Darjeeling is a town located in the Himalayan foothills of the Indian state of West Bengal. This small town is world famous as a source of some of the most expensive and its highly regarded tea and as a popular tourist destination. The etymology of the place comes from Dorjeling meaning the ‘land of thunder’. Previously considered as the summer capital of India under the British rule, Darjeeling has idyllic landscape which holds beautiful panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga, beautiful tea gardens and charming colonial architecture structures which now is a heritage landmark, in 1999, DHR (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway) got listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Darjeeling is home to several museums, including the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Darjeeling Museum which showcase the town’s history and culture. The town is known for its friendly locals who are known for their hospitality and love for their town and its traditions. Darjeeling is a great destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and experience the natural beauty and tranquility of the Himalayas.
Situated above Ghum, at the elevation of 2590m which is 13km away from Darjeeling town. Tiger hill is an observatory that allows a panoramic view of The Mountain Everest and Mountain Kanchenjunga together. The sunrise from here is something one has to simply experience once; the scene is truly whimsical and very picturesque. It’s well worth waking up at the crack of dawn to see the spectacular sunrise.
The DHR also known as the ‘Darjeeling Toy Train’ is a narrow 2 feet gauge train that runs from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. On December 5th 1999, UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site. Ghum railway station is India’s highest railway station at the altitude of 2258m (7407 ft). The DHR along with all its assets is managed by The Government of India. The journey from NJP to Darjeeling is a very scenic one, you can enjoy the lush and dense pine trees with spectacular mountain views and also passes through the hustle and bustle of local shops and villages. The railway covers a distance of about 88 km and takes about approximately 7 hours to complete the journey from Siliguri to Darjeeling. Since the train uses a narrow-gauge track that’s just 2 feet wide, making it one of the narrowest in the world. The train’s slow speed and narrow track allows it to navigate through the steep mountain sides and tight curves, providing a unique and exciting train ride experience.
A ride on the DHR is a must do experience for visitors to Darjeeling, offering a unique glimpse of the town’s natural beauty and rich history.
The batasia loop was built in 1919 and is a part of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. It was designed to help the train negotiate the steep descent from Ghum to Darjeeling which has a gradient of around 7 percent. It shows a marvelous work of engineering where the DHR almost imperceptibly negotiates a circle and descents 1000ft in altitude. It is situated 5 km away from the Darjeeling town, the view from here is breathtaking as it shows the panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga. At the center of the loop is a war memorial for the Gorkha soldiers of the Indian army who sacrificed their lives after the Indian Independence in 1947. The loop is surrounded with rhododendron trees and a flower garden. It offers stunning views of the town and a panoramic view of the mountain.
In 1968, Darjeeling Ropeway is India’s first cable car system which was set up to cater to the tea gardens in the valleys. The ropeway is one of the most visited experiences in Darjeeling with a panoramic view of the mighty Kanchenjunga and the luscious tea estates valleys. The route of the ropeway is from Northpoint to Takvar, and each ride holds up to 6 people and it carries the tourists from the altitude of 7000 ft (2134m) to 800ft (244m) and is equipped with safety features. It covers a distance of about 8 km and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete the round trip. Before the last station was located at Singla Bazar which is by the banks of river Ramman.
Established in the year 1954 on 4th November, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is considered one of the best and prestigious mountaineering institute in the world. The aim of the institute is to introduce, encourage and support young women, men in the field of mountaineering. This institute was built to give tribute to Tenzing Norgay, he was also the first field director of HMI and who first scaled Mount Everest the highest peak in the world with Edmund Hilary. From the institute one can see the magnificent view of the third highest peak of the world Mount Kanchenjunga in all its glory.
The institute is also a museum that contains many expeditions displays and artifacts. It houses the history and achievements of the first ascent of Mount Everest. It has a great collection of models, paintings, sculptures and photographs which has been used for research and publishes books on mountaineering and related subjects. Students from all over the world come to this institute to hone their skills in the field of mountaineering. It is a very skillful sport that needs intensive training with years of discipline. Over 45000 students have been trained in this Institute over the years. Visitors can take a guided tour of the institute and learn about the history and techniques of mountaineering. The institute also offers short courses and workshops for visitors who are interested in learning the basics of mountaineering and other adventure sports.
