Help Tourism - Community Tourism in East Himalaya

Help Tourism, since 1991 has been working on developing tourism based destinations and projects that support local communities and help in preservation of the local natural, cultural and other heritage phenomenon. All infrastructures in the Help Tourism Network confirm authentic local experience for visitors.

These infrastructures are spread all over the East Himalaya, specifically in the Indian states of Andaman Islands, Orissa, West Bengal (Southern and Northern region), Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram. The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is very much a part of the network and combines well with North of West Bengal or Assam or both.

Eco Lodges Village Hospitality and Heritage Tourism initiatives of Help Tourism

Sunderbans Tiger Reserve An UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest mangrove forests in the world, home for the highest numbers of the Royal Bengal Tigers and the estuarine crocodiles. A unique ecosystem forms a delicate balance with the huge human population there, who are completely dependent on this mangrove forest for their livelihood.

Sunderbans Jungle Camp The infrastructure over here has been developed with the aim to support the local poachers turned conservator volunteers. This is at the last forest village known as Bali next to the Bidya range office of Sunderban Tiger Reserve.

There are six ethnic cottages with modern attach bath cum toilet facilities which can easily accommodate twenty adults. Own running water facility and sweet water source.

The kitchen has an adequate variety in its menu and the dining cum lounge is open to the fish pond and mangrove garden.

Interest Mangrove exploration, community cultures, participating in livelihood processes, birding and landscape appreciation.

Neora Valley National Park The least explored park of the region for its difficult terrain placed at the tri-junction of Bhutan, Sikkim and West Bengal. Ranges between an altitude of 3000 ft to 10000 ft and hence houses a wide diversity of plants and animal lives, some of which are in the highly endangered list. Most parts of the park are approachable by difficult trek only. The outer areas of the park are equally rich and are more of a continuation of the National Park.

Neora Valley Jungle Camp To support the nearest village community from Kolakham village, which is adjoining to the National Park and witnesses a fast degradation of the buffer area of the park, an infrastructure has been developed, the Neora Valley Jungle Camp. More of a nature lover’s/birder’s camp, the infrastructure consists of four cottages and four rooms, all with attach toilet cum bath and an interestingly located dining cum kitchen. There is a honeymoon cottage too. All activities in the camp are supported by well trained local people.

Interest Birding, nature walks, village walks, National Park trek and extraordinary views of the snow capped Mount Kanchenjunga range.

Garumara National Park Garumara National Park, a 69sq kms of diverse ecosystem at the foothills of the Bhutan Himalaya, in the area known as Dooars.

Specifically, aimed at conservation of the one horned Rhino, the National Park can be of special interest to the birdwatchers and forest dependent tribal people.

Garumara Hospitality The major industry around the park was timber based and this project is an effort to demonstrate the change from timber to tourism. Mostly timber based industry has been converted to tourism infrastructure. Basic but very neatly maintained cottages with good local food is the USP of the destination. Help Tourism started with support to Lataguri village, followed by Chalsha, Dhupjhora etc.

Interest Forest drives, forest walks, village walks, hill drives, river side picnic, elephant tracking (seasonal) and birding.

Darjeeling Heritage town Darjeeling, a part of Sikkim was annexed and developed as the summer capital of the British Empire. The Sikkim Rajah received a lease amount from the British and then the Government of India till 1975 (till Sikkim became a state of India). Developing the town as a summer retreat, the British developed a railway connection, which is now a World Heritage Site. Tea Gardens were developed to generate revenue and in the process support a big labour force. Several infrastructures were developed in the town of Darjeeling and all over the Darjeeling Hills, which are now a part of the heritage. Average altitude 6800 ft.

The Swiss Hotel,Gandhi Road,Darjeeling A Swiss couple built a Swiss bakery and later added an Inn to it, which is more than 95 years old. After the British left India, the infrastructure changed hand and saw changes in infrastructure to become a full-fledged hotel with 11 rooms. Eight double bedded rooms, two suites and one family room, all with attach toilet cum bath still has the old Darjeeling charm because of its location, garden and building. The DHR Steam restaurant offers good food in fixed menu.

