At the end of winding roads, you find a town on a quiet hill. It’s rustic and charming — a place frozen in time. That’s how I see Kalimpong!

This town means different things to me. Though I’ve only spent a little time here during my visits, it holds a special place in my heart.

A Gateway

I was born in a small village in the Kalimpong district. However, I grew up in Nepal from the age of seven. I visited my parents during winter breaks, passing through Kalimpong to get home.

My mother was from Mongal Busty, southeast of Kalimpong town. So, I had relatives there and often stopped by before heading home. In those days, it took an hour by jeep and nearly a full day’s trek to reach home from Kalimpong.

Walking Through Kalimpong in Memories

One of my best memories is the motor stand where jeeps and buses park. As a kid, I was excited to go home, gazing at street vendors selling coconuts and sweets. I longed to taste those snacks, but they were out of reach.

When winter vacations ended, I dreaded being in Kalimpong. It meant returning to Nepal. The cold winter air felt depressing. I felt sorrow at leaving my parents. I couldn’t express it, which made it worse. Even now, I still feel that sadness when I think of those days.

Over time, I grew used to the routine. Traveling to Kalimpong let me see its other sides. I never stopped feeling the chill, mostly because I visited in winter. Yet, the lovely colonial homes, cozy momo-thukpa shops, and bustling markets created lasting memories. Walking down CK Chowk, browsing vendors, and smelling fresh apples are etched in my senses.

Now, as an adult living far from home, I enjoy exploring Kalimpong. I feel in control of my life, which makes walking through Kalimpong feel different from my childhood.

Taste of Kalimpong

Food is one of the best ways to connect. Whenever I think of Kalimpong, I think of momos, thukpa, and street food like aloo-thukpa, set roti, and sya bhale. These dishes are embedded in my palate, and I crave them. They have distinct flavors you can’t find elsewhere.

Walking through Kalimpong, I satisfy my craving for momos. I make sure to indulge in these dishes during my visits.

Where You Belong

Living abroad among diverse people, I’m often asked where I am from. My go-to answer is, “I am from Kalimpong.” Though I wasn’t born here, it feels like home. It helps people understand my region without explaining my village.

I feel an unexplainable relationship with this place. It’s bittersweet. I haven’t spent much time to call it a “home.” Nonetheless, I cherish it.