|  Samthar
Far from the modern civilization, far from
city pollutions is a small village Samthar tucked away deep
inside the remote part of Kalimpong
hills. At a distance of 80kms from the Kalimpong town via Lava
and Loleygaon the Samthar village is a unique natural resort
where the nature opens wide with a majestic landscape. The undulating
hill slopes, interlocking valleys covered with lush green forests,
numerous small and medium streams cutting across the valley
to reach the distant plains, terraced agricultural lands, thatched
cottages, hospitable Lepcha community all combine together to
mark the landscape of Samtahar.
 The
plateau of Samthar stands amidst an arc of hills at an elevation
of 1600 Meters. The forested hills in Samthar have some rare
collections of flora and fauna. The journey to Samthar from
Lava runs through a 24kms metal forest
road up to Loleygaon. Thereafter
it is a rough wilderness trail, fit for 4 wheel drive vehicles
or jeeps. Through dense forested hills comprising oaks, pines,
juniper in a perennial mossy and moist atmosphere you reach
the Samthar Village. The road ends at Samthar Farm House, which
is the starting point for some more fabulous treks.
Samthar, an offbeat destination in the Kalimpong
hills, is growing in popularity mostly to the foreigners for
its tranquility, pristine environment, friendly people and of
course for the brilliant view of majestic Kunchenjunga, the
third highest peak of the world. Mt. Sinialcu, Mount, Pundim
Mt. Simvo, Nathula Pass, Chola, Pass, Jelepla Pass and the famous
tiger Hill are also visible from Samthar.
Accommodation:
Being a small place in the remote Kalimpong hills there is not
much choice of hotels in Samthar. Naturebeyond organizes night
stay in some selected home turned cottages, which are nicely
maintained keeping the basic requirements of tourists in mind.
Attractions in Samthar :
 Sunrise
and sunset view over Mt Kanchenjunga and other peaks
Forest
& Nature exploration
Nature
treks & hikes
Swimming
in cascades & nature pools
Bird &
butterfly watching
Village
Excursions
Picnic
in river pool & cascade
Lepcha
Gumpa (monastery)
Ethnic
drink with local families
 Samthar
is an ideal place for trekkers and hikers. Several short and
interesting trek routes originate from Samthar village to different
directions through river valleys, small villages and forests.
Samthar can also be a model place to enjoy various Himalayan
bird species. Innumerable species of colourful birds add an
extra flavour to the place.
List of few important trekking, hiking
and birding areas in Samthar:
1. Samthar Top: A forested ridgeline
overlooking the valley, the highest spot in Samthar. The hilltop
provides good view of the Samthar village and surrounding forests.
There is no human habitation in that hill and is ideal for bird
watching and trekking. One-hour trek through the forested trails
yields good results for the bird watchers.
 2.
Upper Lish River Valley: One hour easy walk from Samthar
village along a ridgeline, leads to the upper reaches of Samthar
hill. One can have a look at a network of Jhoras or small stream
tribute to the Lish River far below. Dense forest cover makes
the place a good birding area. To get better collection of birds
it is advisable to camp overnight or start from the village
one hour before sunrise.
3. Ponbu: A small village on the top
of a ridge overlooking the Teesta River Valley and the vast
plain lands of Terai Ponbu is nice refreshing trek in the lower
Kalimpong hills. On the Western slopes there are a number of
Jhoras running down to the Ponbu Khola and then farther down
to Tista. These streams form small isolated valleys. It is a
day trek and accommodation is arranged in privet village huts
or in treks.
4. Samco Ropeway and Riang valley Trek:
A 5 to 6 hours downward trek through rolling hill slopes descends
to the confluence of Tista and Riang River at Tista Valley and
provides access to the Sikkim Highway via a hand pulled ropeway
over the Tista River. The beautiful riverbed of Riang encircled
by forested hills is an ideal place for camping and bird watching.
Scattered homesteads, simple lifestyle of villagers, beautiful
climate, streams and wide valleys make an unforgettable countryside
trek.
5. Kalimpong:
One of the most popular treks from Samtahar to Kalimpong takes
about 6 hours. The first phase of trek descends to virgin Relli
Khola (stream) Valley and then again a steep trek route climbs
to Kalimpong after crossing the Relli stream. One can also reach
Samthar from Kalimpong by the same way.
6. Dong Khola Valley, Solag and Nazeok
village: In the remote areas of Kalimpong hills these places
are some of the new areas for exploration and becoming vastly
popular for the nature trekkers. |