Interest Darjeeling town and Darjeeling Hills.

Camellia Home Stay, No. 46 Pillar (CB) Gandhi Road, Jalapahar, Darjeeling Four well-appointed guest rooms with attached western bath & running hot shower. Each room has balcony. On first floor there is a nice Tea Library cum Tea tasting room where guests can learn about the tea tasting process through a live demonstration by the host Gurung family.

The first floor has large dining cum lounge. Authentic local food is served and the supplies come from Gurung’s own organic vegetable garden and farms.

Interest Nice view of mountains, Kanchenjunga range, Ghoom town and monastery. Wonderful walks and birding is possible in the surrounding forests and quiet roads. Very peaceful and tranquile.20 minutes drive from Darjeeling town and 15 minutes drive to Jorebungalow(Ghoom).The home stay is run by Mr. & Mrs.Gurung whose association with tea is well-known.

Tinchulay Model Village, Darjeeling Hills Takdah was once a retreat in the post world war II for some British and local tea planters. At an altitude of about 5000 ft only a few run down infrastructure remain. Just 03 kms away from here is the forest village of Tinchulay, where efforts have been made to convert it into a model village through bio-organic agriculture, bee keeping, horticulture and different kinds of sustainable livelihood means.

Gurung Cottage

Interest

One of the oldest and largest joint family (about 22 family members) here has put together a guest house with 04 double bedded and 04 four-bedded rooms with private toilet cum bath in one building. Dining hall with local fresh food of traditional dishes and common regular items are provided from house kitchen. An exclusive Honeymoon cottage has been recently added.

A unique experience of typical Himalayan village hospitality at its best. Close-by is a good viewpoint for viewing the snow capped mountains. Interesting village and forest walk. Village livelihood processes can be experienced.

Bara Mangwa village A typical agricultural village located in the Teesta valley of Darjeeling Hills. Simple village people live here who hardly have any profession other than agriculture. A few local schools are the activity centers here.

Darjeeling Blossom

Interest

A plant nursery was developed here of ornamental plants, flowers, herbs etc which was chosen to start a home stay in the same name as the nursery. The hospitality was basically aimed for tourists who would take up river activities in the day time. Gradually with interest from local youths various village based adventure activities were developed.

Village walk, horticulture orientation, rock climbing, caving and white water rafting in Teesta river.

Kainjile village An almost obscure village now, which was once the headquarters of one of the Rajas from Sikkim. This area now falls between West Sikkim and Nepal in Darjeeling district. On the northern front is the little Rangit river and the backdrop is dominated by the Sandakphu landscape. A typical Himalayan village in the East Himalaya.

Karmi Farm A Scottish tea planter married the Rajah’s daughter and went back to England after his tenure. Their son, Andrew Pulger, the grandson of the Rajah came back from England in search of his roots and decided to settle here. He converted the humble heritage house into home-stay. An experience for the tourist into the age-old traditions, with a European innovation in the hospitality infrastructure.

Interest Village traditions, mountain treks, riverside camping etc.

Kurseong Heritage Town This is a part of Darjeeling hills and was developed on the similar lines of Darjeeling, only at a lower altitude of 4,500 ft, making it all year round retreat. Several celebrities settled here making it a peaceful cosmopolitan Himalayan hill town. This is a must stopover to Darjeeling, especially from Siliguri by the DHR or Toy train.

Cochraine Palace This again is a heritage property, carefully converted into a theme hotel with twelve double-bedded rooms with attached toilet cum bath. A tea lounge cum restaurant serves delicious food on al-a-carte basis.

Interest Heritage walks, Tea trails, short treks with camping etc.

‘Hum Tera’ – Community Tourism Initiave,Makaibari Supported by Makaibari Tea Estate and Help Tourism, this is a unique community and conservation based initiative of the garden workers who proudly showcase their efforts in the manufacturing of bio dynamic tea, the nature around them and their culture to the visitors from across the world.This self-help initiative runs 13 home-stay facilities in 7 tea estate villages.The guests can stay with village families, enjoy home-made local food, take short or long nature trails, soak into their local culture, and understand the process of bio dynamic tea manufacturing.

