Places to visit in Gangtok

Himalayan Zoological Park

Himalayan Zoological Park:

Distance - km ( from Gangtok )
Altitude - ft.
Phone No -
Entry Fee - Rs.
The park is located exactly across the road opposite Ganesh Tok and covers an area of 205
hectares. This area is also known as Bulbuley and extends almost upto Hanuman Tok. Although
a 3 kms long jeepable road runs right through the park, vehicles are not allowed in. There is a
paved cement path that passes by fenced open air enclosures housing the red pandas, Barking
Deer, bears and other animals of Sikkim in a semi natural habitat. As the enclosures encompass a
huge area the animals are sometimes not easily visible and one has to be patient to get a sight of
them. Making noise drives away the animals to take refuge behind bushes.

Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve

Tsomgo Lake

A lake at 12,310 ft? Impossible you will say but it is a fact. Tsomgo(Changu) lake is situated 35
km from Gangtok on the Gangtok - Nathula highway which forms a part of the old trade route
from India to China. Before 1962, caravans of mules carrying goods used to ply on this route.
The stretch of the route just below Karponang, 15 kms from Gangtok was particularly dangerous.
Its steepness resulted in many mules slipping to their death into the ravine below. Karponang is
at an altitude of 10,000 ft, an ascend of 5,000 ft from Gangtok in less than 15 kms.

Slightly less than 10 kms away from Karponang is 15th Mile or Kyongnosia which lies on a
saddle on the Chola Range and from where a panoramic view of part of Gangtok and other
surrounding hills can be obtained. The Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary with an area of 312km
located nearby is rich in alpine flora, fauna and avi-fauna. From here onwards to the
Tsomgo(Changu) lake, one loses sight of the Khangchendzonga range. The road has less
gradient and the vegetation adopts an alpine nature.

About a kilometre ahead of Kyongnosia and about five minutes walk from the roadside is the
Tseten Tashi cave which is about twenty feet high and so named after a naturalist of Sikkim who
was also the Private Secretary to the Chogyal. There is passage within the cave that leads to its
top.

Tsomgo(Changu) lake, which is hardly 20 kms away from the famous Nathula Pass and about
400 kms from Lhasa, falls in the restricted area and hence an Inner Line Permit, which can be
obtained from the Police through the Tourism Department or travel agent is required by visitors
to visit this place. Foreign nationals are also permitted to visit this lake. Photography is now
allowed and in fact parts of few Hindi films have been shot here. Its cool, placid water harmonies
with the scenic beauty around which is doubled by its reflection in the lake. A small temple of
Lord Shiva is constructed on the lakeside. Primula flowers and' other alpine vegetation grow
around the lake, which has an average depth of 50 ft, lend a pristine beauty to this place. A
footpath along the lake takes one to a resting shed - a walk of about half a kilometre. During the
winter months the lake becomes frozen. The lake itself derives its water from the melting snow
on the mountains around, The river Lungtze Chu originates from this lake and meets the Rangpo-
chu further down its course. During the olden times, lamas used to study the colour of the water
of the lake and forecast the future. If the waters of the lake had a dark tinge, it foreshadowed a
year of trouble and unrest in the state. The lake has a few rainbow trout and if you are lucky you
may catch a glimpse at them.

The travel agents and Department of Tourism conducts package tours by bus to this lake at
selected months of the year. A bus ticket to Tsomgo(Changu) lake and back costs Rs 150/-. Taxis
from Gangtok can also be hired to Tsomgo. A small cab in which not more than 3 passengers are
permitted can be hired for Rs 550/- to Tsomgo and back. Hiring of a jeep which can
accommodate upto 7 passengers will cost about Rs 900/-. Private vehicles are not permitted to
the lake. Rides on yaks and mules are also offered at the lake site. Tea and snacks are available at
the dozen of temporary stalls during the tourist season only. Some of the stalls even keep film
rolls and offer jackets, snow boots and waterboots on hire. Because of the high altitude, heavy
woolens are required to be worn here throughout the year. There is no facility of accommodation
for the tourist. It is advisable to visit the lake before noon as usually during the afternoons the
weather becomes inclement. Those with breathing problems should avoid exerting themselves
too much because of the scarcity of air at this altitude.

Tashi View Point

Tashi View Point

Distance - km ( from Gangtok )

Altitude - ft.
was built by the late King of Sikkim, Tashi Namgyal, it is situated 4 km from Gangtok town
from where one can have a clear view of opposite hills, besides Mt. Khangchendzonga. This site
offers a breathtaking panorama of the majestic Mt. Khangchendzonga and surrounding hills.
Built by the late King of Sikkim Sri. Tashi Namgyal, it is situated about six kilometres away
from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway, this place offers an astounding view of the
Khangchendzonga snowy range on a clear day. On the opposite hill, the Phodong and the
Labrang monasteries can be seen. A resting shed and a small cafeteria situated at Tashi View
Point provides shelter and other amenities to the tourists. A park above the View Point is a good
place to enjoy a picnic.

Nathula Pass

Nathula Pass:
Distance - 54 km ( from Gangtok )
Altitude - 14790 ft.(4,392 m)
Note - The days for tourist visit is restricted and needs to be applied at least 24 hrs in advance
and limited days of operation. The days permitted to visit Nathula are Wednesday, Thursday,
Saturday and Sundays only. Photography is strictly prohibited in and around Nathula.
20 km further away from is the famed Nathula pass. The pass Nathula means the whistling pass.
Nathula is the Indo-China border at Jawahar Lal Nehru Road whereby Indian troops and the Red
army stand face to face. This is the closest an Indian Tourist can travel and pose a photo or two
with the Red Army.

