Darjeeling

The Queen of Hills

Sikkim

Land of the last Himalayan Kingdom

Dooars

Closer to nature

Andaman & Nicobar

Scuba Diving

Sundarban

Home of Royal Bengal Tiger

Kolkata

The city of Joy

Nepal

Asia's alpine playground

Bhutan

The land of Happiness

Icchey Gaon ( Icchey Forest)

icchey gaon photo, icchey gaon tourIcchey Gaon or Ecchey Gaon in Kalimpong Sub-division of Darjeeling hills has become a very popular tourist destination for nature lovers. Ichchey Gaon or “ wishing village”. Located at an altitude of 5800 ft above the sea level and around 15 kms away from Kalimpong town. Icchey Gaon offers spell bound view of Mount Kanchenjunga and its adjoining snow clad peaks. The place is surrounded by lush green forest covered by woodlands of pine, birch and juniper trees along with some rare orchids and rhododendron called Icchey forest. Icchey Gaon is a heaven of peace and only sound is clamouring of numerous colourful beautiful birds.

In Sherpa language “ Ichhey” means “ top most of the village”. From the top 360 degree view of the Himalayas is really spell-bound. During day time majestic Kanchenjunga steals the show and after the evening twinkling lights of Darjeeling, Ravangla and Namchi is really spectacular. Overall spending sometime in the lap of the Himalayan nature is a memorable time for the life.

Icchey Gaon is a green village occupied by around 30 odd families. Spare some time with these innocent villagers and watch their life styles is worth.

Things to do / Activities in Icchey Gaon:

icchey gaon tour, kanchenjunga icchey gaonIcchey Gaon is place of serenity. Walking around the village and to watch Himalayan beauty is one of the major attractions. Sillery Gaon – another beautiful Himalayan place is separated by a hill and just 2.5 kms away from Icchey Gaon. The distance can be easily covered by walking and the road passes through the tropical forest. Lucky people can also get glimpses of exotic birds and animals.

Ramitey Dara viewpoint is considered as one of the best view points to watch beautiful meandering river Teesta with its 14 curves. Tinchuley view point offers breathtaking view of majestic Kanchenjunga and eastern Himalayas. On a clear day Nathu-la pass and Jelep-la pass are clearly visible from here. Damsang fort - a 6 km journey from Icchey Gaon is worth visit. 

Places to visit around Icchey Gaon:

ramitey view point photo, icchey gaonThere are some beautiful places which can be visited from Icchey Gaon. Kalimpong is just 15 kms away. The near-by place of Kalimpong from here is Deolo view point. Sillery Gaon is just 2.5 kms, which can be covered by walking. A 300 years old monastery called “ Sangchen Dorjee Monastery” near Pedong worth visit. Lava, Loleygaon, Rishyap, Kolakham, Charkhole  are also very close to Icchey Gaon.

How to reach Icchey Gaon:

There is no public transport system to connect Ichchey Gaon from the rest of the places. The only way to reach there by a hired SUVs. Kolakham is 91 kms from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station via Kalimpong . Bagdogra Airport is almost same distance as NJP.

Accommodation in Ichchey Gaon:

There is no conventional Hotel or Resort are there. All accommodations are Home stays with all basic facilities. Necessities like hot water, electricity, guide service etc are available in these home stays.

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