A 10 mins walk from the famous Mall, it is named after Sir Charles Nightingale a prominent personality during the British colonial era in India. The Nightingale is a beautiful public park. During the British reign the park used to be a private courtyard of Sir Thomas Tartan’s Bungalow. Previously it was called ‘The Shrubbery’. This park is a lovely place to take time out and have a picnic and share the sunset from the park as it has vantage point of overlooking the Mountain Kanchenjunga. There are several benches and picnic tables scattered throughout the park. It also has a small open-air stage where cultural events and musical performance are held regularly. It is perfect for a run or a power walk and is a great place to unwind and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the town. There is a giant statue of Lord Shiva and a musical fountain is also a great tourist attraction.
Rock garden also known as Barbotey Rock Garden, it is situated 10 km away from the Darjeeling town and is surrounded by beautiful hills and lush green forests. The rock garden is a unique attraction as it was entirely built by local workers using rocks, boulders and other natural materials. There is a waterfall in the midst of the garden and the entire area has been created by cutting rocks at different levels providing a picturesque setting for visitors to relax and enjoy nature. Entwined pathways lead to this beautiful garden. The drive to the garden is very scenic. It has terraced seating in various levels. The gardens are filled with beautiful trees, shrubs and flowers hence making it an ideal spot for a family outing for a beautiful picnic.
The national park is located at the altitude of more than 7000 feet above sea level, it is the highest national park in the West Bengal. It covers an area of 78.6 sq. km and is situated in the altitude of 7900 feet to 12,000 feet above sea level. The park is a part of the Eastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests eco region and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is covered with Pine trees, bamboo, oak and rhododendron trees. There are about 32 red pandas in the area. One can also see the Himalayan newt, Himalayan black bear and clouded leopards. There are about 350 species of birds which includes 5 endangered species. It is also the part of trekking route from Manebhanjang to Sandakphu which passes through the park. The trek is considered one of the best treks in the Eastern Himalayas and offers stunning views of the Kanchenjunga and other snowcapped peaks of the Himalayas. The national park is reserved for the protection of biodiversity and activities like developmental forestry, poaching, hunting and grazing of cultivation.
The peace pagoda symbolizes wisdom, peace and harmony. Built in the slopes of Jaladaphar Hills, the pagoda stands in 94ft and diameter of 75 feet offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the town of Darjeeling. It took 3 years to build this beautiful structure that is a stunning example of Japanese architecture, it was built under the Nichidatsu Fuji, who was a Buddhist monk from Japan and the founder of the Nipponzan-Myohoji buddhist order. It houses four avatars of Buddha including the Maitreya Buddha, it was designed to bring people with different caste together in search of peace. The majestic view of the Kanchenjunga adds a bonus for this place, it is also covered with huge pine and oak trees. Visitors can explore the temple’s beautiful gardens, which are filled with colourful flowers, lush green trees and small ponds. The garden provides a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere ideal for meditation and contemplation.
Built in 67.56 acre, the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological park is the largest high-altitude zoological park in India. It was opened on 15th August 1958, with an elevation of 7000ft (2134m). The park is named after the former governor of West Bengal, Padmaja Naidu who was the daughter of Sarojini Naidu (Indian political activist). The zoological park is a central hub for the Central Zoo Authority of India’s red panda program and is also the member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It was opened with a goal to study and preserve the Himalayan fauna. The park specializes in the breeding and conservation programs and also includes an off-display breeding center for snow leopards and red pandas. It was awarded the prestigious international award “The Earth Heroes” in 2014 out of over 300 zoos all over the world. It is the first zoo in India to receive this award. The prized possessions of the Himalayan Park are a pair of Siberian (ussuri) tigers presented to the Government of India by Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev in 1960. Today the park has Asiatic black bear, blue and yellow macaw, Himalayan monal, Jungle fowl, Royal Bengal tiger, Temminck’s Tragopan, Red panda, Himalayan wolf, Lady Amherst and many more. The zoo provides a peaceful and serene atmosphere making it an ideal spot for leisurely stroll.
