DarjeelingHIMALAYAS
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Things to do

Mornings worth an early alarm

Viewpoints, monasteries, tea factories, toy-train rides, ridge walks and safaris, each with its cost and the best hour to go.

ViewpointsMonasteriesCulture and historyTeaToy trainTreks and walksWildlife and birdsFoodCraftsAdventure

Darjeeling & Ghoom

Culture and history · Half dayThe drive down via Ging and PulbazarBijanbari · Shared jeep ₹100–150 a seat · car ₹2,50… Treks and walks · 2–3 hoursRiverside walk on the Little RangeetBijanbari · Free Tea · 1 hourTea rows of Ging on the way downBijanbari · Free from the road · tea packets ₹200–6… Adventure · Half day by jeepBack road via Lodhoma to RimbikBijanbari · Shared jeep fares (ask locally) · reser… Viewpoints · 1 hourDawn over Kanchenjunga from the ridgeChatakpur · Free Treks and walks · Full day, about 4–6 hours one wayForest trail along Senchal to Tiger HillChatakpur · Guide ₹1,000–1,500 a day (indicative) ·… Wildlife and birds · 2–3 hoursEarly birding walk in Senchal forestChatakpur · Free · guide ₹500–1,000 (indicative) Food · 2 hoursTerrace farm and homestay kitchenChatakpur · Included in the homestay stay Culture and history · 3 hoursHMI and the Himalayan zoo in one morningDarjeeling · ≈ ₹100–150 joint ticket (Indian visitor… Tea · 2–3 hoursWalk down to Happy Valley's tea slopesDarjeeling · Free to walk · small fee for a factory … Crafts · 1.5–2 hoursCarpet looms at the Tibetan refugee centreDarjeeling · Free entry · purchases optional Culture and history · 2 hoursChowrasta to Observatory Hill on footDarjeeling · Free · tea and cake ₹150–300 Monasteries · 1–1.5 hoursMorning prayers at Yiga ChoelingGhoom · Small fee or donation Toy train · About 2 hoursSteam joyride from Darjeeling to GhoomGhoom · ≈ ₹1,500–1,800 steam · ≈ ₹1,000–1,300 d… Treks and walks · 2–2.5 hoursWalk from Ghoom to Darjeeling by BatasiaGhoom · Free · ≈ ₹20–50 Batasia entry Monasteries · 1.5 hoursGhoom's two quieter monasteriesGhoom · Free · donation welcome Wildlife and birds · 1 hourWalk around the twin ponds of JorepokhriJorepokhri · Free or a small fee Tea · 2–3 hoursWalk the Mim tea garden roadJorepokhri · Free Viewpoints · 2–3 hoursSimana viewpoint and a look into NepalJorepokhri · ₹600–1,200 for a local car Wildlife and birds · Half day to a full dayWhere the Himalayan salamander survives nowJorepokhri · Varies · ask locally Treks and walks · 1.5–2 hours returnThe forest trail to Lamahatta's holy lakeLamahatta · Small park entry fee Viewpoints · 1–2 hoursMorning in Lamahatta's terraced eco-parkLamahatta · Small entry fee Food · About 2 hoursSupper in a Lamahatta homestay kitchenLamahatta · Included in the homestay rate (₹1,500–2… Culture and history · 5–6 hoursA day circuit to Takdah and TinchuleyLamahatta · ₹2,500–4,000 a car for the day Viewpoints · 1 