From Forest Trails to Cloudy Tales – Lava’s Wild Side Awaits

Lava Diaries

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What To Expect at Lava

Explore the serene trails of mystic Himalayas in the peaceful ambience of Lava amidst a fluffy, cloudy, pine-covered landscape. It is an ideal getaway for solitude seekers, bird lovers and nature enthusiasts.

You can take a peaceful escape into the lap of the serene Himalayas at Lava, encompassed by refreshing mountain air, panoramic views, breathtaking mountains and lush pine forests. It is a paradise for tranquil seekers, trekkers and bird lovers. You can expect spiritual charm, Himalayan beauty and a nature escape from Lava.

Best Darjeeling Tour Packages

We present to you with our exclusive and wide range of Darjeeling tour packages which will ensure to offer you a comprehensive experience of this hill station, curled up in the arms of the majestic Himalayas. Our packages typically include a wide range of activities, starting from visiting iconic attractions like Tiger Hill, Tea Gardens, Peace Pagoda or the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, which will cater to all families, adventure lovers and honeymooners, alike.

2 Days 1 Night
(4.7) 415
Romantic Escapes: Darjeeling & Sikkim Weekend Getaway
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2 Days 1 Night
(4.7) 415
Weekend Bliss: Darjeeling & Lamahatta Getaway
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2 Days 1 Night
(4.7) 415
Mystic Blessings: Eastern Himalayas Pilgrimage Tour
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2 Days 1 Night
(4.7) 415
Wildlife Escape: Darjeeling & Sikkim
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2 Days 1 Night
(4.7) 415
Sacred Himalayas: Darjeeling & Sikkim Pilgrimage Tour
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9 Days 8 Nights
(4.7) 415
Wild Himalayas: Darjeeling & Sikkim Wildlife Tour
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Best Time to Visit Lava

Lava remains stunning all year round and you can visit this beautiful destination in any season. However, an anticipated trip to Lava is recommended between October- May. The clear skies and cool weather create a perfect ambience for sunrise viewing, birdwatching and nature walks. The perfect weather also creates an opportunity to enjoy nature photography and sightseeing of the surrounding landscape, surrounded by colourful foliage. A risk of landslide during the monsoon season cannot be ignore, thus travelling with caution is always recommended.

Weather and Temperature of Lava (Season-wise)

Lava experiences a misty, cool climate all year round. Below is a season-wise breakdown of Lava-

Summer (May to June) remains breezy and mild with the temperature ranging between 12°C to 20°C creating an opportunity to escape from the heat of the plains. It is an ideal time to enjoy mountain stays and short treks on the forest trails.

Monsoon (July to September) experiences dense fog and frequent rains, making the surroundings appear green and vibrant. The temperature lies between 15°C to 18 °c, and it is an ideal time to enjoy serene stays away from the crowd; however, you must stay cautious of the slippery roads.

Autumn (October to November) offers crisp air and clear skies, turning the foliage golden-hued. The temperature ranges between 8°C to 15°C during this time, offering the best opportunity to capture the stunning beauty of the Kanchenjunga range and surrounding valleys.

Winter (December to February) remains dry and cool with occasional frost. The temperature ranges between 2°C to 10°C during this season, creating a perfect ambience to enjoy cosy stays around the bonfire and stargazing.

Geography and Natural Beauty

Lava is an undisturbed Eastern Himalayan town of Kalimpong, West Bengal, situated at a height of around 7,200 feet above sea level. Encircled by thick forests of Rhododendron, Fir and Pine, where you can enjoy a refreshing mountainous climate throughout the year. It is the gateway to the biodiversity hotspot, Neaory Valley National Park. Lava is rich in natural beauty and is a perfect destination for trekkers, bird lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Attractions and Activities

Attractions

Lava Monastery- This stunning Tibetan Buddhist Monastery is also known as Jamgyong Kongtrul Monastery, surrounded by stunning views, spinning prayer wheels and colourful prayer flags. It is an ideal place to enjoy a peaceful retreat and a serene meditation session.

