Travelling to me, basically means exploring the unspoilt beauty of Himalaya. Especially in this pandemic situation, I was searching for an offbeat destination, where I can fulfil my desire to watch the panoramic view of Kanchanjunga, which is famous for glittering with various colours at different times of a fay . Also I wanted to enjoy the raw beauty of nature while having some amount of ‘Me Time’.
During my exploration I became cognizant of samthar, through a well-written article in a magazine. I was mesmerized with the unexplored beauty at my first sight and subsequently booked our stay over thee.
Samthar is a small plateau in kalimpong subdivision, located at an elevation of 1400 m in the foothills of Himalaya. I started the journey with my two kids on November 6, 2020 by Covid special padatik express. Our first destination was Darjeeling where I’ve never been before. Darjeeling is famous for its food & Grandeur- It is popularly known as the ‘Queen of Hills’. We spent an excellent time over there- clean weather, blue sky, crowded mall, topped with excellent food and ambiance at Glenarys and keventers. We visited the famous Zoo, batasia loop, Nightingale Park- everything that is possible in 2 days. On 9 th November morning we started for samthar.
In Darjeeling, no cab driver knew its proper location, nobody even heard the name before. So I called the owner of our homestay, Mr kaushik Bhattacharjee to arrange a car for our pick up from Darjeeling.
1st impression: I don’t know why, the raw and mostly unspoilt beauty of kalimpong, attracts me more than an well established, well planned tourist place. While going from Darjeeling, we had a few hiatus at lamahatta, lover’s point, and Reilly pool at samthar for sightseeing. . we hardly saw any car or local people on our way. There was silence and you could only hear the sound of your own car & your breathing, while the nature will greet you with indigenous numbers throughout the way, which is extremely pleasant.
Finally, when we reached samthar, it was almost 4.30. Keeping our luggage in our room, we three rushed to the balcony. To my utter surprise and enchantment, I saw the Kanchenjunga, world’s third highest mountain peak, in front of us, being clad in the first rays of Sunset. I just stood there speechless and stunned with its vastness and grandeur. How tiny we are in front of nature!!! Some birds were chirping below the bushes around our homestay, while their way back to their nests, adding to the novelty & rawness of the experience.
We were provided with excellent chicken momo and tea since we avoided having a heavy snacks. The homestay was totally full that day , however the owner was extremely polite and scrutinized every aspect of the stay to make it memorable. After having our dinner with fried rice and chilli chicken, we went to sleep. I had a hidden desire to see Kanchanjangha at its most famous avatar during a sunrise, however due to poor weather I never got the opportunity, except during my brief stay at Rishap.
But in this trip , we had a fantastic weather throughout, which definitely raised my hopes. Unfortunately I felt asleep and missed the sunrise next day. After breakfast, we three went for a sightseeing at panbu dara view point and charkhol view point. It’s advisable to watch panbu after Sunset. It would be an experience of a lifetime, as you get a clear view of Kanchanjangha, Doors, Bhutan, Kalimpong, Kurseong & Siliguri, while enjoying the best possible beauty of Teesta Basin.
We three went charkhol view-point a couple of years before. Charkhol was almost an abandoned place then with a horrible road condition. Now roads are well enough for driving and charkhol view-point has turned tad populated with a few homestay s and hotels. I cracked a joke with my kids that wherever I go, development follows. After reaching our homestay, we finished our lunch with rice , dal, Potato & Perval curry and Mustard pabda. Pabda was awesome. We three went to take some rest then and threw our corpses in sheer exhaustion.
After having tea and pakora in the evening, we went for a stroll. Chilling wind, clean sky, twinkling stars and diamond like view of Mountain Peaks- we nourished ourselves with the beauty of mother nature. After returning, we freshened up and went for dinner. Food was tasty, host was homely and very cooperative, night was calm. I slept early that day. I’ve only next day to watch the sunrise over kanchan. I prayed to God, not to miss this time.
Today is 11th. November, I woke up 4.30 without any alarm , sat on the balcony attached with my room and gazed and gazed. Kanchan was white like silver . Diamond necklace of kalimpong was still glittering below it. After some time the first rays of red light felt over its top.
Within 10 minutes colours were changing one by one. What a divine moment it was!! I thanked God, thanked nature, thanked everyone for endowing me this opportunity to celebrate with nature. My Camera can’t pick the pictures very well, but my eyes grasped it to its fullest. I stood still, spellbound. Sun rises totally and nature turns green .
Sky is sparkling blue. Scarlett minivets of different colours are chirping outside our homestay. We’ve to return today. So got ready took breakfast and bade goodbye to samthar. But yes, with a silent desire to come again.
How to reach:
From NJP you can reach at samthar through sevok bridge, kalijhora . Or via gajoldoba. It’ll take approx 2.30 hrs to reach there. The road condition is not well everywhere. It’s bumpy sometimes. So one must take bolero or mahindra type car while going there. Homecalling has there pick up and drop facility also. It takes 2500 rs to 3000 rs depending on season.
Where to stay :
There are not much options for staying at samthar. We stayed at homecalling samthar, which has a unique location, good amenities and as well as very tasty food which they serve their guests. ( Picture). Don’t search for 5 star amenities here in samthar. Adjust with what you’re getting here and enjoy your stay, while cherishing the warmth & hospitality of provided by the owner.
When to get :
March to May, the weather is pleasant . Sky is also clear. Temperature is also not too high or low
June to September, monsoon: avoid monsoon for road condition not remains good always. Weather is also dull and rainy. But to me , best season is Nov February. Sky remains blue and glass clear. Bird watching can also be done.
What to see :
Obviously the molten gold , Kanchan is the star attraction of this place. From the homestay, you get a breathtaking view of the whole range which is unique in North Bengal. Besides, panbu dara view point, Teesta river bed, charkhol view point , Reilly pool over the Reilly river- all of these can be visited during your stay. This is a paradise for birdwatchers. And the night greets you with a star studded abode, with conspicuous apparitions of a few Peaks , visible from the home stay itself. From here kalimpong looks like a diamond necklace around Kanchenjunga.