hourKanchenjunga dawn from LepchajagatLepchajagat · Free Treks and walks · 2–3 hoursForest walk through conifer, oak and rhododendronLepchajagat · Free Wildlife and birds · 2–3 hoursBirding along the Lepchajagat forest edgeLepchajagat · Free Culture and history · 4–5 hoursHalf-day to Sukhia Pokhari and JorepokhriLepchajagat · ₹1,500–2,500 by car · under ₹200 by jeep Culture and history · 1–1.5 hoursRabindra Bhavan, Tagore's house at MungpooMungpoo · Free or a small fee Culture and history · 1.5–2 hoursWalk the 1864 cinchona plantationMungpoo · Free Culture and history · Half dayTagore's birth anniversary in early MayMungpoo · Free Adventure · 1–1.5 hours by carClimb from the Teesta at Rambi to MungpooMungpoo · Reserved car ₹2,500–3,500 from Siliguri… Viewpoints · 30–45 minutesLovers' Meet and the Teesta–Rangeet confluencePeshok · Free or a small fee Tea · 1.5–2 hoursMorning walk through Peshok's tea rowsPeshok · Free · tea packets ₹200–600 Culture and history · OvernightAn evening in a tea-village homestayPeshok · ₹1,500–2,500 pp with dinner and breakfa… Adventure · Half dayGhoom to Teesta Bazar by the Peshok roadPeshok · Shared jeep ₹200–250 a seat · car ₹2,50… Food · 1.5–2 hoursMarket morning and momos in Sukhia PokhariSukhia Pokhari · ₹150–300 for food Culture and history · 3–4 hoursAcross the border to Pashupati marketSukhia Pokhari · ₹600–1,200 local car + shopping Treks and walks · 2.5–3 hours returnWalk the 4 km to Jorepokhri's twin pondsSukhia Pokhari · Free Treks and walks · Half dayLast market stop before the Singalila RidgeSukhia Pokhari · ₹40–70 jeep seat to Maneybhanjan Culture and history · 2 hoursHeritage bungalow walk in old TakdahTakdah · Free Wildlife and birds · 1 hourOrchid centre visit in flowering seasonTakdah · Small fee or free · check locally Tea · 3–4 hoursDown to Rungli Rungliot through the teaTakdah · Free · factory visit only if allowed Treks and walks · 3 hours returnWalk the ridge road from Takdah to TinchuleyTakdah · Free Viewpoints · 4 hours with the driveSunrise over Kanchenjunga from Tiger HillTiger Hill · ₹1,500–2,200 a car · ₹250–400 a shared … Viewpoints · 2–3 hoursTiger Hill in the afternoon, without the crowdsTiger Hill · Reserved car ≈ ₹1,200–1,800 · small ent… Treks and walks · 1.5–2 hoursWalk down from Tiger Hill through SenchalTiger Hill · Free (your car drops you at the top) Viewpoints · 4 hours with the drivePhotographing the dawn on Tiger HillTiger Hill · ₹1,500–2,200 a car · pavilion fee extra Viewpoints · 1.5 hoursDawn over Kanchenjunga from GumbadaraTinchuley · Free Food · 2–3 hoursOrange orchards of Tinchuley in winterTinchuley · Free · oranges at local prices Monasteries · 1–2 hoursVillage monastery and a morning in TinchuleyTinchuley · Free · donation welcome Food · 2 hoursCook a hill dinner in a homestay kitchenTinchuley · Often free · some hosts ask ₹300–600

