Are you planning a trip to Sillery Gaon and Icchey Gaon, the two offbeat villages on the lap of Kanchenjunga? This detailed travel guide covers everything you need to plan your visit, from how to reach, best time to visit, homestay options, sightseeing, costs, and a day-by-day itinerary.
From sandy beaches on the shores of the Bay of Bengal to the deltaic mangroves of the Sundarbans inhabited by the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, to the tea gardens and pine-covered slopes of the Himalayas up north reaching as high as 11,000 feet above MSL at Sandakphu which gets submerged under thick blankets of snow every winter, the state of West Bengal is unparalleled in geographical diversity.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
What Makes Sillery and Icchey Special?
Apart from the all too familiar Darjeeling with its UNESCO heritage toy-train, the chic bungalows with their colonial hangover, and its prominence on the world tea map, much else was not known about the rest of the Himalayas in West Bengal. Thankfully now, with information available to everyone curious about lesser-known places, newer destinations are coming into the light of public knowledge.
Two such lesser-known Himalayan hamlets of North Bengal are Sillery and Icchey. At a soothing elevation of 6,000 feet above sea level, perched on the hills bordering the states of West Bengal and Sikkim in the district of Kalimpong, these two picturesque villages sit on opposite slopes of a hilly ridge. Sillery Gaon on one side, and Icchey Gaon on the other, both looking out at the mighty Kanchenjunga.
About Sillery Village or Sillery Gaon
So, what is the Sillery Village?
- Abounded by Mother Nature,
- precariously isolated from the urban cacophony of Kalimpong, though merely 25 km away,
- on a backdrop of ageless dark-green pine trees and sparkling azure sky,
- with no more than 50 tin-roofed sleepy houses scattered on the slope,
- which spectacularly rises at its far horizon to a panorama of the Sleeping Buddha (another name for Mt. Kanchenjunga, 8,586 meters, the third highest peak in the world) on any clear day,
- that is Sillery Gaon for you.
The inhabitants are mainly of Nepali and Lepcha ethnicity for whom Kanchenjunga is not just a magnificent mountain but something deeply spiritual. It is considered sacred alike by Tibetans, Nepalis, Lepchas, and other mountain tribes. That explains the origination of these mountain villages all over this part of the Himalayas.
The early settlers deliberately selected locations from where their holy mountain was in open sight. There are no fancy hotels. Electricity has come up in recent years but can be erratic. There is no metalled road for the last stretch. But Mother Nature at her serene best is omnipresent, entwined in pure harmony with the very soul of the place.
Nature around the Village
On days when the sun shines, Mt Kanchenjunga reveals herself in all her glory at the center stage of the front horizon. The south-east face of the high mountain indeed appears similar to the face of Buddha lying down.
It is a spectacle to behold at sunrise, when it lights up gradually from flaming crimson to sparkling gold hues, trouncing the darkness all around. And on the misty overcast mornings, the foggy clouds descend upon the tall standing pine branches, like a fairy tale magic, slowing down time.
The modest villagers, mostly farmers attending to their terraced fields of corn or cauliflower, are hardworking yet always up for a friendly conversation. The smile on their faces is so genuine. Straightforward people with limited means but hardly any greed in their eyes.
Nirmala Village Retreat
They have started seeing tourists for not very long. A few of them have started homestays, the oldest being that of Mr. Dilip Tamang’s Nirmala Village Retreat. It has 12 modest rooms in two sections.
The upper section was the higher one, providing a grand view of the village below and, of course, Mt. Kanchenjunga from its cemented open-air porch. One can just sit and gaze for hours tirelessly.
The bright light-green cottages made up of minimal concrete, mostly wood, were pleasant yet straightforward. Nothing much other than a reasonably comfortable bed and attached western toilets, though again basic. A couple of plastic chairs on the adjacent wood-railed verandahs. One should not want much more. Hot water, if required, is readily available in buckets.
Kitchen and Food
The kitchen cum dining room is at the far right of the premises. Dilip Ji’s sister runs the show there. All food is prepared on an earthen wood-fired Chulha and served steaming hot right out of it.
You should always carry your own water bottle and refill it as many times as you need water. It will not only keep you hydrated always, but you will also help in saving the Himalayas from plastic garbage. Remember, every tiny step counts and your step in this direction can help save the Himalayas too 🙂 🙂
They make use of the local produce of vegetables, which they told me was organic. The food leans towards a Nepali style and is genuinely delicious. The hot fresh food on chilly, moist days has a stimulating effect.
