Sikkim,Darjeeling Tour
The best time of the year for trekking in Sikkim is from March to May & June and September to December.
Sikkim is the best kept secret in our Himalayas and trekking in Sikkim can be a wonderful experience and antidote of city stress of daily life and who long for Singalila. Sikkim trekking experience can be memorable and cherished for a lifelong. While trekking one can relish the pure air and silence of wilderness and feel the awakening of senses burdened by urban living. As one walks through the vales and dales and quaint villages. Mountains take up strange and wonderful shapes and the beauty of Sikkim Himalayas unfolds itself before you. All through each and every nook and corner of Sikkim - from the sultry tropical forests in the south to howling wilderness in the north is a trekkers paradise.
Darjeeling
Darjeeling (Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council) in northeast India provides the perfect ambiance of a hill resort with its mild climate and laid back charm (Its verdant hills and valleys mare steeped in color, and are interspersed with vast stretches of lush green tea gardens. President over all these is the 8,856m Mt. Kanchenjunga looming over the northern horizon, giving a magical aura to the land that entices thousand 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 centres. Heavy influenced by British India, Darjeeling still carries imprints reminiscent of its colonial past. The toy is on of the most striking examples of Darjeeling 's British Raj influence.
By Flight : Darjeeling town is 90 km from Bagdogra, the nearest Indian airport, where scheduled flights operate from New Delhi, Calcutta and Guwahati. You can also fly from Kathmandu and take the one-hour flight to Bhadrapur (the nearest Nepalese airport to Darjeeling ). From Bhadrapur a 34 km drive will take you to Kakarbhitta (Nepal - India border, ) and then after covering 36 km you will reach Siliguri, the gateway city to the tourist destinations of Darjeeling, Sikkim and Bhutan.
By Road : From Siliguri buses and taxis leave for Darjeeling ( 2 hours 30 minutes) which is at a distance of 77 km. Darjeeling is also connected by road with Sikkim (120 km) and Bhutan (about 200 km).
By Rail : The nearest railheads are Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri (88 km) which are connected to Calcutta, New Delhi, Guwahati and other major Indian cities. From Siliguri you can take the famous toy train (8 hours) to Darjeeling.
BEST SEASON TO VISIT
March-May and September November are the best times to visit. Bring light woolen clothing during summer (maximum temperature 16 degrees Celsius) and heavy woolens in winter (minimum 1.6 degrees)
ACCOMMODATION
There are modern hotels and restaurants in Darjeeling and Kalimpong, and comfortable lodges in Kurseong and Mirik.
TRANSPORT is provided by buses. Vehicles are also available on hire.Darjeeling is a hill top town overlooking hills and valleys below.
PERMITS
Foreigners visiting Darjeeling must possess and Indian visa. No permits is required for those coming to Darjeeling by air through Bagdogra airport, and proposing to stay in Darjeeling town for not more than 15 days. However, they need to repot to the Foreigners Registration Office at Bagdogra airport on arrival and at the time of departure and get their passports endorsed.
Those travelling by rail or road are required to obtain Restricted Area Permit before entering Darjeeling .To visit Kalimpong, this permit has to be endorsed at the Foreigners Registration Office in Darjeeling or, alternatively, at the office which issued it.
No permits is required for trekking trip to Sandakphu and Phalut provided trekkers inform the Foreigners Registration Office in Darjeeling at least 24 hours in advance and also report on arrival at Sandakphu and Phalut checkposts.
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