The Secrets To DARJELLING TOUR

DARJELLING TOUR

Tourist place

Ava Art Gallery

Category Other, Entertainment

On the outskirts of the city and 4 km away, the AVA Art Gallery was co-founded in 1965 by the late Ava Devi...

old cemetery

Category Other

Generally, tourists do not include the old graveyard of Darjeeling in their itinerary. However, if anyone is interested...

pony road

Category Entertaining

Holidaying in Darjeeling with kids? So you have to go to the crossroads. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, this sun-drenched…

Dhirdham temple

Category Other

Dhirdham Sanctuary is a Hindu sanctuary profoundly roused by Tibetan and Buddhist engineering styles. It was built by Roy Saheb Purna Bahadur Pradhan.

purple

Jamuni Tourism Complex

Category Entertaining

Jamuni is acquiring ubiquity as another traveler objective situated around 12 km from Darjeeling city,…

happy valley

Happy Valley Tea Estate

Categories Natural/Scenic Beauty, Recreational

Blissful Valley Tea Bequest is a tea domain in the Darjeeling locale of the Indian territory of West Bengal. Year of establishment…

ghost file

Bhutia Busti Monastery

Category Other

Bhutia Basti Math or Karma Darji Cheoling Math is a Buddhist religious community situated in Bhutia Basti, Darjeeling region, India. It comes under…

St Andrews_Church

St. Andrew's Church

Category Other

Not many people can claim an entire city as part of their heritage, but Lt. Gen. George W. Aylmer Lloyd...

Lloyd's Botanical_Garden

Lloyd Botanical Garden

Category Natural/Scenic Beauty

Lloyd's Greenhouses was laid out in 1878 when 40 sections of land (160,000 sq m) of land in Darjeeling was obtained...

Darjeeling_Nightingale_Park

Nightingale bush

Category Natural/Scenic Beauty

Darjeeling's Shrub Nightingale Park is a beautiful public space notable for enjoying and participating in…

Tibetan-Refugee-Self-Help-Center-Darjeeling

Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre

Category Entertaining

Situated in Lebong and privately known as the Withdrawal, the Tibetan Outcast Self improvement Place (TRSHC) appeared on 2...

tenzing_rock

Tenzing and Gombu Rock

Category Historic, Natural/Scenic Beauty

Tenzing and Gombu Rocks are located on Lebong Cart Road and opposite each other. Giant Tenzing

Dali_Math

Dali Monastery

Category Other

Dali Monastery in Dali is a Drukpa Kagyud monastery belonging to the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism –…

rock garden

Rock Garden and Gangamaya Park

Categories Adventure, Natural/Scenic Beauty, Recreational

Chunnu Summer Falls and Rock Garden of Ganga Maya Park (also known as Barbati Rock Garden) recently…

Roy Villa, _RKM

Roy Villa

Department is historical

Roy Villa is a four storied building located at Lebong Kart Road, Darjeeling, West Bengal. The building has a special…

Peace Pagoda

Category Other

Harmony Pagoda, Darjeeling or Darjeeling Harmony Pagoda is one of the harmony pagodas worked to zero in on individuals...

Japanese temple

Category Other

Also known as Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple, this temple was built in 1972 and…

Mahakal_temple

Observatory Hill and Mahakal Temple

Category Natural/Scenic Beauty, Other

Observatory Hill is a hill in Darjeeling, West Bengal, near Chaurasta Chowk, or popularly known as The Mall…

Crossroads_Mall

Chaurasta Mall

Category Entertaining

Chaurasta (interpretation: where four streets meet) is a noteworthy public square from the Victorian time in Darjeeling, India.

Himalayan_Mountaineering_Institute

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI)

category adventure

The Himalayan Mountaineering Establishment (HMI) is one of the head mountaineering associations in the world. Established on 4th November, 1954…

Himalayan_Zoo

Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park

Category Adventure, Natural/Scenic Beauty

A zoo was laid out on 14 August 1958 in the Birch Slope area of Darjeeling under the Division of Schooling.

darjeeling_rail_station

Joy journey on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly known as the "Toy Train", from Darjeeling to Darjeeling (via Batasia Loop and Ghoom).

