Magnificent Dhotrey and Tonglu

 

Harmoniously spread majorly in West Bengal, Sikkim and partly far-western Nepal, the Singalila Ridge with untouched perennial greenery and sheltering some immaculate wildlife within, prevails the Singalila National Park. Dhotrey or Dhotre is a small Himalayan village located within the buffer zone of Singalila National Park in Darjeeling district of West Bengal. It is situated at 8500 ft. above sea level in eastern Himalaya. Dhotrey has only 11 kms distance from Darjeeling. At present trekkers and nature lovers can stay at Dhotrey, in the village homestays or in the trekker's huts. Jeep, car and bus services are available regularly from Darjeeling, Sukhiapokhri and NJP via Manebhanjang. Dhotrey is an alternative starting point for the Sandakphu trek, which has gained popularity over the years owing to the fact that it cuts the trek down by 5 kms. In past logs were collected by the Forest Department with 5 Km long ropeway. The ropeway was demolished in the mid-80s and the village economy was ruined. In the mid-90s, the effort was taken to develop a village tourism center. 

It took 5 years, for an individual to motivate the villagers to develop tourism. Dhotrey offers an interesting 7 kms forest trail/trek to Tonglu by avoiding conventional trek from Manebhanjang. One can enjoy a majestic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga range during the entire trek. Amidst Singalila National Park this magnificent trail will soothe you with its scenic beauty and chirping songs of birds.

 

The Buddhist flags fluttered in the wind and chorten with Om Mani Padme Hum written all over in Tibetan script reminds the trekkers or travelers that we were in Buddha’s land and there exist an eternal peace everywhere. The Kanchenjunga range which can be seen appears as Lord Buddha Sleeping over the clouds. The group of mountains form the Kanchenjunga family of mountains are Mt. Kanchenjunga, Kumbhakarna, Koktang, Rathong, Frey, South Kabru, North Kabru, Kabru Forked, Goecha Pandim, Simvo. Hence it is called the Sleeping Buddha.

Best time to visit Dhotrey: Dhotrey can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to visit mid of September to December. The magical view of Kanchenjunga will filled the tourist. It is a paradise for trekkers, nature lovers and bird watchers.

Where to stay: Homestays are the only option to stay in Dhotrey. Local villagers and tourism development communities has set homestays for comfortable stay with all basic facilities like cozy bed, hygienic and spacious rooms with attached bath. Foods are also served in the homestays. Recommended one is the: Padma Homestay (contact no: 087688 73121).

How to reach: Nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and airport is Bagdogra (IXB).  Direct car/taxi available from NJP, Siliguri and Bagdogra airport. Distance from NJP railway station around 100 kms and 95 kms from Siliguri through Rohini, Kurseong, Ghoom, Sukhia Pokhri and Mane Bhanjang. One can take shared jeep from Siliguri up to Ghoom then wait for another shared jeep to Sukhiapokhri, from there another shared jeep or car to Dhotrey.