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A paradise for bird lovers and adventure seeking tourists, Located at an altitude of 1868 mts. in the Kalimpong Hills of Darjeeling District, on the fringe of Neora Valley National Park, just 108 km. from Siliguri via Kalimpong amidst the clouds, surroundings and facing the Majestic Mt.Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest peak, can be seen atop the lush green valleys. One can enjoy the beautiful range of snow peaks, the never ending green forest and variety of birds from this place. Enthusiasts can go for a walk on the jungle trail. The chance of coming across wildlife is quite high here. A trek of 5 km. will take to the beautiful Changey falls. It is only 8 km away from Lava & a village of 60 Nepali families belonging to the 'Rai' community.
The National Park with its dense forest is located on the tri-junction of Bhutan, Sikkim and West-Bengal. It extends from 30 mts. of altitude up to 3200 mts. on an area of only 88 square km. Though this sounds rather small, it has to be considered that due to the topographical features the surface of the Park is much larger. Neora Valley offers a unique eco-system consisting of tropical, sub-tropical, sub-temperate, and temperate vegetative systems. Rhododendron, sal, oak, bamboo, ferns etc. form the forest and a variety of orchids is found within. The National Park is home to many endangered species like the red panda, the musk deer, and the clouded leopard.
From our Kolakham hotels i.e: ‘Kolakham Retreat’, ‘The Nest’ and ‘Silver Pine Retreat’ one can view the lush valley and the rolling hills stretching north as far as the eyes can see. In the west, they end at the foot of the Kanchenjunga. In clear weather, the snowy peaks of Kabru, Kabrudome, Kanchenjunga and Pandim stand out against the streched sky. Enthusiasts can go for a walk on the jungle trail. The chance of coming across wildlife is quite high here. A trek of 5 km. will take one to the beautiful Changey falls.
Cardamom is a major crop and guests can observe the processing of the fresh fruit into the roasted spice. Some villagers still know the techniques of weaving maize and paddy straw into sitting mats.
From NJP/Bagdogra/Siliguri reach Kalimpong by 2½ to 3 hrs drive. Hire a car from Kalimpong and reach the spot by 1½hrs. journey. The Resort also provides pick-up services from NJP/Bagdogra/Siliguri at an extra cost.
Perched at roughly 6,000 ft near the emerald forests of Neora Valley National Park, Kolakham is a serene Himalayan village in the Kalimpong district. Expect quiet trails, cedar and rhododendron woods, and striking vistas of the Kanchenjunga range on clear days.
| Nearest Town | Lava (≈8 km) |
|---|---|
| Rail / Air | NJP (≈105 km), Bagdogra IXB (≈110 km) |
| Best Seasons | Mar–May • Oct–Dec |
| Ideal Stay | 2–4 nights |
| Connectivity | Limited mobile data — embrace digital detox |
Homestays are Kolakham’s soul — cosy wooden cottages run by local families. Expect simple, clean rooms, hot meals, and a genuine slice of Himalayan life. Many offer balconies or sit-outs facing forest and valley.
Prefer a touch more comfort? Choose a small lodge or eco-resort with attached baths, dining areas, and viewing decks aimed at the Kanchenjunga range. Great for couples, families, and small groups.
Spring (Mar–May): Rhododendron bloom, cool days, vibrant forests.
Autumn (Oct–Dec): Clear skies and crisp air, excellent mountain visibility.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold and quiet; pack heavy woollens; magical if you love solitude.
Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Lush and misty; potential road delays; great for greenery lovers.
Arrive via Lava • Check-in • Village walk • Sunset viewpoint • Bonfire dinner
Morning trek to Changey Waterfall • Lunch • Lava Monastery visit • Stargazing
Leisure breakfast • Souvenirs in Lava • Depart with mountain memories
Kolakham sits beside sensitive Himalayan forests. Please carry back all waste, avoid loud music, and respect local customs. Choosing homestays supports village livelihoods and preserves this offbeat escape.
Tell us your dates, group size, and preference (homestay vs. boutique lodge). We’ll share the best view rooms, meal plans, and transport options from NJP/IXB.
Custom add-ons: guided birding, sunrise treks, private transfers, special celebrations.
It’s a quiet village near Neora Valley National Park in Kalimpong, West Bengal — about 8 km from Lava.
Spring (Mar–May) and Autumn (Oct–Dec) offer the best visibility and weather. Winters are cold yet peaceful.
Yes. You’ll get simple, clean rooms and home-cooked meals. Confirm bed configurations and stairs if travelling with elders.
Connectivity can be patchy. Plan for a relaxed digital detox and download essentials offline.
