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Mulkharka Lake Trek:

Mulkharka Trek is a pristine low altitude homestay trek in Kalimpong with fantastic views of Kanchejungha. It sits right at the border of Sikkim and West Bengal in the lower reaches of the North East Himalayas. The trail covers some of the scenic villages at the edge of the Neora Valley National Park.

The trek starts from Lingsey, a small, secluded village, a few kilometres ahead of Rhenock township in Sikkim. From Lingsey, the route ahead is steep but short. It is approximately 8 km from Lingsey to Mulkharka village and a couple of more to the Mulkharka lake. It’s a family-friendly, sweet village walk, often forested. Additionally, it produces some stunning mountain and valley views.

On our way to Mulkharka, we’ll cross other pristine villages like Jhusing, Tagathang, Khopi etc. Jhusing is the smallest of these villages. Surely trekkers in pursuit of solitude will adore this place. Tagathang was previously known as the cardamom village of the region. But due to a deadly disease all the cardamom farms suffered quite a bit and they are still recovering from that. Local farmers are hopeful that within a few years Tagathang will be able to regain its reputation. It is also famous for its medicinal honey. There are some particular species of bees which thrive at the altitude of Tagathang. These bees collect and store honey from specific plants which has medicinal values. Up at Mulkharka people tried to harvest these bees but with very little success.

Our destination Mulkharka, is a relatively new settlement in comparison to other villages on the trail. As a matter of fact, for ages the grounds of Mulkharka has served as the grazing place for cattle of those villages. In the mid 90s some villagers started organic farming around Mulkharka and started settling down there since then.

From the heights of Mulkharka the views of the South – East face of Kanchenjungha opens up. In the Mulkharka lake the reflection of Kanchenjungha is a sight to behold and coveted among visitors.

Season and time to visit:

Best time to visit is between November and February (autumn and winter) , when the weather usually remains clear. From April to September often the weather remains cloudy or rainy.

Suggested itinerary for Mulkharka Lake trek:

Day 1: Drive from NJP or Bagdogra to Lingsay village (~880 m / 2890 ft). Shorter route enters into Sikkim and takes Teesta, Melli, Rangpo, Rhenock route to Lingshey in Kalimpong district (West Bengal). Approx 115 km – 5 to 6 hours.  The longer route (which is entirely inside West Bengal and doesn’t enter amd leave Sikkim) is through crossing coronation bridge on Teesta River, then via Lava, Pedong, Kagey to Lighshey village ~160 km – 8 to 9 hours – Homestay
Day 2: Trek to Tagathang (~1520 m / 4990 ft) via Jhusing (~1320 m / 4330 ft) – ~4 km – 1-2 hrs – Homestay. After lunch we will explore Tagathang village.
Day 3: Trek to Mulkharka village (~2050 m /6725 ft) – ~6 km – 2 to 3 hrs – Homestay – Post lunch visit the organic farm in the village.
Day 4: Early morning hike to Mulkharka Lake (~2280 m / 7480 ft) . Post breakfast drive to NJP to Bagdogra via Tista, Melli, Rangpo, Rhenock – ~125 km – 5 to 6 hours or  via Kagey, Pedong, Lava ~170 km – 8 to 9 hours. Else you may continue with your travel plan in Darjeeling, Kalimpong or Sikkim etc.

Notes:

• You need to arrive at NJP station, Bagdogra airport or Siliguri city, latest by 10 am on Day 1. While returning, you will reach NJP or Bagdogra by noon or early afternoon, as per the above itinerary.
• You can reach from or return to Darjeeling to trek base and endpoints in an hour or so.te

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