Sillery Gaon

Sillery Gaon is a small village in the hills of Kalimpong district, set among forests in the eastern Himalayan foothills and well away from the busier hill towns. Visitors come for its quiet, the views of snow peaks and the chance to stay in a village where old wooden houses and prayer flags still line the lanes.

Walking trails lead through pine woods, rhododendron stands and bamboo thickets, with butterflies and Himalayan birds along the way. The best-known walk climbs to Ramitey viewpoint, which looks out over Kanchenjunga and the Teesta River curving through the valley. The village monastery holds regular prayers, and local dance and music are performed at festivals.

Food is typical of the hills: momos, thukpa and shyaphaley, with tongba, a fermented millet drink, and tea in the small village teahouses.