There are no menu cards, neither any lavish cutlery, but the host will heartily keep serving you whatever is on the spread that day till you can have no more.
Stay Facilities
The experience of a homestay is very different from that of a hotel. There is no room service as such, but if you want a specific meal reached to your room and ask for it politely, they would never say no.
One has to understand that they have come to live as guests in a home, not as customers in a hotel. There are no trained staff, service boys, or a front desk. It is all about polite requests and not orders. Where they compensate for the lack of facilities is how inclusive of the family they make you feel.
What Are the Things to Do in Sillery Gaon?
Sillery is a place where there are no defined 6 or 8 point sightseeing plans. After a vehicle, preferably with higher ground clearance, brings you here, technically off-roading the last five or so kilometers from the blacktop road through a narrow and bumpy gravel path, you are more or less dependent on your legs to do the exploring.
Honestly, I would not have had it any other way. Strolling on the mountain paths for about 40 minutes from the village center, and as often is the case a gentle Himalayan dog would give the uncalled company, one would reach Ramitey Dara (Dara in Nepali means a place with a view).
Ramitey View Point
Also known as Ramitey View Point, it sits right at the edge of a cliff, strategically positioned to give a bird’s eye view of Kanchenjunga, which appears even closer from here. But that is not all.
The view of the meandering Teesta River over a vast course, with 14 bends and its confluence with river Reshi across which lies the state of Sikkim, is something you will not forget in a hurry. If you witness this while the sun is setting for the day, its soft fiery hues bouncing on the thin serpentine water stream below and at the same time on the snowy massifs of Himalayan peaks higher in your frame of vision, you will be humbled beyond description.
At unreal moments and places like this, I feel our soul heals itself from the wounds of reality.
Tinchuley Top
Tinchuley Top is another viewpoint, presenting an almost 360-degree striking view of Kanchenjunga and other peaks for someone willing to slog a relatively steep 30-minute hike from Sillery. On a cloudless day, one can see as far as the Jelep La and also the well-known Nathu La. Pro Tip: Carry a pair of binoculars.
Damsang Fort
Another interesting place is Damsang Fort, about 3 kilometers away from Sillery. An average trekker would cover this distance in about an hour. Built in the late 17th century (around 1690) by a Lepcha King named Gyabo Achyok as a deterrent against the invasive Bhutias, the fort saw many hands over the centuries. The Bhutias did capture it, and subsequently, so did the British. Sadly, wars and earthquakes later, today only ruins of the fort remain. If you continue a bit further uphill from the fort, you will reach Hanuman Top which offers an excellent bird’s eye view of Kalimpong town and the surrounding areas.
Silent Valley
At a similar distance, Silent Valley is also reachable on foot from Sillery, though vehicles do ply to the place now. An uninhabited lush rolling meadow surrounded by pine trees. The name must have come from the sense of seclusion one would feel here, just lying and rolling for some time on the clean green natural carpet of grass.
Only the chirping of birds and the sound of the breeze rambling through the pine leaves will reach your ears if you are alone at the place. It is considered one of the best sunset points in this region.
Other Scenic Points
Just on the opposite mountain from Sillery is the state of Sikkim. On a clear night, beside the zillion sparkling stars gleaming from the cosmos above, the city of Gangtok can be spotted like a concentration of fireflies embedded atop a black mountain.
You can also see the Pakyong Airport from certain vantage points, and I would imagine it would be wonderful to see airplanes landing and taking off from there.
About Icchey Village or Icchey Gaon
Icchey lies just across a forested ridge on an opposite slope from Sillery. A natural and scenic trek of about an hour through a narrow forest path would land you there. The trek follows the same way towards Ramitey initially, then cuts left upwards.
At places, the forest is quite dense. A small kid, some relative of Dilip Ji, was showing me the way. The trail reaches the top of the ridge from where Icchey can be spotted down below. It looks charming from up there. A brisk tread downhill will get you to Khawas Homestay. D K Khawas is the owner of the place.
How to Reach Icchey from Sillery
There is an alternate way to reach Icchey by vehicle as well, but I will recommend the trek for anyone who is relatively fit. Alternatively, one can exit Sillery through the same gravel road, hit the Pedong-Reshi road, take a right from there to go past Alagarh, and then take a right on Bhalu Marg.
