Dhotrey – A Scenic Hamlet on the Way to Sandakphu

Dhotrey, Darjeeling

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What to expect in Dhotrey?

This is a sleepy settlement with its pristine beauty and is a great option for a weekend getaway to an offbeat location. Dhotrey is located within the buffer zone of the popular Singalila National Park of the Darjeeling district and belongs to the Eastern part of the Himalayas. The popularity of this village increased with the increasing number of trekkers to Tonglu, Phalut and Sandakphu trek.

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Best Time to visit Dhotrey

Dhotrey is a fantastic destination which is open for visits throughout the year. However, there’s still a certain time of the year which is considered ideal or best for tourists. So, if we go by this, then October to December is considered the best time to visit Dhotrey, as, during this period, you can completely take delight in going and experience hiking with a clear azure blue sky in the backdrop. The marvellous site of the Sleeping Buddha is simply magical! Along with the sunrise and sunset views. One might also love to experience the exquisite site of vibrant rhododendrons, magnolia and spruce blossoms, which are visible between March and early April when the region gets covered in the alluring floral fragrance.

Weather and Temperature of Dhotrey (Season-wise)

Dhotrey is an ideal getaway place for most tourists because of its pleasant weather around the year. Here is a clear seasonal breakdown for you about the weather conditions and temperature in Dhotrey to help you plan your trip to Dhotrey, better!

Summer (March to June) The summer season is pretty pleasant in Dhotrey, with clear views that are ideal for sightseeing. The daytime temperature with slightly warmer temperature fluctuates between 10 and 20℃, while at night, it drops to nearly 8 to 12℃. Overall, the weather remains quite comfortable, and the cool mountain breeze is perfect for outdoor activities and exploration.

Monsoon (July to September) This season usually remains misty and wet, with frequent heavy rainfall transforming Dhotrey into a green paradise, with cascading waterfalls. The daytime temperature is usually between 15 and 20℃, while at night, it drops to nearly 8℃. Heavy rainfall makes the roads slippery.

Autumn (October to November) Autumn makes Dhotrey look amazing, with golden foliage, blue skies and clean waterfalls. It is one of the perfect seasons for tourists, offering clear mountain views and crisp, cool air that brushes against their skin. The daytime temperature hovers around 15 and 20℃, while at night, it typically falls between 8 and 12℃. This season is ideal for trekking/hiking and photography.

Winter (December to February) In this season, you can experience occasional snowfall at those locations in higher altitudes, with chilly air, both during the day and at night. The daytime temperature ranges between 5 to 10℃, while the nighttime temperature drops to as low as 0℃. It is essential to pack heavy woollen clothes if planning a trip to Dhotrey in the winter. This season is great to experience the serenity of the Himalayas and a cosy bonfire.

Geography and Natural Beauty

Dhotrey is one of the best destinations to plan for a weekend hiking trip. This is also an offbeat location amidst the popular and scintillatingly beautiful Singalila National Park, which is best known for catching glimpses of the Sleeping Buddha and you can also stay close to nature. Also, you can expect the scenic beauty of the landscapes, the old-day charm of the wooden houses, warm hospitality of the locals, besides the tranquillity of nature with the chirping of the birds, splendid views of the mountains and cultural insights with architectural geniuses of the local monastery. Dhotrey is indeed an unforgettable journey amidst nature’s unparalleled exquisite beauty.

What to See and Do in Dhotrey?

Dhotrey is a great place to become your next favourite tourist destination for a small and refreshing getaway, especially for souls longing for treks. With its untouched beauty, here is what you can see and do when in this tiny Himalayan village, Dhotrey, with a postcard view of the scenery. Check the list here!

Experience the local village life The village is linked with homes that constitute the Lepcha and Nepalis. The life in these parts has a slow approach that involves tranquillity. These communities also have a rich culture that is also evident through the local handicrafts and cuisines.