Neora Valley National Park- The base of this eco-diversity hotspot is Lava, where you can spot some rare bird species, lush forest trails and exotic red pandas. You will require a guide and a permit to enter this national park.

Changey Waterfall- It is an isolated, serene waterfall encompassed by lush forest. It is an ideal spot to enjoy nature photography, picnics and short treks.

Nature Interpretation Center- It is a quaint museum situated in Lava presenting the environmental richness, flora and fauna of the Neora Valley.

Activities

Trekking and Forest Walks- You can explore the scenic trails of the Neora Valley with the help of a guide where you can enjoy bird watching, waterfalls and charming viewpoints.

Birdwatching- Lava is heaven for bird lovers where you can spot some of the rare exotic species such as flycatchers, satyr tragopans, sunbirds etc.

Photography- You can capture the charming beauty of the majestic Kanchenjunga, the golden Himalayan sunrise, breathtaking monasteries and mystic forest trails at different viewpoints of Lava through your lenses.

Camping and Stargazing- You can spend some serene time camping at the mystic forest trails of Lava and create memories under the starlit skies near a warm bonfire.

Nearby Attractions and places to visit on Lava:

Kolakham Village- This quaint hamlet is situated at a distance of 10 km from Lava and is in proximity to the Neora Valley. You can enjoy the raw charm of the Himalayas and enjoy short treks by staying at the serene eco-cottages present here.

Tiffin Dara Viewpoint- This viewpoint is situated at a distance of 12 km from Lava which you can reach by travelling via Rishop. It is an ideal spot to enjoy the charming Kanchenjunga view and go on short scenic trails.

Rishop Village- It is a quaint hamlet situated at a distance of 5-6 km from Lava and presents the best view of charming forest trails and magical Himalayas to its spectators. It is an ideal spot to enjoy offbeat stays, stargazing and nature walks.

Loleygaon- The distance between Lava and Loleygaon is about 25-28 km. It is an ideal spot to enjoy a short day trip from Lava where you can explore Jhandi Dara Viewpoint, heritage forests and hanging canopy bridge.

Local Cuisine and Cultural Experiences

You can experience an appealing taste of the Eastern Himalayan flavours in the local cuisine of Lava, which is influenced deeply by the Bengali, Lepcha, Tibetan, and Nepali traditions. The dishes here are soul-warming and simple, which are best enjoyed in the cool weather of the mountains. Some of the recommended dishes to try in Lava include- Dal Bhat Tarkari, Thukpa, Momo, Churpi with Spinach or Bamboo Shoots, Aloo Dum & Sel Roti and Suja.

Exploring the Lava Monastery- You can get a basic idea about the spiritual influence prevailing in Lava by visiting this spiritually encouraging space and get the opportunity to witness praying monks, prayer wheels and colourful prayer flags. By participating in the prayer rituals of the monks labelled with mantra chants, incense, and gongs, you can enjoy a calming experience. You can also enjoy a sweeping view of the golden sunset and sunrise from this monastery.

Enjoying the Local Cuisine- You can relish delectable home-cooked meals prepared by the locals such as thukpa, aloo-dam, churpi and dal bhat and interact with them to learn about their stories with a warm cup of refreshing tea.

Learning the Traditional Farming Practices and Local Crafts- You can ask the kind villagers to teach you about their traditional way of organic farming techniques, knitting and weaving and witness the simple lifestyle of the mountains and traditional skills.

Experiencing Seasonal Festivals and Folklore- You can plan your visit at the time of local festivals such as Losar and get the opportunity to witness the vibrant music and dances of the locals and get to listen to the folklores from the locals that have been passing between them for generations.