Kalimpong Heritage Town Once a part of the Kingdom of Bhutan and now another sub- divisional town under Darjeeling district. Developed in the lines of Darjeeling mainly by the British because of its geographical location advantage, being in-between Darjeeling, Siliguri, Gangtok, Pelling, Namchi and above all the trade base for the Tibet route through Jelep-la and Nathu-la. Kalimpong is advantageous both as an interesting destination and transit stop-over.

The Orchid Retreat Once an enterprise for orchid growing and now the nursery with largest variety of Himalayan palms has let open their residence to the tourists. A few cottages have been developed within the nursery for a better experience of the nursery and its visiting & nesting bird population. There are total eight double rooms available with attach toilet cum bath with comfortable interiors. This is more of a home-stay extension with a family hospitality.

Interest Floriculture, birding, Bhutanese monastery, viewpoints, local people and old missionary initiatives.

Barshey Rhododendron Sanctuary The Barshey Rhododendron Sanctuary lies in the southwest corner of the West Sikkim district. Spreading over 104 sq. km, across the razor sharp Singalila Range, which forms the natural international border with Nepal. In the South the Rambong Khola separates it from West Bengal. There are three points of entry, Hilley, Dentam and Soreng Visitors generally prefer Hilley since it is approachable by road. The bridle path from Hilley to Barshey already exists and is a favourite amongst tourists especially during the Rhododendron flowering season.

Shambhala Rhododendron Resort Barshey, West Sikkim One of the most enchanting wilderness areas of Sikkim.

Barshey is a designated Rhododendron Sanctuary, and a home to many rare wildlife, birds, butterfly and flora.

The view of Mount Kanchenjunga massif from Barshey is breath-taking. The accommodation is bit rustic, yet built in conformity with the surrounding rugged terrain and pristine nature.

Interest Soft trek, Rhododendron trail, Red Panda trail, birding and butterfly watching, panoramic view of Mount Kanchenjunga.This can be combined with Hee-Bermiok heritage tourism circuit.

Hee-Bermiok Village,West Sikkim Bounded by Kalez Khola in the North, Hee Khola in the West, Rangit Khola in the East and Samdong reserve Forest in the South, Hee bermoik village in West Sikkim has a beautiful setting. Apart from many scenic spots, the area has a good deal of flora and fauna. More than 65 species of birds have been located in the surroundings.

Though dominated by the Limboo community, large number of Chettris, Bahuans, Sherpas, Tamang, Bhutias, Lepchas, Rais and Gurungs of Nepali community live here. They have their own distinct religious and cultural heritage.

Hee Tourist Lodge, Hee-Bermiok Heritage Tourism Circuit Hee Patal, West Sikkim Welcome to the land of the Limboos. This is a joint initiative of Sikkim Tourism, Help Tourism, Association for Conservation and Tourism (ACT), Hee Patal village and Tamling Nursery. The project offers the unique opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the cultural heritages of the Limboo community and the fascinating landscape of the area. One can even take a soft trek to Barshey from Hee to explore the Red Panda trail in Barshey Rhododendrone Sanctuary.

Camping is possible between Hee and Barshey. At present; the Hee Tourist Lodge has 4 well-equipped rooms. Those who are keen to understand Limboo culture and experience home hospitality can stay with a Limboo family.

Interest Limboo culture and hospitality, local cuisine, village experience, old Limboo cemetery, pristine forest, trek to Barshey, camping, magnificent view of Mount Kanchenjunga, Chayatal lake, Waterfalls.

Runchenbong Village, West Sikkim A 20 minutes walk from the Soreng bazaar, Runchenbong is a quaint village surrounded by lofty mountains and alpine forests.

A trek to Jhandi Dara from Soreng is a must to see the various species of flowers and birds.

