Chatakpur Trek

Chatakpur Trek: Forest Walks Inside Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary

About Chatakpur

Chatakpur is a quiet forest village tucked into a ridge inside the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, about 7,800 ft above sea level. With just 20 households and around 90 villagers, it is one of the most peaceful hamlets near Darjeeling—known for its stillness, pine-scented air, and wide views of the Kangchenjunga range.

Travellers visit Chatakpur for:

 

  • Himalayan sunrise and sunset viewpoints

  • Dense old-growth forest trails

  • Wildlife sightings

  • Traditional village life

  • Quiet photography-friendly landscapes

It is now one of the finest day-trek destinations easily accessible from Darjeeling.

Practical Information

Duration

Several routes are available, and most walks take 2 to 4 hours.
You can comfortably stay in Darjeeling and visit Chatakpur as a half-day trekking activity.

Best Time to Visit

Chatakpur treks are ideal throughout the year, except during the monsoon months of July to September, when the forest becomes slippery and is often closed to visitors.

Permissions & Forest Regulations

All trekking routes around Chatakpur lie inside Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary.
This means:

  • Forest Department permission is mandatory

  • Rules may change seasonally

  • Some trails may be temporarily closed

  • Unguided entry without permission is illegal

We strongly recommend contacting us before planning your trek. We will check the latest forest regulations and arrange the required permits, guide, and logistics.

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Trekking Routes Around Chatakpur

1. Bagora – Chatakpur Trail

A quiet ridge walk connecting Bagora and Chatakpur.
Key notes:

  • Follows an old motorable road, though hardly used

  • Mostly gentle gradients except the last 2 km

  • Dense forests throughout the route

  • Wildlife sightings are common

  • Excellent for travellers seeking a calm, undisturbed trail

This trek is suitable for beginners and families.

2. Mungpoo – Chatakpur Trail

A beautiful forest walk starting just above Mungpoo, the village known for:

  • Cinchona plantations

  • Rabindranath Tagore’s visits

The trail begins at Surel (or Suirel), where an old British bungalow once stood—the place where Tagore stayed during his first visit.
The bungalow no longer exists, but the route remains one of the most atmospheric forest trails in the region.

Highlights:

  • Around 4 hours of walking

  • Dense forests rich in Himalayan flora

  • Ends at the Chatakpur village pond, considered sacred by locals

  • Ideal for travellers interested in nature, history, and culture

3. Tiger Hill – Chatakpur Trail

One of the most rewarding forest walks inside Senchal Sanctuary.

  • Distance: ~8 km

  • Duration: About 4 hours one way

  • Terrain: Continuous forest path

  • Experience: Quiet, immersive, ideal for photographers and birdwatchers

Birdlife

Possible sightings include:
Blue Magpie, Rufous Sibia, Black Redstart, Verditer Flycatcher, Himalayan Bulbul, Pipit, Long-tailed Shrike, several species of Warblers and Prinias.

Wildlife

The sanctuary is home to:
Barking deer, wild boar, Himalayan black bear, Indian leopard, rhesus macaque, Assam macaque, jungle cat, antelopes, and the Himalayan flying squirrel.

The Grand Finale

The trek culminates at Tiger Hill, one of the most famous viewpoints of Darjeeling.
On a clear morning, the panorama includes:

  • Kanchenjunga range

  • Mount Everest

  • A sweeping line of snow peaks across Nepal and Sikkim

Plan Your Chatakpur Trek with NBTT

NBTT Travel Solution Private Limited (NBTT / NBTT Travels) is a 20-year-old, Ministry of Tourism–approved tour operator based in the region.
We handle:

  • Forest permissions

  • Local guides

  • Trek arrangements

  • Transport

  • Day-tour organisation from Darjeeling

To plan your trek, fill the form below or call us at +91 9733300696.