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IND:
+91-11-45566666
1800-1022-666 (Airtel Users)
US: 1-877-INDIA-07
UK : 0845-277-7569
AUS: 1800-629-618 |
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Kalimpong
Himalayan
Wilderness Eco Lodge
A special
place for those who appreciate nature Tucked away in the lap of nature
in the remote mountains, 80 Kms from Kalimpong, The SAMTHAR FARM
HOUSE is a unique getaway - an intimate Wilderness Eco Lodge, offering
tranquility, and one of the finest views of Khangchendzonga, the third
highest peak in the world. It is ideal for nature lovers, honeymooners,
and those seeking unusual places
The Samthar
Plateau stands amidst an arc of hills 1600 Meters in elevation, topped
with thick forests, enclosing, a number of interlocking valleys, which
descend, in gently layered terraces, to the swift flowing, cascading Samthar
River. There are ridges of forests, with an incredible variety of flora,
wild flowers and orchids. Picture post card homesteads, with thatched
roofs, dot the landscape. Framing this picture are the mighty snowcaps,
ranged in a northwesterly arc. Every single Peak, from Khangchendzonga,
the third highest in the world, to Sinolchu, Paunhari and the passes of
Chola, Natula and Jalepla - the ancient trade routes to Tibet, are visible.
The
SAMTHAR FARM HOUSE been created by converting an abondoned Lepcha Farmhouse
into a deluxe country residence, by Retired Indian Army General "Jimmy"
Singh. Its natural stone and old timber construction has been preserved.
The house nestles in a clump of pines, with a terraced nature garden rising
to the rocky outcrop at the top of the hill. The natural landscape has
been retained. The view rivals Tiger Hill (near Darjeeling). Sunrise and
sunset views can simply be described as breathtaking.
The house
has a unique ambience, which is hard to describe. It offers just two double
Heritage guestrooms in the original Farmhouse. A cottage with two guestrooms,
and ethnic huts, provide additional four double rooms. Modern toilets
and plumbing has been provided.
Our staff
is locally recruited and trained in-house, to cater for our brand of spontaneous
personalized service. The kitchen turns out home cooked meals. Menus have
been researched from Indian, Western, Chinese, Tibetan, and Nepalese recipes,
to provide truly interactive cuisine. The table service is immaculate,
and candle lit dinners are a part of the dining experience. We care for
our guests in the best traditions of Indian hospitality, as our personal
guests.
There
is no electricity. We use a combination of solar energy, and hurricane
lanterns for lighting. Our water is piped from Natural springs by gravity.
Cooking is done on solar cookers and gas. The small amount of firewood
used for room heating in winter and for "Tandoori" cooking is obtained
from renewable village forests. We have an ongoing program to propagate
solar cooking and lighting. A part of our proceeds from our paying guests
is set aside for these projects. Our guests are welcome to donate Household
Solar Lighting and cooking sets to the local community. In exchange we
encourage househols to plant more trees.
The surrounding
Samthar area, has hiking trails, ethnic villages, Buddhist Gumpas, river
pools, cascades, waterfalls, mountain biking routes, unforgettable views
of Himalayan countryside, meandering river valleys, and vast forests with
incredible bio-diversity. The population is ethnic tribal Lepchas, and
Nepali settlers - all practicing biodynamic agriculture. All our activities
are based on exploring the countryside, and meeting the people.
How
to get there - Refer to attached road map
- From Kalimpong: Drive
by jeep in 04 hours visiting enroute Lava Monastery, Virgin forests,
and Lolegaon Heritage Forest, with tree walk. Or make it a drive cum
hike and take the whole day with picnic lunch enroute. If you choose
this option you get to Hike through the Git Valley and forests for 04
hours in two spells.
- From Kalimpong: Trek
to the Farmhouse through the Rilli Valley in 06 hrs with picnic lunch
enroute.
- From Bagdogra Airport/New
Jalpaiguri Railway Station: Drive by jeep to the Farm house in 05 hrs.
When you depart from the
Farmhouse, you can drive by jeep to Kalimpong, Siliguri, Bagdogra or NJP,
or hike down to the Teesta, cross the river by ropeway, and then drive
to Kalimpong, Silguri, Bagdogra, NJP, Darjeeling, or Sikkim. The last
alternative is to hike to Kalimpong via the Rilli Valley. Which ever option
you choose, we will be happy to make all your arrangements, for jeep,
guides, and porters.
Activities
- View sunrise on Mt
Khangchendzonga and other peaks
- Forest & Nature exploration
- Treks & walks
- Swimming in cascades
& nature pools
- Bird & butterfly watching
- Stargazing & relaxation.
Day
Walking Excursions
- Samthar Khola for river
pool & cascade picnic
- Forest walk & ethnic
village
- Lepcha Gumpa and village
trek
- Samthar Top and village
walk
- Trek to Samco Ropeway
on departure with swin in Rilli River pools - 5-6 hrs
Kindly Note: -
* Indian Rupee Rates are valid for Indian Nationals Only.
* US$ Rates would apply for Foreign Nationals Only.
* The rates are subjects to change without prior notice.
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