Pokhriabong is a lovely place near Lepchajagat in the Darjeeling District of West Bengal. It’s about 29 kilometers from Darjeeling town, and you can easily reach it by driving. The village is right on the highway connecting Sukhiapokhri and Nagri-Dhajia. There’s a market in Sukhiapokhri where locals can buy things. From there, you can take cars or buses to visit other places like Mirik, Ghoom, and the Batasia Loop.
The elevation of Pokhriabong is around 1684 meters above sea level, and it covers an area of 5.11 square kilometers. Pokhriabong is surrounded by beautiful tea gardens and has a sizable Gorkha population. The native language spoken here is Nepali, but the people are also good at speaking Hindi and Bengali.
Pokhribong Tourist Attractions
Pokhriabong is situated in the beautiful Turzom Tea Estate. It’s a fantastic place surrounded by narrow mountain valleys, green tea gardens, mountains, and waterfalls. It’s a great spot to escape from the busy city life for a few days. When you visit Pokhriabong, you can take relaxing walks in the village and learn about organic farming, which is common in the area.
It’s perfect for nature lovers who enjoy misty weather, a peaceful atmosphere, and leisurely trails through the tea gardens. In Pokhriabong, you’ll often spot Himalayan birds like pheasants, flycatchers, barbets, sunbirds, and treepies. It’s a top spot for bird watchers. So, if you’re into birds and enjoy nature, Pokhriabong is a great place to visit with your friends and family.
Pokhribong Accommodations
In this quiet village, there are only homestays available for a cozy night’s sleep, away from the hustle of city life. The hosts are friendly and greet tourists with big smiles. These homestays have all the basics you need – single and double rooms, attached bathrooms, a geyser for hot water, and a TV. The food they serve is tasty and made with local ingredients. While you won’t find fancy hotel luxuries, you’ll enjoy your stay in this village for its simplicity and warmth.
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Best Time to Visit the Village
You can visit Pokhribong any time of the year, but it’s best to avoid the heavy monsoon season due to frequent landslides. The recommended time to go is from October to December when the weather is great. If you like chilly and foggy conditions, you can still visit in January and February. Another good time is from mid-March to mid-June.
Transportation Options
To reach Pokhriabong, you can take different modes of transportation. If you prefer flying, Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is the closest, about 70 miles away. Renting a car from the airport, Siliguri, or NJP railway station is a convenient option, with the distance from Bagdogra Airport to Pokhriabong being around 63 kilometers.
If you prefer trains, the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), well-connected to major Indian cities, with a distance of approximately 72 kilometers from Pokhriabong. Alternatively, you can travel by road through two motorable routes connecting Bagdogra, Siliguri, and NJP to Pokhriabong via Mirik and Pashupatinagar in Nepal.