Sikkim Darjeeling Tour

Darjeeling, often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills,” is a popular hill station in West Bengal, India, nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. Famous for its breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, rolling tea gardens, vibrant cultural heritage, and charming colonial architecture, Darjeeling offers a unique blend of nature, adventure, and history. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan your Darjeeling tour:

Top Attractions in Darjeeling

  1. Tiger Hill
    • Best Time to Visit: Early morning for sunrise
    • Highlights: Panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, and on clear days, a glimpse of Mt. Everest.

Tiger Hill is renowned for its magnificent sunrise views over the Kanchenjunga range. Watching the first rays of sunlight illuminate the snow-clad peaks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Tiger Hill is located around 11 km from Darjeeling and is best visited at dawn.

  1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Highlights: Scenic ride, cultural heritage.

The iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, fondly known as the Toy Train, offers a unique and scenic journey through the rolling hills and tea gardens of Darjeeling. The train travels from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan landscape. The joyride between Darjeeling and Ghum (the highest railway station in India) is particularly popular among tourists.

  1. Batasia Loop
    • Location: En route to Ghum
    • Highlights: Stunning spiral railway track, panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, War Memorial.

Located just below Ghum, Batasia Loop is an architectural marvel and a must-visit for train enthusiasts. The spiral railway track allows the toy train to descend the steep gradient, offering spectacular views of the surrounding hills and the Kanchenjunga range. The War Memorial located here is dedicated to Gorkha soldiers.

  1. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
    • Highlights: Red pandas, snow leopards, Himalayan wolves.

The Himalayan Zoological Park is one of the best high-altitude zoos in India and is home to several endangered species, including the red panda and the snow leopard. The zoo is involved in the breeding and conservation of these rare species and is a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts.

  1. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI)
    • Highlights: Museum, mountaineering exhibits, training school.

Founded in 1954, HMI is a prestigious mountaineering institute in India that was established to commemorate Tenzing Norgay, the first person (along with Sir Edmund Hillary) to scale Mt. Everest. The museum here showcases various mountaineering expeditions and artifacts related to Everest.

  1. Darjeeling Tea Gardens
    • Highlights: Scenic tea plantations, tea tasting tours.

Darjeeling is synonymous with its world-famous Darjeeling Tea, often referred to as the “Champagne of Teas.” Visitors can take a tour of the lush tea gardens, learn about the tea-making process, and enjoy tea-tasting sessions at some of the tea estates, such as Happy Valley Tea Estate.

  1. Peace Pagoda
    • Highlights: Japanese architecture, panoramic views, peaceful ambiance.

The Peace Pagoda, built by the Japanese Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fujii, is a symbol of peace and unity. The pagoda is part of a series of pagodas built around the world to promote world peace. It offers panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range and is a serene spot for meditation and reflection.

  1. Ghum Monastery
    • Highlights: Ancient Buddhist monastery, spiritual ambiance.

Ghum Monastery (Yiga Choeling) is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the region. The monastery houses a 15-foot-high statue of the Maitreya Buddha (Future Buddha) and offers a peaceful atmosphere for visitors to learn about Tibetan Buddhism.

  1. Observatory Hill and Mahakal Temple
    • Highlights: Spiritual significance, panoramic views of the mountains.

Observatory Hill is an important religious site in Darjeeling, known for the Mahakal Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This hill is significant to both Hindu and Buddhist communities. The hilltop offers mesmerizing views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Activities in Darjeeling

  1. Tea Tasting & Plantation Tours
    • Visit iconic tea estates, such as Makaibari, Glenburn, and Happy Valley, for guided tours of the tea-making process, followed by tea tasting sessions.
  2. Trekking
    • Singalila Ridge Trek: A popular trekking route that offers stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and even Mt. Everest. The trek passes through Sandakphu (3,636 m) and Phalut, offering a variety of landscapes from dense forests to open meadows.
    • Trekking to Tiger Hill: An adventurous way to explore the scenic beauty of the region.
  3. Toy Train Joyride
    • Take the iconic Toy Train Joyride between Darjeeling and Ghum for a nostalgic ride through the mountains.
  4. Shopping at Mall Road and Chowrasta
    • Chowrasta and Mall Road are famous for shopping, where you can find traditional Tibetan crafts, local tea, woolen clothes, carpets, and handicrafts.
  5. River Rafting on Teesta
    • For adventure seekers, Teesta River offers exciting opportunities for white-water rafting, especially during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.

Best Time to Visit Darjeeling

  • Summer (March to May): This is the best time to visit as the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear, offering great views of the mountains.
  • Autumn (September to November): Another ideal time to visit Darjeeling, with clear skies and cool weather.
  • Winter (December to February): Winters are cold, and while snowfall is rare, the temperature can drop to freezing levels.
  • Monsoon (June to September): Darjeeling experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon, which can lead to landslides, making it less suitable for travel.

How to Reach Darjeeling

  1. By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (about 70 km away). From Bagdogra, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to Darjeeling.
  2. By Train: The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), located around 65 km from Darjeeling. From NJP, you can either take the toy train to Darjeeling or hire a taxi.
  3. By Road: Darjeeling is well-connected by road to nearby cities like Siliguri, Kalimpong, and Gangtok. You can either hire a private taxi or take shared jeeps and buses.

Where to Stay in Darjeeling

Darjeeling offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. Some popular choices include:

  • Windamere Hotel: A charming colonial-era property offering luxury and vintage charm.
  • Mayfair Darjeeling: A luxurious resort with stunning views and top-notch amenities.
  • Cedar Inn: A boutique hotel with panoramic mountain views.
  • Glenburn Tea Estate: A heritage tea estate offering unique stay experiences amidst tea gardens.

For budget travelers, Zostel Darjeeling and hostels offer comfortable options.

Travel Tips

  • Permits: If you plan to visit Sandakphu, you may need an entry permit as it is near the Nepal border.
  • Altitude Acclimatization: While Darjeeling is not at a very high altitude, some visitors may experience mild altitude sickness. It’s best to stay hydrated and take it easy on the first day.
  • Cash Availability: Carry enough cash as ATMs may not always be available in remote areas.