Try out a group picnic at Barbotey - The Rock Garden of Ghum
Often during our tour to Darjeeling, we miss the charm of its suburbs. The Himalayas never disappoints me and it didn’t during our recent winter tour. It was meant to be spent in solitude and I did so at the cascading rock fountain of Barbotey, just ten kilometers from Ghum railway station. The morning temperature was almost sub-zero; end of January is one of the coldest times of the year. The clear view of Kanchenjungha peak in the distance had already charmed us. But as always, I wished to explore more. After all, the Queen of the Hills has so much to offer. So, I embarked upon an expedition to Barbotey – an offbeat destination in the lap of the mountains.
Barbotey falls
Drive through tea gardens
Since this is not a frequented tourist destination, there are no public transports available on this route. The roads are moderately maintained. We hired a tourist taxi from Darjeeling Mall Road and drove through Hill Cart Road until Ghum. Keeping the monastery on our right, we took a sharp turn down the slope. From Ghum, it did not take much time, around thirty minutes. The best part of this journey was the scenic road and the serene charm of the place, far from the madding crowd of Darjeeling.
Picturesque road to Barbotey from Ghum
Trek to Barbotey rock top
Almost one thousand feet down hill, we discovered a spectacular waterfall, cascading down the rocky terrains. There is hardly any fountain of its size in this belt. The multi-tiered concrete terrace gardens is a wonderful picnic spot for solitude seekers like me. Thus, tired city dwellers can discover peace at a stone throwing distance from Darjeeling. Apart from the waterfalls, there is a beautiful Himalayan garden, named after a local lady, called Ganga Maya Park. During Gorkha Festival, special folk dance performances are performed. There are numerous tea gardens and orange orchards down the hill slope which adds to the green charm of the place.
Multi terraced rock garden at Barbotey
Barbotey waterfalls
In your text trip to Darjeeling, do plan a half day stopover at Barbotey, enjoy the surreal surroundings, meditate and return home with a rejuvenated soul.
How to reach:
Private taxi from Darjeeling or Ghum is the only way to reach Barbotey. There are no public transports available on this route.
Where to stay:
There are no places to stay at Barbotey. Nearest stay is at Ghum. It is best to cover it as a half day sightseeing trip from Darjeeling.
What to see around:
Ganga Maya Park, Tea Gardens, Ghum Monastery, Himalayan Railway Museum
Surreal soundings
