Sittong (Sitong) – Orange Country of Darjeeling & a Nature Lover’s Haven

Introduction

For most travellers, Sittong is still that “new place in the Darjeeling hills” that suddenly became famous for its oranges. But once you reach here, it becomes clear that this cluster of villages—collectively called Sittong Khasmahal—is far more than an orange belt. Forests, old monasteries, birding hotspots, panoramic viewpoints, river valleys, and quiet walking trails all come together to form a destination that feels raw, peaceful, and unhurried.

Sittong’s biggest advantage?
It sits almost in the centre of the Darjeeling–Teesta landscape, making it very easy to reach from NJP, Bagdogra, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Kurseong, and even parts of Sikkim. For travellers who prefer nature over noise, Sittong is one of the best places to slow down and enjoy the Eastern Himalaya.

Understanding the Location

The easiest way to visualise Sittong’s position is to imagine an ‘H’.
On one side, you have Kurseong on the Hill Cart Road, and on the other, you have Kalijhora along the Teesta River. If you draw an imaginary line joining these two points, Sittong lies almost exactly at the centre.

This central location gives you:

• Quick access from both the plains and the hills

• Multiple approach roads

• A wide geographical spread of attractions

Sittong is not a single village—it’s a cluster of settlements spread across ridges, slopes, forests, and river valleys. That is why travellers often need a couple of days to explore it properly.

Getting There

Approach from the Teesta Side

Travellers arriving from NJP, Bagdogra, Kalimpong, or Sikkim usually approach from the Teesta valley. You can start the uphill climb from:

• Kalijhora

• Birik Dara

• Rambhi Bazar

The Kalijhora and Birik Dara roads meet at Ahaldara, a well-known viewpoint, before continuing towards Sittong. The Rambhi route passes Mungpoo, Rabindranath Tagore’s famous retreat, before reaching Sittong.

Approach from the Hill Cart Road

For those coming from Darjeeling, Kurseong, or Mirik, the route leaves the Hill Cart Road at Dilaram, travelling uphill through Bagora, Pokhriatar, Tham, and Mahaldiram before entering the Sittong belt.

Distances

• Darjeeling – 35 km

• Kalimpong – 54 km

• NJP – 54 km

• Bagdogra – approx. 60 km

• Siliguri – 50 km

Because the hills have multiple small connector roads, actual travel time depends on road conditions more than distance.

Transport Assistance

If you need vehicles for Sittong or for onward travel across the hills, you may contact Humro Cars.
(Your original number is replaced as required.)
For complete tour planning, NBTT Travel Solution Pvt. Ltd. can handle your itinerary and permits.
Call: +91 9733300696 / +91 9733000593

Exploring Sittong – What to See and Do

The Orange County of Darjeeling

Sittong’s fame comes from its orange orchards, especially between November and January. Entire hillsides turn golden, and many homestays are surrounded by fruit-laden trees. Even outside the orange season, the orchards are beautiful, with terraced slopes and forest backdrops.

Sittong Church

Once a simple bamboo church, today it stands rebuilt in brick and mortar. The surroundings are peaceful, and the viewpoint from here opens into the rolling Sittong hills.

Upper Sittong Monastery

One of the most atmospheric places in the region, this bamboo-and-mud monastery sits on a ridge with a fantastic view of the Kanchenjunga range. Early mornings here are unforgettable—mist rising, prayer flags moving gently, and the mountains glowing.

Jogighat & Riyang River

Jogighat is a pretty bridge on the Riyang River, a favourite picnic spot for locals. It’s a beautiful place to walk, dip your feet in the cold stream, take pictures, or simply unwind beside the river.

Birding in Sittong

Bird enthusiasts love Sittong, and for good reason.
It shares the same birding zone as Latpanchar, known for the Rufous-necked Hornbill nesting sites. Species commonly seen around Sittong include:

• hornbills

• minivets

• barbets

• laughing thrushes

• sunbirds

• woodpeckers

The proximity to the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary further enhances the biodiversity.

Trekking & Soft Adventure

Sittong is ideal for low-altitude Himalayan treks. Some popular routes include:

1. Trek to the Upper Ridge Viewpoint

About an hour from Sittong, this ridge offers:

• 360-degree views

• A panorama stretching across Dooars, Terai, Kurseong, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Sikkim, and parts of Nepal & Bhutan

• Stunning sunrise views of the Kanchenjunga massif

2. Trek to Chatakpur

A forest trail leads to Chatakpur, a village known for eco-tourism and great mountain views.

3. Trek to Bagora via Mamring

A peaceful forest route ideal for travellers who enjoy nature walks.

4. Trek to Kurseong via Majua & Mahaldiram

This is longer and more satisfying for experienced trekkers wanting a day hike.

Camping

School groups and adventure clubs frequently camp beside the Riyang River.
There’s a waterfall, open grounds, and even a natural climbing rock nearby.

Places to Visit Near Sittong

Sittong is surrounded by exciting destinations, making it perfect for multi-day exploration.

• Mungpoo (8 km) – Tagore’s residence, cinchona plantation, colonial heritage.

• Latpanchar (7 km) – Prime birding hotspot and hornbill zone.

• Chatakpur (22 km) – Forest village with superb sunrise views.

• Kurseong (24 km) – Tea gardens, old heritage sites, viewpoints.

All of these can be combined in a single trip from Sittong.

Accommodation in Sittong

Sittong’s tourism boom is recent, so accommodations are mostly homestays—but with a huge variety.

Types of Stays

• Large “homestays” with 15–20 rooms
  (More like small hotels with staff.)

• Family-run genuine homestays with 2–4 rooms
  (Closer interaction, home-cooked food, traditional culture.)

• Riverside stays around Jogighat at ~2,000 ft

• Hilltop stays like Mana–Ghalaytar at ~5,000 ft
  (Colder weather, mountain views)

There are nearly 100 homestays in the region, but only a few are marketed heavily. Travellers often miss better, more authentic options.

For personalised suggestions, NBTT or Humro Home can guide you based on:

• view preference

• altitude

• food

• accessibility

• proximity to orange gardens

Humro Home, our sister concern, manages the largest network of homestays in the region.
Accommodation guidance: +91 9733071716 / +91 9733069690

Plan Your Sittong Trip

NBTT Travel Solution Pvt. Ltd. specialises in Sikkim–Darjeeling–Dooars itineraries, including offbeat destinations like Sittong.
Whether you want a short nature break or a full circuit covering Sittong, Latpanchar, Mungpoo, and Chatakpur, our team can design a customised package including stay, vehicles, permits, and activities.
Call us at +91 9733300696 / +91 9733000593 to plan your Sittong tour.