Discover Rimbik – A Gateway to Singalila National Park

Discover Rimbik

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What To Expect at Rimbik

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Rimbik is a hidden gem of lush forests, roaring rivers, and soulful mountain charm. A serene trekker’s haven where nature whispers and time slows down.

Rimbik is a tranquil hamlet in proximity to the biodiversity hotspot Singalila National Park of West Bengal, India. It is an ideal destination for peace seekers seeking the undisturbed charm of the Himalayan range. It is the base of some of the renowned treks, such as Sandakphu- Phalut. You will get to witness lush forests of pine and rhododendrons and scenic trails offering golden sunsets, a glimpse of the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga and mist-covered mornings.

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.

Best Time to Visit Rimbik

Rimbik can be visited throughout the year due to its pleasant weather conditions. Each season of Rimbik will present you sometime unique and unforgettable.

Spring creates opportunities to trek to Srikhiola or Sandakphu. Autumns are best for village exploration and nature photography. Winters come with occasional snowfall.

However, to enjoy the true charm of this place,ce you can visit it during the Spring season, which is from March- May. The trails remain vibrantly painted by the blooming wildflowers, magnolias and Rhododendrons. You will also get to witness the uninterrupted view of Mt. Kanchenjunga offered by the clear skies. It is an ideal time to enjoy nature photography, peaceful walks and trekking.

Monsoons are a bit risky as there is the possibility of landslides and slippery roads; thus, travelling with caution is recommended.

Weather and Temperature of Rimbik (Season-wise)

Rimbik experiences changing weather conditions all year round, with hot summers, cool winters and heavy rainfall in the monsoon season. A season-wise breakdown of the weather and temperature of Rimbik is mentioned below-

Spring (March-May) remains fresh and pleasant with the temperature ranging between 10°C – 20°C. The clear skies offer the best view of the blooming rhododendrons in the surrounding landscapes. It is an ideal time to enjoy local festivals, nature photography and thrilling treks.

Monsoon (June – September) experiences frequent rain making the trails misty and the surroundings luxuriant green. The temperature ranges between 12°C – 18°C during this time and it is the ideal season to enjoy monsoon charm in less crowded homestays. However, it is recommended to stay cautious of leeches and slippery paths making trekking very risky during this time.

Autumn (October – November) offers clear views of the surrounding mountains amidst crisp air and vibrant coloured forests. The temperature ranges between 8°C – 16°C creating a perfect environment to enjoy stargazing and trying out iconic treks in the Phalut or Sandakphy trails.

Winter (December – February) remains dry and cold with the temperature ranging between 2°C – 10°C. The higher altitude also experiences occasional snowfall. It is an ideal time to enjoy snow-laden landscapes, tranquil hideaways and peaceful stays.

Geography and Natural Beauty

Rimbik is a scenic gem of the Darjeeling district, situated peacefully in proximity to the Indo-Nepal border. It is situated at an elevation of about 2,286 meters above sea level near the iconic Singalila National Park. Although it is a stopover en route to the popular Phalut- Sandakphu trek, it remains serenely hidden from the tourist crowds. The charm of this offbeat beauty is enhanced by the serenely flowing Rammam River in the nearby valley. It is surrounded by ancient stone steps, rugged forest paths, tea huts, dense river valleys, winding mountain slopes and lush forests of Pine and Oak.

Attractions and Activities

Some of the attractions and activities to try out in Rimbik are mentioned below-

Attractions

Singalila National Park- It is a biodiversity hotspot in proximity to Rimbik where you can enjoy some short treks and spot exotic bird species and rare animal species such as the Himalayan black bears and red pandas.

Suspension Bridges and Rammam River- The camera-friendly suspension bridges here connect some of the stunning remote paths and the serene Rammam River flowing nearby creates opportunity to relax while listening to the calming bables of the River.

Srikhola Village- A serene walk amidst the forest of Rimbik will lead you to this peaceful hamlet. It is an ideal place to enjoy some tea breaks or chill near the riverbank.

Gurdum & Gorkhey Villages- These two Nepali-style Himalayan hamlets are encompassed by lush pine forests where you will be able to enjoy great food, warm hospitality and seek solace.

Activities

Trekking- Rimbik has something to offer to trekkers of different levels be it a beginner level or an expert one its magical trails of Rimbik to Phalut, Sandakphu, Srikhola and Gurdum are worthy of exploration.

Photography- Rimbik is a heaven for lens lovers offering breathtaking night skies, landscapes, people and charming flora & fauna.

Birdwatching & Nature Walks You can enjoy some peaceful nature walks here by spotting some of the rare vibrant Himalayan bird species.

Relax & Reconnect- You can spend some leisure mornings by having quiet conversions surrounded by colourful prayer flags and enjoying the views of the lush tea gardens.

Nearby Attractions and places to visit on Rimbik:

Sandakphu- This highest trekkable point of West Bengal is situated at a distance of 21 km from Rimbik, where you can enjoy the best view of Makalu, Lhotse and majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga. You will need to trek through the trails of Singalila National Park to reach here.

Tinchuley & Lamahatta- These two are major stopovers between Rimbik and Darjeeling where you can enjoy nature retreats, serene forest trails and charming viewpoints.

Phalut- This less-crowded trekking trail is situated at a distance of 36 from Rimbik offering breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. You can try out mid-day treks here and seek solace in the scenic trails.