Golden Tips Tea Shop

Phurchachu Hot Springs

Deer Park
Distance - km ( from Gangtok )
This park which commands a good view of the hills surrounding Gangtok is
perched on top of a hillside that plunges almost vertically deep into the
valley. It was established in the late fifties and is located adjacent to the new
Secretariat and is also called the Rustomji park so named after one of the
Dewans of the Chogyal of Sikkim and the author of the book "Enchanted
Frontiers". The park has a big open enclosure in which different types of
deer can be seen. There are also a few cages in which some animals native to
Sikkim like the Red Panda and the Himalayan Bear are kept. have been kept.

A big statue of Lord Buddha commemorating his preaching of the noble

truths in the deer park at Sarnath adorns the park premises. A butter lamp
perpetually burns in front of the statue which is surrounded by flowers of the
most exotic variety. Below the statue, in golden letters is the following
stanza from the works of the renowned scholar saint of Buddhism,
Shantideva:

Shower forth, Ye Heavens sweet rains in season due,

That Earth's rich harvest swell in ample stream,
Holdfast, O' king, the path of righteousness,
That world on world may rise to bliss supreme.

Government Institute of Cottage Industry

Distance - km ( from Gangtok )
Note - closed on Sundays, all government declared holidays, second Saturdays and the odd
unforeseen holidays.
Phone No -
It is now known as the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms as well as the Government
Institute of Cottage Industries(GICI). Started during the time of the Chogyals of Sikkim, as a
venture to preserve, protect and propagate the authentic Sikkimese arts, handicrafts and skills of
local and village artisans, it has become one of the major attractions for people visiting Sikkim
where beautiful souvenirs like carpets, hand carved tables (choktses), traditional handcrafts,
furniture, handlooms carpets and other products are produced & exhibited for sale. A word of
caution to the innocent guest.

Hanuman Tok:
Distance - 5½ km ( from Gangtok )
Altitude - 7,200 ft.
Situated about 5 km uphill from White Hall on a bifurcation road of the Gangtok-Nathula
Highway, is a temple devoted to Hanuman, a God worshipped by the Hindus. On selected points
on the road to the temple, breathtaking views of Gangtok and the adjoining rolling hills can be
seen.

From the temple itself, the snowy peaks of Khangchendzonga present a panoramic picture. One
also gets a birds eye view of the Selep waterworks, which supplies drinking water to the Gangtok
town, a few hundred feet in altitude below Hanuman Tok. The temple at Hanuman Tok is
maintained by a unit of the Indian Army and can be found to be spick and span.

A short distance before the stair case leading to the Hanuman Temple is the cremation ground of
the erstwhile royal family of Sikkim. The cremation ground has stupas and chortens each
marking the place where the mortal remains of the departed souls were consigned to the flames.

Ganesh Tok:
Distance - km ( from Gangtok )
Altitude - 6,500 ft.
It is a very small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh, a diety worshipped by
Hindus. The temple is so small in size that it can hardly accommodate one
person and one has to crawl to get inside it. It is located on the hill adjoining
the TV Tower. It is on a hillock on Gangtok-Nathula Road.

From here you can get a panoramic view of Gangtok town and the Raj
Bhawan Complex and on a clear day you get a breathe taking view of Mt.
Khangchendzonga.

During the tourist season, a small cafeteria is opened for the convenience of
the visitors. Just adjoining the Ganesh Tok is a pinetum garden containing
pine trees. A walk on the footpath amongst the pine trees is refreshing.
Gangtok
Gangtok is a bustling, friendly hill station, and the capital of the Himalayan
state of Sikkim. The name Gangtok is derived from the Tibetan word for
'hillside,' and the city currently has a population of around 80,000 - a mixture
of indigenous Sikkimese and people of Nepalese and Tibetan ancestry.

[edit] Understand

Gangtok is popular place with tourists heading on treks, though the facilities
do not reflect the number of international visitors. However, efforts are being
made by the government to improve the conditions. Gangtok would be easily
one of the most cleanest cities you would ever come across, highly organised
and beautifully maintained it the switzerland of the east. Tourists are of
paramount of importance, hence rules have been laid in order to prevent
tourists from being cheated. Fares of Cabs are mostly fixed for such reason. A
really nice place to unwind. Quite a few places for vegetarians to eat since it
is mostly dominated by Buddhist culture. The city resembles the Bhutanese
capital. Devoid of large stores, book shops this place is an nice break away
from typical city lives. Still, the city is a fascinating place to spend a few
nights, the winding side alleys hide some unexpected gems, and the main
street (MG Marg) is pedestrianized and a pleasant place to take a stroll.

The city sleeps by 9pm mostly, except for a few pubs which are open till
11pm.

[edit] Get In
[edit] By plane

The nearest airport is at Siliguri,from there you need to hire a cab or taxi to
go up there.A lovely highway with beautiful landscapes,twists and turns and
loads of waterfalls and also you'll find River Teesta always running
along.Many direct flights are there for Siliguri and after reaching there its just
the mountains and you.

[edit] By train

The nearest train station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri which has
direct connections to New Delhi, Kolkata, and other major cities in India. It is
a 10-12 hour journey from Kolkata.

Once you arrive in New Jalpaiguri, you can either hire a taxi from the station
itself or take an auto-rickshaw to the Siliguri bus stand. From there, you have
the option of travelling to Gangtok by state bus, roughly a 5-6 hour journey.

Dozens of jeeps travel to Gangtok daily from Siliguri, Darjeeling,

Kalimpong, and other mountain locales. Fare of the shared cabs is generally
fixed, it is around Rs. 155 to Gangtok from NJP station. Drivers might try to
charge high so check for the fare with other cabs before taking one.