Kurseong, Mirik & the tea valleys

Viewpoints · 2 hoursSunrise from AhaldaraAhaldara · Free · car ₹600–1,000 from Latpanchar Viewpoints · 1.5 hoursAfternoon light over KalimpongAhaldara · Free Treks and walks · 3–4 hours returnWalk up to Ahaldara from LatpancharAhaldara · Free Adventure · 1.5 hoursWinter night sky over the TeestaAhaldara · Car ₹800–1,200 from Latpanchar Culture and history · 45 minutesThe 1839 chimney on the old roadChimney · Free or a small fee Treks and walks · 4 hours returnRidge walk from Chimney to BagoraChimney · Free · guide ₹800–1,200 Food · EveningA homestay supper by the bukhariChimney · Included in homestay rate Viewpoints · 1 hourSunrise from the Chimney ridgeChimney · Free Treks and walks · 3 hoursWalk the Dow Hill forest roadDow Hill · Free · ₹400–600 for a car back Culture and history · 2 hoursDow Hill ghost lore by daylightDow Hill · ₹800–1,200 for a car with a local driver Culture and history · 1 hourVictoria School and the 1879 ridgeDow Hill · Free Wildlife and birds · 2.5 hoursDawn birding in the Dow Hill forestDow Hill · Free · guide ₹800–1,200 Tea · 1.5 hoursWalk the high sections of GopaldharaGopaldhara · Free Tea · 1 hourTaste high-grown Gopaldhara teasGopaldhara · ₹200–600 for samples and a pot Viewpoints · 2 hoursAbove the valley mist at dawnGopaldhara · Car ₹1,500–2,000 from Mirik Culture and history · 1.5 hoursLife in a high tea villageGopaldhara · Free · guide ₹500–800 Culture and history · 1.5 hoursNetaji's house at GiddapaharKurseong · Free or a small fee · car ₹400–600 retu… Viewpoints · 1 hourMorning at Eagle's CragKurseong · Free or a small fee Toy train · 2 hoursToy train and bazaar walkKurseong · Free · ₹150 for tea and snacks Food · 2 hoursKurseong bazaar food crawlKurseong · ₹250–450 pp Wildlife and birds · 3 hoursHornbill dawn with a Latpanchar guideLatpanchar · Guide ₹1,000–1,500 · fees where charged Culture and history · 2 hoursThrough the quinine treesLatpanchar · Free Treks and walks · 3–4 hoursA guided trail in Mahananda forestLatpanchar · Guide ₹1,000–1,500 · entry fee where ch… Food · EveningSupper in a plantation villageLatpanchar · Included in homestay rate Tea · 1–1.5 hoursInside the Makaibari tea factoryMakaibari · Fee varies · ask at the estate Tea · 2 hoursWalk out with the pluckers at dawnMakaibari · Free for homestay guests · tip your gui… Tea · 1 hourTaste first, second and autumn flushMakaibari · ₹200–500 Treks and walks · 3 hoursForest and village paths of MakaibariMakaibari · Free · local guide ₹600–1,000 Viewpoints · 1.5 hoursDawn walk round Sumendu LakeMirik · Free · boat ₹150–300 Monasteries · 1.5 hoursMorning prayers at Bokar MonasteryMirik · Free · donation welcome Viewpoints · 1 hourRameetay Dara above the lakeMirik · Free Tea · 3 hoursTea slopes and orange orchardsMirik · Free · guide ₹600–1,000 Wildlife and birds · 1.5 hoursWatch Himalayan salamanders breedNamthing Pokhri · Free or small fee · guide ₹500–800 Treks and walks · 1 hourA quiet walk round the lakeNamthing Pokhri · Free Wildlife and birds · 2 hoursBirds of the Shelpu forestNamthing Pokhri · Guide ₹500–800 Culture and history · 1 hourHow the salamander ponds are protectedNamthing Pokhri · Free Food · 2 hoursWalk the orange orchards of SittongSittong · Free · oranges ₹60–120 a kg Treks and walks · 3–4 hours returnDown to the Riyang riverSittong · Free · guide ₹500–800 Culture and history · 1.5 hoursSittong's old church and village lanesSittong · Free Viewpoints · 3 hoursDawn trip from Sittong to AhaldaraSittong · Car ₹1,200–1,800 return Tea · 2 hoursWalk the Sourenee estate roadsSourenee · Free · guide ₹500–800 Culture and history · 45 minutesThe sardar who planted SoureneeSourenee · Free Viewpoints · 30 minutesLooking west into NepalSourenee · Free Treks and walks · 2–2.5 hoursWalk the 7 km road up to MirikSourenee · Free · ₹30–50 jeep for bags Viewpoints · 30–45 minutesMorning at Tingling viewpointTingling · Free Treks and walks · 3–4 hoursHike up from Dudhia to TinglingTingling · Free · guide ₹600–1,000 Tea · 1.5 hoursPhotograph the Tingling tea bowlTingling · Free Food · 30 minutesA cup at the Tingling tea stallsTingling · ₹50–150

