchenjungha during sunrise and enjoy a fascinating sunset too. Chibo is among the very few places from where you can enjoy sunrise and sunset. You can enjoy a short trek of about 20 mins from Chibo to Eagle’s Eye Viewpoint through alpine forest from where you can get a fascinating view of Teesta River, and the National Highway winding beside the river. The forests surrounding Chibo is also great for bird watching. You can also take a village walk amidst paddy fields and farmlands in lower Chibo and nearby Rinkingpong area.

How to reach Chibo Kalimpong: The closest railway station from the destination is the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station and the Siliguri Railway Station. The nearest airport is the Bagdogra Airport. Hired cars are available from both airport and railway stations to Kalimpong via Teesta Bazar. From Kalimpong you can take a pick up to Chibo

Best time to visit Chibo Kalimpong: Chibo welcomes tourist round the year. Winter is the best time for viewing Mt. Kanchenjungha. The monsoons fill up the rivers to the brim and the lush forests play hide and seek with the mist and sun.

Lodging and dining facilities in Chibo Kalimpong: Presently, Chibo offers a home stay resort, which provides furnished rooms with attached western bathrooms, a mountain-facing open terrace, a vegetable garden and a cozy outdoor garden for campfires. Necessities like hot water, electricity, transport facilities and guides for local trek are also provided. There are Double Bedrooms, Triple Bedrooms and even eight-bedded family rooms in the home stay. All rooms come with attached western bathrooms and clean beds. The food is essentially Indian and home cooked and the ingredients are mostly locally sourced and fresh. Food is served in the dining hall which enjoys a fascinating view of the Himalayas and the surrounding greenery.