[edit] Get around

[edit] Taxis

Taxis ply routes around the city, and there are standard charges within the
main areas: 40rs for a private service and 8rs for a shared. NB: Taxis can only
be hailed from designated taxi stands.

[edit][add listing] See

• The scenery - there are beautiful views of the surrounding

hills from the town itself, but the best views - dominated by
Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain - are
from Enchey Monastery and Ganesh Tok, both high above
the town.

• Enchey Monastery - a two hundred year old monastery in

the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism - located above
the town.
• Do-drul Chorten - a large and impressive stupa complex
constructed in 1945.
• Dodrupchen Monastery. A large monastery in the
Nyingma tradition. Famous for its large chorten. When in
residence, Dodrupchen Rinpoche receives devotees to offer
blessings from around 8AM to 9:30AM.
• Flower show (1818 mtr), Ridge Park (Ridge Park Complex).
10 am -5pm. Near the White-Hall, flower show is at its best
during the flowering season which is mid March to end of
May in spring and October to mid December in autumn. But
by far the annual Cymbidium Orchid Show wnich
commences invariably from mid March to mid April is the
best and the finest in the entire south Asian region. Rs. 10.
edit

[edit][add listing] Do

• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. An excellent collection

of artifacts and manuscripts connected to Tibetan Buddhism.
• Banjhakri Falls. Its a lovely waterfall,surrounded by gardens
and stairwells.Many beautifu sculptures can be seen there.A
 good picnic spot and a must watch for every Gangtok visitor.
edit

• Ropeways Cable Car, Deorali market. Daylight. Can close

due to weather. A cable car whose lowest point is Deorali
Market, with three stops of varying altitude. Fantastic views
of the town. This isn't included in official tours, so you'll have
to make your way to Deorali Market to board. Rs 50, children
Rs 30. edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

Sikkim is famous for its fruit processing and tea aside from the local
handicraft.Passion fruit Squash, Alpine Cheese, Temi Tea & Maha Gurudev
Tea are some of the local products.

• Rachna, Development Area. Tel: 91 3592 204-336

(www.rachnabooks.com). Also organises events and
exhibitions on The First Floor upstairs. By far the best
bookstore in town. A wide selection of titles and
knowledgable owner. Rachna is located about a ten minute
walk from the main bazaar.

• Curio Craft Gallery Curio City, below Hotel Mayur, PS

Road (just above the main hospital). Tel: 91 3592 220-551.
One of the better quality handicraft stores in town. Excellent
selection of Buddhist artwork.

• Souveneir, MG Marg. Good place to buy prayer wheels, flags

and other handicraft. Little expensive edit

• The Wayside Gardens & Nurseries Pvt. Ltd. alt=" 1060

mtr" address="Sixth Mile, Tadong" directions="Near Sikkim
University" phone="9832060555" url="" hours="9am to
4pm" price="Entry Free" lat="" long=""> Well known House
of exotic plants including Orchids. Azaleas and Cattleya
hybrid orchids, besides range of Citrus, are their specialities.
A must visit place for any plant lover. Run by illustrious
Pradhan family. Visit stricty by prior appointment. Conducted
tour in the well spread out Garden for groups conducted by
Travel Agents and interactions about Himalayan flora with
Sr. Pradhan, authority on Himalayan flora and environment,
over cup of tea on payment of nominal fee, possible. Contact
person: Sailesh Pradhan. Mobile: 98320 60555.

• Eat

There are many great and cheap places to eat in Gangtok.

• Parivar's, on MG Marg down a short flight of stairs, serves

 some of the best food in town, and is very popular with
locals.
• The Roll House, tucked on the side of a stairway between
MG Marg and the main market, serves up Veg Momos & hot
chapatis (Roll)with various fillings (paneer, egg, veggies).
This place is always packed with both tourists and locals and
deservedly so.

• Quick Bite, and numerous other sweet shops up and down

MG Marg, serve up everything from samosas to momos

• Tangerine Restaurant, Chumbi Residency, Tibet Road,

Gangtok-737101, Sikkim., ☎ +91(0)3592-
226618/226619/226620 (slg_chumbi@sancharnet.in, fax:
+91(0)3592-222707), [1]. Stunning food, some unusual
options and far cheaper than it ought to be. edit

• Agarwal's, MG Marg. Serves south indian and north indian

snacks n sweets. Good place to have break fast. There are
two outlets, one on MG Marg and other on the way near Taxi
stand. Dosas are not so good edit

• Porky's, Deorali (10 mins from downtown gangtok). Amazing

Sizzlers and Momos. edit

• House of Bamboo, MG Marg. Authentic Tibetan and Indo-

Chinese fusion cuisine. The Beef/ Pork chilli , the momos and
the tea momos are recommended. edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

• Pub 25, MG Road, Gangtok. Till 11PM. An upscale pub right

in the heart of MG Road. Great drinks, tasty food (especially
the Malai Tikka and Sauted Mushrooms), and an amazing
ambience. The price is higher than other pubs on the street,
but its definitely worth it. High. edit
• Taste of tibet, MG Marg. Serves tibetan food, thupkas,
gyathuk and thentuk. It includes a bar too edit
• Cafe Tibet. On the way up towards the Zero point, left side.
Run by a tibetan, serves very good coffee. Eatables are just
decent. Coffee is way better than baker's cafe edit
• Baker's Cafe, MG Marg. The only place in town to sell
cappuccino, latte and offer a wide selection of Western-style
pastries. Check out the pizzas. edit
• Cafe Culture, Ground Floor, Hotel Pandim, Secretariat Road
(Below Royal Palace), ☎ 9832615236. Located at the ridge
which is an ideal location for walk and best view of the
mountain, the cafe offers fresh himalayan cuisine like
phale( local bread), shiafale ( local bread filled with meat
 and deep fried), momos and grilled sandwitches. edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• Hotel Pandim , Phone: (03592) 207540 (Cell: +91 98320

80172, E-mail: hotelpandim@gmail.com), [2]. A family run
guest house with the best location, just above the Mall Road
and below the Royal Palace offering the best mountain view.
Also has a nice cafe called Cafe Culture offering fresh
Himalayan cuisine

• Hotel Sonali International, Phone: (033) 2552 3432 /

2584 0080 (Cell: +91 98302 87429, E-mail:
sonalihotel07@yahoo.com), [3]. A nice place for budget
tourists and a good base to meet other travellers - recently
relocated to the main town near the Tourist Information
Centre. It also organizes tours throughout Sikkim.

