Darjeeling & Sikkim

Natural Beauty

Darjeeling is perched at 2134 m directly opposite the massif of Kanchenjunga. At 8586 metres, this is the world's third highest mountain and India's highest. The road rises steadily to Kurseong where wisps of cool air affirm an undeniably Himalayan setting. Road and train track follow each other for the remaining 60 km past the Jorebangla crossing and the Batasia Loops to the bustling, railway terminus. This was also the home of the late Tenzing Norgay and has since 1954 housed the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute where he trained a generation of mountaineers. The earliest Everest expeditions started their journey from here. A profusion of alpine blossoms and orchids can be found on the leisurely trips to the neighbouring lakes at Senchal and Mirik and the Lebondg racecourse, which is the highest in the world. Most spectacular of all is the sunrise over Kanchenjunga as seen from Tiger Hill (259 m) nearby. On clear days, Everest is visible as well.

Down to the Teesta and up on the other side is Kalimpong, 67 km away and the main point of embarkation on the now disused trade route to Lhasa. Along the river, the road ascends once again to Gangtok, 88 km away coursing some very fine white water runs. The direct road from Bagdogra is 125 km.