government lodge · Jorepokhri
Jorepokhri Tourist Lodge
A GTA tourist lodge beside the twin ponds of Jorepokhri, near Sukhia Pokhari, about 20 km from Darjeeling at roughly 2,250 m. Cold, quiet and forested, with simple rooms and very little to do but walk, read and watch the mist come in.
The lodge stands by the two small ponds that give Jorepokhri its name, inside India's first salamander sanctuary, declared in 1985. It is a simple government building at altitude: rooms are basic, nights are cold for much of the year, and the forest of cryptomeria and oak around it is often wrapped in cloud by afternoon. Mornings in October, November and spring can be clear enough to see the Kanchenjunga range.
Come for silence, not facilities. Sukhia Pokhari's market is about 4 km away for supplies and onward jeeps to Mirik or Maneybhanjan. Meals are basic and should be arranged in advance. GTA tariffs and booking methods change, so check current status before you travel. Bring a torch, warm layers and something to read: evenings here are long, quiet and dark, with very little traffic on the road after sunset. Mim tea garden and the Simana viewpoint above Nepal are both short drives away for a morning outing.
Why we suggest it
- One of very few places to sleep right by the twin ponds
- Government tariff in a forest setting
- Easy base for Sukhia Pokhari, Simana and Lepchajagat
We list rates as indicative ranges. We do not take commission from this property for being listed here. Check current status before you travel.
Questions people ask
Good to know
Can I see salamanders at Jorepokhri?
Probably not. Jorepokhri was declared India's first salamander sanctuary in 1985, but recent reporting (2026) says paving and tourist building around the ponds altered the habitat so much that the Himalayan salamander is no longer found breeding there. Come for the forest and the quiet, and do not disturb the water's edge.
How cold is Jorepokhri Tourist Lodge?
Cold. At about 2,250 m it is a little higher than Darjeeling, and winter nights can fall below freezing. Even in May evenings are chilly. Ask for heaters and extra blankets, confirm hot water, and pack a down jacket or thick fleece from October to April.
How do I get to Jorepokhri Tourist Lodge?
Take a shared jeep from Darjeeling towards Sukhia Pokhari (about ₹70–100 a seat), then a local taxi for the last 4 km, or hire a car from Darjeeling for about ₹1,500–2,000 one way. The road runs via Ghoom and Lepchajagat. Check current status before you travel, especially in the monsoon.
Trips that sleep here
On a ticket
Shoestring
Darjeeling5 nights · Shared jeeps
Darjeeling and the forest villages by jeep
Darjeeling · Lepchajagat · Jorepokhri
₹12,000per personabout ₹2,000 a day
Value
Darjeeling7 nights · Reserved car
Chatakpur, Darjeeling and the Lepcha forest
Chatakpur · Darjeeling · Lepchajagat · Jorepokhri
₹26,000per personabout ₹3,250 a day
Other stays nearby
