Located in the lap of nature, in the remote mountains, 80 Kms from Kalimpong, the Samthar Plateau offers tranquility, and one of the finest views of Khangchendzonga – the third highest peak in the world.

Samthar now hosts Project Awake & Shine . This is a responsible tourism project, which aims to awaken the Samthar communities to the potential of Integrated Village Tourism, and to empower future generations to shine by gainful employment within the local environment.

The Awake & shine Integrated village tourism model seeks to generate earnings by developing tour circuits based on homestay holidays, and the sale of handicrafts and other local products. It also provides for empowering the future generations by teaching spoken English,enhancing existing earning skills, and teaching new skills to enable the development of Integrated Village Tourism for the benefits of the community.

Started in May 2006, as a philanthropic project by Retired Indian Army General "Jimmy" Singh, from his personal resources, Awake & Shine has built first class infrastructure for Village homestay holidays, set up intresting village tours, started a path breaking rural English medium Pre School, created a active ladies group for handicrafts, and a carpentry module. The project is now funded through the Awake and Shine Charitable trust.