Categories Adventure, Historical, Scenic/Scenic Beauty, Recreational

The Darjeeling Himalayan Rail line, by and large called the DHR or Toy Train, is a 2 ft (610 mm) measure rail course that runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal.

Batasia Loop

Batasia Loop and Gurkha War Memorial

Category Historic, Natural/Scenic Beauty

The famous toy train from Siliguri to Darjeeling passes through the Batasia Loop.

senchel_lake

Senchal Lake and Wildlife Sanctuary

Category Natural / Scenic Beauty

Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the outskirts of Darjeeling, about 10-15 km from the main city. This is one of those…

Tiger Hill

Category Natural / Scenic Beauty

At the crack of dawn, the pinnacles of Kangchenjunga are enlightened before the sun shows up at lower heights. Tiger Hill, from Mt.…

culinary delight

cell-bread

cell bread

Type: Desserts, Snacks

The Sail Roti Chronicles - An Ode to the Amazing Darjeeling Community Spirit There are certain foods that define a...

Chicken_Thukpa

Thukpa

Type: Main Course

Thukpa is essentially a Darjeeling dish, but has its roots in Tibetan cuisine. A hot-noodle soup, thukpa consists of…

Celebration

Sawan_Sankranti

Savane Sankranti

celebrated on/during july

Sawan Sakranti: On the special day we pray to Mother Nature for prosperity and wish all our readers on Sawan Sankranti,…

worldly worship

Celebrated on / during: April

Worldly Worship - We Nature Worshipers We mountain dwellers have always been nature worshippers. Our rivers, our mountains

Makar Sankranti

Maghi Sankranti

celebrated on/during january

Maghe Sakranti - Celebrating Your Connection With Mother Nature Dear friends, we wish you all on this auspicious occasion of…

Gyalwang_ Drukpa

Gyalwang Drukpa

Celebrated on / during: April

HH Gyalwang Drukpa Lead Concludes 7-Day Mahakal Drupchod 7-Day Long Prayer to Lord Mahakal in Darjeeling - Mahakal Drupchod…

Guru Purnima

celebrated on/during july

Guru Purnima - How did Lord Shiva become the first Guru on this day? Guru Purnima itself is that full moon...

Happy Eid

celebrated on/during may

Eid Mubarak is an Arabic word meaning "blessed feast/festival". The term is utilized by Bedouin Muslims, as well as…

buddha_purnima

Buddha Jayanti

celebrated on/during may

Buddha Jayanti: Celebration of Love and Compassion Buddha Jayanti or Vesak is one of the most important festivals of our country…

brother_tika

Brother Tika

Celebrated / During: November

Bhai Teeka - A true celebration of women empowerment in Gorkha society while most communities across the South…

phoolpati and lakhe dance

celebrated on/during october

With the passage of time, days, months, years, there are many ups and downs in the steps of human life.

Places of interest

One of the most well known slope stations in India - Darjeeling is an ideal montage of cold and strong Himalayan reaches, winding journeys, valleys, religious communities, momos, tea gardens and toy trains. Nestled amidst lush green hills, serene vegetation and beautiful views guarantee a holiday to cherish forever. The untouched beauty of this hill town attracts tourists from all over the country to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Thus, jump into this rundown of the best vacationer places in Darjeeling that you would have no desire to miss on your excursion.

Culture & Heritage

People

The original inhabitants of the Darjeeling Hills were Lepchas or Rongpa (the ravine folks) as they prefer themselves to be known as. Though their origin is obscure, they are decidedly Mongolian in feature. The Khampas, another branch of the Lepchas, are warrior-like and more dashing than their docile cousins. The Khampas are recent immigrants from Tibet. The greater bulk of the people in the Hills are Gorkhas . They are industrious and enterprising as a race and speak various dialects. The short Mongolian type Nepalese, the Gorkhas, renowned for their military prowess the world over, and the first to be decorated with the coveted Victoria Cross, finds jobs and security both in the British and Indian armies. They carry the traditional weapon, the Khukri-a curved ornamental knife. Among the population are also the Newars or best known, the world over as the Sherpas. They are well known for their courage, stamina and surefootedness and for their immeasurable contributions to Mountaineering. Also much in evidence in the Hills are the Bhutias and they are divided into Tibetan, Bhutan, Dharma and Sikkimese Bhutias and a greater bulk of Bengalee from Siliguri subdivision.

