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Darjeeling
(Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council) Darjeelingin northeast
India provides the perfect ambience of a hill resort
with its mild climate and laid-back charm. Its verdant
hills and valley are steeped in color, and are interspersed
with vast stretches of lush green tea gardens. Presiding
over all these is the 8,586m Mt. Kanchenjunga looming
over the northern horizon, giving a magical aura to
the land that entices thousands to its environs and
leaves all the senses intoxicated.
Darjeeling is hemmed in by Sikkim in the north, Nepal
in the West and Bhutan in the east. Darjeeling town,
Kalimpong and Kurseong are the major urban centers.
Heavily influenced by British India. Darjeeling still
retains legacies of its colonial past. The toy train
is one of the most striking examples of Darjeeling British Raj influence.
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This nine-day trek beginning and ending in Darjeeling,
takes you along the famed "Singalila range"
to Sandakphu (12,000 ft) and Phalut (11,800 ft). On
the way you will pass through spectacular forests of
silver fir, rhododendrons, chestnuts, oaks, magnolias
and hemlock. A springtime trek reveals not only stunning
views of the mountains but whole hillsides covered with
rhododendron and magnolia flowers. A post monsoon trek
reveals the mountains in crispier glory when the rains
have washed away the haze. The trail from Sandakphu
to Phulut is an exhilarating experience and one can
see four of the world's highest mountains: Everest,
Makalu, Lhotse and Kanchenjunga in one glance.
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Suggested Itinerary: |
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Day 01: |
After arrival at Bagdogra airport, another 4
hour drive by road will reach you to Darjeeling which
is at an elevation of 2134 m and around 80 kms from
Bagdogra
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Day 02: |
Sightseeing in Darjeeling
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Day 03: |
Drive to Maneybhanjyang (2134m,21km;1hr) Trek
to Gairibas (2621m; 20km; 5hr)
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Day 04: |
Trek Gairibas - Sandakphu (3636m; 15km; 4hr)
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Day 05: |
Trek Sandakphu-Phalut (3600m; 21km; 5hr)
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Day 06: |
Trek Phalut-Ramam (2560m; 14km; 5hr)
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Day 07: |
Trek Ramam-Rimbick (2296m; 19km; 5hr)
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Day 08: |
Drive to Darjeeling (2134m; 72km; 4hr)
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Day 09: |
Departure transfer from Darjeeling
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Darjeeling
Travel Guide
Darjeeling is the legendary British hill station
perched in the foothills of the Himalayas. Located in
the northern extreme of the Indian state of West Bengal,
Darjeeling is just east of Nepal, just south of Sikkim,
and a bit west and south of Bhutan. It is most famous
for its once magnificent tea estates. Despite a steady
and inexorable decline since independence, roughly a
half century ago, these estates still produce a substantial
portion of the world's tea.
Access:
From Kathmandu, take the one hour flight to Bhadrapur
(the nearest Nepalese airport to Darjeeling) drive to
Kakarbhitta (Nepal-India border, 34 km) to Siliguri
(36 km) and to Darjeeling (77 km) 3 hours, An alternate
and quicker route is to hire a taxi at Bhadrapur and
drive for about 2 hours to the border town of Pahupatinagar
in the north( For only Indian Citizen Holder) From here,
Taxi are available to Darjeeling, which is merely 45
minutes away. Darjeeling is also connected by road with
Sikkim (120 km) and Bhutan (about 200 km). Darjeeling
town is 90 km from Bagdogra, the nearest Indian airport,
where scheduled flights operate from New Delhi, Kolkata
and Guwahati. The nearest railheads are Siliguri and
New Jalpaiguri (88 km) which are connected to Kolkata,
New Delhi, Guwahati, and other major Indian cities.
From Siliguri, buses, taxis and the famous toy train
( hours) leave for Darjeeling
Season:
March-May and September-November are the best times
to visit. Bring light woolen clothing during summer
(maximum temperature 16 degree Celsius) and heavy woolens
in winter (minimum 1.6 degrees)
Adventure:
Trekking, White water rafting, Kayaking, canoeing, mountain
biking, and rock climbing.
Accommodation:
There are modern hotels and restaurants in Darjeeling
and Kalimpong and comfortable lodges in Kurseong and
Mirik
TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
Accommodation on twin sharing basis as per Tour category
(standard/Deluxe), full board meals, Ground transfers.
Sightseeing as per Itinerary with English speaking guide,
Entrance fees and permits.
On Treks Camping Equipment consisting of Two men-tent
& mattress, Freshly cooked meals, Dinning &
Toilet tents, Ponies and trek staffs. And necessary
travel documents.
ADDITIONAL COST:
Air fare, Expenses of personal nature, Travel Insurance
and re-entry visa.
Transport:
Transport is provided by buses, four-wheel drive
and smaller vehicles. Local taxis are also available
for hire for getting around
CLOTHING:
During Summer-light jackets & rain gears. In winter-down
gears at high altitude.
ENTRY FORMALITIES:
All foreigners intending to visit Darjeeling must process
an Indian visa which can be obtained at any Indian Embassy
or Mission abroad. No special permit is required for
either travelling or trekking inside Darjeeling. However,
necessary travel documents need to be shown as and when
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