Runchenbong Hamlet Resort, West Sikkim Here, Dushan Rai and his wonderful family run the home-stay where the guests are served ethnic home-cooked food. Soft and long treks, numerous forest walks, village experience etc., are part of the trip.

Interest Charming home hospitality, virgin nature, village and forest walks, birding, excursion to Pemayangtse, trekking expedition to Barshey.

Mangalbarey Village, West Sikkim Mangalbarey a picturesque village - set out at the most scenic locations of the Himalayas - is an ideal base for your vacations in West Sikkim. In a rural setting far from the hustle and bustle of city life, the village is a perfect hideaway or refuge from the humdrum of daily life; above all a great Sikkimese hospitality will always be in sight.

Bliss Resort, Biksthang, West Sikkim Again the spectacular view of Mount Kanchenjunga and its ranges from the luxurious village resort with a supporting patch of forest, farm and a monastery in its vicinity gives an opportunity to experience the typical Sikkimese village.Option of Tibetan herbal treatment and meditation retreat programs are available.

Interest Forest and village walks, visit to Soreng bazaar or Pemayangtse, visit to the hot spring and local monastery, birding.

Rumtek, East Sikkim Located in the East Sikkim, 24 kilometers away from Gangtok, the capital of the Sikkim, Rumtek is situated at an altitude of about 5800 ft. The Dharma Chakra Centre or Rumtek Monastery is one of the most important seats of the Kagyu lineage outside Tibet. In the early 1960's, His Holiness the Sixteenth Gyalwang Karmapa, founded this seat.

The Centre has become the International Kagyu Headquarters during the life of His Holiness, and was the place from which lineage activities have manifested throughout the world.

Teen Tale Eco Garden Resort,Rumtek, East Sikkim Daintily perched on a picturesque slope of Rumtek is the Taley Eco Garden resort, a pioneer in the new breed of eco-conscious resorts. Set amidst landscaped gardens and lush forests, a mere 30 minute drive away from Gangtok, and a very walk able 1 km from the Rumtek Monastery, this little hideaway blends traditional architecture and interior design with modern amenities.

Interest Visit to Rumtek monastery, village experience, birding, trekking and camping in Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary.

Manas Tiger Reserve, Assam There is no one-way to describe Manas National Park!

Lying on the foothills of the Himalaya, Manas is the most stunning pristine wildlife habitat in India, comparable to the best in the world in the beauty of its spectacular landscape. It is also a UNESCO Natural World Heritage (in danger) site, a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve and a Biosphere Reserve - a unique distinction. This Brahmaputra Valley semi-evergreen forest Terrestrial Eco-region is also the richest in species of all Indian wildlife areas and the only known home for the rare and endangered Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur and Pygmy Hog. Situated in the north bank of the Brahmaputra river, in Assam, Manas lies on the international border with Bhutan.

Manas Jungle Camp, Kokilabari Manas- one of the world’s most diverse natural areas had entered the list of World Heritage Site in Danger during the fight for identity by the local communities, the Bodos. Today, when they have achieved recognization, the communities with Help Tourism have started an initiative at Kokilabari named Manas Jungle Camp to form the state’s first community buffer just beside the core zone of any protected area. The communities now proudly involve any visitor in their initiative. The camp spread out in a rubber plantation has 5 ethnic cottages with attached bath, and a guest house with common bath.

Interest Foot and Jeep patrolling with our conservation volunteers, birding, boating by banana raft, ethnic food, Bodo cultural experience, village experience.

Dibru Soikhowa National Park, Assam Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is located on the floodplains of the Debang, Lohit, Dibru and the Brahmaputra Rivers and spreads over the Dirugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam. This 340 sq. km. sanctuary located on the south bank of The Brahmaputra is characterized by old growth semi-evergreen forests, deciduous forests, littoral and swamp forests and patches of wet evergreen forests. Of the seven parts of the park one part is wetland and the rest is mainly grassland and dense forest.

