Lamahatta: A scenic village & an ideal spot for Ecotourism

In the first week of June 2017, I traveled with my family to two offbeat destinations, including our much-loved Darjeeling. One was Lamahatta, and the other was Takdah. We had been to Darjeeling many times before, but the other two offbeat destinations were completely unfamiliar to us. So, we were very keen to explore the unknown places. As per the itinerary, first we reached Darjeeling, then Lamahatta, and finally Takdah. We stayed at all places. In fact, if you want to know about an unknown place, you must stay there and mingle with the locals.
Through this blog post, I am sharing my Lamahatta travel experience, which was a wonderful travelogue to remember. Besides exploring this offbeat place in this travelogue, we found some villagers as our new friends, and that friendship remains strong even today.

Why do we travel Lamahatta?

Lofty, dense pine forests and vast stretches of tea plantations are also features of this offbeat destination, which offers a panoramic view of the Mt. Kanchenjunga range.
This ecotourism spot is also considered a romantic honeymoon destination because of its natural beauty, calm, and serenity. An ideal place for moderate trekking routes and hiking.
It is a truly ideal destination for those who want to enjoy natural solitude for a few days away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
One of the attractions here is the roadside Lamahatta Eco Park, where wooden benches, an uphill trail, watch towers, diverse floral arrangements, and a sacred lake increase the beauty of this park. Lamahatta has now become a perfect example of eco-tourism.

Why is this quiet mountain village called Lamahatta?

Lamahatta is a combination of two words, where Lama means Buddhist monk and Hatta means Hut, which refers to a hermitage of a monk.
Earlier, the inhabitants of this village were mostly Buddhists who wore dresses (known as bukhus) similar to the dresses of Buddhist monks (lamas). Due to this reason, the British considered all the inhabitants of the village to be lamas. Hence, the name of the place has been known as Lamahatta since the British period.

Why Lamahatta Eco-Tourism Village?

In March 2012, when West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was passing through Lamahatta on official work, she was captivated by its natural beauty and realized its potential as an ecotourism destination.
After that, Lamahatta was considered an eco-tourism site in late 2012, with the earnest effort of the Chief Minister.
Finally, with the help of local villagers and the local Forest Protection Committe, financial and administrative support from the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (WBTDCL) developed a beautiful eco-tourism spot that is still being developed today.
As a result, this village has acquired a strong position on the tourism map in West Bengal. In Lamahatta, natural resources are being conserved through ecotourism, especially biological diversity and sustainable use of resources, which brings ecological experiences to tourists and preserves the ecological environment. The local economy has strengthened, resulting in a better standard of living for the locals and more employment opportunities. So, in a real sense, this place is a perfect eco-tourism spot.

Where is Lamahatta Located?

Altitude: At around 6700 ft above the sea level.
Location: Lamahatta is located in Rangli Rangliot Block in Darjeeling District of West Bengal State, India. It belongs to the Jalpaiguri Division.
This eco-tourism destination is located near the Sikkim State Border and along Peshok Road, which connects Darjeeling and Kalimpong towns.

Essential Information of  Lamahatta

Nearest Airport

International: Bagdogra Airport (IXB), WB

Nearest Town

• Darjeeling Town (Also known as Queen of the Hills)
• Kalimpong Town

Nearest Main Railway Stations

• New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
• Ghum Railway Station: This station of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is the highest railway station in India and is situated at an altitude of 7,407 feet. The famous Batasia Loop (a famous bend of the DHR) is located between Ghum and Darjeeling railway stations, which is the most scenic spot and attracts a lot of tourists.
  The railway station has a museum that portrays the history of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

Distance from Lamhatta Eco Park (Approx. Measurement)

How to Reach

Lamahatta is well connected with Kalimpong and Sikkim through the Darjeeling-Kalimpong as well as the Darjeeling-Sikkim national highway.
The easiest way to reach Lamahatta is to hire a reserve cab from Siliguri Bus Stand, NJP Railway Station, or Bagdogra Airport, but this is costly, and the fare depends on the tourism season.
Shared taxis, Jeeps, or buses are available from Siliguri to Jorebungalow. A Teestabazar-bound jeep from Jorebungalow can reach here. In this way, you will reach here at a very low cost.
Another route takes you from Siliguri or NJP to Teesta and then Lamahatta via Lopchu.
You can come by jeep, traveling from Kalimpong towards Darjeeling. Also, you can take a reserve cab to reach here directly within 1.5 hours.

Local Medical Facilities

There is a government health subcenter in Lamahatta. Anyone can go the below nearest hospitals for any medical emergency.

• Takdah Rural Hospital, Takdah Cantonment (Darjeeling)
• Military Hospital, Lebong (Darjeeling)
• Darjeeling District Hospital, Chauk Bazaar (Darjeeling)

Local People & their language

The inhabitants here are mostly tribes like the Dukpa, Sherpa, Tamang, Bhutia, and Yolmo. Most of them are Buddhist. Nepali is the main local language here. Besides, Hindi, Bengali, and English are also spoken.

