Borong, South Sikkim Guide

Nestled in the southern part of Sikkim is the quaint little village of Borong. Lying at an altitude of around 5,000 feet, Borong offers magnificent views of the Kanchenjunga range and is surrounded by lush forests, orchards, and cardamom plantations. If you are looking to explore an offbeat destination in Sikkim, away from the tourist crowds, Borong should be on your itinerary. This travel guide takes you through everything you need to know to plan your visit to this hidden gem in the northeast.

Getting to Borong

Borong is located about 95 kilometers from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. The nearest railhead and airport is in Bagdogra, West Bengal located about 124 kilometers away. The most convenient way to reach Borong is to hire a taxi from Bagdogra or book a shared jeep from Gangtok. The journey from Gangtok takes about 4-5 hours through winding hill roads passing many sights like Temi Tea Garden and Tarku Orchid Center.

Things to See and Do In Borong

Trekking – There are some nice short nature trails for trekking around Borong village. The Kanchenjunga viewpoint trek and the trek to the hidden Borong cave are popular with visitors.

Village Walk – Take a leisurely stroll through the village to get a glimpse of local culture and life. Interact with the friendly villagers and watch them go about their daily routines.

Birdwatching – Borong is home to over a hundred species of birds including rare ones like the Wallcreeper and Satyr Tragopan. Spot some colorful birds on your walk through the village trails.

River Rafting – Enjoy an adventurous rafting expedition on the Rangit River near Borong. This grade 2 river offers a thrilling ride through some amazing landscapes.

Yak Rides – Take a fun yak ride at the Borong Yak Farm to enjoy the natural surroundings and cool mountain breeze.

Where to Stay In Borong

Borong has only basic accommodation options in the form of small homestays, lodges, and one eco-village resort. The rooms are simple but comfortable with basic facilities. Opt-in for the classic Borong homestay if you feel the authenticity of Borong. Expect delicious home-cooked meals made from fresh local produce across all places.

The Best Time to Visit Borong

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the most pleasant seasons to visit Borong when the skies are clear offering great views. Summers can get a bit rainy. Winters see snowfall but routes can get blocked.

Local Foods To Try In Borong

Local Cuisine

Be sure to treat your tastebuds to the simple yet delightful local cuisine of Borong. Here are some of the must-try delicacies:

• Sikkimese Thukpa: This hearty homemade noodle soup with vegetables and Tibetan-style steamed dumplings is a popular local meal.
• Momos: Fluffy steamed dumplings stuffed with veggies or meat served with a fiery red chutney are a favorite snack you must try.
• Gya thuk: Also known as Tibetan-style noodle soup, it features handmade noodles in broth along with vegetables or meat.
• Phagshapa: This sweet and spicy pork curry rich in flavors is a specialty of Sikkim you’ll find on menus.
• Sael roti: These round flatbreads made from ground rice batter and cooked in oil have a sweet and nutty taste.
• Chhurpi: Hard indigenous cheese made from cow or yak milk, chhurpi makes for a tasty nibble or can be had in tea or soups.

The local cuisine uses the freshest seasonal vegetables, herbs, dairy, and meats to create simple yet comforting food. The mountain air is sure to give you an appetite to try out all these unique delicacies Borong has to offer.

Average Cost Of Borong Tour

Here is some information on average costs in Indian Rupees for visiting Borong:

Transportation:

Shared jeep from Gangtok: Rs. 200 per person
Hired taxi from Bagdogra: Rs. 3,500 for a small car

Accommodation:

Homestay/lodge: Rs. 800 – 1,200 per night
Eco village resort: Rs. 2,500 – 4,000 per night

Food:

Restaurant meals: Rs. 200 – 300 per meal
Street food snack/momos: Rs. 50 – 100

Activities:

Guided day trek: Rs. 500 – 800 per person
Yak ride: Rs. 300 – 500 per yak
River rafting: Rs. 800 – 1,200 per person

Other Expenses:

Local transport by shared auto: Rs. 10 – 30 per short trip
Bottled water/beverages: Rs. 20 – 50

So you should budget around Rs. 4,000 – 6,000 per day for accommodation, meals, activities, and local transport in Borong. Extra costs would apply for hiring private taxis, shopping, camera fees, or medical exigencies. Adjust costs based on whether you prefer budget or luxury travel. Hope this gives you an idea! Let me know if you need any other details.

Conclusion

Borong is the perfect destination to slow down and connect with nature and the local culture. With stunning views of the mountains, stunning natural beauty, Buddhist heritage, charming homestays, and adventure activities – Borong caters to any type of traveler.

While the place is still off the mainstream tourist trail, it won’t be long before Borong becomes a popular attraction in South Sikkim. So take the road less traveled and embark on a memorable journey by discovering this hidden village paradise on your next Sikkim trip. Once in Borong, you may never want to leave! Let the fresh mountain air and warm hospitality give your soul the rejuvenation it needs from the chaos of city life.

As you take in the magnificent Kanchenjunga panorama amidst the lush greenery, you’ll feel a sense of bliss and calm engulf you. And as you bid farewell to newfound friends in this tiny Himalayan hamlet, you know Borong will forever hold a special corner in your heart!