More Places To Visit Near Lava

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Singtam: The Riverside Heart of East Sikkim

Discover the Heart of East Sikkim – Singtam
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Rangpo: Gateway to Sikkim, Where Rivers Meet Hills

Rangpo: Where Sikkim Begins
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Bunkulung: The Riverside Retreat of North Bengal’s Hills

Bunkulung: Darjeeling’s Untouched Valley of Tea and Tranquility
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Varsey: A Symphony of Rhododendron Blossoms

In the Heart of Bloom – Discover the Magic of Varsey
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Charkhole: Whispers of the Mystic Pines

Escape to Charkhole – Kalimpong’s Whispering Wonder
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Lolegaon: A Dreamscape Wrapped in Mist

Unplug in the Misty Meadows of Lolegaon
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Accommodations

There are several scenic, cosy stays in Lava ranging from eco-resorts, budget-friendly lodges and rustic homestays. The comfortable, clean rooms offer the best view of Mount Kanchenjunga. The homestays here offer delicious home-cooked meals and warm hospitality. You must carry an extra power bank as there can be occasional power shortages. Some of the recommended stays here include- Lava View Point Homestay, Rinchen Homestay, Hotel Orchid Lodge, Lava WBFDC Nature Resort and Neora Valley Jungle Camp.

Homestays in Lava

The homestays of Lava are community based which are run by the warm hearted friendly local families where you will be treated as a part of their family. The friendly hosts of these homestys tries to take care of every needs of their guests and often shares their local folklores, cutoms, tradition along with a bowl of warm meal. You can also enjoy the charming view of nearby Neaora Valley National Park and lush forests by staying here. Some of the recommended homestays of Lava include- Lava Swagat Homestay, Neoravalley Homestay, Sherpa Homestay, The Pride Homestay and Alafiia Lava Homestay.

Where Is Lava

Lava is a quaint hamlet in proximity to Neora Valley National Park, settled peacefully in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal, India. It is perched at an elevation of about 7,200 feet above sea level and is situated at a distance of 32 km from Kalimpong, 100-110 km from Siliguri and 85 km from Darjeeling. It is located in the Eastern Himalayas region near the Darjeeling-Kalimpong hill circuit and the Bhutan border.

You can take a peaceful escape into the lap of the serene Himalayas at Lava, encompassed by refreshing mountain air, panoramic views, breathtaking mountains and lush pine forests. It is a paradise for tranquil seekers, trekkers and bird lovers. You can expect spiritual charm, Himalayan beauty and a nature escape from Lava.

How To Reach Lava

Lava is well-accessible by various means of transportation, such as

By Air: Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is the nearest to Lava and is situated at a distance of 110 km. You can take a cab from the airport premises to reach Lava via Gorubathan or via Kalimpong and Algarah in a picturesque route, which will take you about 4.5-5 hours.

By Train: Situated at a distance of 105 km, the NJP railway station is the nearest to Lava. You can take a shared cab from this station to reach Lava via Gorubathan or Algarah.

By Road-

From Siliguri: The distance between Siliguri and Lava is about 100-110 km, and the travel route includes Siliguri- Kalijhora- Kalimpong/ Algarah- Lava. It will take you about 4-5 hours to reach Lava via road in a jeep or taxi taken from Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand or Siliguri Junction.

From Darjeeling: The distance between Lava and Darjeeling is about 80-85 km, and the travel route includes- Darjeeling- Jorebunglow- Kalimpong- Lava. It will take you about 3.5-4.5 hours by road in a local cab taken from Darjeeling.

Pro-Tips while travelling to Lava

    Try to take a local driver who is experienced in driving on the winding and steep roads of Lava.
    Pack some comfortable shoes, a warm windcheater and jackets as even in summer the evenings and early mornings can get quite chilly.
    There are a limited number of ATMS in Lava; thus, withdrawing a sufficient amount of money from the Algarah or Kalimpong is recommended.
    Power shortage is a common occurrence in remote areas; thus, carry extra power banks and flashlights, which you can also use for camping or trekking.

Conclusion

Lava is an ideal destination to reconnect with nature and disconnect with the chaotic outside world. You can take a digital detox from from mundane routine in the trails of pine forests amidst fresh mountain air and panoramic Kanchenjunga view to soothe your peace-craving soul.

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