Banashri Eco Camp, Guijan, Dibru Soikhowa Located on the bank of river Dibru overlooking the National park, the resort is a visual delight and offers personalized services. The camp consisting of 7 bamboo huts on stilt with attached bath is run by charming Benu(Jainal Abedin) and his wife Rima who have engaged local youths gainfully in the outfit.

Benu is a dedicated conservationist, and he knows his area and the bird very well.

Interest Dibru Soikhowa landscape, Birding, boat rides, sunset cruise on Dibru river, authentic Assamese food, tea garden tour, visit to Tai Phakial tribal village.

The Mishmi Hills, Eastern Arunachal Pradesh – the land of the Mishmis, mystery mountains, and myths The Mishmi Hills is a southward extension of the Great Himalayan Mountain Range - its northern and eastern reaches touching China. This is breath catching terrain thrown up by the sharp twisting of the Himalayan ranges as they turn from a southeasterly t o a s o u t h e r l y d i re c t i o n a n d d e s c e n d r a p i d l y t o t h e t ro p i c a l f o re s t s o f C h i n a a n d M y a n m a r.

Geomorphically, the Mishmi Hills area can be divided into two broad sections: the flood plains of the tributaries of the Brahmaputra River, and the Arunachal Himalayas consisting of snow-capped mountains, lower Himalayan ranges and the Shivalik hills. Steeply sloping landform, sub-tropical evergreen forest vegetation, and high rainfall characterize the area. Nowhere else in the Himalayas can one find so much pristine forest and intact mega-biodiversity.

Dibang Valley Jungle Camp Much of the Mishmi Hills falls under the Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh. The Dibang Valley district is named after the Dibang River - one of the key tributaries of the Brahmaputra River.In order to provide an authentic encounter with the Mishmi Hills landscape and its wonderful people, the Dibang Valley Jungle Camp has recently been developed jointly by a local Mishmi family and Help Tourism. The outfit consists of a Chang Bungalow at the 12th Mile marker on the road to Mayodia. Set on a hillside commanding a fantastic view of the Dibang River basin, the facilities here are basic but comfortable. Camping is also possible.

Interest Birding, Mishmi tribal cultural experience, Brahmaputra ferry crossing, traditional Mishmi food and hospitality, village experience, trek to Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary – largest in India.

Ziro Hong Villages Lower Subansiri, Central Arunachal Pradesh Ziro is the district headquarter of Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh and is a plateau, which is dominated by Apatani tribe who has retained their distinct ethnic identity and cultural tradition.The Apatani belong to the Tibeto-Mongoloid stock, and trace their descent from one legendary ancestor, the Abotani.

The Apatani believe in indigenous religion called as 'Donyi-Polo' and are patriarchal in social system.The Apatanis mainly subsist on agriculture and animal husbandry. Wet-rice cultivation is their most important agriculture practice. The Apatani have also developed a unique system of fish farming in their wet-rice croplands. They use available natural resources such as bamboo, cane, pine, in order to check the soil erosion, to conserve the soil fertility, to cultivate varieties of rice landraces, and to culture the fish in an integrated manner.

Apatani Plateau Experience UNESCO wants the Apatani valley declared as a World Heritage Site for ‘its extremely high productivity’ and ‘unique way of preserving the ecology’.To showcase this age-old tradition of the Apatani tribe we have initiated the Apatani Plateau Experience programme, confirming authentic cultural and natural encounter.

Interest Tribal cultural experience, agricultural tour, soft treks, village experience, Apatani home-stay and food, visit to colorful local market.

Heritage Tea Tours The Empire of India had gained quite a reputation throughout the world for its tea plantations mainly in Assam, Darjeeling, Dooars, Cachar, Sylet Hills, Kangra, Kerela, Nilgiri, Terai and Travancore. The culture still continues, and especially the Darjeeling, Assam and Dooars tea has immense popularity worldwide even today.

The world of tea has hardly changed in the past century in the Darjeeling, Assam and Dooars region. The culture surrounding the huge tea plantations is a unique phenomenon and is a lifetime experience.

