Macro forestry in the nature's trail from Dhotrey to Tonglu : A glimpse of the treasures of Eastern Himalayan subalpine forest.
Dhotrey/ Dhotre, is a small settlement (8,500ft ), amidst the forests of sub Himalayan Bengal within the buffer zone of Singalila National Park, belonging to Eastern Himalaya. Altogether 68 small huts, 300 religious villagers mostly Buddhists, a small monastery, a few terrace farming covering areas, a small market, and a small garden of medicinal plants are the assets of this place. Here, once, logs were collected by Forest Department with a 5km long ropeway. The village was founded at that time. The ropeway was demolished in mid '80s. Village economy became ruined. And then the entire village was gutted down by a killer fire on 9th February, 2008, that had destroyed 33 huts and a considerable portion of the forests. Now, the village has been rebuilt with the help of Forest Department and many well-wishers. At present trekkers and nature lovers can stay at Dhotrey, in the village huts or in the trekker's huts, the total capacity being 40. The huts can be booked from the DGHC counter in Calcutta, New Delhi, Siliguri or Darjeeling. Electricity is not provided here, because it is within the National Park, but solar power is provided occasionally.
Car, jeep and bus services are available regularly from Darjeeling, Sukhiapokhri and NJP via Manebhanjang. Located 11 kms from Darjeeling, Dhotrey offers a wonderful trek to Tonglu(7km) through an exquisite forest trail thus letting you avoid conventional trek from Manebhanjang. One can enjoy a majestic view of Kanchendzonga range throughout the trekking rout from Dhotrey to Tonglu on a clear sunny day. (wikimapia.org/9874553/DHOTRE-the-forest-village)
The route remains closed from June to September.The best time to visit is between mid-September and December and between March and early April, when the rhododendrons and magnolias bloom, turning the forest a riot of colours. It is best to hire a guide for the four-hour trek to Tonglu.
The park is a birder’s delight. Rare and exotic species like the scarlet minivet, kalij pheasant, blood pheasant, satyr tragopan, parrotbills, and fire-tailed myzornis can be spotted here.
There are not many carnivores and snakes in the national park, making it a popular family camping destination. The mammals that can be seen are red panda, leopard cat, yellow-throated marten, barking deer, wild boar, pangolin and the pika.
According to forest officials, there are more than 600 varieties of orchids in the forest, which explains the heady fragrance that hangs in the air.
But to my experience, this pristine forest is a treasure of macro flora including exotic growths of lichens. I was wondered by the colors, shapes and unforgettable beauty of those tiny plants at the forest floors. It evoked a deep sense of reverence and gratitude towards nature. Nothing is too small or too big. Every element of nature has its fair share of responsibility in the endless showcase of variety towards holistic beautification of mother nature. Trekkers usually miss them because they always long for the huge trees, canopies and after all the majestic Kanchendzonga. I thought I will not miss none of them as far as permissible. It was a tiring session of macrophotography on my way from Dhotrey to Tonglu. I share you a few of them. I guess, you will like it......!!
Source: (www.telegraphindia.com/1120415/jsp/calcutta/story_1537473...)
(wikimapia.org/9874553/DHOTRE-the-forest-village)
Macro forestry in the nature's trail from Dhotrey to Tonglu : A glimpse of the treasures of Eastern Himalayan subalpine forest.
Dhotrey/ Dhotre, is a small settlement (8,500ft ), amidst the forests of sub Himalayan Bengal within the buffer zone of Singalila National Park, belonging to Eastern Himalaya. Altogether 68 small huts, 300 religious villagers mostly Buddhists, a small monastery, a few terrace farming covering areas, a small market, and a small garden of medicinal plants are the assets of this place. Here, once, logs were collected by Forest Department with a 5km long ropeway. The village was founded at that time. The ropeway was demolished in mid '80s. Village economy became ruined. And then the entire village was gutted down by a killer fire on 9th February, 2008, that had destroyed 33 huts and a considerable portion of the forests. Now, the village has been rebuilt with the help of Forest Department and many well-wishers. At present trekkers and nature lovers can stay at Dhotrey, in the village huts or in the trekker's huts, the total capacity being 40. The huts can be booked from the DGHC counter in Calcutta, New Delhi, Siliguri or Darjeeling. Electricity is not provided here, because it is within the National Park, but solar power is provided occasionally.
Car, jeep and bus services are available regularly from Darjeeling, Sukhiapokhri and NJP via Manebhanjang. Located 11 kms from Darjeeling, Dhotrey offers a wonderful trek to Tonglu(7km) through an exquisite forest trail thus letting you avoid conventional trek from Manebhanjang. One can enjoy a majestic view of Kanchendzonga range throughout the trekking rout from Dhotrey to Tonglu on a clear sunny day. (wikimapia.org/9874553/DHOTRE-the-forest-village)
The route remains closed from June to September.The best time to visit is between mid-September and December and between March and early April, when the rhododendrons and magnolias bloom, turning the forest a riot of colours. It is best to hire a guide for the four-hour trek to Tonglu.
The park is a birder’s delight. Rare and exotic species like the scarlet minivet, kalij pheasant, blood pheasant, satyr tragopan, parrotbills, and fire-tailed myzornis can be spotted here.
There are not many carnivores and snakes in the national park, making it a popular family camping destination. The mammals that can be seen are red panda, leopard cat, yellow-throated marten, barking deer, wild boar, pangolin and the pika.
According to forest officials, there are more than 600 varieties of orchids in the forest, which explains the heady fragrance that hangs in the air.
But to my experience, this pristine forest is a treasure of macro flora including exotic growths of lichens. I was wondered by the colors, shapes and unforgettable beauty of those tiny plants at the forest floors. It evoked a deep sense of reverence and gratitude towards nature. Nothing is too small or too big. Every element of nature has its fair share of responsibility in the endless showcase of variety towards holistic beautification of mother nature. Trekkers usually miss them because they always long for the huge trees, canopies and after all the majestic Kanchendzonga. I thought I will not miss none of them as far as permissible. It was a tiring session of macrophotography on my way from Dhotrey to Tonglu. I share you a few of them. I guess, you will like it......!!
Source: (www.telegraphindia.com/1120415/jsp/calcutta/story_1537473...)
(wikimapia.org/9874553/DHOTRE-the-forest-village)