Nestled near the town of Darjeeling, Chatakpur is a charming forest village perfect for those seeking peace and breathtaking views of the majestic Kanchenjunga mountain range. Home to just 19 families, this secluded village is a tranquil retreat, with the nearest settlement located about 7-8 kilometers away. Surrounded by the lush greenery of the Sinchal Wildlife Sanctuary, Chatakpur offers a serene escape into nature.
Perched on a hillside facing north, Chatakpur sits at an altitude of about 7,500 feet. The motorable road ends at the lower part of the village, from where you’ll need to climb uphill using a set of stairs. The village is spread out across the slope, and as you ascend, the views of the stunning mountain range only get better.
At the very top, at nearly 7,800 feet, you’ll find a watchtower offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding landscapes—a perfect spot to soak in the beauty of the region.
Attractions of Chatakpur
Sited in the heart of a lush alpine forest, Chatakpur is a charming eco-village that offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and the Eastern Himalayan range. Once a hub for timber smuggling, this serene spot has transformed into a haven for eco-tourism, thanks to efforts by forest officials who turned it into a thriving community for nature enthusiasts.
Visitors can stay in cozy tourist cottages, blending seamlessly with the tranquil surroundings. Getting to Chatakpur is an adventure in itself—travel along a steep, winding 7km road through dense forests, where you might catch sight of majestic eagles or other wildlife. With its rich natural beauty and peaceful ambiance, Chatakpur promises an unforgettable escape for anyone seeking to connect with nature.
Just a 10-minute walk from the village, the Chatakpur Watchtower offers stunning views of Sandakphu, a paradise for trekkers. This spot is also the perfect place to catch a magical sunrise, as the first rays of the sun light up the mountain valleys and paint the snow-capped Himalayan peaks in a glowing orange, making them sparkle like precious gems.
On a clear day, visitors to Chatakpur can enjoy the stunning view of the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga, which stays visible throughout, enhancing the charm of this peaceful forest village. Chatakpur is also a hub for trekking, with several trails leading to the famous Tiger Hill. During the trek, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Everest, also known as ‘Chumbalumba.’
When exploring the forest, it’s important to have a trained forest guard with you, as the area is home to wildlife like the Great Himalayan Black Bear, leopards, barking deer, and antelopes. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and away from the busy modern world, Chatakpur feels like a completely different and serene little world.
Chatakpur is a small village inside a forest and requires permission from the forest department to visit. The villagers manage homestays and are authorized to collect an entry fee for the forest department. Therefore, it’s important to book a homestay in advance before planning your 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.