Kalimpong, Lava & Lolegaon

Viewpoints · All day, in piecesKanchenjunga from dawn to dusk at CharkholeCharkhole · Free from your homestay Treks and walks · 2–3 hours returnForest trail above CharkholeCharkhole · Guide ₹500–800 Culture and history · EveningLepcha stories by a homestay fireCharkhole · Included with homestay Viewpoints · Half dayDay loop to Lolegaon's canopy walkCharkhole · Car ₹2,000–2,800 return · small entry f… Viewpoints · 1.5 hoursSunrise over Kanchenjunga from DeoloDeolo · Taxi ₹500–800 return · small entry fee Adventure · 1–2 hours including waitingTandem paragliding off Deolo hillDeolo · ₹2,500–4,500 per flight Treks and walks · 1.5–2 hoursDownhill walk from Deolo through Graham's HomesDeolo · Free · taxi up ₹250–400 Viewpoints · OvernightA night on Deolo after the crowds leaveDeolo · ₹2,500–4,500 a room (indicative) Treks and walks · 4–5 hours returnHike from Icchey Gaon to Damsang fortIcchey Gaon · Guide ₹600–1,000 Viewpoints · 3–4 hours returnRamitey Dara from Icchey GaonIcchey Gaon · Guide ₹600–1,000 Wildlife and birds · 2–3 hoursDawn birding in Icchey Gaon's forestIcchey Gaon · Free · guide ₹500–1,000 Viewpoints · 1 hourKanchenjunga dawn from an Icchey Gaon gardenIcchey Gaon · Free from your homestay Monasteries · 2 hoursMorning prayers at Zang Dhok Palri on DurpinKalimpong · Free · donation welcome Food · 2–3 hoursHaat day, Kalimpong cheese and lollipopsKalimpong · ₹300–600 for snacks and buys Culture and history · 2–3 hoursOrchid and cactus nurseries of KalimpongKalimpong · ₹20–100 entry at some nurseries Culture and history · 3 hoursDr Graham's Homes and the Deolo slopeKalimpong · Free · taxi ₹200–300 Viewpoints · 2–3 hoursChangey Falls below KolakhamKolakham · Small entry fee · car ₹800–1,500 return Viewpoints · 1 hourKanchenjunga dawn from a Kolakham homestayKolakham · Free from your homestay Treks and walks · 3–4 hoursForest-edge walk into Neora ValleyKolakham · Guide ₹600–1,000 · park fees if entering Culture and history · Half dayA farm day with a Rai family in KolakhamKolakham · Included with homestay · tip welcome Monasteries · 1.5 hoursEvening prayers at Lava's Kagyu monasteryLava · Free · donation welcome Treks and walks · 2–2.5 hours upForest walk from Lava up to RishyapLava · Free · guide ₹600–1,000 Wildlife and birds · 3 hoursDawn birding on the forest roads of LavaLava · Free · bird guide ₹1,000–2,000 Food · 1.5 hoursLava bazaar on its weekly haat dayLava · ₹150–300 for snacks Viewpoints · 1–1.5 hoursCanopy walk in the heritage forestLolegaon · Small entry fee (indicative ₹20–50) Viewpoints · 2 hoursSunrise at Jhandi DaraLolegaon · Car ₹600–1,000 return Culture and history · 2–3 hoursKafer viewpoint and a Lepcha village walkLolegaon · Free · guide ₹500–800 Food · 2 hoursAn evening in a Lepcha homestay kitchenLolegaon · Included with homestay Wildlife and birds · 5–7 hoursA guided forest day into Neora from LavaNeora Valley · ₹3,500–5,000 per group with jeep, guide… Wildlife and birds · 3–4 hoursLooking for red pandas at dawnNeora Valley · Park fees, guide and jeep (₹3,500–5,000… Viewpoints · Full dayRachela Danda, the park's high pointNeora Valley · Permit, guide and jeep (indicative ₹4,0… Treks and walks · 1–2 nightsMouchuki forest camp on the Dooars sideNeora Valley · ≈ ₹2,000 a room + fees and guide (indic… Culture and history · 2–3 hoursDamsang, the Lepcha fort above PedongPedong · Free · car ₹600–1,000 return Monasteries · 1 hourSangchen Dorjee, Pedong's Bhutanese monasteryPedong · Free · donation welcome Culture and history · 1 hourCross Hill and the missionaries of the Tibet roadPedong · Free Culture and history · 1.5 hoursPedong bazaar and the old mule roadPedong · ₹100–250 for tea and snacks Viewpoints · 1 hourDawn over the Teesta valley at RamdhuraRamdhura · Free from your homestay Treks and walks · 1.5–2 hours returnRidge walk from Ramdhura to Icchey GaonRamdhura · Free Wildlife and birds · 2 hoursMorning birds in Ramdhura's pine and oakRamdhura · Free · guide ₹500–1,000 Food · Half dayKitchen gardens and farm life in RamdhuraRamdhura · Included with homestay · tip welcome Viewpoints · 1.5 hoursSunrise over Kanchenjunga at Tiffin DaraRishyap · Free Treks and walks · 1.5–2 hoursDown the old forest path to LavaRishyap · Free · guide ₹600–1,000 Wildlife and birds · 2–3 hoursRidge birding on the edge of NeoraRishyap · Free · bird guide ₹1,000–2,000 Viewpoints · 1–2 nightsHoping for snow on the Rishyap ridgeRishyap · Homestay ₹1,500–2,200 pp with meals Treks and walks · 3 hours returnRamitey Dara and the bends of the TeestaSillery Gaon · Guide ₹500–800 Viewpoints · 1 hourKanchenjunga dawn from Sillery GaonSillery Gaon · Free from your homestay Culture and history · 2–3 hoursCinchona slopes and village trailsSillery Gaon · Free · guide ₹500–800 Food · EveningSquash, gundruk and pickles in a Sillery kitchenSillery Gaon · Included with homestay Adventure · 2–3 hoursA rafting run on the TeestaTeesta Bazar · ₹800–1,500 pp (indicative) Viewpoints · 1.5–2 hoursTriveni, where the Rangeet meets the TeestaTeesta Bazar · Free · car ₹800–1,500 return Culture and history · 1 hourThe river town after the 2023 floodTeesta Bazar · ₹50–150 for tea and snacks Food · 1 hourA dhaba lunch by the TeestaTeesta Bazar · ₹150–300 pp