Nepali Folk Dances

The Nepalese are rich in folk culture. The hills and dales are the treasure house of songs and dances of the hill folk. There is not a moment in their lives, possessed as they are of a lyrical mind and heart that does not turn into singing and dancing.

The panorama of the Majestic Himalayan mountains, its lush green hills and forests seem to have played a significant role in influencing the religion and culture including the folk songs and dances of the Nepalese people, inhabiting in and around the Himalayan regions with its serene, romantic and poetic shades of different hues. Even the two major religions. viz., Hinduism and Buddhism, seem to have influenced the Nepali culture full of its rich folks songs and dances, co-existing side by side.

The earlier cave paintings, religious rites and temple songs and dances have also played another significant role in influencing Nepalese Folks songs and dances. The earlier form of dances and folk songs attributed to the Gods and goddesses of both the Hindu and Buddhist pantheon, are also inspirational in creating Nepalese folk songs and dances, impressions of religious dances performed either to appease Gods and goddesses or ward-off the evil spirits can also be seen distinctly in performing arts of the Nepalese people.

The following are some of the most popular and worth mentioning forms of Nepali folk dances.

Maruni Nach.

Dhan Naach.

Jhankri Naach.

Jatra Naach.

Damphu Naach.

Khukuri Naach.

Deora Naach.

Panchay Naach.

Dhimay Naach.

Sanginy Naach.

Balan Naach.

Jhyauray Naach.

Paschimay Chutki.

Rodhighar Naach.

Baton Naach.

Jhumara Naach.

Sakhia Naach.

Language

Nepali, Hindi, Bengali and English are the prevailing languages. Bengali is the language of the plains, Tibetan is used by the refugees and some other tribal people.

Religion

Hinduism, Buddhism and to an extent Christianity, remain the predominant religions here.

Food

Pamper your taste buds with the exotic but homely food and discover a mosaic of culture while satiating your gastronomical needs.

Whether it is the ubiquitous momos or thupkas whose fabled taste has transcended across the Himalayas along with the migrant Tibetans or the lemon grass menu from south-east Asia,Darjeeling offers you the best.

omo

Meat dumplings which are steamed and accompanied by a bowl of clear soup and achaar. One can also order for vegetable momos in which the meat is ideally replaced by cabbage and other vegetables.

Thupkas

Tibetan noodles mixed with egg/meat, vegetables with a predominant soup base.

Shaphalay

Tibetan bread stuffed with meat.

Aludum

Typical indian potato preparation which the hill people cannot do without.

Tibetan tea

Salt tea which is mixed with butter which has its own distinct taste.

Tongba

Local brew made from millet and has to be sipped through a bamboo straw. Usually found in the local haat(fair) held on sunday near the Rock Garden.

Architecture

Developed by the British, many buildings of British style architecture can be found here. Apart from these, the Tibetan influence is very noticeable in the buildings of the monasteries.

Festivals

In addition to Durga Puja, Diwali, Saraswati Puja and Shivratri etc., there are local festivals unique only to this region. The Lepchas and Bhutias celebrate the New Year in January, while the Tibetans have their Devil Dances to celebrate their New Year in their monasteries from the last week of February to March. As in the Chinese tradition the snake or dragon dances curl through the streets. In mid-June, processions celebrate the birthday of His Holiness, The Dalai Lama.

Houses are decorated and spirits start building up for Diwali eve when the festival commences. Lasting two weeks, it consists of Lakshmi Puja, Bhailo, Deosi and Bhai Tika. There are robust folk dances with the males participating enthusiastically in the ‘Chabrung’ of the Libus, the Tamangs dance, ‘Damfu’, and the most popular of them all, the scintillating Maruni. Gay folk songs fill the air with ‘Jhowre’ relating to the lover, and the ‘Juhari’ which throws questions and answers between the lovesick couple. The ‘Rosia’ is sung in the fields, the ‘Baloon’ extols the deeds of the Mahabharata and ‘Malsiri’ is kept for the Durga Puja. The ‘Rateli’ are nursery rhymes set to music. It seems that the people have saved all their energy for these two weeks which are filled with great rejoicing.

