Darjeeling , A place of beauty
Facing the towering Himalayas and surrounded by high green hills covered with coniferous forests, Darjeeling is perched, literally, on the roof of the world. Situated at an altitude of 2134 metres, amidst the shadow of the mighty Kanchenjunga, the town of Darjeeling is a maze of steps and terraces. It is studded with exotic little bazars, lovely villas, forests and gardens. Some parts of the city air is filled with the aroma of the world famous Darjeeling tea, being processed there.
The mini train which chugs off from New Jalpaiguri provides an exciting journey through deep jungles, rice fields, tea gardens and pine forests. The view of the Kanchenjunga from Observatory Hill or the sun’s play on the highest mountain of the world, Everest seen from nearby Tiger Hill are unforgettable experiences. A walk through gardens growing the finest tea in the world, a ride down to the valley in the small carriage of the ropeway or just relaxing on the Chowrasta are all exquisite experiences of the mountains.
How to go
90km from Bagdogra airport. 80km from Siliguri. Accessible by road from Bagdogra Siliguri/New Jalpaiguri and by the ‘toy train’ from New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri.
Where to stay
Darjeeling Tourist Lodge, Maple Tourist Lodge, Lowis Jubilee Sanatorium, Darjeeling Youth Hostel, Tiger Hill Tourist Lodge.
Single, Double accommodation available. Some places have units with attached kitchens.
Excursions
Kalimpong (51km) is a quiet hill resort. Another retreat is Kurseong (36km). A newly developed hill resort with a lake is Mirik. Sandakphu (58km) and nearly Phalut for high altitude treks.
How to go
From Siliguri to Kalimpong by bus, to Kurseong by bus or the toy train, to Mirik by bus. Also from Darjeeling to all these places by bus and to Kurseong by train. From Darjeeling to Sandakphu and phalut on foot.
Trekking in Darjiling is a unique experience, which no lover of nature should miss.
Sandakphu is 59 km from Darjiling. With 8 hours walk a day, it can be reached in 2 days from Manaybhanjang.
On a clear day, the view from Sandakphu is unforgettable. From this rare vantage point one can see 4 of the world’s 5 highest peaks—Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse at a glance. Mount Everest is 144 km and Kanchenjunga is 38 km as the crow flies.
The region abounds in magnolias, rhododendrons, primulas and other alpine flowers.
Another spot is Phalut, 3600 mts. The view from Phalut is similar to that from Sandakphu. Phalut is a trijunction of Sikkim, Nepal and West Bengal.
The best months to trek in this region are April-May and October – November.
The mini train which chugs off from New Jalpaiguri provides an exciting journey through deep jungles, rice fields, tea gardens and pine forests. The view of the Kanchenjunga from Observatory Hill or the sun’s play on the highest mountain of the world, Everest seen from nearby Tiger Hill are unforgettable experiences. A walk through gardens growing the finest tea in the world, a ride down to the valley in the small carriage of the ropeway or just relaxing on the Chowrasta are all exquisite experiences of the mountains.
How to go
90km from Bagdogra airport. 80km from Siliguri. Accessible by road from Bagdogra Siliguri/New Jalpaiguri and by the ‘toy train’ from New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri.
Where to stay
Darjeeling Tourist Lodge, Maple Tourist Lodge, Lowis Jubilee Sanatorium, Darjeeling Youth Hostel, Tiger Hill Tourist Lodge.
Single, Double accommodation available. Some places have units with attached kitchens.
Excursions
Kalimpong (51km) is a quiet hill resort. Another retreat is Kurseong (36km). A newly developed hill resort with a lake is Mirik. Sandakphu (58km) and nearly Phalut for high altitude treks.
How to go
From Siliguri to Kalimpong by bus, to Kurseong by bus or the toy train, to Mirik by bus. Also from Darjeeling to all these places by bus and to Kurseong by train. From Darjeeling to Sandakphu and phalut on foot.
Trekking in Darjiling is a unique experience, which no lover of nature should miss.
Sandakphu is 59 km from Darjiling. With 8 hours walk a day, it can be reached in 2 days from Manaybhanjang.
On a clear day, the view from Sandakphu is unforgettable. From this rare vantage point one can see 4 of the world’s 5 highest peaks—Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse at a glance. Mount Everest is 144 km and Kanchenjunga is 38 km as the crow flies.
The region abounds in magnolias, rhododendrons, primulas and other alpine flowers.
Another spot is Phalut, 3600 mts. The view from Phalut is similar to that from Sandakphu. Phalut is a trijunction of Sikkim, Nepal and West Bengal.
The best months to trek in this region are April-May and October – November.