Sandakphu & the Singalila Ridge

Monasteries · 30 minutesTurn the prayer wheels at Chitrey gompaChitrey · Free · donation welcome Treks and walks · 1.5–2 hoursThe steep first climb from ManeybhanjanChitrey · Included in your guide fee Monasteries · 1.5–2 hoursWalk on to Meghma and its cloud monasteryChitrey · Free · donation welcome Viewpoints · 1 hourDawn over the Darjeeling hills from ChitreyChitrey · Free Treks and walks · 3–4 hoursClimb from Dhotrey to Tonglu through the forestDhotrey · Guide ₹1,500–2,000 a day per group · pa… Culture and history · OvernightA night in a Dhotrey forest homestayDhotrey · ₹1,200–2,000 pp with meals Wildlife and birds · 1.5–2 hoursDawn birding on Dhotrey's forest edgeDhotrey · Free in the village · guide fee inside … Treks and walks · 2 days, 1 nightTwo-day loop via Tonglu, Tumling and ChitreyDhotrey · ≈ ₹4,000–6,000 pp all in from Maneybhan… Wildlife and birds · 2–3 hoursLook for red pandas in the Gairibas forestGairibas · Included in your guide fee · tip a spot… Treks and walks · 2.5–3 hoursDescend through Jaubari in NepalGairibas · Included in your guide fee Wildlife and birds · 1.5–2 hoursDawn chorus birding in the Gairibas clearingGairibas · Included in your guide fee Treks and walks · 2–2.5 hoursThe forest climb to KaiyakattaGairibas · Included in your guide fee Treks and walks · 5–6 hoursThe long forest descent from PhalutGorkhey · Included in your guide fee Culture and history · 2–3 hoursA lazy afternoon on the Gorkhey meadowsGorkhey · Free Food · 1.5 hoursFarmhouse supper by the wood fireGorkhey · ₹200–350 a meal Wildlife and birds · 1.5–2 hoursEarly bird walk along the Gorkhey streamGorkhey · Included in your guide fee Culture and history · 30 minutesWalk around the black pond at dawnKalipokhri · Free Treks and walks · 2–3 hoursClimb through the poison pass to SandakphuKalipokhri · Included in your guide fee Food · 1.5 hoursA woodstove dinner in a border lodgeKalipokhri · ₹250–400 a meal Viewpoints · 30–45 minutesStargazing over the border at KalipokhriKalipokhri · Free Culture and history · 30–45 minutesMeet the old Land Rovers at the standManeybhanjan · Free Culture and history · 1 hourWalk the bazaar on the Nepal borderManeybhanjan · Free · ₹100–200 for snacks Treks and walks · 30–60 minutesHire your guide and pay park entryManeybhanjan · Guide ₹1,500–2,000 a day per group · en… Food · 45 minutesMomos and milk tea before the climbManeybhanjan · ₹100–180 Treks and walks · 6–8 hoursThe 21 km ridge walk from SandakphuPhalut · Included in your guide fee Viewpoints · 1–1.5 hoursSunset on the tri-junction summitPhalut · Free Viewpoints · 1 hourKanchenjunga at dawn, close upPhalut · Free Wildlife and birds · 2 hoursHigh-ridge birding for the fire-tailed myzornisPhalut · Included in your guide fee Treks and walks · 2.5–3 hoursWalk the forest trail down to SrikholaRammam · Included in your guide fee Culture and history · 1–1.5 hoursAn afternoon wander through Rammam villageRammam · Free Viewpoints · 2 hours returnWalk down to the Rammam riverRammam · Included in your guide fee Wildlife and birds · 1.5 hoursDawn birding on Rammam's forest edgeRammam · Included in your guide fee Culture and history · 1–2 hoursBrowse Rimbik's Tuesday haatRimbik · Free · ₹100–300 for snacks and small bu… Food · 1.5 hoursEnd-of-trek momos and thukpa in RimbikRimbik · ₹250–500 Treks and walks · 4–5 hours returnWalk down to Srikhola and backRimbik · Free · guide fee if you enter the park … Adventure · 4–5 hoursRide the dawn jeep from Rimbik to DarjeelingRimbik · ₹200–300 a seat Culture and history · 1 hourA morning walk through Samanden's terracesSamanden · Free Culture and history · OvernightA night with a farming family in SamandenSamanden · ₹900–1,600 pp with dinner and breakfast Treks and walks · 3–4 hoursWalk Gorkhey to Rammam via SamandenSamanden · Included in your guide fee Food · 1.5 hoursSupper by a Samanden kitchen fireSamanden · Included in homestay rate or ₹200–350 Viewpoints · 1–1.5 hoursSleeping Buddha sunrise from the summitSandakphu · Free Viewpoints · 1 hourSpot Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and KanchenjungaSandakphu · Free Wildlife and birds · 1–1.5 hoursWalk the slopes that named SandakphuSandakphu · Included in your guide fee Adventure · 4 hours each wayRide an old Land Rover up to SandakphuSandakphu · ₹6,500–9,000 a vehicle round trip with … Treks and walks · 6–7 hoursThe big descent from Sandakphu via GurdumSrikhola · Included in your guide fee Viewpoints · 1–2 hoursAn evening by the river at SrikholaSrikhola · Free Food · 1.5 hoursA low-altitude feast at a riverside lodgeSrikhola · ₹250–450 a meal Wildlife and birds · 1.5 hoursBirding the Sri Khola valley at dawnSrikhola · Included in your guide fee Treks and walks · 2 hoursWalk Hooker's rhododendron slopesTonglu · Included in your guide fee Viewpoints · 1 hourSunset over Nepal from TongluTonglu · Free Treks and walks · 2.5–4 hoursThe forest trail between Tonglu and DhotreyTonglu · Included in your guide fee Wildlife and birds · 2 hoursMorning birding on Tonglu's high pasturesTonglu · Included in your guide fee Viewpoints · 1 hourKanchenjunga sunrise from TumlingTumling · Free Culture and history · Evening and overnightA night on the Nepal side of the ridgeTumling · ₹400–700 bed · ₹200–300 dinner Treks and walks · 1–1.5 hours returnRidge walk from Tumling to TongluTumling · Included in your guide fee Food · 1.5 hoursDal-bhat by the stove in a Tumling lodgeTumling · ₹200–350 a meal