Damdim Tea Bungalow, Western Dooars Damdim Tea Estate was established as Barrons Tea Estate, which later came to be known as Damdim, deriving its name from the flies which the Bhutanese and Tibetans called ‘Dema Dema’. The oldest section of this garden or estate dates back to 1927. It was towards the end of 2006, the Tata Tea administration with the technical support of Help Tourism, decided to convert one of their assets, a Tea Bungalow at Damdim Tea Estate for tourism purposes. For visitors to the Sikkim, Darjeeling & Dooars region, Damdim Tea Estate is a must addition, as it not only provides an authentic British Colonial Planter’s hospitality and tea experience, but also serves as the base camp for wilderness experience.There are presently three air conditioned double bedded rooms with private toilet and bath at ‘The Damdim Tea Bungalow’ with lots of sitting area, dining space, library, exclusive lawn and a Machan (Tree House).

Selim Hill Tea Estate, Kurseong, Darjeeling

Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling

147 year old, Selim Hill Tea Bungalow, rustic but nostalgic, standing history in stone & wood is now open for tourists.

Before Kurseong, on the Hillcart Road to Darjeeling, 35 kms. from Siliguri, the Selim Hill Tea Estate was established by the English planter Mr. Henry in the year 1800. Selim Hill offers breathtaking views of the Teesta river and Balason river valleys, meeting the forests and settlements of the foothills to the south from Selim top. There are three double room with attach bath, the fourth one would be added shortly.

The Prakash family in Calcutta took it over from the Scottish Tea Company, who started the estate in 1860.

The 1,600 acre estate is a part of the southern side of the Rangeet river valley, which is surrounded by other tea estates. The highest point being 3,700ft and reaching down to the Rangeet and Rung Dung rivers.The major attraction here is the Burra Bungalow. There are four very well appointed suite rooms, theme based, overlooking the valley across to Sikkim.

Other than destination development and community based sustainable tourism development, we also organize special interest & tailor made tours such as : World Heritage Sites Tours Birding Tours Trekking Expedition Tours Buddhist Cultural Tours Heritage Steam Tours Heritage Tea Tours Orchid-Butterfly-Flower Tours Monastic Tours Architectural Tours Botanical Tours Traditional Art and Craft Tours Wildlife Safaris Photographic Tours Tribal Tours Textile Tours.

AWARDS • Seven *TTF Awards • 1998, ‘VISIT NEPAL YEAR AWARD OF EXCELLENCE IN TOURISM’ from “HIS MAJESTY'S GOVT. OF NEPAL”, Dept. of Tourism.

• Tourism For Tomorrow Awards, 2007 Finalist - given by World Travel & Tourism Council.

• Selected as one of the ‘155 best Adventure Tour Operators on earth’ by National Geographic in 2007. *TTF - TRAVEL AND TOURISM FAIRAsia’s Largest International Travel Mart.

MEMBER ToFT (Travel Operators for Tiger).

EHTTOA (Eastern Himalaya Travel & Tour Operators’ Association).

ATOAI (Adventure Tour Operators’ Association of India).

PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS Association for Conservation and Tourism (ACT), International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT), Inner Asian Conservation (IAC).

Kolkata 67A, Kali Temple Road Kolkata-700 026 Stand Phones : +91-33-24550917, 24549682, 24549719 Tele-Fax : +91-33-24854584 Email : kolkata@helptourism.com info@helptourism.com Siliguri 143, Hill Cart Road, Malati Bhawan, P.O.Box-67 Siliguri-734 401 District : Darjeeling Stand Phones : +91-353-2535893, 2433683 Tele-Fax : +91-353-2532313 Email : siliguri@helptourism.com helptourism@sancharnet.in helptourism@satyam.net.in New Delhi 122/1, Ganapati Apartment, Flat No. 6 Toot Sarai, Malviya Nagar New Delhi-110 017 Email : garumara@yahoo.co.uk

Field Offices : Darjeeling • Guwahati • Dibrugarh.

Baboois@gmail.com 9231516444

For details on our tours, projects, initiatives please visit : www.helptourism.com www.teatourindia.com www.eastindiabirding.com