Charkhole (altitude  of 5500 ft.) , a lepcha village, is indeed an Eden on earth with all its natural surroundings. It is the latest and most promising offbeat tourist destination in Darjeeling district. The place is located at Neora Valley forest in the Kalimpong subdivision. Charkhole is famous for its tranquility and scenic beauty. It is a small hill village with its everlasting freshness. Charkhole offers deep woods of huge towering pine, cypress, oak, shal and rhododendrons. This place is paradise for bird watchers. The melodious song of beautiful rare birds i.e.  Indian Robin, Verditer  flycatcher, , Himalayan Bulbul etc. along with some very rare numerous species of butterflies all around will always accompany you in Charkhol. Some wonderful variety of flowers and orchids add beauty to the place.  On clear days Mt. Kanchanjungha is visible from this spot. This green, sleepy and dreamy valley offers unlimited relaxation at the midst of the nature throughout your tour. It is also the best hide-out destination and that is why Charkhole is becoming the popular destination for Honeymoon couples and nature lovers tourist.  There is a small gompa at this small piece of heaven. The locals live mainly on farming and agriculture. Elaichi and tea are the main plantations here . Their true honest hospitality will definitely charm you. You are cordially invited to this heaven-like place by its nature and inhabitants.  Charkhole calls you with all its beauty and virginity. So just pack your bags and get ready to spend your memorable days at Charkhole.

 

How to go:

Reach Charkhole by hiring a car from Lava, Lolegaon, Kalimpong or New Jalpaiguri.

 

Distance from important places:

Siliguri – 135 km (nearly 5 hrs. by car)
Lolegaon – 12 km
Lava – 27 km (nearly 1.5 hrs. by car)
Rishop – 30 km (nearly 1.5 hrs. by car)
Pedong – 50 km
Kalimpong – 35 km (nearly 2 hrs. by car)

 

Time to visit:

you can visit here all over the year (except monsoon) . Snow capped Himalayas are best viewed during the winter.

 

Climate:

Summer :  5 to 20 degree centigrade
Winter :  -5 to 10 degree centigrade

 

Food, drink & medicine:

Drink only bottled water. Please carry your water from Lava, Lolegaon, Kalimpong or Siliguri.  Foreign liquors / alcohols are not available in Charkhole. Remember that there is no pharmacy shop in Charkhole. So, it is recommended to carry a kit of the basic emergency medicines. The nearest medicine shop is available at Lolegaon.

 

Cash payment:

There is no ATM or credit / debit card is not accepted at Charkhole.  Please carry cash for all your transactions.