Enjoying the Rhododendron Trails The period between March to May provides the exquisite Rhododendron flowers that line the shrubbery and thickets as it goes on to alleviate the experience of the travellers in these parts.

Exploring Singhalila National Park The Sighalilla National Park is easily approachable on foot. Interested travellers can stroll through the National Park as a part of the 6-7 km trek that captivates visitors with its diverse presence of Flora and Fauna.

Visiting Tonglu and Tumling A short trek from the nearby village homes from Dhotrey would help find a traveller in Tonglu and they might reach Tumling after walking a while. These regions on a clear day can provide breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga Sleeping Budha range.

Nearby Attractions and Places to Visit in Dhotrey

You can experience some of the most stunning and hidden gems while exploring Dhotrey, which is surrounded by fabulous pine forests and mountains. Check out these nearby attractions and places, which are worthwhile to spend an amazing vacation!

Singalila National Park While exploring Singalila National Park, you can spot a wide variety of species. It is also considered a paradise for bird watchers. This park is home to red pandas and is considered a biodiversity treasure for tourists.

Tumling Tumling is a small yet wonderful hamlet on the Indo-Nepal border, which is popular among tourists for the breathtaking panoramic views of the mountain peaks, capped with snow.

Tonglu This is a quaint hamlet located very close to Dhotrey, which offers tourists surreal views of the mountains and pine forests and the majestic Kanchenjunga range. This place is perfect for photographers to capture sunrise and sunset views.

Chitrey Monastery Buddhist monastery that puts forth spellbinding shows commemorating the Buddha Purnima. The monastery has a heritage of being established by the sect of Maitrayee Buddha.

Lepchajagat This place is wrapped in quietness and dense rhododendron forests, with scintillating views of snow-dusted Kanchenjunga. This hamlet is a great travel option for solitude seekers for its serene escape and misty trails.

Dawaipani This is a tranquil village located near Darjeeling and is popular only among a few tourists so far for the organic homestays, scintillating mountain vistas and freshness in the forest air. You can connect with nature, at its best.

Local Cuisine and Cultural Experiences

You are sure to be served with simple local dishes, yet they are surprisingly delicious and packed with authentic hill flavours! You will not regret trying them out when in Dhotey. The piping hot Momo, steamy hot Thukpa and Sel Roti, besides the staple food Dal-Bhaat and brewing butter tea are just delicious. These are a perfect food to enjoy and relish in the chilly evenings. You cannot miss out on tasting Gundruk and Sinki which is often offered as a side dish and is full of unique flavours of the fermented leafy vegetables. These are their comfort food which are all infused with the authenticity of the flavours of the hill. These hill cuisines will remain a memorable moment in your culinary experience.

Dive into the rich local traditions and culture and the amazing local way of life when in Dhotrey. Get to know the stories of the mountains, traditions and culture by diving into these experiences. Check these cultural experiences here!

Stay with the local families While getting a complete experience of the overall place interacting with the local lecha and Nepali families is a guaranteed way to improve the quality of stay that one experiences.

Traditional Music and dance The traditional festivities and dance are a delight to be experienced by the travellers. During seasons the fun and frolic are high among the community with traditional Nepali dances like Maruni or Tamang Selo.

Taking part in local traditions Even the visitors can put on the local traditional wear and partake in the festivities that are welcomed by the locals. The visitors can learn regarding the culture and daily in the local communities whilst tending to handicrafts.

Learning to cook local dishes The homestays around these places are focused towards providing an authentic dining experience and the hosts are often gracious in providing an insight into their farm-to-table mentality in the food being prepared. The visitors to can help in the preparation of some of these dishes such as momo and thupka.

