Name: Jalpaiguri
Rating: 3.5

Buxa Duar Trek, Jalpaiguri Overview

The Buxa Duar Trek, cradled in the Jalpaiguri District of West Bengal, offers an opportunity to peek into the mysteries of the wild jungles of the Buxa Tiger Reserve. It is a densely forested reserve boasting of being the only tiger reserve in the entire Kanchenjunga circuit.

Today, it offers its visitors a chance to observe the animals in their natural habitat. Buxa Range provides with ample number of opportunities to trek, a short 5km walk beginning from Santlabari near Sealdah. A trek of an hour from this quaint little village takes you to Buxa Duar and Buxa Tiger reserve. Jayanti Forest located 13 kms from Buxa Duar is one of the most popular treks in the area. Apart from being enriched with diverse variety of flora and fauna, the trail is also adorned with stalactite cave here called Mahakal housing a Shivalinga. The Buxa Duar Fort is a living shadow of the past of this region, which once served as the prison during the time of the East India Company. The Buxa range is also a home to plethora of birds’ varieties serving as a paradise for bird lovers. Trans-Himalayan migratory goosander, the beautiful ibis bill, fork-tails, red-stars, wagtails and migratory birds such as common teal, gargani teal, large whistling teal and white-eyed pochard are some among many. The place is an epitome of solitude, peaceful ambience and stunning mountain views making this trek worth every moment away from the hustle bustle of the city crowd.

Water Availability

Carry your own water as well during the trek. However, you will have the opportunity to refill your water stock at almost all the campsites.

Camping/Shelter

Buxa Duar Trek offers proper accommodation for the trekkers at several stops. However, most of the tourists carry their own sleeping bags and tents.

Food Availability

It's always a good idea to carry your own food during trekking. However, you will get proper meals at home stays or resorts at almost all the camping sites.

General Tips

1. Make sure you carry warm clothes irrespective of the fact that what season you are travelling in.
2. Carry your own trekking gear and equipments and be always prepared.
3. Carry a medical aid kit and your usual medicines for the way.
4. A good pair of trekking shoes is a must.
5. Carry raingear no matter if you are travelling during monsoon season.
6. Make sure you obtain all the permits well in advance required for trekking in the region.
7. Make sure you carry spare batteries and film roll for camera as there will be no electricity supply.
8. A well informed and trained guide is very important and do make sure to sought out all trivial things well in advance to avoid misunderstanding.

How to reach Buxa Duar Trek

Rail: New Jalpaiguri serves as the nearest railways station to the base camp situated about 150 km away.
Road: Siliguri is about 175 kms from Alipurdar, from where you can easily avail a cab till Buxa. The two entry points to the reserve are Jayanti and Rajabhatkhawa for which the buses are most easily available.

More about Buxa Duar Trek

Base Camp: Rajabhatkhawa

Nearest Airport: Bagdogra

Nearest Railhead: 150 km

Snow: You may encounter snowfall especially during the winter months. The temperature can go much below the freezing point at any time of the year. Be prepared to face extreme cold no matter whenever you are planning a trek.

Starting point of trek: Rajabhatkhawa

Itinerary for Buxa Duar Trek

Day 1: Arrive at Rajabhatkhawa

Arrive at Rajabhatkhawa, which is located about 10 kms from Alipurduar and also serves as the main entrance to Buxa Tiger Reserve. You can see a variety of wildlife here in their natural habitat. You can reach the place both by road as well as rail (Siliguri, 153 kms and Alipurduar, 17 kms). You can opt for a home stay here or a lodge. Rest here for the day and enjoy the raw beauty of the place.

Day 2: Rajabhatkhawa to Buxa Duar via Santrbari

Distance: 3 kms,

ItÃ•s time to leave Rajabhatkhawa and reach Santrabari by car while savouring the beautiful views all around. A trek of 4 kms from Santrabari up the hill will take you to the ruins of the fort that was once used by the British as place of secluded confinement for the leaders of IndiaÃ•s Independence movement. Although standing in ruins, the fort till date reflects its great historic significance. Rest here for the night. You can either book a hotel or pitch a tent.

Day 3: Buxa to Jayanti via Lepchaka, Katlung River and Mahakal Cave

Distance: 12 kms,

Depart from Buxa for the village of Jayanti. The trail, however, goes through series of fascinating places on the way. Lepchaka, katlung River and a beautiful natureÃ•s marvel of Mahakal Cave crosses your way and make sure to explore each one of them. Finally you approach to a small quaint village of Jayanti through a deep forest. It is a beautiful place adorned with Jayanti riverbed and Bhutan Hills beyond it. With permission from forest department, you can also explore the inside of the forest. You have an option of home stays or small resorts in form of an accommodation. Lepchaka is a small rustic village offering splendid views of Duars about 2 kms trek from Buxa Fort. Situated above a hill, the view it overlooks is of beautiful plains and forests.

Day 4: Jayanti to Rajabhatkhawa

On your last day track down back to Rajabhatkhawa tracing the same way as you ascended. This is the end of this adventurous saga of wildlife and nature. Transfer to hotel and take some rest before departing.