Atlas/west-bengal/Oasis Eco Retreat Bonfire Meals Stargazing Sunset

Oasis Eco Retreat Bonfire Meals Stargazing Sunset

Darjeeling· 4.9 · 17 stays

“A home in the Pokhribong region, away from the Darjeeling crowds. Surrounded by a pine forest, this is a place for bird watchers and quiet walks. The road can be a challenge, but as one guest said, "it's totally worth the hassel". Your host, Hozo, knows the area inside out and makes you feel right at home with his family and their pet, Baini.”

A look around

What's here

The road winds up into the Pokhribong forest, ending at a clearing with a few simple, A-frame wooden cottages. This is a quiet corner of the Darjeeling hills, a place built on an idea of living with nature. The air smells of pine. You can stay in one of the cottages, with their wood-panelled walls and simple comforts, or pitch a tent on the grassy lawn under the trees. The home is run by Hozo and his wife, who live on the property with their pet, Baini. They are the heart of the place, sharing stories and deep knowledge of the region. Guests often leave feeling like they've found a friend. As one visitor put it, "The host Hozo Bhai is so great person and he will make you feel at home." The food is simple, home-cooked, and often praised by guests. This isn't a polished resort. It's a real home, a project built from the ground up. It's for people who want to disconnect from the main tourist trail and listen to the forest. As another guest noted, "This place is ideal for bird watchers." If you're lucky, you might even spot wild boar or deer in the woods.

What guests wrote

4.9· 17 stays

“I stayed here for two nights in Feb 2023 and it was one of the best experience of my life. The host Hozo Bhai is so great person and he will make you feel at home. He has immense knowledge of this area and fun loving guy. Today Hozo Bhai is my one of the best friend...and we keep in touch through social media.....”

Govind Sawant

“It s very nice and nature friendly cottage.just oswome. Food quality ND room quality ambience of this cottage r very very good.most of all stuff ND owners behavior very humble. Next time sure we will go.mr HOCHO.thanks.”

Subhadip Chatterjee

“This place is a must-go! We had an amazing experience. The hosts were very humble and caring towards us. The location is honestly a little tough to get to but it's totally worth the hassel.. will visit again Hozou! 🌞”

Sweta Bardhan

Around the stay

Things to do nearby.

The home is a good starting point for exploring the Darjeeling region. Hozo can help arrange local guides and transport.

A short drive takes you to Tiger Hill, the classic spot to see the sunrise over Kanchenjunga. Go early, as it gets crowded, but the first light hitting the five peaks is worth the wake-up call. The viewpoint is about 11km from Darjeeling town.

You can visit working tea gardens like Happy Valley or Glenburn. These estates offer tours of the tea-making process and tastings, giving you a real sense of the region's most famous export.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is worth it-do. The two-hour 'joyride' on the toy train from Darjeeling to Ghum and back is a slow, scenic loop through the hills and local markets.

For serious trekkers, the Singalila ridge trek starts from nearby. The trail to Sandakphu offers a rare view of four of the world's five highest peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. This requires a few days and a guide.

In Darjeeling town, you can visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, known for its red panda conservation program, and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, founded by Tenzing Norgay after his Everest ascent.

Logistics

Getting there.

The nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB), about 90km from Darjeeling. The drive up to the hills takes around 3 hours, via the scenic roads through Mirik or Kurseong.

The main railhead for the region is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), located 88km from Darjeeling. It connects the region to major Indian cities. From NJP, you can hire a private car or take a shared jeep.

Siliguri is the largest town in the plains, 75km away, and the main hub for road travel. Shared jeeps and buses run frequently from here to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Mirik.

Seasons

Best time to visit.

The best time to visit is from October to mid-June. The skies are clear, offering crisp views of the Himalayas, and the weather is pleasant for walking and exploring. Winter (December-January) can be very cold, but the mountain views are at their sharpest.

The monsoon season, from late June to September, is best avoided. Heavy rains can cause landslides, leading to road closures on NH10 and the Pankhabari road. Travel during these months can be unpredictable.

Before you book

The fine print, written plainly.

Frequently asked

The questions travellers ask.

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