Handicrafts

The culture of the hill people of Darjeeling are uniquely expressed in the exquisite and inimitable artistic handicrafts of the district and their traditional colourful designs, which show marked resemblance to the art of neighbouring Tibet, Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan. Among the artistic crafts, ornaments, trinkets and handlooms are worth mentioning. There is also fine craftsmanship in wood-work and bamboo fret work. While the principal utility products are blankets, woolen knitted garments and woven fabrics, the artistic products are hand-bags, wall panels, fire-screens, folding partitions, Bhutan paintings, cotton shoulder-bags etc.

Beautiful curios are made at Darjeeling and Kalimpong on copper plates studded with red and blue stones with engravings of replicas of deities. Wonderful Tankas with paintings depicting the life of Lord Buddha are also available. Woolen carpets are made in a combination of shades in vegetable and synthetic dyes. Bhutia chaddars can be found in beautiful textures. Decorative Nepali khukris are made in Ghum. Bedroom slippers and rope-sole shoes, jackets, hats, hanzu coats made from handloom cloth and masks are among the many items which attract tourists and curio collectors.

Economy

The cash crops of the region are fruits, tea and cardamom. Tourism contributes in a great way to the economy of the region.

Industry

Tea and Darjeeling are synonymous. Darjeeling Tea is world renowned for its flavour, which is unequaled by other tea producing areas not only of India but also of the world. Darjeeling still manufactures the tea by the original methods known as the ‘orthodox’ method.

Adventures

Darjeeling Adventures

Darjeeling internationally acclaimed as one of the best hill resorts is also a veritable paradise for trekkers and adventure seekers. Trekking in Darjeeling is an experience which no lover of nature should miss. It takes one to places where nature is yet in her premival majesty. It brings one face to face with the sublime grandeur of the Himalayas.

The region abounds in rhododendrons,magnolias,primulas,orchids and ferns of numerous varities. About six hundred different species of birds inhabit the emerald green forests on the slopes of the mountains. The following is a brief description of some of the most popular and most rewarding treks in the region.

Darjeeling-Maneybhanjyang-Tonglu-Sandakphu and return by the same route-118 km (4 days)

Darjeeling-Maneybhanjyang-Tonglu-Sandakphu-Phalut and return-160 km. (6 days)

Route No 1:

This trek is perhaps one of the best and certainly the most popular of all the treks in Darjeeling for those having a limited time at their disposal. It offers the travellers an excellent view of the Kanchenjunga and the Everest group of mountain peaks in Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan.

It is advisable to start the trek early in the day and to cover ther distance from Darjeeling to Maneybhanjyang about 26 km. by jeep/buses. One can also go upto Sukhiapokhri, halfway from Darjeeling since transport to this point is easily available and from here to Maneybhanjyang either by jeep/buses or one can even trek from here to Maneybhanjyang(4 km). The drive from Darjeeling to Sukhiapokhri is about one hour and from there to Maneybhanjyang another half an hour.

Maneybhanjyang to Tonglu is a steep climb up to Meghma 7 km or 3.5 hrs. walk. There is a small tea house where tea and snacks are available at reasonable price(if necessary, accomodation is also available at Meghma Tea House). Meghma is a small hamlet with few houses & small Monastery & impressive Chorten(stupa). Meghma to Tonglu is anothere 2 kms.

Tonglu or the local name Tumling is 3070 mt. high and is one of peaks of Singalila range, falls on the West of Darjeeling town. On a clear day one can get a fine view of the Nepalese valleys and of the plains of North Bengal with the snow fed Teesta on the east, the Koshi on the West and a number of smaller rivers between them. There is a Trekkers Hut at Tonglu.