Tumling- This quaint hamlet in proximity to the Nepal border offers the best sunrise view amidst the peaceful trails. It is often used as a stopover by the trekkers en route to Sandakphu.

Local Cuisine and Cultural Experiences

The local cuisine of Rimbik is deeply comforting and hearty and is a fusion of different flavours originating from the traditions of Gorkha, Nepali and Tibetan communities. The food here is prepared using local fresh ingredients. Some of the suggested dishes to try out in Rimbik include- Dal Bhat Tarkari, Momo, Thukpa, Sel Roti, Sinki soup and Gundruk.

Rimbik offers a cultural jumble, creating an opportunity to experience local flavours, peaceful community life and mountain traditions. You can try out the following activities to get a taste of Rimbik’s culture-

Immersing in the Local Festivals- If your visit coincides with the festivals of the local Sherpa or Tamang communities then you can witness lively folk dances and also listen to the locals sing while playing their their traditional instruments during these festive occasions.

Exploring the Local Temples and Monasteries- Visiting the nearby monasteries will present you with the opportunity to enjoy tranquil moments and understand Buddhist philosophies. You will also get the opportunity to participate in the rituals of the locals by exploring this Tibetan-style architecture.

Indulging in the Local Handicrafts and Storytelling sessions- The locals here are very enthused about sharing their folklore which they tell by gathering around warm bonfires. These stories about borderland history and mountain spirits are passed between them for generations. You can also explore the local shops to buy handcrafted souvenirs such as bamboo works, textile crafts and wool shawls.

Learning and Tasting Local Cuisine- You can interact with the host of your homestay and ask them to teach you their traditional way of preparing dishes using wild greens, yak cheese and fresh herbs. Tasting their delectable cuisines along with Tongba or butter tea will freshen your mind especially in winters.

More Places To Visit Near Rimbik

Accommodations

The Himalayan hospitality and spirits are reflected greatly in the home-like warm accommodations of Rimbik, which are authentic, well-connected to culture and very peaceful. The homestays here are operated by the local families belonging to the Gorkha and Nepali communities. You will be treated very warmly by the staff, just like you are a part of their family. Some of the recommended homestays here include- Rimbik Eco Village Homestay, Sherpa Lodge & Homestay and Tenzing Homestay.

Homestays in Rimbik

The homestays of Rimbik offers perfect shelter to the exhausted trekkers who are heading towards Phalut, Srikhola or Sandakphu. They are also perfevct for those travellers who are looking forward to an aunthentic Himalayan getaway presented with warm hospitalities. Some of the popular homestays of Rimbik to book your next stay include- Shikhar Lodge & Homestay, Sherpa Guide Lodge & Homestay, Rimbik Village Homestay, Blue Sky Homestay Rimbik and Hilltop Retreat Homestay.

Where Is Rimbik

Rimbik is a serene hamlet in West Bengal, India situated in proximity to the Indo-Nepal border near the Singalila range and thus it is a major stopover in the Phalut- Sandakphy trekking trail. It can accessed easily from some of the major transit hubs such as Siliguri, Darjeeling and Manebhanjan. The distance of Darjeeling and Rimbik is almost about 65-70 km.

Rimbik is a tranquil hamlet in proximity to the biodiversity hotspot Singalila National Park of West Bengal, India. It is an ideal destination for peace seekers seeking the undisturbed charm of the Himalayan range. It is the base of some of the renowned treks, such as Sandakphu- Phalut. You will get to witness lush forests of pine and rhododendrons and scenic trails offering golden sunsets, a glimpse of the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga and mist-covered mornings.

How To Reach Rimbik

Rimbik can be accessed by some of the major transit modes, such as

By Air: The nearest airport to Rimbik is the Bagdogra airport, with an approximate distance of about 120 km. You can take a cab from here and reach Rimbik via Manebhanjan or Darjeeling.

By Train: The NJP railway station is the nearest to Rimbik with an approximate distance of about 115 km. You can take a taxi from here to continue your journey up to Rimbik via Darjeeling.

By Road-

From Siliguri: The distance between Rimbik and Siliguri is about 110-115 km, and the travel route includes Siliguri- Mirik- Sukhiapokhri- Ghoom- Manebhanjan- Rimbik. You can take a bus or shared/private taxi from Siliguri, which will take you about 5-6 hours via the scenic road surrounded by mountain ridges and pine forests.

From Darjeeling: The distance between Darjeeling and Rimbik is about 65-70 km, and the route includes- Darjeeling- Ghoom- Mnebhanjan- Rimbik. You can reach Rimbik in a shared/private vehicle, which will take you about 3.5- 4 hours via scenic forest sections.

Pro-Tips while travelling to Rimbik

    Carry a flashlight and a power bank, as there can be power shortages in some areas.
    Pack some layers of warm clothes such as gloves, ffleece beanie and thermal inners as the weather here changes rapidly.
    Carry a basic first-aid kit, energy bars and refillable water bottles to keep you hydrated during your trek.

Conclusion

Rimbik is an overall soulful experience and has something to offer to all type of treavellers such as trekkers or solace seeking adventurer. Rimbik will help you to slow down, connect with nature and breath deeply in the fresh mountainous air surrounded by misty trails and warm hospitality of the locals.

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