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Perched at 2134 m directly opposite the Kanchenjunga, the
Darjeeling hills at 8586 m, is the world's third highest mountain
and India's tallest. The road rises steadily to Kurseong where wisps of
cool air affirm an undeniably Himalayan setting. Road and train track
follow each other for the remaining 60 kms past the Jorebangla crossing
and the Batasia loops to the bustling railway terminus.
The earliest Everest expeditions started their journey from Darjeeling. A
profusion of alpine blossoms and orchids can be found on the leisurely
trips to the neighbouring lakes at Senchal and Mirik and the Lebong
racecourse, which is the highest in the world.
This was also the home of the late Tenzing Norgay and has since 1954
housed the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute where he trained a
generation of mountaineers. The sunrise over Kanchenjunga as seen from
Tiger Hill nearby, is also a great draw.
On clear days, Everest is visible as well.
Down to the Teesta and up on the other side is Kalimpong, 67 km away and
the main stopover point on the proposed trade route to Lhasa. Along the
river, the road ascends once again to Gangtok, 88 km away coursing some
very fine water runs. The direct road to Bagdogra is 125 km.
Trekkers to Darjeeling cannot resist a stopover in
Sikkim . As in
other parts of the Himalayas, the scale of its altitude and the distinct
character of its seasons make Sikkim an all-year destination. Low altitude
treks in winter and higher level excursions in spring, summer and autumn,
when the snowline recedes, are possible. The conventional trekking periods
are March - May before the monsoon, and after the rains in late
September-mid-December.
For foreigners, travel formalities have now been further simplified. For
sightseeing and trekking, and for visits to Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodong and
Pemayangtse monasteries, permits can be obtained for periods upto 15 days
from a number of designated offices including Indian missions overseas,
immigration officers at the main metro airports, Bagdogra, Gangtok and
other convenient points including the Sikkim tourism office in Delhi.
Likewise, for trekking in the currently permitted Dzongri area of west
Sikkim groups of 4-20 persons may obtain 15 day permits.
Indian nationals can visit the areas inside the inner line with permits
which can be obtained in advance. Each season in Sikkim is distinct. The
periods for outdoor excursions are several. March to May is the best
season for flowers. Then on till September, the monsoon moves in with
thick mists and heavy rain. The onset of autumn imparts an enduring
clarity to the distant views until late December, when snow starts falling
in the upper valleys. Meanwhile, the life cycle carries on, adapting to
the changing colors of the landscape. In many ways, this deep seated
harmony with nature is a special characteristic of Sikkim going back to
the origin of its earliest inhabitants, the Lepchas. In its monasteries,
picturesquely dotted across the state, lie the religious and cultural
strengths of the friendly Sikkimese.
The nearest airstrip to Darjeeling and Sikkim is Bagdogra
in North Bengal. Bagdogra is 124 kms and a 5 hours drive from Gangtok.
Flights from Calcutta, Delhi and the north east connect this sector. The
nearest railhead is Siliguri -114 km and New Jalpaiguri - 125 km
connecting Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati and other important cities in India,
to Sikkim and Darjeeling.
Gangtok is connected by road to Darjeeling Kalimpong and Siliguri. These
places are well connected with other destinations in India.
Treks in the Darjeeling area join up with the feeder Sikkim
valleys of the Rangit river adjoining the Singalia ridge. Kanchenjunga is
the prominent feature, its subsidiary peaks spread alongside with distant
Everest also in view. Medium or strenuous grade trekking trips can be
undertaken using Darjeeling as a convenient departure point.
» Darjeeling-Batasi-Tonglu-Sandakphu -- This is a 6-7 day
moderate trek from Maneshanjang which is 26 km by road from Darjeeling.
Ideal for views along a standard trail. The route is famed for its view of
Kanchenjunga, Mt. Everest and rhododendrons from Phalut and Sandakphu.
» Darjeeling / Gangtok - Pemayangtse - Yoksam - Dzongri -- 6
days exhilarating trek with exclusive views of the brilliant Dzongri
sunset over Kanchenjunga.
The most rewarding season for travelling through Darjeeling
and Sikkim is between May to October. The winters are very cold and the
region is swamped by fog. The rainy season make trekking unsafe. Plan your
trip well in advance and enquire about the weather conditions before
setting out.
The monsoon in the Teesta valley is heavy, lasting from early June till
mid September for Sikkim and Darjeeling. For this reason, winter treks are
recommended, beginning with October though the period from April to end
May is also preferred.
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