The next day’s march from Tonglu to Gairibas 2621 mt. is downhill. The distance is 9 km and it is 2 hrs. walk. The route passes through the bamboo glades. Gairibas to Kalipokhri 3170 mt. is continuous climb through the rhododendron forest. Distance is 6 km and it takes 3 hrs. walk from Gairibas. Trekkers may stop here for a while for a tea break. There is a small pond at Kalipokhri which means ‘Blackpond’. The colour of the water is black and muddy and it never freezes. From Kalipokhri the road descends to Bikhaybhanjyang-valley of poison-(Aconites grow in abundance at this place). Bikhaybhanjyang to Sandakphu is a steep climb of 4 kms. and takes more than an hour to cover this trek. Accomodation is also available at Bikhaybhanjyang and Gairibas. There is a trekkers hut at Gairibas.

Sandakphu 3636 mtr. is 58 km. from Darjeeling and commands one of the most spectacular views. In the foreground is a great basin set in the midst of the hills, the slopes covered with rhododendrons and silver fir trees. In the background is continuous barrier of snowy mountains, the most prominent of which is Kanchenjunga-28156 ft. 8598 mts. towering up in gigantic height and breadth with its attendant peaks Kabru 7338 mts. 24,026 ft, Jano (Kumbhakarna) 7710 mts. 25,294 ft. and Pandim 6691 mts. 22,010 ft. clustering closely round it.

Kabru is foreshortened and does not present the same graceful outline above the spectacle with its lofty peak standing up like a great icy horn. Far off to the west at a distance of 160 km. among a group of other snowy mountain rising from graceful peaks of Everest group can be seen,behind the crest of Mt. Makalu, which looks like a great armed chair of snow; and further to the west towards Nepal, there is a wonderful square mass of mountain looking like a wal of snow Chamlang 7317m-24006 ft. The contrast between Everest and Kanchenjunga is very marked. Kanchenjunga is remarkable for its imposing bulk and massive proportions while Everest soaring above a series of valleys and its ridges, is more graceful and majestic.

The space between the two is occupied by snowy ranges. Three Sisters which cluster together if you look towards east beyond Kanchenjunga you will see Narsing and then the Dongkya and Chola ranges of the Tibetan frontier with Chumalhari lifting up to its heads in the rear. The whole snowy ranges of Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal about 320 kms in length; is visible, but the panoroma is completely dominated by the Kanchenjunga and Everest group.

Kanchenjunga-correctly spelt is Khangchendzonga is the third highest mountain in the world means “Five Treasures of the Great Snow” and is a guardian deity of the Sikkimese.

From the middle of April til 1st week of June this region blushes with rhododendron bloom and spread with carpet of lovely primula and other alpine flowers. Trekkers can stay at the Trekkers Hut in Sandakphu.

The return march to Maneybhanjyang may be accomplished either in a day or two breaking journey either at Gairibas or Tonglu, depending on the physical condition of the Trekkers and the time at his disposal. If the first alternative is chosen, the journey must commence latest by 7 a.m. It takes about 8 hours of continous march to Maneybhanjyang

Route No 2:

Upto Sandakphu is in route

If the trekkers have sufficient time next day they can march further towards Phalut 3600 mts. It is one of the loftiest peak in the Singalila Range is situated 80 km. North West of Darjeeling town. The name Phalut is a corruption of the Lepcha word Fak-Lut or the peeled summit and appellation derived from the bare treeless slopes, which offer a great contrast to the forest clad ranges below. The peak is also called Phalilung by the local people.

The stretch from Sandakphu to Phalut is the most spectacular of the trek. The burned silver-fir forest makes most beautiful sight one will ever left come across. After walking for a little while the trekker will be followed by the Everest group on the left and Kanchenjunga range right ahead. A walk of about 4.5 hrs. from Sandakphu the trekker will come across a stone house with blown of roof on the top of a small ridge. The place is known as Sabarkum and is 14 km. from Sandakphu. An alternative place of stay is MOLLEY Trekkers Hut about 2 k.m. from Sabarkum, for those who do not want to walk to Phalut the same day. Keeping the ridge on the left follow the trail north ward. After about an hour the trail begins to climb through a series of zigzag till one reaches Trekkers’ Hut. From here Phalut summit is about 20 minutes walk.

