Sillery Gaon; Tour and Travel Guide

Sillery Gaon lies quietly in the embrace of the Himalayas, surrounded by the pine forests of Damsang, at an altitude of 6,000 feet. Sillery Gaon, often called the new Darjeeling, offers a beauty that captivates the heart. The calmness of the place, combined with its stunning views, earns it the title of New Darjeeling. The name itself comes from a plant, Sillery, that grows plentifully there. Travellers are drawn to Sillery Gaon, mesmerized by the sight of Kanchenjunga, its silver peaks gleaming in the sun, a view that leaves a deep impression on all who come.

If you seek a paradise in the hills, where greenery surrounds you like a warm embrace, let Sillery Gaon be your next destination. Its beauty is captivating, simple, and true.

The untouched beauty of this remote village will warm your heart. The stillness of the woods, the calls of unseen birds, and the gentle breeze over the hills create an air of mystery and romance here. The villagers here are kind and will capture your heart as if you had found heaven.

Sillery Gaon is known as the “New Darjeeling” now. People are finding it more and more appealing.

Geography and Location of Sillery Gaon

Sillery Gaon lies near Pedong, in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal. It is a small village, high in the mountains at six thousand feet above sea level. From there, one can see the great Kanchenjunga and its neighboring peaks, a sight that holds the heart captive.

The village lies to the north, where the great Kanchenjunga rises high against the sky. The Reshi river flows nearby, its waters reflecting the beauty of the land. Across the river, the state of Sikkim stretches out. To the west, the village is bordered by Nepal.

In the small hamlet, about twenty-five families lived. The village was wrapped in a thick green forest of pine. Nearby lay Icche Gaon, a place known for its vibrant birds that sang through the trees.

The northern edge of the village looks out at Kanchenjunga and the great Himalayas. The Reshi river flows nearby, its beauty clear in the air. Across the river lies the state of Sikkim. To the west, the village is bordered by Nepal.

The small hamlet housed about twenty-five families. Green pine trees surrounded the village, thick and lush. Nearby lay Icche Gaon, known for its vibrant birds that sang and flitted among the branches.

Weather and Best Time to Visit Sillery Gaon

The weather in Sillery Gaon is gentle. The sun rises bright and warm. The days are clear, with a soft breeze that whispers through the trees. The best time to visit is during the spring. The flowers bloom, and the air is fresh. It is a time to breathe deep and feel alive. The mountains stand tall, and the quiet is a comfort. In that place, one can find peace.

Visitors arrive in the enchanting hills of Sillery Gaon all year round. Now, let us examine the weather in this place.

March to June Weather in Sillery Gaon

From March to June, spring gives way to summer in Sillery Gaon. It is a good time to be here. The sky is clear, and the heat is mild, making the days pleasant. You can see Mount Kanchenjunga in all its glory.

October to November Weather in Sillery Gaon

October gives way to November in Sillery Gaon. The autumn wanes and winter begins. The air turns cool but remains pleasant. The mountains stand tall, their peaks clear against the sky. It is a good time to be here, to see the beauty laid out before you.

If you walk through the forest, you will hear the birds sing. The cool breeze will touch your cheek, and you won’t feel tired.

December to February Weather in Sillery Gaon

Winter stretches from December to February. The air turns cold, settling around one degree above freezing. Nights bite with a chill that seeps into the bones.

This time has its own beauty for those who look. The snow-covered peaks of the mountains stir a joy in the heart that you have not known before.

July to september Weather in Sillery Gaon

From July to September, the rain comes. It falls often, almost all day. The sky is heavy with clouds, and the fog wraps around everything, hiding the view from those who come to see.

Do not visit during the monsoon. The roads are bad, and landslides occur often. Traveling now is dangerous.

Leeches can be a trouble in the monsoon.

How to Reach Sillery Gaon?

To reach Sillery Gaon, you must travel. The roads run from the cities of India to this place. The nearest rail station is New Jalpaiguri, about ninety-six kilometers away. The closest airport is at Bagdogra. You can find your way.

Outside the train station or airport, there are many cars and jeeps waiting. They are ready to take you through Teesta Bazar and Aligarh, into the Kalimpong district.

You can take shared cars or buses to Kalimpong. From there, catch a shared taxi to Pedong. You must drive for thirty minutes through the thick pine forest to get to Sillery Gaon from Pedong. It is best to pass through this dark part of the road before the sun sinks low.

You will come to Sillery Gaon after a two-minute walk from where the car can go no farther.

Key Tourists Attraction Sillery Gaon?

In this small village, the beauty of the Himalayan peaks rises before you, Mount Kanchenjunga among them. The songs of the birds, unknown but sweet, will lift your spirit. Walking along the green forest paths brings its own thrill, a simple joy to savor.

There are many beautiful and captivating places that can stir the heart and mind. Let us take a closer look at the sites near Sillery Gaon that you should not overlook on your journey.

1 Ramitey View Point

Ramitey View Point stands out in this land. From here, one can see the majesty of Mt. Khanchendzonga and the surrounding snow-covered mountains. The sight is a testament to nature’s raw beauty. The river Teesta winds through the valleys with fourteen bends. Its beauty stretches far and wide. There is nothing like it. From Ramitey View Point, you can see the rare meeting of the Teesta and Reshi rivers. It is a place of quiet beauty that brings joy to the heart. On a clear day, the view stretches far, from Teesta Bazar to Majhitar in Sikkim. Ramitey View Point lies three kilometers from Sillery Gaon. You can go by car or walk there.

