Chatakpur is a quiet forest village near Darjeeling. It offers clear views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. With only 19 families living here, it remains peaceful and secluded.
The nearest settlement is 7-8 kilometers away. The village is part of the Sinchal Wildlife Sanctuary, surrounded by dense greenery.
Chatakpur sits on a hillside at 7,500 feet. The motorable road stops at the lower part of the village. From there, visitors must climb stairs to reach the upper areas. The village spreads across the slope, and the higher you go, the better the mountain views.
At 7,800 feet, a watchtower stands at the highest point. It offers a 360-degree view of the landscape. This is the best place to admire the beauty of the region.
Attractions of Chatakpur
Chatakpur is a quiet eco-village surrounded by dense alpine forests. It offers clear views of snow-covered mountains and the Eastern Himalayas. Once a center for timber smuggling, it has transformed into a peaceful spot for eco-tourism. Forest officials played a key role in making it a nature-friendly destination.
Visitors can stay in simple, comfortable cottages that blend with the natural surroundings. Reaching Chatakpur requires a journey along a steep 7 km road through thick forests.
Along the way, you may spot eagles or other wildlife. The village is a perfect retreat for those who enjoy peace and nature.
A short 10-minute walk from the village leads to the Chatakpur Watchtower. From here, you can see Sandakphu, a famous trekking destination.
The sunrise from this spot is stunning, as the first light turns the snow-covered peaks a glowing orange.
On clear days, Mt. Kanchenjunga remains visible, adding to the village’s charm. Several trekking trails lead to Tiger Hill, and on some routes, you may even catch a distant view of Mount Everest.
The surrounding forest is home to wildlife, including Himalayan black bears, leopards, barking deer, and antelopes. Exploring the forest requires a trained guide for safety.
Visitors need permission from the forest department to enter Chatakpur. The villagers manage homestays and collect an entry fee on behalf of the forest department. Booking a homestay in advance is necessary before planning a visit.
How to Reach the Village
The village lies within a wildlife sanctuary and is not easily accessible. There are no paved roads leading to Chatakpur. The forest roads are mainly used for patrolling and by the villagers, and they are not well-maintained.
This may be the forest department’s way of controlling tourist numbers. Once inside the forest area, it takes about an hour to travel 10–12 km due to the road conditions.
Recommended Routes
- Via Sonada:
This is the shortest route but not reliable. The forest gate on this road is often closed, and you may not find a guard to open it. It’s better to avoid this route. - Via Bagora (Recommended for Plains Travelers):
If you’re coming from the plains, travel to Bagora first. The road to Bagora is mostly in good condition. From there, it’s about 12 km to Chatakpur, but this stretch can take over an hour due to poor road conditions. - Via Jorebungalow (For Hill Station Travelers):
If you’re coming from Darjeeling, Kalimpong, or Sikkim, head to the 3rd-mile check-post near Jorebungalow. From here, take the forest road to Chatakpur. The distance and travel time are similar to the Bagora route.
Travel Tips
- Avoid self-driving unless you are highly experienced with rough mountain roads. Vehicles with low ground clearance may not make it to Chatakpur.
- It’s best to hire a local, experienced driver familiar with the terrain.
Best Time to Visit Chatakpur
Chatakpur is beautiful and peaceful all year round, but the best time to visit for a stunning view of the Himalayas is from mid-October to December, when the sky is clear.
If you want to explore the untouched forests around Chatakpur, it’s best to avoid the rainy season, which lasts from mid-June to mid-September.
Hotel and Homestay Details
In Chatakpur, there are cottages built by the West Bengal Forest Department in collaboration with the local villagers.
These cottages offer comfortable rooms with all the essential amenities, including attached bathrooms with geysers, spacious double-bedded rooms, and front and back balconies that offer stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga.
The rooms are carpeted, and guests are provided with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and more. Additionally, there are homestays run by the villagers, which also offer basic amenities for a comfortable stay.
| Get a Free Tour Quote |
|---|