A magnificient view of snowy range is obtained from the summit which is also trijunction of Sikkim, West Bengal and Nepal. The general panorama is same as seen from Sandakphu except that KanchenJunga ranges looks much larger and closer. It is only 48 km. away as the crow flies. The trekkers will also notice on the foreground Singalila range jutting out of Kanchenjunga peak. There is a Trekkers Hut at Phalut. Trekkers can camp at Molley 1,811 mts. Phalut is 1.5 hours walk from this point

Darjeeling-Maneybhanjyang-Gairibas-Sandakphu-Phalut-Rammam-Rimbick 130 km(6 days) upto Phalut .

From Phalut to Rammam therw are two routes :

via Sabarkam

via Gorkhey-Samandin.

Route No 3:

To take in this route, retrace back to Sabarkum and turn left of ther roofless houses. This trail passes through the virgin forest which is steep down-hill to Rammam. This takes about 5 hrs. walk and 16 k.m. in distance. From Phalut, the right hand trail lead to Srikhola and climbs up to Daragaon and again descends to Rimbick. It takes about 8 hrs. walk and 25 k.m. in distance from Phalut.

Note : Do not venture this trail during winter i.e. November and March as it gets dark by 4 p.m. and will be difficult to find the way.

Route No 4:

From Phalut the trail descends the ridge through the virgin forests of chestnut, pines, hemlock etc. till the trail reaches the meeting of two streams called Gorkhey Khola which is a tributary of Rammam river. It ia a beautiful place. Trekkers can enjoy the bath in the river after the hectic trek begins to climb upto Samandian-a lovely plateau and it is a small forest village. From Samandin the road descends to a small stream and again climbs up for another 1.5 hrs. to Rammam Trekkers hut. This is about 5 hours walk or 15 km. in distance from Phalut.

From Rammam the road is almost level walk for about first 9 km. and again it descends to Srikhola. The road rises steep, for about 1 k.m. where it levels out again till it reaches Rimbick. There is a small bazar at Rimbick. Incase the Trekkers desire to return to Darjeeling by bus next day, it is advisable to stay at Rimbick bazar.

Darjeeling-Rimbick-Sandakphu and back 123 kms. Four days.

From Darjeeling to Rimbick regular buses are available around 12:30 p.m. It is about 5 hrs. drive and 54 km. from Darjeeling.

Route No 5:

Darjeeling to Rimbick regular buses and jeeps are available around 7 and 12 noon-12:30 p.m. It is about 5 hrs. drive and 54 K.M. from Darjeeling.

Next day’s march, is continuous climb through the forest of firs, chestnut, hemlock as well as rhododendron. During April, May the whole slops blazes with different color of rhododendron. You will observe different types of birds in this area. The trail is continuous steep climb of 6 hrs. till you hit the main road to Sandakphu i.e. one kilometer ahead of Kalipokhari and then to Bikhaybhanjang to Sandakphu. Return trip can be accomplished via Gairibas, Maneybhanjyang or same route back to Rimbick and to Darjeeling.

Route No 6:

Darjeeling-Tonglu or Gairibas-Sandakphu-Srikhola via Gurdum to Rimbick.

Sandakphu-Gurdum is about 3.5 hrs. walk and Gurdum to Srikhola is about 1 hr. walk. At Gurdum, which is worth spending a day, there is a private accommodation and at Srikhola there is Trekkers Hut. Srikhola to Rimbick is 2 hrs. walk whereas Gurdum to Rimbick is about 4 hrs. walk.

Darjeeling-Tiger Hill and back 26 k.m. one day trek.

There are two walking routes from the town.

Tenzing Norgay Road starts from Chowrasta and passes through Toong-Soong and Aloo-Bari villages. The road is almost level and there is no vehicular traffic on this road. It meets the Hill Cart Road at Jorebungalow. From Jorebungalow the road ascendend to Tiger-Hill is 5 km.

