Best Season : May to October
The supreme mountain, Kanchenjunga provides a beautiful background to
Darjeeling, famously known as the Queen of The Hills, Darjeeling is a very
famous holiday resort and has a touch of the British influence that
prevailed in the British rule in India. In and around Darjeeling are many
lush green tea plantations producing the world famous Darjeeling tea-a sight
worth seeing. But for adventure loving tourist, its trekking trail is a
great attraction. A trek to the Tiger Hill is highly recommended. The
panoramic glimpse of Mt. Everest and breathtaking view of the sunrise over
Kanchenjunga are exhilarating.
Keeping Darjeeling tourism as the base, nature lovers can visit the
Mountain Kingdom of Sikkim. Sikkim is an all-year Indian tourism
destination, offering low altitude trekking opportunities in winter and
higher-level excursions during the spring, summer and autumn months.
Trekking In Darjeeling
The East Himalayas present the best trekking routes in the whole of India.
Low altitude treks in the lower regions of Darjeeling are quiet easy and are
particularly recommended for those tourists who like to take up a stroll at
a leisurely pace. Few of the popular trekking trails in Darjeeling are:
Darjeeling-Batast-Tonglo-Sandakphu-Return
This is a 6/7 days moderate trekking from Maneshanjang, which is 26-km by
road from Darjeeling and ideal for views along a standard trail. A popular
trekking route from Darjeeling, this trek takes one to Sandakphu and Phalut
from where one can have breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga and Mt. Everest.
Singalila Treks
Treks in the eastern Himalayan region are organized through both high and
low altitude areas. The most popular of treks is the one through high
altitude areas across the Singalila range in Darjeeling, which starts from
Maneybhanjang, goes to Meghma, Toughu, Gairibas, Sandakphu, and Phalut.The
fourth and last day is the return trek to Darjeeling, which may be taken
along the same route or via Ramman, Rimbick and Bijanbari.
Kalimpong
Treks
Another adventurous high altitude trek done in Darjeeling is in the
Kalimpong region from Relli, Pankhasari, and Neora to the highest point in
the areas, Rochella at 3,400m. From here it is a steady descent to Tangta,
Jhalang along the foothills to Samsing. Trekkers can enjoy the natural
panorama of exotic varieties of Himalayan flora, bird, and wildlife that can
be seen along this route.
Trekking In Sikkim
Sikkim is nestled by the towering peaks of the mighty Himalayas including
Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world. Sikkim shares borders
with Tibet in the north, Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west and the state
of West Bengal in the south. Its unique and drastic variation in altitude
ranging from 244 meters to over 8586 meters, Sikkim offers visitors a rare
life time chance to experience the changing life styles within a moderate
distance, from sub-tropical heat of the Indian plains to the cold snow
capped of the mountain slopes.
Darjeeling/Gangatok-Pemanyangtse-Yoksum-Dzongri
The most popular trek in Sikkim is from Yuksom to Dzongri and Goccha La for
superb views of Kanchenjunga. Two peaks in Dzongri area of West Sikkim,
Thingchen Khang and Jopunob, have been declared 'Trekking Peaks', which
means they are free of royalty payment.
Trek To Tendong Hill
Above Damthang, overlooking south district headquarters town Namchi, there
is a flat stretch of land, at an altitude of 8,530ft, surrounded by a lush
green forest known as Tendong Hill. Trek From Tendong from Damthang bazaar,
the nearest roadhead, is just about two-hours of casual walk. But one can
also proceed to Namchi by trekking via Tendong Hill following the
traditional route used in the old days. Trekking over here also is possible
throughout the year, except in the monsoons.
Trek To Menam Hill
Menam hill towers the Tandong hill on the other side overlooking the
Ravangla Bazaar settlement, at an altitude of 10,300 ft. The trek from Menam
to Ravangla takes about 4 hrs and from Menam hilltop trekkers has the option
to take the gentle trek to Borong village or follow the more challenging
trail, down to Yangang village.
Namchi Or Damthang To Tendong-Ravangla-Menam-Borong
The trek trail from Namchi or Damthang to Tendong-Ravangla-Menam-Borong is
a 5 to 6 days trek and is one of the most interesting trails scaling all the
hilltops along the route. The trek can continue to Tashiding or terminate at
Borong and drive back to Ravangli.
Versery
Versey lies at an elevation of 10,000 ft and has motorable road to access
upto Hilley. An easy 4-kms trek from there takes a trekker upto the Versey
Rhododendron Sanctaury. One can also trek from Soreng or Dentam in West
Sikkim.
