Day 0
Overnight travel to NJP
Travel overnight to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.
Trips / Nature / Stargazing
Lava–Kolakham stargazing camping
A Himalayan dark-sky adventure combining astronomy, camping, forest exploration and mountain experiences across a relaxed weekend near Lava and Kolakham.
Duration3 days / 2 nightsDifficultyEasyActivity levelModerateFrom₹8,499 per person
Journey overview
Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Difficulty
Easy
Activity level
Moderate
Region
Lava–Kolakham, Kalimpong district
Highest point
Approximately 2,000 to 2,200 metres
Format
Friday night departure, Monday morning return
Best season
October to May
Activity
Stargazing camping
Lava–Kolakham stargazing camping is a Himalayan night-sky experience combining mountain landscapes, forests and outdoor camping with guided astronomy sessions.
Rather than focusing only on camping, the journey is designed around experiencing the Himalayan night sky while spending time outdoors through forest walks, scenic hikes and sunrise and sunset viewpoints.
The experience combines astronomy, nature, photography and slow outdoor exploration into a relaxed weekend escape.
Winter offers the clearest skies and best visibility for night sky observation.
Journey highlights
What defines this journey.
01Guided stargazing sessions beneath dark Himalayan skies
02Learn to identify constellations and planets
03Sunset viewpoint hike
04Himalayan forest nature hike
05Sunrise mountain walk
06Outdoor camping experience
07Bird watching and nature interpretation
The Untrails itinerary
The route we operate, day by day.
Day 1
NJP → Lava–Kolakham, first stargazing session
Arrive at NJP in the morning and transfer to Lava–Kolakham across approximately 115 km and 4 to 5 hours of driving. After arriving at the campsite, receive a welcome briefing before tent allocation and camp orientation. Later enjoy a short forest walk introducing the surrounding Himalayan ecosystem. In the evening begin a short hike to a nearby viewpoint to watch the sunset before gathering for dinner. After dinner, join the first guided stargazing session where participants learn about constellations, stars and the visible night sky. Overnight camping.
Activities
- Welcome briefing and camp orientation
- Short forest walk
- Sunset viewpoint hike
- First guided stargazing session
Day 2
Sunrise walk, forest hike and second stargazing session
Begin with a sunrise walk through the surrounding mountain landscape. After breakfast continue with a Himalayan forest nature hike focusing on birdlife, native flora and nature interpretation. Spend the afternoon exploring nearby villages, photographing landscapes and participating in outdoor cooking activities. Following dinner, return outdoors for the second guided stargazing session with opportunities for constellation identification, astronomy discussions and night photography. Overnight camping.
Activities
- Sunrise mountain walk
- Himalayan forest nature hike
- Village and landscape exploration
- Outdoor cooking activities
- Second guided stargazing session with night photography
Day 3
Final nature walk → NJP
Breakfast, followed by a final short nature walk before packing up camp. Depart for NJP with a travel time of approximately 4 to 5 hours. The journey concludes at NJP.
What's included
Every detail, handled.
From
₹8,499 per person
All meals, camping accommodation and guided stargazing included.
- NJP pickup and drop
- All transfers during the trip
- Two nights camping accommodation
- Tent accommodation with sleeping arrangements
- All meals during the journey
- Camp coordinator and support staff
- Guided stargazing sessions
- Astronomy interpretation
- Sunset viewpoint hike
- Sunrise walk
- Himalayan forest nature hike
- Bird watching experience
- Outdoor camping activities
- Basic first aid support
Things to know
Before you set out.
Train tickets
Train tickets to and from NJP are not included.
Personal expenses
Any personal expenses during the trip are borne by travellers.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travellers.
Equipment rental
Telescope or specialised photography equipment rental is not included.
Additional activities
Any activities not listed under inclusions are not part of the journey cost.
Ready when you are
Book this journey.
Reserve your place with us. We respond personally to every enquiry.
Night sky highlights
Species and birdlife of the region.
Dark Himalayan skies
Minimal light pollution makes Lava–Kolakham one of North Bengal's best locations for night sky observation.
Constellations
Depending on the season, several prominent constellations are visible to the naked eye.
Planets
Bright planets may be visible during different times of the year depending on astronomical conditions.
The Milky Way
During favourable conditions and moonless nights, sections of the Milky Way may be visible.
Night photography
Learn simple techniques for photographing stars and night landscapes.
Astronomy basics
Understand how stars, planets and constellations can be identified without specialised equipment.
Gallery
Fragments from the trail.
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