Another right after about half a kilometer into Bhalu Marg, the winding road would leave you at the start of the village. From here, a short walk up the landscaped cement footpath would take you inward. There are more than ten homestays in Icchey now.
Khawas Homestay
Khawas Homestay lies on the upper fringes. The distance by road between the two villages is about 15 kilometers. The better option is to reach Sillery by car, trek across to Icchey, and leave by road from there.
With a glass of hot chai and freshly fried pakoras at hand, sitting on the pink and blue homestay verandah with my feet up on the wooden railing, I heard the magical sound of the clouds. It started raining shortly afterward, which turned the myriad of colors around a shade deeper.
Inhabited by about 30 families, this village presents the Kanchenjunga from a different angle. The view is particularly majestic during sunsets. Though the expanse of the panorama is not as vast as the one from Sillery, Icchey has its own charm.
Nature in Icchey
Probably the cleanest mountain village I have ever been to. The narrow winding cemented pathways dotted on the side by a riot of carefully manicured colorful orchids, rhododendrons, and other flowers. The brightly shaded huts, most of which are wooden. Small fenced fields, fluttering butterflies and calling roosters, the cute smiling kids, and endless greenery. Icchey is almost too spectacular to be true.
Have you ever heard the sound of the clouds? Come to Icchey if you have not. If it is your lucky day, suddenly in the afternoon, out of nowhere, a mass of white mist will come crawling up the gradient, making an audible buzz. It would cloak the surrounding with a wintry veil of mystery.
Where Are Sillery and Icchey Located?
Sillery and Icchey are located in the Kalimpong district of the state of West Bengal. Both villages sit at approximately 6,000 feet (about 1,829 meters) above sea level. The aerial distance between the two would be roughly 3 kilometers. However, the distance by road is around 15 kilometers.
Kalimpong, a bustling little hill town, is 25 kilometers away from Sillery. On the road connecting Kalimpong and Pedong, one has to take the gravel road left, just after a place called Beesh Mile (20 Mile) for Sillery. It is 4.5 kilometers from this point.
If someone is visiting Icchey first, take Bhalu Marg cutting left from Rishi Road, which connects Kalimpong and Alagarh. Google Maps works well for these parts. Siliguri, which is the nearest major city, is about 70 kilometers from Kalimpong.
The nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is connected on the railway map from almost all major cities of the country. Bagdogra (IXB), with daily flights from Kolkata and Delhi, is the nearest airport. Both Bagdogra and New Jalpaiguri are at Siliguri itself.
How to Reach Sillery and Icchey Villages?
Hired cars for Sillery or Icchey are available on pre-paid counters at both New Jalpaiguri and Bagdogra. The tentative fare for a vehicle like Bolero or Sumo from NJP/Bagdogra to Sillery is around Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,500 (as of 2026, verify locally for current rates). The journey takes about 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
For public transport, shared vehicles are readily available for Kalimpong outside NJP. The shared taxi fare from NJP to Kalimpong is approximately Rs 250 to 350 per person. From Kalimpong, shared cars are available for Pedong. Get off at Beesh Mile for Sillery, and at the junction of Bhalu Marg for Icchey.
Ask your homestay owner to pick you up from these points, or even better from Kalimpong itself. One can hire a car to Sillery or Icchey from Kalimpong as well. If someone wishes to drive or ride, self-drive rental options are available from Siliguri.
The NH10 connects Siliguri to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. For Kalimpong, one has to deviate right onto Rishi Road shortly after crossing the Teesta Bridge.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Sillery and Icchey?
Sillery and Icchey can be visited all around the year, but the ideal time would be between mid-October to mid-May. The monsoons bring torrential rains to these parts, and there is a risk of leeches and snakes due to the villages being inside forests.
The places are perfect to beat the summer heat. In winters, though it can get quite chilly, the views of Kanchenjunga are more apparent since the sky tends to stay clearer. The spring months of March and April, when the rhododendrons and orchids bloom and the migratory birds sing, are the most cheerful time to be here.
Keep in mind that there is generally a tourist rush during the Bengali festival of Durga Puja, during which getting accommodation can be difficult. Book well in advance if your dates fall around that period.
Where to Stay and Eat at Sillery and Icchey Villages?
Homestays are the primary option for stay and food in both villages. In recent years, some two-story buildings claiming to be resorts or retreats have come up in Sillery, but the core experience remains that of a homestay. Accommodation rates typically range from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500 per person per night including all meals, depending on the season, size of the group, and the specific property. During peak season (October to December, around Durga Puja), prices tend to be on the higher side.