• Green Hotel, Mahatama Gandhi Road, ☎ 009779851121210.

checkin: 19 Oct 2010; checkout: 21 October 2010. Could you
provide 2 rooms. Please also send hotel's number. My email
address is gautam2021@gmail.com Rs. 200-500. edit

• Hotel Nirvana, Namang Road, ☎ 09163914473. Colour TV,

carpeted rooms. R 700-1500. edit

• Hotel Susantaawas, (beside mall), ☎ 9051115228. R 800-

1200. edit

• Central Lodge. A nice place for Budget tourists and a good

base to meet other travellers - recently relocated to the
main town near the Tourist Information Centre. It also
organizes tours throughout Sikkim. edit

[edit] Mid-range

• Bamboo Grove Retreat Bamboo Grove [4], Kazi Road. A

Boutique 2 star hotel. Theme = Sikkimese design with
modern amenities. Available = Car Parking, Peaceful
Environment, Internet, Mountain View from Rooms, Mountain
Biking,Bar & Restaurant.

• Hotel Tibet, Paljor Stadium Road. Clean and comfortable

rooms with an excellent restaurant. Rs.1500-2500.

• Hotel Rigwa International Libing Complex, M.G.Marg &

Nam Nam Crossing, above Star Cinema Hall.
 • Hotel Delamare, Church Road, [5]. Conveniently located,
warm, elegant decor and excellent service. 1,200rs+ per
night

• Hotel Golden nest & Hotel Hill View Near mall 600 to
1500

• Sonam Delek, Tibet Road. An awesome hotel for the

money. The facilities are best of Gangtok. The standard
room (Rs 1100) is spartan; the super-deluxe (Rs 2200) is
well-furnished and has an excellent view of the hillside. All
facilities are very neatly maintained. The staff's knowledge
of English is poor, but you can get by. No south-Indian food,
though.

[edit] Splurge

The Mayfair Gangtok Spa Resort & Casino is the first and only five star
deluxe resort in the entire north east indian region. Spread over 15 acres of
lush forest,some of the villas even have their private temperature controlled
dip pools. The spa has also won the award for the best new spa (resort) by
AsiaSpa magazine.

• The Nor-Khill, Gangtok, [6]. Unit of Elgin Hotels and Resorts.

Colonial decor and luxury at its best. Rs.6000 +. edit

• Teen Taley Eco Resort, Rumtek, Gangtok, ☎ 9832052995,

[7]. Situated near the holy Rumtek Monastery about 20 Kms
from Gangtok town, this Eco resort spread over 6 acres has
its own garden and organic farming. The flowing streams,
mountain below, snow range in the front and the river
below.... There are 12 well maintained rooms spread over 6
cottages. Type:- Eco Garden Resort with cottages Rooms:-
12 rooms spread over 5 cottages. 4 Suite Rooms and 8
Deluxe Cottages, Theme:- Ethnic Nepalese edit

[edit] Respect

Littering and spitting are fineable offenses. No Plastics carry bags sold or
used .

[edit] Contact

There area no internet cafes along the main thoroughfares and the rate is
compatible with other centers of commerce in India. However, the
infrastructure is weak, and the mantra of most internet cafes is 'server down.'
Travelers who need to work extensively on the internet are advised to do so
in Siliguri, where the server connection is much more reliable.

• Softect Enterprises, tucked away just after the first

pedestrian bridge up from the old taxi station, this internet
cafe offers two rooms filled with computers with fast
connections.

[edit] Get out

• Gangtok serves as an excellent base for visiting places like

Chomgo Lake, Lachung, and the Yumthang Valley.

• Rumtek Monastery, located 22 km from the town, [8]. One

of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and
head seat of the Karma Kagyu school in Sikkim. Originally
built in 1740, it fell into disrepair. The current structure
dates from 1959. Sangye Guest House, (near Rumtek) is a
small, friendly, family run hotel.

To reach Rumtek one can hire an taxi. There are share taxi's which run from
MG Marg taxi stand to Rumtek. One way fare is around Rs. 30 per person. It
is a cheaper alternative but you need to return from the Rumtek Monastery
before 4pm to get shared taxi to MG Marg again.

• ranka monastery is a newly built monastery and a treat to

watch out for
• Ask around travel agents as they sometimes field requests
from travellers looking to share jeeps to cut costs. It's an
excellent way to meet people too.

Darjeeling
Darjeeling is in a small city in West Bengal, India.

[edit] Understand
Tea gardens of Darjeeling

Originally just a cluster of villages that was administered intermittently by Nepal and Sikkim,
Darjeeling grew in prominence during the mid 19th century when, because of its climate, the
British first established a hill station there after leasing it from the Chogyal of Sikkim and later
discovered that the area was particularly well suited for tea plantations. In 1849, the British
annexed the area and Darjeeling became a part of British India. The Darjeeling Himalayan
Railway was opened in 1881 (it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the town became
the de-facto summer capital of India during the days when the Raj was governed from Calcutta.

