Chayatal | Chaaya Taal

Chayatal or Chaya Taal (ছায়াতাল) situated on 6000 ft. above sea level, West Sikkim, India, distance from Pelling (most popular tourist spot of West Sikkim) is 32 K.M only. Pelling is consisted and over crowed by tourists, hotels and cars. But Chayatal is opposite type of Pelling, there is no crowd, no larger number of tourists, minimum number of hotels, only silence and peace. You can spend your time with your family or loving ones surrounded by nature and silence. Fog and mist will make your day special; they play mystical game all the time.

Chayatal is an ideal place to visit on weekends. Distance from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is 138 km, after crossing Hee and Bermiok two villages. All the natural resources like dense jungle, various species of birds, caves, lakes, gardens, mighty Kanchenjunga is there at Chayataal. If you want, you can do trekking on your own. The experience of boating in this lake surrounded by forest is also heavenly. There are also several fountains. The red panda can be seen in the famous Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary.

          Main attraction of Chayatal is Chaya Lake, name of the place based on this lake with emerald green water, heaven for nature lover. Sikkim state government has taken few initiatives to promote tourism, Chayatal Lake constructed near He-Bermiok to develop Eco-Tourism in West Sikkim. Get a superb view of snow-capped Mt. Kanchenjunga, Kabru and many other peaks.

         Hire a car for day tour from Chayatal to Okhrey and then go for a short trek to Varsey or Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary from Okhrey, which will start from ‘Red Panda Gate’ - gateway of Sanctuary.

Accommodation in Chayatal

Our associate homestay is best accommodation in Chayatal, located just beside of the Lake, they have number of double bedded rooms, and view of Mt. Kanchenjunga is just excellent. All the basic facilities are there including fine dining, hot water, satellite TV, common and attached bathroom, tasty and health organic food provided from morning tea to dinner at night. Tariff starts from Rs.1500 for double bedded rooms, pick-up and drop facilities available to- from NJP, Siliguri, Bagdogra and Gangtok along with trekking and sightseeing assistance.  

Our another associate homestay situated at Martam between Dentam bazar and Kaluk, only 25 K.M from Pelling, with all facilities, along with superb view of Mt. Kanchenjunga from almost every rooms. From here you can visit Chayatal as well as Hee-Bermiok. Tariff:

4 Bedded Room      ₹. 1,500^* /-

3 Bedded Room      ₹. 1,200^* /-

2 Bedded Room      ₹. 1,000^* /-

^{Food tariff Rs.1000 per head (full board – Breakfast to Dinner).}

How to Reach Chayatal

Nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and distance from Chayatal is 166 K.M. All the major Indian cities are connected with NJP. Nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB) distance from Chayatal is 168 K.M. Car fare would be around Rs.4,500/ to Rs.5,000. The scenic route from Siliguri to Chayatal goes via Siliguri, Jorthang, Soreng, and Kaluk up to Hee bazar then takes right turn for Chayatal.

          If you want to travel by public transport or if you are a budgeted traveler then take shared jeep to Jorthang from Siliguri and cost would be around Rs.150 to Rs.200. From Jorthang book a car to Chayatal, shared transportation not available on this route and cost would be around Rs.2000 to Rs.2500.

Best Season to Visit Chayatal

The best season to visit Chayatal is spring time (April to May), this time you can get Barsey or Varsey Rhododendron sanctuary in full bloom. Kalez valley heritage festival is celebrated every year at mid of May. Also you can visit Chayatal throughout the year.

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Nearby attractions of Chayatal