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