KASHYEM, KALIMPONG – 89 KMS. FROM SILIGURI

• Weekend Tour

Located around 24 kms. from Kalimpong town, Kashyem is a small village, surrounded by forests and perched on a hilltop at 4000 feet above sea level with breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjungha, lush forests and winding mountain roads. Here, you can wake up to the call of unknown birds, take jungle walks through pine forests and stay in a village still untouched by tourist rush. A village church, a playing field and a homestay run by an enterprising villager, is what makes most of the village.

Places to see in Kashyem: There is a small church in Kashyem, a park built around a waterfall and an abandoned British-era Cinconha processing unit. The village is surrounded by forests where you can take local short treks. From our homestay’s balcony you can witness the changing colours of Mt. Kanchenjungha and lush forests. You can also enjoy views of Sikkim in the distance and the winding highways. This little village of Kashyem is near to Kalimpong, Munsong and Rangpo.

Nearby attractions around Kashyem: Some of the best viewpoints of the Kalimpong Hills are located within a few kilometers of Kashyem. Delo Park and view point, Buddha Statue, Hanuman Temple, Guru Padmasambhava statue, Ramdhura, Icchey Gaon, Sillery Gaon – all these viewpoints are within 19 kms. of Kashyem. You can take a day trip to Kalimpong and its surrounding areas like Kalimpong Science Center, Reshikhola, Pedong can be on your cards. While on a sightseeing trip to Kalimpong, 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. Another wonderful location is the Damsang fort, located in Pedong another 20 kms away. However, only the ruins of the fort exist now. Do not miss to have the fascinating beauty of the Silence Valley, a small forestland. Many tourists also visit the Jalsa viewpoint in upper Munsong, a great place within the Cinchona plantation with a magnificent view of Mt. Kanchenjungha, River Teesta and lush forests surrounding it. There is an old British Bungalow at Jalsa, which gives the place a mystic feel and reminds of the Sahibs and their trips to the Himalayas.

Things to do in Kashyem: You can trek through the forests or hire a car to go around the places. The place is also great for bird watching. However, the best thing to do is to gaze towards the mountains and forests from your homestay’s balcony. In the evenings, you can enjoy a barbecue in our home stay enjoying the stars of the night sky, blinking lights on mountain sides and Mt. Kanchenjungha flooded in moonlight. The trek through dense forests and Cinchona plantation is one of the most favourite treks of birdwatchers. The home stays at Kashyem also arranges paragliding from Delo. Guests can also take part in activities like fishing and rafting in River Teesta.

How to reach Kashyem: The closest railway station from Kashyem is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB). You would get shared cars to Rangpo in Sikkim or Kalimpong in West Bengal from NJP or Bagdogra. Kashyem is 24 kms. from Kalimpong and 15 kms. from Rangp. From Rangpo or Kalimpong you can take the pick-up service to Kashyem.

Best time to visit Kashyem: This little village welcomes tourist round the year. Winter is the best time for viewing Mt. Kanchenjungha. In summers, if you want to beat the heat of the plains, then you can visit this place for its pleasant cool weather. The monsoons are best for watching the clouds float across your room.

Lodging and dining facilities in Kashyem: Our spacious and clean home stay in Kashyem is facilitated with all basic features like hot water arrangements, attached western bathrooms, open terrace, sit-out areas, electricity, transport facilities and guides for local trek are also provided. Presently, we have 4 double-bedded rooms with attached bathroom in our building. All our rooms share a common verandah with views of Mt. Kanchenjungha, River Teesta and surrounding mountains. Food is essentially homemade and farm fresh and served with lot of care in our Dining Hall.