Darjeeling evokes images of snow-capped peaks and serene green hills, creating a sense of grandeur that is enhanced by the majestic Himalayas. It is renowned as one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world. This heavenly retreat is adorned with a multitude of colors. Vibrant red rhododendrons, pristine white magnolias, and lush green tea plantations that stretch across undulating hillsides, all under the enchanting azure sky dotted with shadows, truly establish Darjeeling as the QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS. The sight of Kanchenjunga peak gleaming in the first light of dawn further solidifies this title.
Darjeeling beckons to those seeking a momentary escape from the chaos of everyday life. Whether you are a tourist, a mountaineer, an ornithologist, a photographer, a botanist, or an artist, Darjeeling offers an experience that will forever be etched in your memory.
To reach Darjeeling, often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills,” you must travel to the megacity in the Indian state of West Bengal, located in the eastern part of the country.Darjeeling district is divided into four sub-divisions: Darjeeling Sadar, Kurseong, Mirik, and Siliguri. While Darjeeling Sadar, Kurseong, and Mirik are located in the hills, Siliguri is situated in the plains at an elevation of only 400 meters.
The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra, which is approximately 90 km away (via NH 110). It is well-connected by flights from major cities such as Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati. From Bagdogra, you can reach Darjeeling gradually by taking the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
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.
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 pedestrians have sufficient time coming day they can march further towards Phalut 3600 mts. It’s one of the topmost peak in the Singalila Range is positioned 80 km. North West of Darjeeling city. The name Phalut is a corruption of the Lepcha word Fak- Lut or the hulled peak and denotation deduced from the bare treeless pitches, which offer a great discrepancy to the timber sheathe ranges below. The peak is also called Phalilung by the original people. The stretch from Sandakphu to Phalut is the most spectacular of the journey. The burned tableware- fir timber makes most beautiful sight bone will ever left come through. After walking for a little while the mountaineer will be followed by the Everest group on the left and Kanchenjunga range right ahead. A walk of about4.5 hrs. from Sandakphu the mountaineer will come across a gravestone house with blown of roof on the top of a small crest. The place is known as Sabarkum and is 14 km. from Sandakphu. An indispensable place of stay is MOLLEY Pedestrians Hut about 2k.m. from Sabarkum, for those who don’t want to walk to Phalut the same day. Keeping the crest 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 Pedestrians ’ Hut. From then Phalut peak is about 20 twinkles walk. A magnificient view of snowy range is attained from the peak which is also trijunction of Sikkim, West Bengal and Nepal. The general outlook is same as seen from Sandakphu except that KanchenJunga ranges looks much larger and near. It’s only 48 km. down as the crow flies. The pedestrians will also notice on the focus Singalila range protruding out of Kanchenjunga peak. There’s a Pedestrians Hut at Phalut. Pedestrians can chamber at Molley 1,811 mts. Phalut is1.5 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:
This trail passes through the virgin timber which is steep down- hill to Rammam. This takes about 5 hrs. walk and 16k.m. in distance. It takes about 8 hrs. walk and 25k.m. in distance from Phalut. Note Don’t venture this trail during downtime i.e. November and March as it gets dark by 4p.m. and will be delicate to find the way.
Route No 4:
From Phalut the path plummets the edge through the virgin woodlands of chestnut, pines, hemlock etc. till the path comes to the assembly of two streams called Gorkhey Khola which may be a tributary of Rammam waterway. It ia a beautiful place. Trekkers can appreciate the shower within the waterway after the hectic trek begins to climb upto Samandian-a beautiful level and it may be a little timberland town. From Samandin the road descends to a little stream and once more climbs up for another 1.5 hrs. to Rammam Trekkers cabin. Usually approximately 5 hours walk or 15 km. in separate from Phalut. From Rammam the street is nearly level walk for around to begin with 9 km. and once more it slips to Srikhola. The street rises soak, for approximately 1 k.m. where it levels out once more till it comes to Rimbick. There’s a little bazar at Rimbick. Incase the Trekkers crave to return to Darjeeling by transport following day, it is prudent to remain at Rimbick bazar. Darjeeling-Rimbick-Sandakphu and back 123 kms. Four days. From Darjeeling to Rimbick customary buses are accessible around 12:30 p.m. It is around 5 hrs. drive and 54 km. from Darjeeling.
Route No 5:
Darjeeling to Rimbick customary buses and jeeps are accessible around 7 and 12 noon-12:30 p.m. It is approximately 5 hrs. drive and 54 K.M. from Darjeeling. Next day’s walk, is ceaseless climb through the timberland of firs, chestnut, hemlock as well as rhododendron. Amid April, May the full slops blazes with different color of rhododendron. You may watch distinctive sorts of winged creatures in this area. The trail is persistent soak climb of 6 hrs. till you hit the most street to Sandakphu i.e. one kilometer ahead of Kalipokhari and after that to Bikhaybhanjang to Sandakphu. Return trip can be fulfilled by means of Gairibas, Maneybhanjyang or same course back to Rimbick and to Darjeeling.
Route No 6:
Darjeeling-Tonglu or Gairibas-Sandakphu-Srikhola through Gurdum to Rimbick. Sandakphu-Gurdum is around 3.5 hrs. walk. At Gurdum, which is worth investing a day, there’s a private convenience and at Srikhola there’s Trekkers Hovel. Srikhola to Rimbick is 2 hrs. walk though Gurdum to Rimbick is around 4 hrs. walk. Darjeeling-Tiger Slope and back 26 k.m. one day trek. There are two strolling courses from the town. • Tenzing Norgay Street begins from Chowrasta and passes through Toong-Soong and Aloo-Bari towns. The street is nearly level and there’s no vehicular activity on this street. It meets the Slope Cart Street at Jorebungalow. From Jorebungalow the street ascendend to Tiger-Hill is 5 km. • Gandhi Street begins from Grower Club Engine stand. This street goes nearly parallel to Hill Cart Street and meets the Hill Cart Street close Ghoom Railroad Station. • Both the routes offer the Travellers great see of timberlands and mountains