Samthar near Kalimpong

In the Kalimpong district of West Bengal, Samthar is a splendid village far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is an enthralling destination with a plethora of tourist attractions in and around it. This little village sits at an elevation of 1200 meters and around 58 kilometers east of Darjeeling. Not more than 42 km driving distance away from Kalimpong town, Samthar is a piece of paradise quite famous for its trekking routes, exceptional panoramic view of the surrounding hills. The calm, pure nature, friendly people, and, of course, the magnificent view of towering Kanchenjunga, the world's third tallest mountain, are all reasons why Samthar, an offbeat destination in the Kalimpong hills, is gaining popularity among the tourists. From Samthar, you can see Mt. Sinialcu, Mount Pundim, Mt. Simvo, Nathula Pass, Chola Pass, Jelepla Pass, and the famed Tiger Hill.

Places to See near Samthar

There are lots of places to see near Samthar. The following are the major attractions you must visit near the village:

Neora Valley National Park

From the village one can visit Neora Valley National Park. The park is about 61 km driving distance away from the village and will take around 3 hours to cover the road distance. A large variety of birds, butterflies, flowers, and plantations can be seen in Neora Valley National Park.

Rishop

Situated at an elevation of 8500 feet above sea level, Rishop is another worth visiting place near Samthar. The viewpoint of the Rishop offers a 180-degree view of the Himalayan range and also some unique flora and fauna of Himalaya.

Panbu

The new sensation in North Bengal is Panboo which is just 3 km away from the village. It is one of the ideal places to enjoy the view of Mt. Kanchenjungha and the splendor of the Dooars.

Loleygaon

You can visit Lolegaon too. It is truly a peaceful hamlet equipped with lush green forest and serene valleys. It is an ideal place to explore far from the chaos of city life. Lolegaon Eco Park is one of the major attractions here.

Lava

Lava is the entrance to the well-known Neora Valley National Park, where you may witness a variety of species such as Blue Robins, Fulvetta, Finch, Wren Babblers, and many others. The iconic lava monastery is a worth visiting site here.

How to Reach the Village

The nearest railway station to Samthar is New Jalpaiguri Junction. It takes 3.30 hours to drive from NJP to the location via the NH10. Bagdogra International Airport is the closest airport for tourists visiting Bagdogra. From Bagdogra, it takes around 3 hours to reach the village. From NJP, the distance of Samthar is 65 km whereas, from Bagdogra Aiport, the distance is around 70 km.

Staying Options in Samthar

There is a private homestay in the village. The homestay offers rooms with all kinds of basic amenities like attached western bathrooms, comfortable beds, spacious view rooms, running water, etc. To book a room in the homestay, feel free to contact North Bengal Tourism.

Best time to visit Samthar Kalimpong

Samthar has very relaxing and peaceful weather. Spring is wonderful, calming, and you may see flowers blooming from March to May. Visit between September and December to enjoy the autumn colors and a clear view of Kunchenjumgha. Avoid monsoon season due to the frequent landslides, roadblocks, etc.