Because it was a popular hill station during the days of the Raj, a lovely Victorian town was built
among the Himalayan foothills, the remnants of which are still visible around the Chowrasta and
Darjeeling remains a popular summer and fall resort for the natives of Kolkata today. For foreign
tourists, the main attractions are the cultural diversity (many Tibetan refugees moved here after
Tibet was annexed by China and they co-exist with the descendants of the many Nepali and
Bihari laborers brought to work in the tea plantations), the beautiful views (including the
wonderful vista view of Kanchenjunga), a variety of trekking options, and the opportunity to
cool down after a stint in the plains. The town is also a jumping off point for travelers heading to
Sikkim.

There has been intermittent political action from Gorkha groups demanding an independent state
(Gorkhaland). In June 2008 a strike paralyzed the area, with closed hotels, restaurants and shops,
and the accompanying protests even turned violent a couple of times. Though inconvenient,
tourists generally are not at risk, but recently they do check the status before going there.

[edit] Get in
[edit] By plane

The nearest airport is Bagdogra, near Siliguri, 96 km from Darjeeling.

Air India (fomerly Indian Airlines), India's largest airline, has flights from:

• Delhi - IC 880 (Tu/Th/Sat) and IC 879 (Mon/Fri - via Guwahati)

• Guwahati - IC 879 (Mon/Fri)
• Kolkata - IC 721 (Tu/Th/Sat)

Jet Airways, a private airline, has flights from:

• Delhi - 9W 601 (Mon/Wed/Fri - Via Guwahati) and 9W 602 (Tu/Th/Sat/Sun)

• Guwahati 9W 601 (Mon/Wed/Fri)
• Kolkata 9W 617 (Daily)

Spice Jet also operates flights from Kolkata & Delhi.

Air Deccan also known as Kingfisher red, runs budget flights to and from Bagdogra from Delhi,
Guwahati and Calcutta.

Indigo has also started direct/indirect flights to & from Delhi and Guwahati since April, 2009
end.

Druk Airways has also commenced direct flights to & from Paro as well as Bangkok, twice a
week for both destinations

All other cities major cities can be accessed by taking a flight to Delhi/Kolkata and connecting.

Getting to and from Nepal can be tricky, despite their close proximity. One can catch a share
jeep to Siliguri and a bus to the Nepalese border, changing buses in Nepal. An alternative is that
Juniper Tours and Travels - located just next to the clock tower in Darjeeling offer a service
where a driver can take you across the border and drop you at the Bhadrapur airport in Nepal for
your connecting flight to Kathmandu. It is more expensive than organising your own transport
but they make a concerted effort to look after you and will help you out if the situation becomes
dicey (particularly with strikes in Nepal), they cannot be recommended highly enough and this is
unusual for India.

[edit] By taxi/shared jeep

Siliguri is the nearest town connected to the mainline rail network. Ample transport is available
to Darjeeling from here. The most popular modes of transport are taxi (usually shared by three to
four passengers), shared jeep (ten passengers) @Rs.120/-.

Shared jeeps depart regularly, from several locations around town. They leave when full, and are
a cheap, fast and reasonably comfortable way to get to Darjeeling.

If you have arrived by train at NJP, you can take a taxi or shared jeep to reach Darjeeling from
the booking counter at the taxi stand in front of the railway station. There is also a prepaid taxi
stand in front of the train station. Note that if you arrive too late for the jeep to make a return
journey from Darjeeling, you may end up paying more, e.g. Rs.200 per person. The prepaid
counter will tell you that no jeeps are available, so you'll have to find one via a fixer or by
negotiating directly with drivers.

Tourists often opt to buy an extra seat or two to have more space for the 3 hour journey up to
Darjeeling! Luggage is carried for free on the roof. Jeeps may stop for a snack and toilet break
on the way up (normally a few km short of Kurseong).

[edit] By bus

There is a regular bus service from Silguri to Darjeeling. However, they are quite slow due to the
steep, twisty climb up to Darjeeling. Shared jeeps are almost as cheap, and faster.
[edit] By train

New Jalpaiguri (NJP) near Siliguri is the nearest station on the main inter-city line. Direct trains
to NJP run from Delhi (approx 27 hours) several times a day. If you are traveling from Kolkata
(Sealdah Station) the best train for you will be Darjeeling Mail (circa 12 hours) running nightly
at 10:05PM.

From there (NJP), the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, known to all as the 'Toy Train'
completes the journey to Darjeeling.

This route is very popular with tourists as it passes through some very picturesque mountain
scenery and has been the subject of many romantic articles. The line has a series of zig zags and
loops to gain height and runs straight up several village main streets! Trains depart NJP at 9 a.m.
and arrive in Darjeeling at 3:30. Now the train is diesel hauled is reasonably reliable and
punctual.

The steam 'Joy' train operates from Darjeeling to Ghoom round the famous Batasia Loop, once
or twice a day (10AM)&(1:40PM) – enquire at Darjeeling station. Costs about INR 250 (First
class)/ INR 50 (Second Seating). Strongly suggested you buy tickets for earlier train as the 2nd
train rarely has enough people. Website DHR: [1]

A steam train also operates Siliguri to 'Agony Point' above Tindharia most Saturdays and
Sundays. Enquire to Siliguri station. There is also a daily 'School Train' that leaves Kurseong at
06:15 arriving Darjeeling at 08:45. It leaves Darjeeling at 16:00 arriving Kurseong at 18:30. This
is still hauled by a steam engine and is one of the last 'day to day'/ordinary steam trains running
anywhere in the world. IR keeps changing the times for it and it is notoriously unreliable often
running hours late.