Gangtok & East Sikkim

Viewpoints · 1–1.5 hoursA morning walk around LampokhariAritar · Small entry fee · boat ₹100–200 Culture and history · 2 hoursSunrise from Mankhim above the lakeAritar · Free · donation at the shrine welcome Monasteries · 2–3 hoursAritar Gumpa and a village farm walkAritar · Free · donation welcome Adventure · One night plus a 1-hour drive to RongliAritar as the first night of the Silk RouteAritar · Homestay ₹1,500–2,200 pp · car hire ext… Food · 2–3 hoursAn evening on MG Marg and Lal BazaarGangtok · Free · food ₹200–400 Monasteries · 1–1.5 hoursMorning prayers at Enchey MonasteryGangtok · Free · donation welcome Culture and history · 2–2.5 hoursDo-drul Chorten and the Tibetology museumGangtok · Chorten free · museum small fee Viewpoints · 2–3 hoursKanchenjunga at dawn from Hanuman TokGangtok · Free · taxi ₹800–1,500 Culture and history · OvernightA night in the Gnathang valleyGnathang · ₹1,200–2,000 pp with dinner and breakfa… Culture and history · 30–45 minutesThe old Baba Mandir bunker shrineGnathang · Free · offerings optional Culture and history · 30–60 minutesThe 1888 memorials around GnathangGnathang · Free Culture and history · 1–1.5 hours on footYak pastures and the village monasteryGnathang · Free · donation welcome Viewpoints · 20–30 minutesElephant Lake from the road above KupupKupup · Included in your Silk Route car Viewpoints · 15–20 minutesThe army's Yak Golf CourseKupup · Free to view from the road Culture and history · 30 minutes, as part of the driveLooking up the old road to Jelep LaKupup · Free Adventure · 2.5–3.5 hours to GangtokOver the top from Kupup to TsomgoKupup · Part of a ₹5,000–7,000 a day SUV Viewpoints · 20–30 minutes at the topAt the fence on the India–China borderNathu La · Included in your car and permit Culture and history · 30–45 minutesThe shrine of Baba Harbhajan SinghNathu La · Free · offerings optional Culture and history · Woven through the day tripThe trade road and the 1967 clashesNathu La · Free Adventure · 8–9 hours from GangtokA full day to Tsomgo, Baba Mandir and Nathu LaNathu La · ₹5,500–7,500 a reserved car Culture and history · One nightA first night in the forest at 2,000 mPadamchen · ₹1,200–1,800 pp with dinner and breakfa… Wildlife and birds · 2 hoursDawn birds on the Pangolakha forest roadPadamchen · Free on foot Treks and walks · 2–3 hoursWalking the rhododendron stretch in springPadamchen · Free · car pickup by arrangement Viewpoints · 4–5 hoursA morning hop up to Zuluk and ThambiPadamchen · Included in your Silk Route car Viewpoints · 30–45 minutesWatching the ridge-top runway at PakyongPakyong · Free Culture and history · 2–3 hoursA walk through Pakyong's organic farm terracesPakyong · Free · tip a local guide ₹300–500 Food · 30–45 minutesSel roti and tea in Pakyong bazaarPakyong · ₹50–150 pp Adventure · 1–1.5 hours by carThe ridge road from Pakyong down to RorathangPakyong · Part of your car hire Culture and history · 15 minutes to 1 hourCrossing into Sikkim at the Rangpo