2 Tinchuley View Point / Tinchuley Top

Tinchuley View Point lies close to Sillery Gaon, a mere thirty meters from the village. The path to the top is steep and challenging, but the trek is its own kind of adventure. It provides a grand view all around of the Himalayan mountains, including Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak. On a clear day, the view stretches to Nathula Pass and Jelep La from this fine spot.

3 Damsang Fort

You can get to the old Damsang Fort after an hour of walking through the pine trees. It lies about four kilometres from Sillery Gaon and one kilometer from Pedong. This place is good for watching birds. The road through the green forest leads you to it. The hills and valleys around are beautiful. The fort rose in 1690, a stone structure of the Lepcha Kingdom. It stood firm against the violence between Lepchas and Bhutias. It also faced the looming threat of the East India Company, a barrier to their ambitions.

4 Hanuman Top

When you arrive at Damsang Fort, do not forget to climb to Hanuman Top. There, you will find a fine statue of Lord Hanuman. The place is beautiful and quiet, unmatched in its serenity. From here, you can see all of Kalimpong and the lands around it.

5 Silent Valley

Silent Valley lies close to Sillery Gaon. It is a place of quiet beauty. A wide green pasture lay before me, bordered by tall pines. The only sound was the soft chirping of birds. It was a place alive with quiet thrill. You walk down through the misty forest. The trees loom large and silent. Then, without warning, the greenfield opens up before you. It takes you by surprise.

In the rainy season, Silence Valley turns into a small body of water. The old-timers say that long ago, it was a lake.

6 Cross Hill 

Cross Hill is a fine place to watch the sunset. It sits high, giving you a good view. From here, you can see the great Kanchenjunga and the lands beyond. On a clear day, Tibet lies open before you. The sight is striking.

Do not miss the “chyam” dance in April and May. Cross Hill is a sacred place for the local Christians. They come here often, seeking solace and connection.

In the 19th century, some Evangelists ventured into Tibet to spread the word of Christ. Many of them did not return. Some lost their lives in the mountains, swallowed by the wild. The land was harsh, and the people were not easily swayed.

In 1882, Father Augustine Desgodins raised a cross that looked out toward Tibet. It stood as a memorial for the lost Evangelists. He hoped it would call the people home.

Beyond its history, this place calls to you with a quiet beauty and a peace that is hard to describe.

You can go to Sahid Park, not far from here, to honor the heroes of the Kargil War. It stands as a tribute to those who lost their lives in that fight.

Where to Stay in Sillery Gaon?

In Sillery Gaon, the travelers find warmth. The homestays welcome with open arms. Well-kept cottages stand ready, offering comfort and a taste of the village through fresh, homemade meals. Each cottage has electricity, clean beds, and tidy bathrooms. It is simple, but it is good.

The cottage owner supplies hot water. In this small hilly hamlet, electricity is unreliable. For your comfort at night, the owner will provide extra candles and matches. Many homestays rely on generators to cope with the lack of power.

Here are the well-known homestays in this little village. There are twelve double rooms in total—two deluxe, four semi-deluxe, and six standard. The price covers all meals and snacks for each guest, per night.

Nirmala Village Resort, Sillery Gaon

Dilip Tamang and his family staying here, provide you with best-in-class services, they started serving tourists in 2009, and their cottages are very bright and seem nice to tourists. The homestay consists of 15 double bedrooms 4 deluxe rooms, 4 semi-deluxe, and 7 standard rooms. This homestay has its own generator, which is available between 6 pm to 9:30 pm

The Sillery Sojourn, Sillery Gaon

This homestay is good and well-kept, nestled in the village. From your cottage, you will see Kanchenjunga rising in the distance. It is a sight that holds you. This place sits at the highest point of the hillside. The Sillery Sojourn arranges local tours, offering guides and transport to make your stay easier and more enjoyable.

Sillery Gaon Retreat, Sillery Gaon

This homestay resembles a hotel, with double, triple, and quadruple rooms in a two-story building, nestled in the green hills and forests of Sillerygaon. The place is quiet, and the calm of the surroundings settles deep within you. From here, you can see the majestic Mount Kanchenjunga and its range. The colors of the mountains shift with the light, a simple reward of being here. For about Rs. 1200 a night, you get both food and lodging. The homestay offers various tour packages, complete with transport and local guides to meet your needs. It is part of Wanderlust Tours & Travels, which operates several hotels in different locations.

Waiba Homestay, Sillery Gaon

The homestay rests in a fine spot, embraced by nature. Its location is held in high regard. Guests appreciate the ease of getting there and the quiet mood of the place. It draws different travelers. Families and couples each make up half of the visitors. Half of the guests value the good connections, while the other half find the atmosphere romantic. Waiba Homestay stands fourth among the five hotels in Sillery Gaon. The cost for a room ranges from Rs 1,400 to Rs 1,600 each night. If you want breakfast included, you must speak with the owners.

Now is the time to pack your bag. The small village waits, quiet and enchanting, nestled in the embrace of the green pine forest. It is far from the noise and the crush of city life.

In this beautiful place, romance and thrill meet. It brings a fresh joy, one you have not known before. The worries that weigh you down will fade away, carried off by the songs of the birds and the gentle embrace of nature, like a caring mother.

Go early to this place. See it before the crowds come and spoil its untouched beauty. Enjoy it while it is still pure.