Ichhey:

Ichhey Forest village is a small Himalayan hamlet of Kalimpong District, a treasure hidden behind the veil of beautiful Cinchona Forest. It is situated at an elevation of approx.1767 meter (5800ft) and located at the distance of 17.3km from Kalimpong, 15.9 km from Sillery Gaon and 24.1km from Lava. Though Ichhe Gaon, Ichhey or Ichhey Forest Village has many pronunciations, however, according to the sherpa language, Ichhey means "topmost of the village" . It is situated in such a position that from the top you can witness a mesmerising view of Mt Kanchenjunga and the famous Teesta river at the bottom. This organic village is gradually becoming a hotspot for those who like less crow and want a quiet family holiday away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Around 1970 the Indian Government (Forest Department) had taken an initiative to increase the density of forest along with some medicinal plants. To make that initiative a low-cost success, they involved locals and made them as the metaphoric guardian of that place. They have bestowed with the responsibility to look after, to nurture those plants. However, like any other five years of Government initiative, they (Government) had moved on to other regions with different projects. But in those five years, the locals had consciously instilled that very concept in themselves and continued with what they were hired for. Today nearly 50 years after, Ichhey Forest Village or as colloquially known as the Ichhe Gaon or Busty has converted itself into an eco-village and has become one of the most popular tourist hubs in Kalimpong district.

I chhey Forest Village is encircled(360*) with pine, cinchona, birch, juniper trees and small hilltops covered with many kelly green bouquets of trees. The houses are coloured with vibrant shades and beautifully decorated with infront small gardens(lawn). The soil is very fertile, suitable for big cardamom plants along with some medicinal and some rare orchids. You can enjoy the beautiful sunrise over the maffling range of the Kanchenjunga and the soothing flow of the Teesta river at the bottom while having hot tea or coffee at the porch of your stay(Ichhey Gaon Homestay). This village is enriched with beautiful sceneries and greeneries. You can walk around this Himalayan Village by yourself or explore nature or hike with a guide to Damsung Fort(ruins) or Ramitey Dara(the Highest point) from where you can see(On a clear day) Nathu-La pass and Jelep-La pass. The pure oxygen and continuous chirping of know-unknown birds and the insects, coming out from woods, will no doubt be a sweet addition to that mysticism. This beautiful combination will surely help you to create your unique story.