Chochenpheri

Perched at an altitude of 4000 feet, Chochenpheri is a blissful hamlet in East Sikkim encompassed by towering mountain ranges and lush green plantations. It is an ideal place to take a break from the monotonic city life. A village walk through the winding roads will help you soak in the beauty of Chochenpheri. Being a paradise for bird and butterfly watchers, you can go for a nature walk through the unforgettable jungle trail and spot some colourful birds and butterflies. The region also houses several rare species of Himalayan orchid and flowers. Few years ago, there used to be a lake at Chochen Pheri. However, the lake has now dried up completely and the area is being extensively used for cultivating paddy, wheat, corn, cabbage and cardamom. Mornings at Chochen Pheri are exotic and magical with the chirping of birds and fragrance of flowers filling the air with a charming vibe. The place also offers a magnificent view of sunrise and Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Chochenpheri

Sightseeing and Activities

Most of the attractions near Chochenpheri are located at a walking distance from the hamlet. One of the main attractions of the village is the Bhutia Heritage House. Built using stones in traditional architectural style, the heritage house is a masterpiece of architecture. You can also visit the Chochen Gumpha situated atop a small hill. The hike to the top is a little difficult but it is very rewarding. From the top, one can get a splendid view of the surrounding valley, tiny village houses, dense green foliage and mighty mountains.

While at Chochenpheri, you should not miss the thrilling experience of walking over the hanging footbridge across the Rolep River. Other attractions in and around Chochen Pheri include the Rolep Buddha Waterfalls, Machong Monastery and Rikip Mankhim Temple. If you plan to travel on the Old Silk Route, then Chochenpheri is a good starting point. Rongli, the place from where permission needs to be obtained for travelling the Silk Route, is an hour drive away from Chochen Pheri. The entire Silk Route is easily accessible from Chochenpheri.

Best Time to Visit

Chochenpheri can be visited all throughout the year as the climate is very pleasant round the year. However, the best time to visit the hamlet would be during the months of September to November.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Sealdah, Kolkata and Howrah to New Jalpaiguri. Chochenpheri is 150 km from New Jalpaiguri. You can hire a car from New Jalpaiguri to reach Chochenpheri. The journey takes around 4 hours.

Accommodation

Chochen Eco Hut
Tariff: ₹1000-1300 per person with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Tel: 8346649001, 8348813845

Toryok

Toryok is a beautiful village hideaway located in Middle Sitong near Kurseong. This picturesque North Bengal hamlet is a new entry in the tourism map of Bengal. With a meager population of just 600 people, the village, although small, has got a spread-out appearance due to the fact that all the houses are located some distance apart from each other. The calm and scenic surroundings of the village provide you the perfect company while you stare at the horizon where the mighty snow-capped peaks stand tall against the sky. Toryok offers its visitors some fantastic views of the Eastern Himalayas - from the imposing Mt. Kanchenjunga range to the meandering Riyang River and the soothing greenery of the forests embracing the place. As the entire region is a forest area, the place is also home to an innumerable variety of birds. So if you are looking for a quiet, peaceful haven where you can unwind from the hectic life schedule, this is the ideal place for you.

Toryok

Sightseeing and Activities

The quaint village of Toryok is surrounded by orange orchards, jharu and cardamom plantations. You can enjoy a leisurely walk past the orchards and plantations while savouring the exquisite natural beauty of the place. A 1 km downward hike will take you to Buddha Falls. You may also visit the Sherpa Monastery situated at the end of the village. The neighbouring village of Mamring is primarily inhabited by the Lepchas. Their houses built in an unique traditional architectural style are an attraction in itself.  There are many other places of tourist interest near Toryok. Ahaldara Viewpoint, Namthing Pokhri, Tamang Gumpha, Maldiram Viewpoint are a short drive away and can be visited on a day excursion. On another day, you can visit the nearby tourist places of Mongpu, Bagora, Chimney and Kurseong.

Best Time to Visit

Toryok can be visited all throughout the year except during the months of December and January when the weather gets quite chilly. During the summer months of April to June, the weather is pleasant. The misty cloudy weather during the rainy months of July to September gives a magical look to the entire area. October to November is the best time to get a sweeping view of the region along with Mt. Kanchenjunga range.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Sealdah, Howrah and Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri. Siliguri is 2 km from New Jalpaiguri station. Toryok is 68 km from Siliguri. You can hire a car from Siliguri to reach Toryok via Rohini Road, Dilaram and Pokritar. Car charges from Siliguri to Toryok is around Rs. 3000. Alternatively you can also reach Toryok via Kalimpong and Mongpu.

Accommodation

Rashika Homestay
Tariff: ₹1000/- per person with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Tel: 9733279212

Ryang Homestay
Tariff: ₹1250/- per person with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Tel: 7980453218

Mukhia Homestay
Tariff: ₹1200/- per person with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Tel: 9733454779