[edit] Get around

Darjeeling is a small town and the salubrious climate means walks around town are an extremely
enjoyable means of getting around. For longer trips, taxis are available in stands near the
entrance to the Mall.

A great way to spend a day is to take a share-jeep to Ghoom (the next town up the ridge), visit
some monasteries there and walk back to Darjeeling via some of the villages.

[edit][add listing] See

Kunchenjunga covered with snow

A view of river Teesta, flowing through the mountains

Mirik Lake is a nice place for boating

View of Kunchenjunga from Tiger Hill

• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute(HMI), [2]. This is one of the most visited

spot in Darjeeling. This institute was created by the late Tenzing Norgay. He
was a Sherpa who climbed the Mount Everest on 29th of may 1953 with Sir
Edmund Hillary. All the equipments used in that climb are still a highlight in
that institute. edit

• Himalayan Zoo (Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park), (shares the premises of

HMI). It has a good collection of animals found in the Himalayan region. edit

• Buddhist monasteries
• Japanese Peace Pagoda. This impressing building is part of a grid of around
30 pagodas spanning the whole globe. Constructed by the Japanese Buddhist
 Nipponzan-Myohoji Order, the one at Charlimont on the outskirts of Darjeeling
was consecrated in 1992. A small temple just lies alongside. If you're woken
up due to the sound of drumming in the streets of Darjeeling between 4 and
5 am: These are the monks (Theravada) of the Japanese temple having their
early morning walk. edit

• Tiger Hill - Ideal to visit early morning when the first rays of the sun kiss the
Mt Kanchenjunga and give it a golden color. To visit the hill, one needs to get
up at 3:00AM in the morning. You can taste some excellent tea on your way
to the hill, which will provide much needed warmth on cold Darjeeling
mornings. When getting into a taxi at 4am keep in mind that they are shared
taxis and your driver might wait around in vain for others to join your taxi
causing you to miss the sunrise! Those travelling alone or as a couple might
want to squeeze into an already occupied jeep to insure full viewing pleasure.
Though it has executive lounge (Rs.40/- per person) and special lounge
(Rs.30/- per person), nothing beats having view from open area as you can
have a full paranomic view from outside avoiding crowd in the lounge.

• Observatory Hill: Observatory hill is the oldest site in Darjeeling. This hill is
also known as the “Makal-Babu-Ko-Thaan” in local area. It is said that a Red
Hat Buddhist Monastery stood at this very spot. Nepal people destroyed this
monastery in the 19th century.

[edit][add listing] Do

Darjeeling is one of the oldest hill stations in India, and has plenty of options, both for those
seeking a lazy getaway from the hot plains, as well as nature enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies.
Apart from sights within the town, there are plenty of trek options along the Himalayan ridges on
the Indo-Nepal border near Darjeeling. The most popular one being the Singhalia Ridge Trail.
Bookings for guides, porters and accommodation on the trail can be made in Darjeeling or in the
nearby town of Manebhanjang, which serves as the trail-head. Be aware that from July to mid-
September the Singalia park is closed, but because of the rain, clouds and fog it is less enjoyable
anyway.

• Shruberry Health Club. less visited but offers unique and charming views of
Kanchenjunga.Few locals can been found jogging here and offering prayers to
various objects edit
• Singalila National Park, (west of Darjeeling, adjacent to Nepalese border).
Singalila is a trekking destination in the far northwest corner of West Bengal
state. Kanchenjunga, the world's 3rd highest peak, is visible for much of the
trek, to the north, on the Nepalese border with Sikkim. Usually the park is
accessed from Maneybhanjang, approx. one hour, or 30 km. west of
Darjeeling. The park can also be accessed from Rimbik, where many trekkers
finish up, or from Bijanbari, with one extra day's walking. Trekkers must pay a
100rp fee to enter the park, and must hire a guide. Porters can also be hired
in Maneybhanjeng. Many trekkers sign up for a 3, 5 or 6 day trek in
Darjeeling, where various trekking companies make all of the arrangements.
Passports must be carried, as the trek crosses briefly into Nepal, then back
into India. Sleeping bags and layered warm clothing are a must, as the
temperature dips well below freezing most nights. Overnight lodging is done
 at assorted huts or simple guesthouses along the way, and hot meals are
available at the same. Starting from Maneybhanjang, most trekkers stay
overnight in Gairbas or Kalipokhari, and press on to Sandakphu for the 2nd
night. Sandakphu at 3636 meters, is a favorite spot to view the high
Himalayan peaks of LLotze, Everest, Makalu, etc., in early morning when
visibility is good. 3 day trekkers turn aside and head downhill to Rimbik for
their final night, while others head further north for spectacular views from
Sabarkum and Phalut, then downhill for Raman, and finish in Rimbik for the
last night. For greater cash outlay, non-trekkers, or those pressed for time
can hire a jeep as transport from Maneybhanjang to Sandakphu, and stay
overnight to catch the sunrise views. The ideal time to visit is April or May, in
spring when the rhododendrons are in bloom, but Singalila can also be done
in the fall, after monsoon season. edit
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, [3]. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway,
nicknamed the "Toy Train", is a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow-gauge railway from
Siliguri to Darjeeling in West Bengal, run by the Indian Railways. It was built
between 1879 and 1881 and is about 86 km (53 mi) long. The elevation level
is from about 100 m (328 ft) at Siliguri to about 2,200 m (7,218 ft) at
Darjeeling. It is still powered by a steam engine. A modern diesel engine is
used for Darjeeling’s mail. edit
• Mountain Biking, [4]. Mountain biking is an adventure and the best way to
explore the beauty of any mountain or hilly area. This is the best way to
explore the natural beauty of the Darjeeling. Darjeeling has many exciting
tracks for the motor biking. Adventure lovers love to ride on these roads as
they provide them the opportunities to explore the natural beauty at their
own with some adventure and thrill. edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

