Viewpoints · Rammam
Walk down to the Rammam river
A short side walk from the village down to the Rammam river shows a Himalayan river close to its start: fast, cold and clear, cutting through forest, long before it joins the Rangeet and Teesta.
Ask your guide for the path down from the village toward the river. It drops through fields and forest to the water, where the Rammam runs over boulders between steep wooded banks. This is a young river, fed by streams from Phalut, Gorkhey and Samanden.
Sit on the rocks and look downstream. From here the water flows east through Darjeeling district, forming much of the boundary with Sikkim, joins the Lodhama and other tributaries, passes the Rammam hydel power station and reaches the Rangeet near Jorethang, and eventually the Teesta and the plains.
Look for river birds: redstarts, forktails and wagtails. The climb back up to the village takes longer than the descent; allow two hours in total. Avoid this walk after heavy rain, when the path is slippery and the river high.
Cost: Included in your guide fee
Questions people ask
Good to know
Where does the Rammam river go?
It flows east from the Singalila range through Darjeeling district, forming part of the boundary with Sikkim, and joins the Rangeet near Jorethang. The Rangeet then joins the Teesta, which flows down to the plains of North Bengal.
Can I swim in the Rammam river?
Not advised. The water is cold, fast and rocky. Paddling at the edge in calm spots is fine with care. Avoid the river after rain, when levels rise quickly.
Is there a hydropower project on the Rammam?
Yes, downstream. The Rammam hydel power station is a West Bengal state electricity project. You will not see it from the village; it lies lower down the valley.
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