Perched
at 2134 m directly opposite the Kanchenjunga, the Darjeeling hills
at 8586 m, is the world's third highest mountain and India's talle
st.
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 neighboring 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.
In Darjeeling, Tiger hills is the highest point, from where one
can have a pleasant view of the Kanchenjunga peaks. Also the other
peaks of the eastern Himalayas can be seen like the Sight of Mount
Everest, which gives to the eye an interesting view. The first
rays of the sun rise on the tigers hills looks like as the hills
have been covered by the molten gold, this scene touches the heart
and none could wish to turn off his or her eyes from that fabulous
view even for a second. To have a look of sunrise daily a large
number of people reach over there. Tiger hills can be reached
by
trekking and also jeep facility is available there.
Getting
there :
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.
Trekking
routes :
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.
Best Season :
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.
