Know before planning Darjeeling and Sikkim Tour

 Darjeeling is a famed city in west Bengal located in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. It used to be the summer retreat for the British during the Raj epoch. It is situated at an altitude of 2135 meter opposite to the massif of Kanchenjurga. While going up nearly at an elevation of 8500 meters you find yourself on the tallest mountain of India and the road is seen rising to Kurseong. You get to know the interesting facts about Darjeeeling and Sikkim by going through the blog.

Darjeeling and Sikkim are renowned all over the world for tea plantation and the breathtaking view of the Kanchenjurga ranges. These places are widely famed for their large legacy of cultural and natural treasures. Thus they provide ideal surroundings to the trekkers and the nature loving tourists where they can encounter profusion of alpine blossoms and orchids close to the lake at Satchel.

Is Darjeeling in Sikkim?

Darjeeling and Sikkim are adjacent to earth other, but Darjeeling is not in Sikkim. It’s in west Bengal state and Sikkim is itself a state having its capital at Gangtok. Darjeeling area not only comprise of hill tour but some other famous places such as siliguri, Mirik, Kurseong etc.

Best time to visit Darjeeling & Sikkim 

The most blissful time to travel to Darjeeling and Sikkim is from April to October. Even though many people decide to visit it from October to December, November to January is quite cold here and the mercury remains between 5 to 7 Celsius. April to June is the summertime and the normal temperature remains from 20 to 25 Celsius. The monsoon in this area is heavy and this Teesta valley is often inundated by water from July to September. Hence trekking is suggested in the winter months.

How to reach Darjeeling and  Sikkim?

By Air – The nearest Airport is Bagdogra which lies at a distance of 95 kms from Darjeeling city. You can take direct flight from Delhi, Kolkata or Guwahati to Bagdogra from to Airport you can hire a taxi or cab up to the hotel or to the city. It takes normally 3 hours to reach the city.

By Train- The nearest railway stations are Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri which are 115 kms and 125 kms away from Darjeeling respectively, these two stations are well connected with Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and other cities.

By Road- Gangtok to Sikkim is well connected by road to Siliguri, Darjeeling and Kalimpong.

How many days required for Darjeeling and Sikkim tour?

If you are just on casual holidays must are not an avoid trekker you can do a tour of Darjeeling and Sikkim in 6 to 7 days. If you want to do it in a leisurely manner it can be done in 8-9 days. You can start with Darjeeling and devote 3 days for the Darjeeling tour. Later in 2 days you can cover Gangtok finally one day tour you can do of Nathura Pass and Chanju Lake from Gangtok.

Darjeeling Sikkim tour itinerary

Day-1 Arrival Bagdogra   

Today you take flight from Kolkata or Delhi and reach Airport you can already book your cab for departure transfer from the airport, it will be nearly.

Day-2 Darjeeling

This morning post breakfast get ready to encounter the highlights of Darjeeling in your day tour.

Day-3 Darjeeling to Gangtok- (115kms)

On the third day you can depart from Darjeeling in your pre-booked taxi car. It would take 4 hours when you reach.

Day-4 Gangtok sightseeing       

You visit the highlights of Gangtok such as Nathula Pass, Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, M.G Road etc.              

Day-5 Gangtok to Pelling- (120kms)

Today you can enjoy the comforts of you own vehicle useful you will be driven to Pelling from Gangtok. This drive would take nearly 5 and half hours.

Day-6 Full day Sightseeing tour of Pelling including Sangachoeling monastery, Darap Village etc

Day-7 Pelling to Bagdogra (160kms)

At the end of your Darjeeling Sikkim tour you can take a taxi from Pelling to Bagdogra Airport be to New Jalpaiguri Railway station. It will take nearly 6 hours.

Things & Activities to do in Darjeeling

The top outdoor activities in Darjeeling are viewing  Kanchenjunga mountains, visiting Tinchuley village and the famed Padmaja Naidu Himalayan zoological Park you can also meditate at the Japanese temple and the peace Pagods. You can walk in the rock garden and indulge in picnic activities in the nightingale park for the shopaholics Necheu road is a good option. If you want to buy the woolens you can go Chowk Bazaar. Do not forget to enjoy a ride of the Balasia loop which is 5 kms far from Darjeeling below Ghura. In case you do toy train ride you will enjoy passing this magnificent loop. Otherwise take a taxi and within half an hour you reach this place from this place you can take 360 view of the Darjeeling city and it’s landscape.

What is Ideal trekking route in Darjeeling?

In case you want to do a moderate trekking of 6 to 7 days, you can choose Darjeeling-Batasi-tanglu-Sandakphu route. This starts from Manehanjang which is 25 kms far from Darjeeling. This trekking would give you immense pleasure in watching the famed tops of Kanchenjunga and Mt. Everest and taking Instagram worthy Pictures.