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If you are planning to visit Tinchuley, Peshok, or Lamahatta, make sure to include Gumbadara Viewpoint in your itinerary. Situated nearby, this roadside viewpoint perched atop a lush green mountain offers a truly breathtaking panoramic view of the eastern Himalayan range.
On a clear day, standing at this viewpoint, you will be treated to a stunning vista that includes the majestic Mt Kanchanjungha range and parts of the Sikkim mountains (Namchi and Samdupse range) to the north. Towards the east, you can admire the picturesque Kalimpong hills. If you direct your gaze towards the valley, you’ll witness the confluence of the Rangeet and Teesta rivers far below.
Gumbadara Viewpoint sits at an approximate altitude of 6000 ft, and due to its elevation, it tends to be significantly colder compared to nearby destinations like Tinchuley, Takdah, or Peshok. A chilling wind blows constantly, which can be enjoyable during the summer months but requires extra caution if you plan to visit Gumbadara viewpoint in mid-winter.
For those seeking an unforgettable experience, Gumbadara viewpoint offers an excellent vantage point to witness the sunrise and golden view of Mt. Kanchanjungha enlightened by the first sun. However, to catch the first light, you’ll need to start your journey early from your homestay.
In the vicinity of the viewpoint, you’ll find exciting opportunities for rock climbing and a natural cave exploration. If you’re an adventure enthusiast, you can engage in these activities, but it’s crucial to seek appropriate guidance to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Other Places to visit near Gumbadara Viewpoint
There are several other noteworthy places to visit near Gumbadara Viewpoint:
Peshok Tea Garden: Located just opposite to the Gumbadara viewpoint, a short distance downhill, you’ll discover the exquisite Peshok Tea Garden. Renowned as one of the best tea gardens in the region, it offers a stunning view of the entire valley.
Lovers Meet Viewpoint: Situated 8.5 km away from Gumbadara, the Lovers Meet Viewpoint provides a closer look at the confluence of the Rangeet and Teesta Rivers. It’s a captivating spot to witness the merging waters of two different color; Teesta: Light greenish, Rangeet: Dark green.
Lamahatta Eco Park: Lamahatta Eco Park is a must-visit destinatio in North Bengal, especially if you are traveling to Darjeeling or any other nearby offbeat destination. Basically it’s a natural pine forest grown up across the steep mountain; The misty upper section creates an enchanting environment with continuously converging and uniting clouds.
Bara Mangwa Orange Garden: This seasonal attraction is a sight to behold during winter when the orange fruits adorn the landscape, presenting a fabulous spectacle.
Rangli Tea Estate: Another picturesque tea garden near Takdah, Rangli Tea Estate offers a delightful experience, especially if you visit before sunset to witness the vibrant colors of the setting sun.
Takdah Orchid Center: While this spot has received some hype, it does suffer from a lack of maintenance. However, orchid enthusiasts can still explore their museum and discover new varieties of orchids. The Orchid Center spans a wide area, and with proper maintainance, it has the potential to become one of the finest orchid centers in the region. Nonetheless, it may still appeal to botanists even in its current condition.
Homestays near Gumbadara Viewpoint
Here is a concise list of homestays near Gumbadara Viewpoint where you can consider staying:
- Gumbadara View Homestay
- Lamala Dhim Stay
- Welcome Home Stay
- Greenyard Homestay
- Kusom Homestay
Peshok is a new offbeat destination located near Gumbadara Viewpoint, where you can choose to spend your night. You’ll find a few homestays in Peshok, each of which offers a peaceful ambiance. However, Sovakiran Homestay is one of those which offers a wide-angle valley view and Mt. Kanchanjungha view as well.
How to reach Gumbadara viewpoint?
- Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (75 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Darjeeling New Jalpaiguri (69 km)
Gumbadara Viewpoint, a popular tourist spot near Darjeeling and in close proximity to Tinchuley, can be easily accessed from any of the following nearby locations:
- Distance of Gumbadara Viewpoint from Tinchuley: 3 km (15 min.)
- Distance of Gumbadara Viewpoint from Takdah: 6 km (25 min)
- Distance of Gumbadara Viewpoint from Peshok: 6 km (20 min)
- Distance of Gumbadara Viewpoint from Lamahatta: 5 km (20 min)
- Distance of Gumbadara Viewpoint from Dawaipani: 11 km (30 min)
- Distance of Gumbadara Viewpoint from Darjeeling: 25 km (1.3 h)
- Distance of Gumbadara Viewpoint from Kalimpong: 29 km (1.5 h)
- Distance of Gumbadara Viewpoint from Kurseong: 42 km (2 h)
Best time to visit Gumbadara Viewpoint
The best time to visit Gumbadara Viewpoint is during late autumn to early winter (October to December) and late winter to spring (mid-February to April). During these seasons, the weather tends to be clear, providing an excellent opportunity to enjoy the beautiful valley view, including the majestic Mt. Kanchanjungha range.
It is advisable to avoid visiting Gumbadara during the monsoon season, which typically spans from June to September, as the weather conditions may not be favorable.
If you plan to visit in mid-summer (May-June), please note that the weather may not always be clear. However, there are still some days when you can catch a clear view of Mt. Kanchanjungha, especially in the early morning hours (up to 8:00 AM).
Food options near the Viewpoint
Adjacent to the viewpoint, near Peshok Tea Garden, you’ll come across a few food stalls that serve a variety of light snacks such as tea, coffee, chips, noodles, and more. These stalls provide convenient options to satisfy your cravings while enjoying the scenic surroundings.
Wrapping up
Gumbadara Viewpoint is a must-visit destination located near Tinchuley and Peshok. Situating atop a green mountain, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the eastern Himalayan range, including the iconic Mt. Kanchanjungha.
If you’re exploring the Darjeeling offbeats, a visit to Gumbadara Viewpoint is highly recommended. The stunning vistas and panoramic views it offers make it a worthwhile stop during your travels. Whether you’re seeking natural beauty, a glimpse of the Himalayan range, or a serene atmosphere, Gumbadara Viewpoint is sure to leave you with lasting memories.
Happy Travel!
Dr. Suvankar Das is a scientific advisor by profession, associated with a CRO organization. He pursued his doctoral degree in Chemistry in 2015. Later, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher & scientist in a couple of institutes/companies.
Besides his scientific journey, Dr. Das is also a passionate traveler and travel blogger. He loves to share all his travel experiences with other travelers so that everyone can enjoy hassle-free holidays with their own tour plans.
He believes, the most beautiful thing in this world is the WORLD itself. so there is no way to live like a clock; rather live it like a compass!
