Camp Umesh Manshi Gaaon - Gilehrio Homestay Near Darjeeling — Hotel in West Bengal

Gilherio stay at Manshi Gaon is one of a kind experience! I visited there with my school friend and fell in love with the place. Bimla di's cooking is the best- she cooked some delicious chicken, momos, soup, handmade pasta(kaudi) for us, the taste is still lingering with us! After lunch we headed to a sunset point with an amazing view and topped it of with a cup of lip smacking chai and cookies. The view from their dining lets you forget all the chaos in life and helps you pause a little and enjoy the little things in life. Soon after that we went near the mud chula to warm ourselves up and jammed to beautiful songs while Bimla di was prepping for the next day's cooking. The dinner was served with their lovely homemade guava wine. We loved talking with Bimla di and so touched when she gifted us some beautiful earrings! The cottage where we stayed was built by Umesh da and his friends which was impressive. I would recommend this place for sure for anyone who wants to take a break and relax truly, interact with the locals of Manshi Gaon, their cute cat and dog Tutu and Tommy, indulge in delicious, healthy homemade Lepcha food, mesmerizing sunset and sunrise views.. Go for it as your money goes to the locals (here Bimla di and Umesh da) and instill their hope in local economy and...

I took a solo trip to Munshi gaon a few days back. The reason for me to choose this place was to get away to an off-grid location, away from the bustling city life we live in. The few days I spent there were so peaceful (to say the least). I didn't feel the need to be cautious of anyone and anything once I reached there; such is the hospitality of Umesh da and his family. They served delicious, hot and fresh meals each time, with all the produce either homegrown or locally sourced. Not just Umesh da and his family, but other families who I met during the village trek too were very welcoming and warm. Oh.. what an experience it was to explore the beauty of the village and nearby natural attractions! Umesh da takes you around the entire area guiding, singing and joking along the entire way. Although, I didn't get the chance to meet Bimla di during my visit but we spoke on phone and it didn't feel like I was speaking to someone totally new. She has her ways of making everybody feel at home. I befriended their little daughter Roshni even though we didn't speak each other's languages (a connection of the hearts, maybe). I had a very culturally immersive experience at Munshi gaon and would definitely return to meet my lovely hosts, the villagers and the doggos...

It's a must visit for a unique experience in the hills. The first time I had home cooked food in the local style. Don't expect luxurious quarters or state of the art facilities. But what you will get is a very warm welcome and all the attention of the caretaker Umesh da and his wife. The views are really enchanting and you can walk around to explore the small hamlets around. A lovingly cooked delicious meal, typically local cuisine. Fresh vegetables and lots of tea. There's a stream running nearby and it's soothing music at night when the stillness of the dark is broken by the chirping of insects and bird calls. The basics like electricity, heater, warm water and clean linen are all catered for. Do explore if you like off-beat and unique...