BAGORA – MUNGPOO

Time: 4.5 hours (one way)

Level: Easy

Bagora is a little known place just off the track in between Siliguri and Darjeeling. It is also called zero point because it is the place with the highest elevation in Kurseong. The place is better known for the location of Air Force Base. However, Bagora is also an interesting place for birdwatchers and trekkers. Multiple short trek routes originate from this point. Dilaram is a place almost midway on the Siliguri Darjeeling route, about 8 Km from Kurseong, towards Darjeeling. As the distance of Kurseong is 51 Km, the total distance of Dilaram from Siliguri turns out to 59 Km. A small uphill walk of 3 Km by the metalled road will take you to Bagora. However, there is an alternate route known as the Old Military Road. This 16 Km. long route takes you directly to Bagora from Kurseong through evergreen forests and the charming high altitude settlements of Dowhill & Chimney.

A pleasant forest rest house located at a secluded place is available at Bagora if you intend to stay.

Mungpoo is a hamlet situated well inside the core of Cinchona plantation and better known as the favourite place of poet laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore. It is connected to National Highway No. 31 at Rambhi Bazar.

The trek of 4.5 hours will take you through the villages of Upper Mamring and Labda Busty. The first part of the route is mostly downhill and then it is fairly easy gradient. Numerous brooks with sparkling fresh water cross the track at various points. Hence there is no scarcity of drinking water. Take your packed lunch beside one of these brooks. Carry on your trek to try to reach Mungpoo before evening. Visit the museum built to preserve the memories of Rabindra Nath Tagore.

Info:

How to go: Get on any Sumo or other 8 seater vehicles plying to Darjeeling from Siliguri and alight at Dilaram after crossing Kurseong. Walk the 3 Km uphill way to Bagora and stay the night. Booking is available from D.F.O., Kurseong. Spend the early morning for bird watching. Start your trek to Mungpoo after light breakfast. While returning from Mungpoo, bus or jeep is available for going to Siliguri via Rambhi Bazar. In case you miss the transport here at Mungpoo, you have to walk 8 Km more to reach Rambhi Bazar on the national Highway 31. Here you willdefinitely find some transportation.