Sillery Accommodation Options
- Nirmala Village Retreat: 9635005318, 9933922859, contact@sillerynirmalavillageresort.com
- The Sillery Sojourn: 9903295920, 8902491395, 033 24191976, info@thesillerysojourn.com
- Sillery Gaon Retreat: 9830355223, 9874494503, 9051801020
Icchey Accommodation Options
- Khawas Home Stay: 73638 40320
- Tashi Home Stay: 98007 47077
All these homestays offer basic accommodation and home-cooked food for all meals. There are no restaurants as such apart from an odd tea-shop maybe. My experience with food was excellent in Sillery and quite decent at Icchey. Do not rely on a response to email. Call them directly to book.
What About ATMs, Petrol Pumps, and Medical Facilities?
Kalimpong, 25 kilometers away, is the district headquarters and has all the facilities of a small city. Petrol pumps, a district hospital, and ATMs of almost all major banks are available there.
Sillery and Icchey being interior villages have minimal facilities or even proper shops for that matter. One has to pass through Kalimpong to reach these places anyway, unless coming down from Sikkim.
It is better to stock up on cash and other supplies from Kalimpong itself. Snacks, ready-to-eat food items, and bottled water (available at the homestays at a premium) should be picked up before you head to the villages. All major mobile networks work for calls and SMS in both Sillery and Icchey, though data connectivity can be patchy.
How Many Days Do You Need for Sillery and Icchey?
A minimum of two nights for Sillery and one night for Icchey is essential to do any justice to these places. One can stay longer, of course, depending on their travel pattern and other constraints.
These places are relatively close to a lot of other destinations like Kalimpong, Lava-Loleygaon, Pedong, Reshikhola, Aritar, and more. One can add some of these places with Sillery and Icchey to make a week-long itinerary. Even the entire Silk Route in Sikkim or other places like Gangtok, Darjeeling, and Pelling can be clubbed together as per preference and convenience.
If you are planning treks around these villages, check out our guide on 12 Must-Have Things to Carry on Hiking or Trekking Trips
What Is the Best Itinerary for Sillery and Icchey?
Let us look at the most common 4-day itinerary for a Sillery and Icchey village trip.
Day 1: Arrive at NJP / Bagdogra / Siliguri and Transfer to Sillery via Kalimpong
It will take around 4 hours. If arriving at NJP, Bagdogra, or Siliguri after 4 PM, it is not advisable to travel up the mountains the same day, though many do it. If you reach Sillery by afternoon, walk up to Ramitey for the sunset. Carry a flashlight or torch for the return.
Day 2: Spend the Day Exploring Sillery
You can watch the sunrise from the homestay or trek up to Ramitey Dara. Then hike up to Tinchuley Top (slightly difficult), Damsang Fort and Hanuman Top (moderate), and Silent Valley (easy).
Go for them depending on personal considerations of fitness. Ramitey Dara is a straight path to and fro and requires no guide. For the other places too, one can just ask the locals for directions and hike up.
Alternatively, you can ask your homestay folks to get someone to tag along. Silent Valley can be covered by a car as well but is too near to hire a vehicle dedicated to this place alone.
Or if not in the mood for hiking, hire a car for the day and cover Silent Valley along with Pedong or Kalimpong. There is an option of paragliding at Delo Hill, Kalimpong.
Day 3: Sillery to Icchey
After breakfast, checkout from Sillery and either trek up and across to Icchey or hire a car for the same. Walk around the village leisurely chatting with the friendly locals after having settled in at your homestay. If it is a clear day, enjoy the sunset right from your cottage.
Day 4: Icchey to Bagdogra / NJP
Checkout from Icchey depending on your plan forward. If leaving for home, it takes the same 3 to 4 hours till Bagdogra or NJP, so plan accordingly.
How Much Does a Trip to Sillery and Icchey Cost?
Here is a rough budget breakdown for a 4-day trip to Sillery and Icchey from NJP/Bagdogra (as of 2026):
- Transport (NJP/Bagdogra to Sillery, round trip): Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000 by private taxi, or Rs 500 to Rs 700 per person by shared transport
- Homestay (3 nights, all meals included): Rs 3,000 to Rs 7,500 per person (Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500 per night depending on the property and season)
- Local transport and tips: Rs 500 to Rs 1,000
- Total budget per person: Approximately Rs 4,000 to Rs 9,000 (excluding train/flight to NJP/Bagdogra)
These are indicative numbers. Keep in mind that prices tend to be slightly higher during the peak months of October to December and during Durga Puja season. Always confirm the rates directly with your homestay before booking.
