Nestled within the Hee Patal region lies Chhayatal — a little slice of heaven in the lap of Sikkim. The entire village has grown around a small lake. Though not as popular as other hill villages in Sikkim, Chhayatal is a beautiful tourist destination.
Many people escape the concrete jungle in search of peace and solitude in the mountains. While natural beauty can be found in most hill stations, true tranquility is harder to come by. That’s why mountain villages are often more peaceful and charming. One such hidden gem is the hill village of Chhayatal in Sikkim — a small settlement surrounded by greenery and hills. Despite not being as well-known as other Sikkimese villages, Chhayatal offers a serene and scenic getaway.
As mentioned, Chhayatal falls under the Hee Patal region — a serene and pristine part of Sikkim. The name “Chhayatal” comes from the word tal, meaning lake. This picturesque village is built around a tranquil lake. The area is known for cardamom and kiwi cultivation. A walk through the forested paths will lead you to a river, where you can rest for a while with your feet dipped in its cool waters. On another side of the village stands a peaceful monastery, surrounded by hills and forests. It is rarely crowded and holds a beautiful statue of Buddha within its neatly kept premises. In Chhayatal, apart from the sound of birds, there’s complete silence — the kind of calm where you can sit quietly and gaze at the snow-capped Kanchenjunga.
There’s more to see in Chhayatal — a stunning waterfall cascades down the hillside nearby. The force of the waterfall turns a Buddhist prayer wheel, which rotates day and night. It’s a beautiful sight to behold. On your way from Hee Bazaar to Chhayatal, you’ll also come across a lovely waterfall — a perfect spot to take selfies. You can also visit the nearby Srijunga Park. Nights in Chhayatal are magical, especially during a full moon when the light reveals a different, ethereal view of Kanchenjunga. From Chhayatal, you can trek to Hee-Bermiok, which offers even more spectacular views of the mighty Kanchenjunga. During summer, trekking to Varsey is another great option — a paradise of rhododendrons.
Chhayatal is located 145 kilometers from New Jalpaiguri, and it takes about 5 hours by car. If you’re taking shared transport, you can reach Chhayatal via Jorethang from Siliguri. Alternatively, you can travel via Pelling. Nearby places include Bermiok, Rinchenpong, Pelling, Darap, and many more. Homestays are available in Chhayatal, with food and lodging costing approximately ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 per person.