• Tea. Darjeeling is famous the world over for its teas, which are very aromatic
and have a delicate taste. Shops selling teas (usually owned by local tea
gardens), dot the area in and around the Mall, and at the Chowrasta. Golden
Tips & Nathmulls are especially known for their tea and also ship worldwide.
Stop by to smell the numerous varieties they have to offer. Location: Rink
Mall

• Curio items pertaining to Tibetan and Himalayan cultures, such as

thangkas, miniature monasteries and garments made from yak wool. Shops
are located in and around the Rink Mall, Chowrasta and Darjeeling Local
Haat.
• Dorjee. The most unique shop that perhaps has the most facinating & exotic
collection of local oriental & Buddhist artefacts is located just opposite the
General Post Office. This place, though surprisingly small, is more like a mini
Alladin's cave. A must-visit for all objet-d'art lovers. However, Indians are
frequently cold shouldered unlike the deep interest shown to foreign
customers. edit
• Hand Pick. Located inside the Rink Mall, this place offers a plethora of
handicrafts not only from in and around Darjeeling but several places across
the country. Ethic garments, statues in wood, metal, etc., leather goods &
ethnic dresses & footwear, singing bowls, artificial jewellery, paintings,
 thangkas, Rajasthani decorware & gift ware, furnishings, etc. Prices labelled
& reasonable. edit
• Oxford Bookshop, Chowrasta. Excellent selection of titles. Local travel guides.
edit
• Book Shoppe. Bagdogra Airport (Departure level) offers the flier a good
selection of books. edit
• Das Studio, The Mall. Posters and picture postcards. Excellent selection of
posters and cards depicting scenes of the Himalayas. edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

Several eateries which dish out North Indian, Nepali, Tibetan, and continental fare dot the area
around the Mall. "Momos", a steamed Tibetan delicacy are a staple food offered by almost every
eating joint.

Keep in mind that everything closes pretty early in the night (The town goes to sleep before 9
PM). So, do keep something in stock to eat, if you are planning to stay up late.

• Glenary's Bakery and Cafe. A good place for cakes, pastries, the ubiquitous
Darjeeling cuppa, sizzerlers and North Indian fare. Offers nice views of Mt
Kanchendjunga on clear days. edit
• Hot Stimulating Cafe. On the way to Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, on
Hooker Road, is this lovely little cozy place with pictures of Bob Marley
covering one whole wall. The Momos here are awesome! They even offer a
Momo-cooking course! The guy who owns it can double up as your local
guide, trekking along with you to some adventurous outings from Darjeeling.
edit
• Hotel Lunar. This is probably the best vegetarian restaurants in town where
you can enjoy a great view and wonderful service. edit
• Hotel Chanakya. If you are looking for an authentic Bengali restaurant in town
where you can enjoy both veg and nonveg dishes then this is the place where
you should go. edit
• Kunga's. An excellent Tibetan place, situated just above the clocktower. It
serves superb Tibetan food, including hearty Tibetan soups (Thentuk is
recommended). It is, however, tiny, hence often full and crowded. edit
• The Park, (50 meters from the clock tower). Located near the clock tower,
this restaurant is especially popular with tourists. They have two menu cards,
one Thai and the other Indian, and the cook mastered both cuisines. The Thai
cuisine is quite excellent. Try their Thai style chicken rice noodle. Rs 90-150.
edit
• Keventers, (50 meters from the Mall). This place with it's awesome western
delicacies and cool view was featured in a number of movies and books.
Don't forget to try the chicken sausages and the chocolate milk shake. edit
• Golden Tips Tea Cosy, Chowrasta, The Mall, ☎ 0354-2253251, [5]. 0830-
2100. The finest collection of Darjeeling Tea in loose (estate) & handcrafted
Gift Packaging. Over 250 varieties - Darjeeling Black, Green, Oolong, White,
Flavored, Herb Teas. Gourmet Tea sit in service with a handsome and well
presented range of snacks and eatables. Tea Menu with almost 75+ kinds of
different hot & iced teas, tea mocktails. Tea Paraphernalia like metal /' silver
 tea sets & pots, strainers, infusers, spoons, tea cosies, etc on sale. Good
collection .. Online store www.goldentipstea.com Rs. 300-12,000-00. edit
• Nathmull's Tea Cosy, The Rink Mall (Opposite General Post Office), Darjeeling
(at the entrance of the Rink Mall), ☎ 0354-2257309, [6]. A great place
tastefully done up with an amazing ambience and collection of hundreds of
varieties of the finest Darjeeling Teas. Serving almost 100 varieties of tea &
tea mocktails from a Tea Menu. A large collection of tea accessories such as
silver tea pots & sets, tea cosies, tea strainers & infusers books on teas &
other paraphernelia Rs. 20 to Rs. 12000-00. edit
• Boney's Snack Bar, Capital Market, Ladenla Road (Opp Clock Tower, Near
Hayden Hall). Serves very good grilled sandwiches, sandwiches, pizzas,
burgers and even pastas. edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

