A Breathe Of Fresh Air – Sillery gaon – Nature Calling You

We are back from a lovely trip Of “Silk Route” from 30 th October- 5 th November, 2012.During this journey our 1^st stoppage was Sillery gaon & I am going to share with you our experience and pertinent information.

Imagine sipping a cup of tea at an altitude of 6,000 ft in a village of not more than 30 families and that too in the middle of a jungle. This is what our Sillery Gaon Homestay is all about. Gaon= Village; “Sillery” is a cool mountain village nestled amongst Himalayan hills, also known as “New Darjeeling” at an altitude of 6,000 ft in Darjeeling district and Kalimpong sub-division is 26kms from Kalimpong and 99kms from New Jalpaiguri (about 4.30 – 5 hours journey), in the middle of the pine forests of Damsang. The name represents a plant named so, that grows there abundant. A hike for about an hour from the nearest metaled road or a drive for 20 minutes through a cobbled stone road reaches you to Sillery Gaon from Pedong.

Reached the Sumishka homestay of Mr. Saran Thapa around lunchtime.Food was served hot and was truly delicious.Particularly the ’Tea’ was awesome. We stay there in 2 adjoining rooms with attatch toilets. After lunch we took some rest & then strolled over the village in the afternoon to watch a pleasant sunset. Though during our stay,there was no electric connection,but Generator survice was available from 6 to 10 p.m.(locales were optimistic to get electric connection in December-end).

The village is small but offers nature like anything. You may start your day with the sounds of birds chirping and a Glorious Golden Sunrise.On woke up around 5 a.m. & seeing through the window I can’t believe my eyes. The view of the Mt. Kanchenjunga is simply breathtaking and in my life I never saw anything like this.One must see to believe this.

    

After breakfast we went to  Ramitey View Point (20-25 minutes walking distance from Sillery ; you can also go with car). The road is exorbitant, that is the only word can be used to describe the beauty and the silence. Ramitey, a celebrated vantage point,offers an extensive view of River Teesta with around 14 turns along with the majestic Kanchenjunga range.

 Nearby attractions of Sillery Gaon: 

Ø  Tin Chuley is a wonderful hilltop near Sillery Gaon, providing a 360⁰ view of the legendary Himalayas .The place is accessible by car or you can also trek.

Ø  You can also pay a visit to Damsang Fort (trek route), located 6 km. away from the Sillery Gaon. This fort locally was constructed in 1690 by the Lepchas. However, it was invaded by the British after the Anglo-Bhutan War of 1864. The remnants of the fort only exist now.

Ø  Located at one of the best vantage points Rikkisum consists of the ruins of an old British Bunglow constructed in 1902 to serve as a halting point for the British travellers when on their way to Tibet in the old days.But because of its vantage point,it provides as a fantastic sunrise points alongside a very long Himalayan range with Mt.Kanchenjunga.

Ø  A major attraction of tourists visiting Sillery Gaon is Sangchen Dorjee Monastery near Pedong. This 300-year-old monastery was built during the reign of Bhutanese in Pedong. The old section of the monastery is admired with some exquisite wall paintings depicting Tantrik Buddhism. The major attraction of the new section is the mummified body of a most revered Bhutanese priest. The annual “Chyam” dance is also held at this place in April-May.

Ø  You should also visit Cross Hill near Pedong, built by Fr. Augstine Desgodins in 1882.

Ø  You can conclude your day tour by savouring the exquisite beauty of the Silence Valley, a small forest area with grassy land, offering the ultimate serenity.

After spending 2 memorable days we were all set to leave this outstanding place to go Zuluk for the rest of the tour.But  the memory of picturesque Sillery gaon will remain forever in my memory & I will definitely go there again to cherish the uncontrolled natural beauty.A must visit place for each & every nature lover.

  For further any assistance regarding Sillery gaon such as pick-up from NJP,homestays in Sillery,sightseen etc. Please Contact :

“SUMISHKA HOMESTAY”

C/O Mr.Saran Thapa

Sillery gaon

P.O. 20 th Mile (via) Alagarh, Kalimpong

District – Darjeeling,West Bengal

Pin-734314

Mobile No: 08016851836

With regards,

Somnath Aich

(for any query you can mail me at somnaath_2k6@yahoo.co.in)