Livelihood

Earlier in Lamahatta, only agriculture and animal husbandry were practiced among the rural people. But since the village was developed as a government-funded ecotourism site in 2012, the livelihood of the locals has changed a lot.
Locals are now partially and fully engaged in various eco-tourism activities, which have greatly improved the standard of living of the villagers here. Many locals earn a living as homestay owners, drivers, guides,fast Fast food center owners and tour operators.
Also, this mountain village is famous for growing a variety of organic vegetables, especially carrots. Some people here work in government offices & Indian Army, but the numbers are few.

Local Delicacy

Since Lamahatta is home to many different ethnic groups, the local food is diverse. Below are special dishes.

Ema Datshi: Since this village is home to Dukpas, the most popular Dukpa dish is Ema Datshi, which is made with large green hot chilies in a cheese sauce. In the Dzongkha language, Ema and Datshi mean Chili and Cheese, respectively. This popular dish is actually the national dish of Bhutan.

Sel Roti: It is a traditional Nepali dish that is basically a ring-shaped crispy rice bread or doughnut. It tastes slightly sweet.
Also, served with Nepali Aloo Dum (a potato-based spicy Nepali side dish).

Mula Ko Achar (Grated Radish Pickle): This traditional Nepali spicy delicacy is enjoyed as a side dish. Made from fermented white radish with spices, it is eaten with rice, curries, and lentils.

Also, ethnic delicacies like Gundruk, Kinema, and different types of Saag are very popular here.

I have already described some popular ethnic dishes in my previous blog posts, so please review those blog posts. Click on Gastronomy

Local Education Facilities

Lamahatta Senior Secondary High School and Basic Primary School are located in this little hamlet.

Where to Stay

Earnings from homestays have greatly boosted the local rural economy. The homestays are all basic, but they are clean and naturally decorated. Also equipped with all necessary amenities. Some homestay owners have started a new direction of ecotourism in the area by using tents.

• Nawang Homestay, Simana Gwon, Lamahatta
  Owned By: Paljor Family
  Phone: +91 89726 15373,8944841668 (WhatsApp)

We stayed at this homestay, which was, in one word, a wonderful experience. Rather than a homestay, it is better to call it a farmhouse because this homestay is located in a very large area in the midst of a mesmerizing mountain view. There are various types of vegetable and cardamom fields, besides animal husbandry, in this homestay. All family members were always attentive to the guests.

Nawang Homestay’s fresh farm vegetables to dining table concept ensures that the flavors of the food will be authentic and healthy, resulting in a satisfying culinary experience.

Enjoy a cup of smoky Darjeeling tea and watch Mt. Kanchenjunga range from the room or walk and hang out on the green front lawn. Nawang Homestay offers free car parking. All the necessary amenities are available.

Homely atmosphere, delicious food, warm welcome, and cordial behavior of the hosts
All are the specialties of Nawang Homestay

This homestay is run by the Paljor family, and this family has a reputation in Lamahatta. The head of this family is Mr. Wang Chuk Paljor, and he is a respected personality in this village and leading the local Forest Protection Committee.  He has contributed a lot to the development of today’s Lamahatta as an ecotourism village. He is a very down-to-earth person and loves to talk. I got to know a lot about this village from him.

Thank you, Uncle (Mr. Wang Chuk Paljor)

• Druk Homestay, Lamahatta
  Owner: Mr. Samten Dukpa
  Mr. Samten was one of the first to use tents for tourism in Lamahatta. Also, he has contributed significantly to tourism marketing through his in-depth knowledge of local medicinal herbs, birds, and butterflies.
  Phone: +91 99338 06111 (WhatsApp), 99330 20391
  Website: https://lamahattadrukhomestay.in/
  Note: Free Wi-Fi is available.
• Mountain View Homestay, Lamahatta
  Contact: Mr. Dhiren Chhetri
  Phone: +91 97754 82027, 96094 27851
  Website: https://www.lamahattamountainviewhomestay.in/
  Note: Free wifi is available.
• Kanchanjunga View Homestay, Lamahatta
  Phone: +91-8016676868, 8918499161
  Website: https://kanchenjungaviewhomestay.co.in/
• Everest Hut Homestay, Lamahatta
  Homestay’s location is very close to the Lamahatta ECO Park
  Contact: Mr. Tashi Sherpa
  Phone: +91 94348 65611

I have only shared with you my memorable experiences with homestay owners, or drivers, while traveling, but your experience may not be the same as mine. Hence, I have no responsibility in that case. I am just sharing information only.

What to do & Nearest Attractions

Peshok Viewpoint: A nice viewpoint, which is around 7.5 km away from Lamahatta. From where you can view the wonderful confluence of the rivers Teesta and Rangeet(also known as Rangit), this place is locally known as Triveni. Whereas the Rangeet River looks dark green, on the other hand, the Teesta River shows a light shade of green. The view from the top is really fantastic. Keep your camera handy for a picture-perfect photo.

