What Borong is really like
Borong is a remote South Sikkim hamlet at 2,150m where the main event is soaking in natural sulphurous hot springs beside a small Kagyu monastery. It takes effort to get here (35 km from Ravangla on a winding mountain road) and that effort is what keeps it special. After a week in the mountains, the Borong Tsachu springs are genuinely restorative. We include Borong as a one-night extension on South Sikkim packages for guests who specifically ask to slow down. The drive through cardamom orchards and pear farms is part of the draw. Guests we've taken here say the 35 km that felt long on the map felt right once they were in the springs beside a working monastery with nothing else on the schedule.
Why travellers love Borong
Borong Tsachu hot springs
Natural sulphurous bathing pools (separate men/women) in a valley below the monastery. Less crowded than Yumthang, same therapeutic effect. The pools are set beside a stream with prayer flags above.
Kagyu monastery beside the springs
An active monastery standing metres from the hot springs — prayer flags over the stream, monks visible in the mornings. Combining 20 minutes inside the prayer hall with the soak is a rare, contemplative combination.
Maenam ridge forest walk
The quiet southern approach to Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary — cardamom and rhododendron forest, excellent birdwatching and ridge views into the valley. The uncrowded alternative to the Ravangla trail.
Total quiet and exceptional night skies
Electricity is intermittent, mobile signal is weak and no other tourists are usually here. The night sky above Borong on a clear night is exceptional.
Things to do in Borong
3 experiences our travellers ask for again and again
How long should you spend in Borong?
One night for the springs: arrive by 3pm to soak before sunset, soak again at 7am before breakfast, depart mid-morning. Two nights transforms the visit — the first afternoon is the springs, the second full day is the Maenam ridge forest walk (an underused trail most Borong visitors skip entirely) and the second evening is another soak at dusk. For guests tired after a week of mountain driving, two nights here is a genuine physical reset.
Drive from Ravangla (35 km), afternoon at the springs + monastery. Morning soak, depart.
Day 1: Arrive + springs + monastery. Day 2: Maenam ridge walk (4–5 hrs return), evening springs soak. Depart Day 3.
Getting to Borong
Bagdogra Airport (IXB)
190 kmBagdogra to Borong via Siliguri, Jorethang and Ravangla: 5.5 hours. Private vehicle arranged through accommodation.
New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
188 kmNJP to Borong: 5.5 hours via Siliguri and Ravangla. No public transport — arrange through your accommodation.
Driving in
NH10 from the plainsFrom Ravangla: 35 km on a winding mountain road (1.5 hours). From Namchi: 90 km via Ravangla (3 hours). Local driver recommended for the Borong approach road.
The hot springs and monastery are a short downhill path from the road. The Maenam ridge trailhead starts above the village.
Hotels in Borong
Very limited accommodation — a couple of basic lodges near the springs. Book ahead in October–November.
Three to four small guesthouses near the springs — Borong Tsachu Resort and two or three family-run options. Rooms are simple; hot water comes from the springs themselves or by bucket. Electricity can be intermittent and mobile signal is BSNL-only. The proximity to the springs — under five minutes on foot — is the point, not the room. None are reliably listed on booking platforms; book through us.
When to visit Borong
October to May is the practical visiting window, though the hot springs themselves are warm year-round. The approach road from Ravangla carries real landslide risk in the monsoon (June–September) — we don't operate Borong packages in this window. February and March are particularly good: the springs after a cold mountain morning, cardamom orchards in flower and the monastery completely uncrowded. October and November are the most reliable combination of good road, clear views and functioning springs.
Clear skies, accessible road, comfortable temperatures. Springs year-round.
Heavy rain, road risks on the narrow Borong approach. Springs still hot but approach difficult.
Borong produces large cardamom and the meals at your lodge will include this spice. The atmosphere is genuinely remote: electricity can be intermittent, mobile signal is BSNL-only and the night sky is exceptional. Bring flip-flops for the springs (stone pool floors), and bring a torch. Tell your accommodation 24 hours in advance if you want a Maenam ridge guide arranged.
Borong questions we get all the time
What our travellers say
“We'd been to Ladakh and Kerala, but nothing prepared us for Sikkim. The itinerary felt like it was written by someone who truly loves this place — because it was.”
“The permit process alone would have put us off. They handled everything — inner line, protected area, Nathu La. We just showed up.”
Combine Borong with
Towns that pair naturally with Borong on the same trip.
More places in Borong
- ValleyMonasteryTrek