Yelbong River Canyan Trek in North Bengal
Yelbong is a small village nestled in deep forest and foggy hills near Kalimpong. The main attraction here is the Yelbong River Canyon Trek.
The place is slowly becoming popular for adventure lovers because here the rivers, hills, and forests have merged. So a variety of adventure activities like River trekking, Forest trekking, and River camping are organized here.
Yelbong calls the land of butterflies, small and big butterflies of various colors are flying everywhere, making Yelbong more colorful and more beautiful.
Yelbong river canyon trekking
Yelbong is a small village in the Kalimpong district. The only river canyon trek is done here, which is about 2 km long. This type of trekking is very rare not only in West Bengal but also in India. This trek was invented by Mr. Francis Rai. He is a local mountaineer from Yelbong.
A huge crack has been created between the two hills for various natural activities and the river Rumti is flowing through it. This river canyon trek is done in the middle of this crack and over the Rumti river.
Such a place is ideal for adventure. There is no road to walk, along the river bank, through the dense forest, somewhere on the big rocks, somewhere through the mountain streams, it is a great thrill.
How to Reach Yelbong
You can reach this place within 3 hours from Siliguri or New Mall Junction Station. It is only 55 km from Siliguri and only 30 km from Kalimpong.
This village is 6 km away from Bakhrakot. From Siliguri to Bakhrakot through Chuikhim turn right and take a rocky path, Yelbong village after 4 kilometers on this road.
Best time to visit Yelbong
The best time to visit here is from October to March as it is one of the main attractions of the River canyon trek. The Trek has been closed since March of every year due to rising water levels in the Rumti River.
Or if you want to enjoy nature, mountains, and rivers together then you can come here at any time of the year.
activities at Yelbong (What to Do)
River Canyon Trek:-Yelbong’s famous River canyon trek is done here. In the last 3-4 years, the number of tourists visiting Canyon Caves has increased.
Fishing:-The place is ideal for those who love fishing, as there are Rumti rivers flowing through it. Arrangement for fishing here in the river.
Forest Trekking:- This place is surrounded by dense forest so there is small forest trekking organized here by the locals that you can enjoy.
Riverside Camping:-The river Rumti flows through the village, and you can spend a whole day camping on the banks of the river Rumti.
Bird photography:-Those who love bird photography can come here as there are different species of birds to be seen here, especially in winter.
3 Step waterfalls or Rainbow Falls:- Another interesting tourist spot in Yelbong village is Rainbow Waterfalls or 3 Step Waterfalls. Many tourists are here to see this waterfall.
Homestay in Yelbong
SARAN HOMESTAY
Soni : +91 7865050928
GOPAL HOMESTAY
Gopal Chettri : +91 93391 26613
YELBONG HOMESTAY
Francis Rai : +91 82508 47197 / +91 86090 18412
RIVERSIDE CAMPING
Francis Rai : +91 82508 47197 / +91 86090 18412
Important Tips
If you come to Yelbong just to trek the river canyon cave, you must come between October and March. The rest of the time it is closed.
The last 4 kilometers of road from Bakhrakot to Yelbong are very bad so big cars will have good ground clearance are preferable.
Due to the small number of homestays it is very difficult to get a room in seasonal time so book in advance.
The place is not well known to many, so many car drivers may not know it, so you can talk directly to the homestays and ask them to send a car for pick up.