A view of the Kanchenjunga from Hee-Bermiok. A Telegraph picture

Siliguri, Nov. 14: A trek or bike-ride through the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary with the breathtaking Kanchenjunga looming large over the horizon, a chhang treat in a Limboo home and a campfire in the lush green mountains with hill mynahs providing the background score.

Sounds like the perfect holiday? Well if it does, one only has to reach out for Hee-Bermiok — the newest name on Sikkim’s impressive list of tourist destinations.

Situated near the Singalila Range in West Sikkim, Hee-Bermiok is the latest spot to be developed by the Pawan Chamling-government as an eco-tourism centre.

“Apart from the natural beauty, rendered perfect by the Rhododendron Wildlife Sanctuary (one of the few in the world), the place has a lot to offer in terms of people and culture,” N.K. Subba, the local MLA, told The Telegraph.

Bound by Kalez Khola in the north, Hee khola in the West, Rangit and Rangsang khola in the east and Samdong Reserve Forest in the south, Hee-Bermiok is blessed with a rich flora and fauna. More than 65 species of birds are said to inhabit the area.

“We took to community-based tourism with the sole aim of conserving the rich bounty of the place while achieving economic advancement,” Subba said. “Since the past two years we organised festivals,” he added.

Impressed by the initiative of the residents, the government has decided to develop the infrastructure there.

The government is coming up with a tourist bungalow in the area, besides creating an artificial lake and a road through the sanctuary for mountain biking. The government will also be erecting the statue of Teyongsi Srijanga, a Limboo preacher and philosopher of the ancient times, the foundation stone of which will be laid on December 3.

“The stress of the government is on adventure tourism,” said Raj Basu, the project adviser. “Besides trekking and biking, the government is planning to come up with a water sports complex. A rock face would also be set up with the help of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute,” he added.

Traditional homes have been identified to promote home-stays, he added.