Farms Visit: You can visit and enjoy the organic farming system of Lamahatta village.

Bird and Landscape Photography: Lamahatta is an ideal place for bird photographers and watchers as it is home to numerous species of birds.
The surrounding scenic beauty of Lamahatta, such as rows of tall, dense pines, snow-capped Himalayan mountains, tea plantations, and distant hill villages at night, is an excellent location for landscape photography.

Visit the nearest tea estates: Lamahatta is also popular for its surrounding famous tea estates like Glenburg Tea Estate, Takdah Tea Estate, Testa Valley Tea Estate, and Rungli Rungliot Tea Estate.

Lamahatta Eco Park: The main attraction of Lamahatta is the well-maintained Lamahatta Eco Park along the road, ideal place for spending some quiet time in the shade of the giant pine and Dhupi forests. Wooden benches, a hiking trail, a watch tower, various flower nurseries, and a sacred lake add to the beauty of this nature park.

Many tourists visit this park every year. On a sunny day, if the sky is clear, you can see brightly snow-clad Mt. Kanchenjunga range and some parts of south Sikkim on the opposite side of the park.
If you want, you can follow the park’s hiking trail to reach a sacred lake and see the magical form of the lake amidst the misty and dense forest.
If you are hungry, you can eat hot Momo and Thukpa from the fast-food shops located opposite the park, which taste delicious and amazing.

Timings: 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. (winter season)
Note: The timing of the park varies season-wise.

Fees: A minimum of Rs 15/- is charged as the entry fee for the tourists.

Trekking & Hiking:Many adventure-loving travelers come here for trekking every year. Homestay owners and trekking-organized companies can arrange trekking to the nearest trekking routes. Those who are interested can contact them either online or by telephone.

• Lamahatta Monastery Trek: This trekking route is about 1.5 km long and takes about 20 minutes to reach the Buddhist monastery from Lamahatta Eco Park through dense Dhupi forest. It is a 500-year-old monastery made of mud, wood, and stone, named Lamahatta Phunchock Rabten Gayphelling Monastery.
  The silence inside the monastery will give you eternal peace. And the bright light of the golden statue of the meditating Buddha makes the whole atmosphere more magical, which will give you heavenly bliss. This monastery is very old but is well maintained.
• Takdah Trek: This is the most popular trekking route, which is about an 8-km-long trekking route from here to Takdah through a misty green forest. Takdah is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Darjeeling, where you can see scenic mountain views, picturesque tea garden estates, British heritage bungalows, an orchid center (opens February to April)), etc. During the British period, Takdah served as a prominent cantonment area.

• Gari Danda Trek: This short trekking route extends up to the old fort, which is located on the hilltop about 3 km from this village.
• Sacred Lake Trek: There is a short nature trail (750 meters uphill) in the Lamahatta Eco Park that leads to a small lake on a hilltop. The villagers consider this to be a sacred lake.

Θ People with respiratory problems and knee problems should not hike.
Θ It is better to know the details before going on any hiking trail. may not be suitable for elderly people.
Θ It is best to go along with a local or a guide while going on any hiking trail.
Θ Taking shortcut routes on the trail is strongly discouraged, as they can be potentially dangerous.
Θ Always take extra care when going up and down while hiking.
Θ Eat healthy and nutritious foods like nuts, seeds, nut-based bars, and so on.
Θ Carry the right amount of water and ORS. A few sips every 15-20 minutes should come naturally while trekking. Always avoid carbonated drinks or alcohol.

Weather & Best Time to Visit

You can visit Lamahatta at any time of the year, as its appearance is unique depending on the season.
Generally, March to May and October to December are the best times to visit here because the weather is very pleasant during these times.
If you want to see the magnificent view of Kanchenjunga on a sunny day, come here in winter. Apart from this, different types of seasonal flowers can be seen at this time.This village experiences moderate to heavy rains in monsoon time, and at this time some nature-loving travelers visit to see the rain-soaked Lamahatta.
The temperature here is very low in the winter, so definitely keep warm clothes with you.

Swachh Lamahatta Abhiyan (Clean Lamahatta Mission) is jointly run by villagers, homestay owners, and local administration, and they have pledged to make this ecofriendly village plastic-free. So tourists, please refrain from bringing or using such waste.

You can see some selected stunning photos & videos by clicking on the blog’s Instagram, Facebook and X(Twitter). Also, click the Gallery Section of this blog for only photos. I hope you will like those.

Gajoldoba – Eco Tourism Hub: This is a potential ecotourism destination, which the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation is working with the locals to popularize. Gajoldoba (also known as Gojaldoba) is a village near Oodlabari in Jalpaiguri district, famous for its irrigation dam (Barrage) on the Teesta River.
This scenic village is close to dense Baikunthapur forest and located between between the Mahananda River and Teesta River. The surreal beauty of this eco-tourism hub captivates the hearts of tourists visiting Dooars.