Gorubathan is a small town in the Kalimpong Subdivision of Darjeeling District. The place is also known among locals as Sombare. The name has it origin in weekly village market (`hut`) organized at Gorubathan on every Monday (`Sombar`).
The place is about 73 km from Kalimpong town (via Lava) and about 55 km from Siliguri. To reach Gorubathan one has to travel through the NH31 till Damdim. From Damdim a road to the north goes to Lava through Gorubathan.
The small town is situated on the east bank of river Chel. Presently the only decent accommodation available at Gorubathan is the forest department bungalow.
The place has attracted tourist interest in the recent past. Local people took efforts to promote Gorubathan as a tourist destination. Some private accommodations are also been coming up.
The landscape of the area is unique as the hills meet the plains here. Chel riverbed is a good location for picnickers and nature lovers. The drive from Damdim to Gorubathan first passes through some of the most beautiful tea gardens of Dooars including Ranichera, Rangamati, Sylee and Meenglas. Just before Gorubathan the Fagu Khola, Runjung Khola and Chel Khola meet to form River Chel. On the other side of the river is the picturesque Pathorjhora tea garden.
Just above the village is Dalim fort. The ruins of a fort build by the Bhutanese kings can still be seen here. The place located on top of the hill also offers breathtaking view of the surrounding.
The road from Gorubathan towards Lava is also beautiful. The first few kilometers you will be travelling through tea gardens with Chel river on your left. The road continues through Faforkheti, This is a small village and a picnic spot for the locals. The picturesque village has the potential to become a tourist attraction. Further ahead on the road is Lava, a day trip to the famous tourist destination can easily be organised from Gorubathan.