• Tea – Darjeeling tea is world renowned after all. Also called the 'Champagne
of Teas', You can taste and buy the best teas in the market & at Tea Cosy,
the tea parlors with an excellent environment located inside the Rink Mall
and at the Golden Tips Chowrasta.
• Joey's Pub – Pop into Joey's Pub for some cheap beer, great hospitality,
cricket on TV etc. A British-looking pub popular with travellers. A good place
to pick up trekking information and travel partners to fill a jeep to Sikkim or
down to the plains.
• Kho Cha, Laden La Road, ☎ +913542257308, [7]. a snazzy Tea Boutique
having a very wide frontage even though the place is not all that big. Over 50
kinds of finely packaged teas from Darjeeling & other areas in India. Oolong,
black, green, white, CTC, Spiced, herbal & many more. Besides, they also
have almost 25 kinds of estate teas to see, taste & select The place even
boasts of a small 4-seater tea bar with a proper Tea Menu ! Interesting and
very well located. Few accessories also available. Teas can also be bought
from their online website which is quite nice www.khochateas.com 80 - 9.000.
edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Darjeeling has a large number of hotels and lodges. However, on the whole, budget
accommodation is of poor value compared to elsewhere in India. Most places target groups
coming in from West Bengal; backpacker-oriented accommodation is sparse and you probably
won't get touts coming to pick you up at the bus stop so it pays to have a few ideas in advance.

There are several forest guest houses in the Darjeeling area. In order to stay at any of these a
special permit from West Bengal Forest Department [8] is required.

[edit] Budget

• Birds Eye View, Dr. Zakir Hussain Rd (near the top of the hill on the south end
of Darjeeling. From the jeep drop off and train station it is up to the very top
and then keep going right), ☎ 9832321037, 9775972955. checkout: noon.
Opened in October 2008. Rs 200+. edit
 • Darjeeling Tourist Lodge, Bhanu Sarani, Darjeeling (7 minutes from Mall, near
Gymkhana Club), ☎ +91 354 2254411/12/13 (dort1@dte.vsnl.net.in, fax:
+91 354 2254412), [9]. Property belongs to West Bengal Tourism
Development Corporation and has a breathtaking location with views of
Kanchenjunga. Rs 500-1,600. edit

• Hotel Aliment. checkout: 10AM. Located at the top of the hill, the views are
nice, but the 15 min walk from the clock tower is quite steep. In some double
rooms there is hot water 6:30PM-7:30PM, but they can fill up a bucket with
hot water the rest of the day. There is also a simple restaurant, which houses
an impressive library. Rs 250-600. edit

• Hotel New Samrat, 63, Gandhi Rd (beside Hotel Viceroy & OPP Hotel
Fairmont), ☎ +91 923 325689. checkout: noon. Centrally located on the
main road. Rs100-1,000. edit

• Hotel Pineridge, The Mall, Darjeeling (on the left before Chowrasta), ☎ +91
354 2254074. All rooms face Kanchenjungha. Rooms are dank & dreary with
rickety old furniture. Offers a hint of the old world charm. Rs 850-1,200. edit

• Revolver, 110 Gandhi Rd (behind Union Church, go through the Open School
Gate.), ☎ +919434428935, [10]. checkout: 12 noon. A Beatles themed lodge
and restaurant. The lodge features five cosy rooms, each named after the fab
four and Brian Epstein, considered the fifth Beatle. Very affordable, each
room has a double bed, attached bathroom with hot water and closet. The
lodge showcases a constantly growing list of Beatles memorabilia. Free WiFi
available. Rs 799-899. edit

• Zakir Hussain Rd Lodging, Zakir Hussain Rd (Top of the hill). Offers a clutch of
backpacker-oriented places. On a north-facing slope which is perpetually
misty so these places get very cold and damp, with the lack of sunshine often
being felt in the attitudes of the proprietors too. Rs 180-500. edit

[edit] Mid-range

• Bellevue Hotel, P O Box 28, The Mall, Darjeeling, W.B. 734101 (Right at
Chowrasta, the central square within the pedestrian zone), ☎ +91 354
2254075 (pulger@rediffmail.com), [11]. Run by a Tibetan family for around
forty years, the hotel features a modest, dry and warm interior, rooms are
wood-panelled and clean. Free WiFi. Rs 800 - 2,000. edit

• Gymkhana Resort, ☎ +91 354 2257325. Rs 2,500+. edit

• Hotel Dekeling, 51 Ghandi Road, [12]. Located very centrally at the south end
of the Mall. Has wifi. Rs 600-2,000. edit

• Hotel Fairmont, ☎ +91 354 2253649. around Rs 2,000. edit

• Hotel Seven Seventeen, ☎ +91 354 2254717/2255099

(manager@hotel717.com), [13]. Centrally located. Rs 1,500-3,100. edit
 • Hotel Anjali, B.T. Road (Beside mall), ☎ 09051115228, 09163914473, [14].
checkin: noon. Rooms are with view, hot water, carpet, colour TV. Hotel has a
multicuisine restaurant and pick-ups are possible from New Jalpaiguri. 800/--
1200/-. edit

[edit] Splurge

• Hotel Sinclairs, [15]. It has 46 beautiful rooms and suites, with satellite TV.
The wooden interiors give it an ambience of a traditional country home. Rs
3,500-7,300. edit

• Mayfair Darjeeling, opposite Governor House, The Mall, ☎ +91 354 2256376
(darjeeling@mayfairhotels.com, fax: +91 354 2252674), [16]. Hill resort
offering good views. This property was once the summerhouse of the
Maharajah of Nazargunj. Rs 8,000. edit

• Windamere Hotel, Observatory Hill, ☎ +91 354 2254041/42, [17].

Established in the 19th century as a boarding house for bachelor English and
Scottish tea planters, it was converted into a hotel just before the outbreak of
the Second World War. Has been the subject of many stories in the
international media. It is situated on Observatory Hill, a Darjeeling landmark.
Has wifi. Rs 6,650-12,500. edit

[edit] Get out

• Mirik - 50km
• Kalimpong - 50km
• Kurseong - 35km
• Siliguri
• Sikkim