Gandhi Road starts from Planters Club Motor stand. This road goes almost parallel to Hill Cart Road and meets the Hill Cart Road near Ghoom Railway Station.

Both the routes offer the Travellers excellent view of forests and mountains

Some useful hints regarding preparation for trek

Accommodation

The Trekkers Hut under the management of DGHC Tourism, are available at Sandakphu region. Advance booking can be made through DDT,DGHC Tourism, Silver Fir, Bhanu Sarani, Darjeeling.

Clothes

During these treks travellers will encounter extremes of weather. The routes pass through depths of valleys as low as 762 mts. and tops of mountains as high as 3640 mts. He will, therefore, have to arrange his clothing accordingly. For treks at lower altitudes it is sufficient to have a light sweater, shirt and trousers. At higher altitude a heavy pullover toppes by a wind-cheater is advisable. Adown jacket is very useful in high altitude. In case the trek is undertaken in winter-woollen cap and gloves are a must. A muffler may be an added advantage. A good plan is to start the trek in comfortable outfit and carry the excess clothing in ruck sack, taking them out as and when necessary.

Shoes

It has been found that the most common item of complaint are shoes. In long treks the necessity of a good, durable, comfortable pair of shoes can hardly be over emphasised. Such boots as ‘Hunter’ of Bata may be used. It is advisable to wear the shoes for some days prior to the trek. Remember to carry a few extra pairs of thick socks.

Raincoat

No matter what time the trek is undertaken a light raincoat must from an essential part of the outfit. This may be folded and put into the ruck sack when not in use. Weather may be unpredictable, particularly in higher altitudes.

Food

Although caretakers of some of the Trekkers’ Hut provide simple rice and dal at nominal rates, travellers must carry their own provisions. It is difficult to give extra advice on this subject as tastes vary, but broadly speaking the food should be such as can be easily carried and will keep in warmer climate. Tinned food, such as skinless sausages, packet or tin packed soup, cheese, peanut, butter, baked beans etc. will be helpful. Hard boiled eggs and bread may be taken as an advantage, rice and dal are excellent items. These may be cooked with ease at any place. it is essential to carry to packet of salt as this is a rare commodity at the higher altitude. For hot drinks tea or instant coffee, condensed milk and sugar may also be carried. It is suggested to carry a packet of Glucose powder which help to give energy while on trek. Rice, dal, eggs, chicken, onions and potatoes can be purchased enroute at most places through they are likely to be expensive. There are small tea shops enroute to Sandakphu, at places like Meghma, Gairibas, Kalpokhri, Gorkhey, Rammam,Srikhola and Rimbick.

Water

It is safe to drink spring water in the high altitudes. However it is advisable to carry water purifying tablets. Some brand names such as PINATAB and ZEOLIN 200 are easily available at the Chemist Shops at Darjeeling. Do carry a water bottle.

Equipment

Trekking equipments such as sleeping bag rucksack are available on hire from Adventure Sports Office, Lowis Jubilee Complex, Dr. S.K. Paul Road, Darjeeling.

Season for travel

The best months to trek in this region are April, May and October-November. During April-May there may be occasional showers. But this disadvantage would be fully compensated by the beauty of flowers, especially rhododendrons. Sometimes due to prolonged monsoons, there may be occasional rains during the first half of the month of October. But November is generally dry and visibility is excellent. First half of December is also good, though rather cold; besides that there are occasional snow falls.

Handicraft

Handicrafts of Darjeeling are well known, for it being a famous tourist spot. Skillful wood/bamboo work, metal work/artefacts, jewellery, paintings, carpets and woollen garments run unparalleled. These unique handicrafts resemble the traditional imprints of Tibetian, Gorkha and Lepcha cultures. These handicrafts originate at the ground level, in the rural areas of Darjeeling. These handicrafts produced make the backbone of the rural economy of the Darjeeling Hills.

Where To Stay

TATHAGATA FARM

Commercial Others(Commercial)

Address:AANP BOTAY, MINARAL SPRING, LEBONG Pincode: 734101

Phone: 9932021569 Email: wbdjl[at]nic[dot]in

Kurseong_ Tourist lodge

Kurseong Tourist Lodge