Practical Tips for Visiting Sillery and Icchey
- Carry cash. There are no ATMs in either village. The nearest ATMs are in Kalimpong, 25 km away.
- Carry a refillable water bottle. Help reduce plastic waste in these remote villages.
- Wear good walking shoes. The terrain is uneven, and most sightseeing involves walking or trekking on forest paths.
- Carry a torch/flashlight. Electricity can be erratic, and you will need one for evening walks, especially to Ramitey.
- Book homestays in advance during Durga Puja and the October-December peak season.
- Stock up on essentials from Kalimpong before heading to the villages. Snacks, medicines, personal items.
- Mobile networks work for calls and SMS. Data connectivity can be inconsistent. BSNL tends to have the best coverage in these parts.
- A vehicle with higher ground clearance is recommended for the last 5 km stretch to Sillery. Sedans can manage if the driver is experienced but it is not ideal.
Conclusion
If you are looking to escape the crowd, spend some days amidst tranquility, or want to beat the heat of the plains, or finish writing that book or that song, or just gaze at the awe-inspiring Kanchenjunga sitting with a cuppa in your hand, or to simply find your soul lost in nature, be here once.
Forget the monotony, the routine, the alarms, and reminders, for a few days and just laze around with revivifying Mother Nature.
If you are looking for more offbeat Himalayan destinations, you might also enjoy our guides on Sandakphu, Zuluk in Sikkim, and North Sikkim. For tips on traveling responsibly in the mountains, do check our guide on responsible travel in the Himalayas.
Do you still have any questions or need any help in planning your trip to Sillery and Icchey? If yes, please feel free to post them in the comments section below.
You can also connect with many travel enthusiasts in our DwD Community and discuss your upcoming travel plans for Sillery, Icchey, and the rest of the North Bengal Himalayas 🙂
If you liked this article, please feel free to share it with anyone who is planning a trip to these beautiful villages of Kalimpong.
Last Updated: April 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sillery Gaon safe for solo travelers?
Yes, Sillery Gaon is very safe for solo travelers, including women. The villagers are friendly, and the area has very low crime. Since these are small communities, the homestay owners tend to look after their guests well. However, carry a torch for evening walks and inform your host before heading out on treks.
Can I visit Sillery and Icchey in monsoon?
While the villages are accessible during monsoon (June to September), it is not the ideal time. Heavy rainfall makes the gravel roads slippery and there is a risk of leeches in the forest trails. Visibility is often poor due to continuous cloud cover, which means Kanchenjunga views are rare. If you do visit, carry rain gear and leech socks.
Is there mobile network at Sillery and Icchey?
Yes, most major mobile networks work for calls and SMS. Data connectivity can be inconsistent. BSNL tends to have the most reliable coverage. Do not expect uninterrupted 4G data. Inform your contacts before you head out that you may be unreachable for stretches.
How far is Sillery Gaon from Darjeeling?
Sillery Gaon is approximately 55 to 60 km from Darjeeling by road. The journey takes about 3 to 3.5 hours depending on road conditions. You would need to come via Teesta Bridge and Kalimpong. Many travelers club Darjeeling and Sillery-Icchey into a single trip.
Can I trek from Sillery to Icchey?
Yes, and I highly recommend it. The trek takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour through a beautiful pine forest. The trail goes via the ridge between the two villages. It is a moderate trek and does not require a guide, though having a local show you the way the first time is helpful. The aerial distance is only about 3 km.
What is the nearest ATM to Sillery Gaon?
The nearest ATMs are in Kalimpong town, which is about 25 km from Sillery. There are no ATMs in either village or on the route from Kalimpong to the villages. Always withdraw sufficient cash in Kalimpong or Siliguri before heading to Sillery or Icchey.
Do I need any permits to visit Sillery and Icchey?
No, Indian nationals do not need any special permits to visit Sillery Gaon or Icchey Gaon. These villages are in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal and are freely accessible. However, if you plan to extend your trip into Sikkim (which is just across the border), you will need an Inner Line Permit for certain areas of Sikkim.
2 Comments
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I’ve visited Sillery and Ichhey Gaon last month. Yours is a fabulous read. Loved that you enjoyed your trip as well.
Thank you, glad you loved the write up by Sunrit.