Kolakham: Forest Trails

Kolakham is a tiny village perched inside Neora Valley National Park. It feels like a place designed for travellers who want to trade crowds for whispering pines, mist-wreathed hills, and the uninterrupted chorus of Himalayan birdsong. At an altitude of around 6,500 feet, Kolakham has emerged as one of North Bengal’s most soulful offbeat destinations.

Kolakham sits about 9 km northeast of Lava in Kalimpong district. If you look at a map, you’ll notice that Lava, Rishyap, and Kolakham form a near-perfect triangle. Each village is now well-loved for the same reasons: peaceful Himalayan surroundings, dramatic snow peaks, and a slower way of life that city-weary travellers crave.

Set amid dense oak and pine forests overlooking the Kanchenjunga range, Kolakham offers uninterrupted views, unhurried days, and the freedom to wander wherever the trail leads.

How to Reach Kolakham

Bagdogra Airport is around 117 km away. New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is about 114 km.
You can also approach Kolakham via Kalimpong, which is around a 2-hour drive away. You must first reach Lava, then take the final 9-km stretch to Kolakham through winding roads lined with tall conifers and rhododendron groves. The last part of the approach is hilly but motorable.

If you prefer your journey arranged end-to-end—including pick-up from NJP or Bagdogra, vehicle transfers, and local guides—NBTT Travel Solution Private Limited can coordinate everything. Just call +91 9733000592 / 593 / 594 to plan a smooth arrival.

Nature’s Canvas: Kolakham’s Landscape

At Kolakham, you’re surrounded by the vast wilderness of Neora Valley National Park, one of the richest ecological zones in Eastern India. Rolling hills tumble down to deep green valleys. Clouds drift low across the pines, shrouding everything in a dreamlike softness. When the skies clear, the snow-capped peaks of the Kanchenjunga massif appear so close you feel you could touch them.

In spring and early summer, wildflowers colour the slopes. Autumn brings a clarity to the air, turning every view into a high-definition postcard. Winters are cold but exquisitely quiet—perfect if you love brisk walks wrapped in warm layers.

Birdwatching in Kolakham: A Sanctuary for Ornithologists

Kolakham is one of the finest birding destinations in the Kalimpong region—and easily among the most rewarding in all of Bengal.

Neora Valley National Park shares its borders with Sikkim’s Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, creating a continuous, protected corridor that draws birds from across the Eastern Himalayas.

If you stand quietly on the forest edge or simply linger on your homestay balcony, you might spot pheasants like the stunning Satyr Tragopan, the Kalij Pheasant, laughingthrushes, partridges, flycatchers, and colourful finches. Robins and babblers flash through the undergrowth, while Himalayan bulbuls call from the treetops.

This is a place where both seasoned ornithologists and first-time birders find something to marvel at. Even if you don’t know their names, you’ll feel that sense of discovery every time you glimpse a bright wing flicker through the pines.

If you’re interested in guided birding walks or need local bird guides, let NBTT Travel Solution Private Limited know in advance when planning your trip.

Village Walks and Forest Trails

One of the best ways to experience Kolakham is simply to put on your walking shoes and start exploring.

The village itself is threaded with narrow paths shaded by pine, oak, and cedar trees. In the early morning, the sunshine filters through the foliage, creating dapples of warmth on the mossy ground. Each bend in the trail reveals new surprises—tiny streams gurgling over stones, orchids clinging to tree trunks, butterflies dancing over fern beds.

For those who want more adventure, Kolakham offers access to a network of beautiful trails:

Kolakham to Choudapheri:
This trek meanders through thick forest, making it ideal for birdwatchers. It’s relatively gentle but requires sturdy shoes and a local guide to help navigate the less-defined sections.

Lava to Kolakham Ridge Trail:
A classic route connecting the villages of Lava and Kolakham. Since the development of the direct road, this trek is not availed of very frequently.

Day Trek to Rishyap:
A rewarding hike that takes you up to Rishyap village for a different perspective of the Himalayas. Takes a whole day and involves steep uphill climbing.

Whether you’re ambling on a village walk or venturing deeper into Neora Valley, Kolakham’s trails let you feel close to the land in a way no vehicle ever can.

Changi Falls: The Hidden Cascade

Less than 5 km from Kolakham lies Changi Falls, arguably one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region.

The approach is half the adventure: after driving partway, you leave the car and follow a narrow trail through the forest for about 1.5 km. You’ll descend roughly 250 stone steps into a gorge where the waterfall tumbles down a mossy cliff into a clear plunge pool. The sound of the water, the cool spray, and the hush of the surrounding jungle combine into an experience that feels timeless.

The walk is moderately challenging but worth it, so wear comfortable shoes and carry water.

Places Nearby: More to Explore

Kolakham makes a great base to explore other nearby destinations:

Lava: Just 9 km away, Lava is home to the Lava Monastery and serves as the gateway to Neora Valley.

Rishyap: Around 15 km, this tiny hamlet is beloved for its unbroken views of Kanchenjunga.

Pedong: A little further afield, Pedong is known for its monastery, quiet village life, and panoramic scenery.

Charkhole: Another peaceful offbeat escape with pine forests and serene walks.

Each destination has its rhythm and character—combine them into a circuit for a richer Himalayan experience.

Climate: When to Visit Kolakham

Spring (March–May): Pleasant days, blooming rhododendrons, and clear skies—perfect for birding and trekking.

Summer (June–July): Cool compared to the plains, with temperatures rarely exceeding 25°C. Early monsoon brings lush greenery but also mists.

Monsoon (July–September): Wettest months with frequent rain; travel is possible, but trails can be slippery.

Autumn (October–November): Perhaps the best season—crisp air, clear mountain views, and golden sunlight.

Winter (December–February): Cold, with temperatures between 5–10°C. A great time if you love silence and bright winter skies.

Carry warm layers, especially in winter, and good rain gear if you’re visiting in the monsoon.

Stay in Kolakham: Homestays and Village Hospitality

Kolakham doesn’t have big hotels or resorts. Instead, you’ll find cosy, family-run homestays that combine basic comforts with genuine warmth. Rooms are simple but clean, with thick blankets and hearty meals cooked over wood fires. In the recent past, several lodges have come up here which are bigger than homestays. Yet, a proper resort or hotel facility is not available in the village.

Dinner often includes rice, dal, fresh vegetables, pickles, and sometimes local chicken curry. In the evenings, sit around the fire with your hosts and listen to stories of the forest. This simplicity is part of what makes Kolakham unforgettable.

NBTT Travel Solution Private Limited will take care of every detail—from NJP or Bagdogra transfers to homestay bookings, guided birding walks, village treks, and day trips to Lava and Rishyap.

Ready to plan your journey? Call us today at +91 9733000592 / 593 / 594 and let’s design your perfect Himalayan escape.