| Season : |
The most rewarding season in which to travel to Darjeeling and Sikkim is
between May to October
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| Getting There : |
By Air: Nearest airport is Bagdogra in North Bengal, 124km and 5 hours
drive from Gangtok. Flights from Calcutta Delhi and the North east connect
this sector.
By Rail: Nearest railhead is Siliguri 114 km and New Jalpaiguri 125
kms connecting Calcutta Delhi Guwahati and other important cities in India,
to Sikkim and Darjeeling.
By Road: Gangtok is connected by road to Darjeeling Kalimpong and
Siliguri
|
| Natural Beauty : |
Darjeeling is perched at 2134 m directly oppsite the amssif of Kanchenjunga.
At 8586 meters this is the
world's highest mountain and India's tallest. The roads rise steadly 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.
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 earliest Everest expedition started their journey from
here. A profusion of alpine blossom and orchids can be found on the
leisurely trip to the neighbouring lakes at Senchal and Mirik and Lebondg
race course, which is the highest in the world. Most spectacular of all is
the sunrise over Kanchenjunga as seen from the nearby Tiger hill (259 m). On
clear days, Everest is visible as well.
Down to the Tessta and up on the other side is Kalimpong, 67 kms away and
the main point of embarkation on the now discussed trade route to Lhasa.
Along Gangtok, 88 kms away courses some very fine white water. The direct
road Bagdogra is 125 kms.
|
| Trekking Routes : |
Treks in the Darjeeling area join up with the feeder Sikkim valley of the
Rangit river adjoining the Singalia Ridge. Kanchenjunga is the dominant
feature with its subsidary peaks spread alongside with distant Everest also
in view. Medium or strenous grade trekking trips can be undertaken using
Darjeeling as a convenient departure point:
Darjeeling-Batasi-Tonglu-Sandakphu(3636m)(3070m)-return:6/7 days moderate
trekking(2b) from Maneshanjang which is 26 kms by road from Darjeeling and
is ideal for views along a standard trail.
The route is famed for its views of Kanchenjunga, Mt Everest and
rhododendrons from Pahalut and Sandakphu.
Darjeeling/Gangtok-Pemayangtse-Yoksam-Dzongir(3929m): 6 days exhilarating
trek(2B) with exclusive views of the brilliant Dzongi sunset over
Kanchenjunga (Highest grade extension (3C) to Goechala overlooking the inner
basin of the main range)
|
| Monsoon conditions : |
The Monsoon in the Teesta valley is heavy lasting from early June till mid
September for Sikkim and Darjeeling. For this reason winter trek are
recommended, beginning from October through the period of April to the end
May has also been traditionally preffered
|
| Overseas visitors : |
For visitors from overseas, travel formalities have now been further
simplified for sightseeing and trekking. Tourists planning to visit Gangtok,
Rumtek, Phodong and Pemayangtse monasteries etc. can obtain permits for
period up to 15 days from a number of designated officers at the main metro
airports, Bagdogra, Gangtok and other convinent points including the Sikkim
Tourism Office in Delhi. Like-wise, for trekking in the currently permitted
Dzongir area of west Sikkim groups of 4-20 persons may obtain 15 days
permits.
|
| Inner Line Permits : |
Indian nationals can visit the areas falling inside the Inner Line with
permits which can be obtained in advance.
|
| Air/Rail links : |
The airport for Si kkim is Bagdogra and linked by daily jet services from
Delhi, Calcutta and Guwahati. A number of express trains also provide direct
connections with New Jalpaiguri and Siligiri from Delhi and Calcutta.
Convenient bus and taxi services cover the 125 kms drive to Gangtok
(altitude 1547 m) from Siliguri. Road distance from other points include
Darjeeling 139 kms, Guwahati 589 kms and Calcutta 727 kms.
As in the other parts of the Himalaya the scale of its altitude and the
distinct character of its season make Sikkim an all-year trekking
destination.
Treks in the interior which, if opened will enable trips to Green Lake at
the base of Kanchenjunga and the Lachen-Lachung link via Sebu la Donkayala
in the north. |
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