The highest peak of West Bengal is the Sandakphu peak (11,941 feet). It is the highest peak of Singalila range in Darjeeling district, near the border of Nepal. The view from this trek is breathtaking one can view four out of five highest peaks in the world i.e. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu. This family of peaks is famously called The Sleeping Buddha. The trek is a 32 km up hill, it starts from Manebhanjang located at an altitude of 6,400 feet above sea level, one can either walk or go by car. Sandakphu is also known as the ‘mountain of poisonous plants’ because of the Himalayan Cobra Lilies that is grown here. It is also the home to plants like Rhododendrons, primula, silver firs, magnolia and 600 varieties of orchids. From Sandakphu one can get a 180-degree view of the Eastern Himalayas, with ranges that belong to Nepal on the west, Sikkim and Bhutan in the middle and Arunachal Pradesh in the east. The best season to undertake the Sandakphu trek is from March to May and from September to December when the weather is clear and the views of the mountains are breathtaking. The trek is a must for anyone who loves adventure and wants to experience the natural beauty of the Himalayas.
It was setup on October 2, 1959 after the Tibetan refugees in Darjeeling followed Dalai Lama had escaped from Tibet. It is built on 4 acres of land, which the state government had given to build the center. The refugees adopted the principle of self-help so that they could be self-independent and completely rehabilitate themselves in a foreign country. It is was center started with only 4 workers with the objective of self-rehabilitation and helping the under privileged Tibetan community in the area has now grown to accommodate more than 650 Tibetan refugees. Production of handcrafted items is the main activity of the center and its earning source. They established a Tibetan carpet manufacturing workshop in 1959 to support their livelihood, these carpets are made out of organic materials. There is well maintained Tibetan museum showing the rich Tibetan culture and the Tibetan struggle for freedom and a retail outlet where one can buy all handcrafted items. The center is an excellent place to learn about Tibetan culture and history, support the efforts of Tibetan refugees and purchase unique and authentic handicrafts.
Ghum Monastery also known as Yiga Choeling Monastery is located in Ghum which is about 6km from Darjeeling. This is one of the oldest monasteries in the region and is a popular destination for tourists interested in Buddhism and Tibetan culture. The monastery belongs to the Gelukpa or the Yellow Hat sect and is known for its 15 feet high statue of the Maitreya Buddha which is surrounded by prayer flags and offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The external structure of the building was established in 1850 by the Mongolian astrologer and monk Sokpo Sherab Gyatso who was the head of the monastery until in 1905. The monastery is known for its beautiful architecture, colourful prayer flags and serene surroundings. Visitors can explore the various halls and chapels of the monastery and attend the daily prayer sessions held by monks. The monastery houses several valuable Buddhist artifacts including an image of Maitreya Buddha and several Buddhist manuscripts. There is also a museum on the premises that houses several rare Buddhist artifacts including ancient statues, thangkas and manuscripts. The museum provides visitors with a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. It offers a unique opportunity to learn about the rich history and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism in India.
Also known as Druk Thupten Sangag Choeling Monastery is a Buddhist Monastery located in Darjeeling. It was established in 1979 by His Eminence Kyabje Thuksey Rimpoche who was one of the senior teachers of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is known for its stunning architecture and vibrant colors and it is an important center for the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism. The main prayer hall of the monastery houses a beautiful statue of Guru Rimpoche or Padmasmbhava who is considered the second Buddha by Tibetan Buddhists. The statue is surrounded by intricate murals and thangkas depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology. In addition to the main prayer hall, the monastery has a library a school for young monks and several meditation halls. The meditation halls are used by the monks for individual and group mediation practice and visitors are welcome to participate in the group mediation sessions. One of the most popular attractions of the Druk Thupten Sangag Choeling Monastery is the annual Cham dance festival which is held during the Tibetan dance performed by the monks accompanied by traditional Tibetan music. It offers the visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the rich history and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism in India, the stunning architecture and serene surroundings make it a peaceful and beautiful place to visit.
You can visit only Gangtok during this 3 nights 4 days Sikkim tour.
Yes, you can visit the Tsogmo lake during this 3 nights 4 days tour.
The best time to visit Gangtok is from March to May and October to December when the weather is pleasant and favorable for outdoor activities.
If you skip visit to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, then you can visit Pelling.
Yes, foreign nationals require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Gangtok and other restricted areas in Sikkim. Indian nationals from other states also need a permit known as the Protected Area Permit (PAP) for certain regions.
Gangtok is considered a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always recommended to take necessary precautions, be aware of your surroundings, and follow local guidelines.