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Accommodations

You can get a range of accommodation facilities in Dhotrey, but be careful to book them well in advance to ensure you get standard and hassle-free accommodations, especially during the peak seasons. Check out these options here, for a tension-free booking. Accommodation options in Dhotrey range from Private accommodations like Tumsong Tea Resort with superior amenities. You also have other options like Bara Hatta Homestay. You also have the option of staying in guesthouses, which however have basic amenities. However, you can experience the rustic charm of village life while staying in these guesthouses in Dhotrey. However, it is important to pre-book accommodations to avoid any unforeseen situations, especially during the peak seasons!

Homestays in Dhotrey

The homestays of Dhotrey offer utmost comfort and home-like feeling along with an immersive cultural experience. These accomodations are warm, scenic and simple by nature. You can enjoy the breathtaking sunrise view rising above the Mt. Kanchenjunga from the wooden rooms of your homestays where you will be offered cosy vibes and delicious home- cooked meals. Some of the best homestays of Dhotrey include- Kanchen View Homestay, Sherpa Eco Homestay, Himalayan Roots Homestay, Dhotrey Retreat Homestay and Peaceful Pines Homestay.

Where is Dhotrey located?

Dhotrey is a quaint and scenic hamlet located closer to Darjeeling and in the buffer zone of Singalila National Park, within the Darjeeling district. This scenic hamlet is situated at an altitude of 8550 ft, is just about 44 km from Darjeeling, and is surrounded by beautiful pine forests, with an amazing view of the panoramic Himalayan range. This hamlet is a great option for tourists looking to experience a hidden gem, with lesser crowd. This is also a great place to start your trekking expeditions. Do give it a try!

How to Reach Dhotrey?

After reaching Siliguri via flight, train, or road across India, you can opt for either of the three ways to reach Dhotrey.

By Air: The nearest airport to Dhotrey is Bagdogra Airport about 101 km away. It takes approximately 3 hr 30 mins hours to reach this quaint village near Darjeeling via Matigara-Kurseong Rd, depending on the road conditions. Bagdogra is well-connected by flight to almost all major cities.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Dhotrey is New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP), which is about 105 km away. It takes about 4 hours to reach the destination via Matigara-Kurseong Rd. NJP is a major railway station hub that is very well-connected to almost all rail stations. After reaching NJP, you can either hire a vehicle or take a shared cab to Dhotrey.

By Road:

From Siliguri-the distance covered to Dhotrey is about 94 km which takes approx. 3 and half hours to reach the destination, via NH 110 and Matigara-Kurseong Rd. You can reserve a cab or get on a shared vehicle from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus in Siliguri. The distance between Darjeeling and Dhotrey is just 44 km, and a shared or reserved cab takes about 1 hour and 50 mins to travel via Rishi Rd. Taxis/cabs through Rishi Rd are readily available from Chowk Bazaar. You will reach Dhotrey via Rohini, Kurseong, Ghoom, Sukhia Pokhri and Manebhanjan.

Siliguri to Dhotrey Car Services

Your planned travel from Siliguri to Dhotrey can be made smooth and hassle-free with reliable car/cab services, while you enjoy your trip, gazing at the scenic beauty of the passing-by places. You can get shared vehicles or private taxis which are readily available from Siliguri Junction. The distance between Siliguri and Dhotrey is approx. 94 km, which can be covered within 3 and half hours, depending on the road condition and traffic and taking a short break in between. The entire route is picturesque, through Rohini, Kurseong, Ghoom and Manebhanjan, which passes through scenic views of the manicured tea gardens and snow-dusted mountain landscapes.

Some Pro Travel Tips for Dhotrey

    ↠Pack all your essentials like warm clothes, trekking gear, first-aid kit, personal medications, water bottles, snacks.
    ↠Properly acclimate to avoid altitude sickness.
    ↠Carry portable chargers and camera equipment.

Conclusion

Dhotrey is an amazing village with magnificent scenic beauty, with its peaceful pause, away from city life. Whether you want to experience trekking, or, soak in the beauty of the mountains or sip the brewing tea, this hidden little gem in the Himalayas will soothe your soul. So, get ready to explore Dhotrey with us!

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