Chatakpur

Chatakpur is a secluded forest village near Darjeeling, renowned for its tranquillity and breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga massif. With only a couple of dozen families residing here, the village offers a serene escape into nature, surrounded by the dense forests of the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary. The nearest neighbouring village is about 6 km away, making Chatakpur an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude and an immersive natural experience.

Altitude

Perched on a hill slope facing north, Chatakpur is located at an altitude of approximately 7,500 feet at its lower end, where the motorable road concludes. From this point, visitors must ascend a flight of stairs to reach the heart of the village. The settlement sprawls across the hillside, with the highest points offering the most spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga range. At the peak of the village, a watchtower stands at nearly 7,800 feet, providing a panoramic 360-degree view of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

Attractions and Sightseeing

Chatakpur is not a conventional tourist destination with multiple sightseeing spots; instead, it is a place to unwind amidst nature’s bounty. The village’s watchtower is an excellent viewpoint, offering expansive views of the Dooars plains, the Kalimpong district, and parts of Sikkim on a clear day.

Visitors can take short hikes around the village, including a visit to a sacred water body situated about 500 meters inside the forest. Due to the dense vegetation and abundant wildlife, it is advisable to be accompanied by a local guide. Another rewarding hike leads to a trijunction of roads about 3 km from the village, from where one can enjoy views of Mirik, Kurseong, and even the hills of Nepal.

For adventure seekers, a trek to Tiger Hill is an option. This strenuous trek requires an early morning start and takes most of the day to complete a round trip. Since the trek travels through the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, permission from the forest department is essential. You may contact our helpdesk team to know if permits are being issued at the time of your travel.

Birdwatching is another popular activity in Chatakpur, with the village being home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a paradise for birding enthusiasts and photographers.

How to Reach

As Chatakpur is located within a wildlife sanctuary, entry requires permission from the forest department. The village homestays are authorized to collect the entry fee on behalf of the department, so visitors must secure a confirmed booking before travelling.

The roads leading to Chatakpur are unpaved and primarily used for forest patrolling and by the villagers. This lack of maintenance helps regulate tourist numbers and preserve the sanctuary’s ecosystem. Once inside the forest area, the final 10-12 km journey to the village can take nearly an hour due to road conditions.

• Via Sonada: This is the shortest route, the road is narrow and steep. There used to be a forest gate on this road restricting tourist entry. Presently the gate is removed and vehicles can ply to Chatakpur with relative ease through this route.

• Via Bagora: The road to Bagora is in relatively good condition, but the last 12 km stretch from Bagora to Chatakpur is rough and takes over an hour to navigate. The major part of this route is through the forest.

• Via Jorebungalow: Visitors coming from Darjeeling, Kalimpong, or Sikkim can reach Chatakpur via the 3rd Mile Checkpost near Jorebungalow, taking the forest road from there. This route is comparable in distance and travel time to the Bagora route.

Self-driving is not advisable unless you are highly experienced in navigating rough hilly terrains. Low-ground-clearance vehicles may struggle to reach the village, so it is highly recommended to hire a local driver familiar with the road conditions.

Accommodation

Chatakpur offers about two dozen homestays, most of which are situated on the higher ridges for the best views. The Humro Home network (our sister concern) operates five homestays in the village and boasts the largest accommodation inventory. Travellers can book their stay directly through Humro Home or by contacting our team to ensure a seamless experience.

With its untouched natural beauty, peaceful surroundings, and unique vantage points, Chatakpur is a hidden gem perfect for those looking to reconnect with nature away from the crowds.