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.
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. Two nights to also do the Maenam ridge forest walk.
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.
Simple, clean accommodation with home-cooked meals. The kind of place where the host knows your name by dinner.
When to visit Borong
The springs are year-round but October–May is the practical visiting window. Monsoon (June–September) brings road risks on the Borong approach.
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
Combine Borong with
Towns that pair naturally with Borong on the same trip.
More places in Borong
- ValleyMonasteryTrek