SOLOPHOK, SOUTH SIKKIM – 92 KMS. SILIGURI

• Weekend Tour

Solophok – one of the newest destinations of Sikkim offers a magnificent view of Mt. Kanchenjungha, a beautiful temple town of Chardham and the breathtaking experience of Tarey Bhir, which is a 10,000 feet long cliff with a sheer 3500 feet drop into abyss. If you are in Solophok, you can also visit some of the most imposing monasteries like Samdruptse and Ngadak monastery, most beautiful waterfalls like Tirikhola Dancing falls and one of the most bio-diversified regions of Tendong Hills. Located close to Namchi, Solophok is near to all attractions yet far from the crowd.

Places to see in Solophok: Chardham in Solophok is believed to be one of the most sacred destinations of Sikkim. The 108 feet statue of Lord Shiva in Chardham is encircled by a girdle of twelve Jyotirlingams and a replica of the Chardham, which is Jagannath, Dwarka, Rameshawaram and Badrinath Dham.

The Ngadak monastery – one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim is also located nearby. Another great attraction is the 135 feet high statue of Guru Padmasambhava in Samdruptse Monastery. The Samdruptse hilltop offers a view of Namchi Town, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mt. Kanchenjungha and eastern part of Nepal.

Nearby attractions of Solophok: Solophok is very near to one of the Geological wonders of the world – Taray Bhir. It is a 10,000 feet long ridge with a sheer drop of 3,500 feet with a breathtaking View Point at the edge from where one can behold Sikkim’s beautiful river valleys and forests. One can see the panoramic confluence of the Teesta and Rangeet River from here too. There is also a beautiful Rock Garden situated at the base of the Samdruptse Hills with magnificent views of Mt. Kanchenjungha. Temi Tea Garden – the only tea estate in Sikkim is only 21 kms from Solophok.

On the way to Temi Tea Garden you can visit the Tendong Biodiversity Park to have an access to the myriads of medical plants conserved beautifully by the State Forest Department. The cascading waters of Tirikhola Dancing Falls located just 40 minutes from Solophok looks like the hair of a maiden from June to September. You can also visit Assangthang just 9 kms from Solophok to visit the beautiful Shiridi Sai Temple. However, the most exciting thing to do while in Solophok is to walk along the Taray Bhir. Other nearby attractions include Ravangla, Rayong Sunrise View Point, Mainam Hill, Ravikhola Cave, Sharchogbeyphog Cave and Phur Tsa Chu hotsprings.

Things to do in Solophok: Trek along the steep footpath with about 300 steps through the hamlet of Kholaghari to a long and dark cave adjacent to an old temple. There is also a tranquil spot just 5 km uphill from Namthang Bazaar (29 kms from Solophok) surrounded by virgin forest and at an altitude of 5800 feet called Nagi. Recently, this has turned out to be a perfect spot for meditation. You can also organise a picnic at Rukumtar located at the base of Tendong Hill where 70 species of birds are found singing in and around. You can also visit Tharpu Painting Village just 4 kms from Solophok. You can visit the village and get the idea of history, culture and traditions of Sikkim through the beautiful paintings and creations of the local artists.

How to reach Solofok: Solofok is 92 kms from Siliguri and just 2 kms from Namchi. The Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT) plies regular buses from Siliguri to Namchi and private taxis are also available on regular basis. The nearest rail station is New Jalpaiguri and it takes around 3.5 hours from there. You can also reach Namchi from Bagdogra by hiring private taxis.

Best time to visit Solophok: You can visit Solophok any time of the year. The peaks of Mt. Kanchenjungha and its allies can be best viewed from March to May and September to January. The flowers in Solophok’s surroundings bloom after the monsoons. Attractions like Chardham, Samdruptse and other monasteries celebrate various festivals throughout the year.

Lodging and dining facilities in Solophok: The Heritage hotel at Solophok offering majestic views of Mt. Kanchenjungha is managed and run by family members. It is settled on the hill top Solophok just 2 kms from Namchi Bazaar and far from the crowd. Nearly, seven acres of lush green forest surrounds the hotel and a beautiful garden with a gazebo makes it more attractive.  The Holy Chardham Hindu pilgrimage is only a walk from this heritage hotel. There are Standard rooms, Deluxe rooms and Super Deluxe rooms with 24 hrs hot and cold water, satellite TV, balconies with views, western bathrooms, Dining Halls and all other modern facilities. The hotel also arranges bird watching trips, bonfire, forest walks and car rentals. This Heritage hotel serves organic food only.