checkpostRangpo · Free Viewpoints · 30–45 minutesThe Teesta at Rangpo after the 2023 floodRangpo · Free Toy train · 30 minutes to 1 hourFollowing the Sivok–Rangpo railway worksRangpo · Free Food · 45 minutesA highway thali at RangpoRangpo · ₹100–200 pp Culture and history · 1–2 hoursGetting your Silk Route permit at RongliRongli · Small permit fee · agent charge varies Food · 45 minutesA plate of momos in Rongli bazaarRongli · ₹100–250 pp Adventure · 1–1.5 hours one way by carThe old Kalimpong trade road to RhenockRongli · Part of your car hire Viewpoints · 1 hourAn evening by the river at RongliRongli · Free Monasteries · 1–1.5 hoursMorning prayers in Rumtek's main hallRumtek · Free · donation welcome Culture and history · 1 hourThe golden stupa and the monks' collegeRumtek · Free · donation customary at the stupa Culture and history · 1–1.5 hoursDown to old Rumtek through the villageRumtek · Free Monasteries · 1–1.5 hours plus driveLingdum Monastery on the Ranka roadRumtek · Free · donation welcome Viewpoints · 45 minutes–1 hour at the lakeAn early walk along Tsomgo's shoreTsomgo Lake · Included in your tour or car Wildlife and birds · 30–60 minutes of stops on the driveRhododendrons in the Kyongnosla sanctuaryTsomgo Lake · Included in a reserved car Adventure · Full day from GangtokSnow and ice at Tsomgo in winterTsomgo Lake · ₹800–1,200 shared seat · boots ₹100–200 Food · 1 hourThukpa at the stalls and the ropeway rideTsomgo Lake · ₹100–250 food · ropeway extra Viewpoints · 1.5–2 hours with the driveThe zigzag loops from Thambi View PointZuluk · Included in your Silk Route car Viewpoints · 3–3.5 hours from Zuluk and backSunrise over Kanchenjunga from LungthungZuluk · Included in your Silk Route car Wildlife and birds · 2–3 hoursPheasant mornings on the Pangolakha roadZuluk · Free on foot · local guide ₹800–1,500 i… Adventure · Full day, 7–9 hoursUp the old trade road to Gnathang and KupupZuluk · Included in a ₹5,000–7,000 a day SUV

North Sikkim: Lachung & Lachen

Viewpoints · 1 hour at the valleyChopta's frozen river on a winter morningChopta Valley · Add-on, if charged · ₹1,000–2,500 per v… Wildlife and birds · 1–2 hoursSummer flowers in Chopta's meadowsChopta Valley · Free beyond transport Treks and walks · 5–6 hours return from LachenA gentle high day: Thangu and ChoptaChopta Valley · ₹3,000–5,000 per vehicle (indicative) Viewpoints · 1 hourAutumn gold and long shadows in ChoptaChopta Valley · Add-on, if charged Viewpoints · 20 minutesWhere the Lachen and Lachung become the TeestaChungthang · Free Culture and history · 30 minutesGuru Rinpoche's rock and the paddy patchChungthang · Free · donation welcome Culture and history · 30 minutesUnderstanding the 2023 Teesta floodChungthang · Free Food · 45 minutesA rice-and-dal lunch at the forkChungthang · ₹150–250 Food · 2 hoursDinner in a Lepcha kitchenDzongu · Included in homestay rate Monasteries · Full dayTholung Monastery in upper DzonguDzongu · Free · taxi and guide ₹2,500–4,000 (ind… Treks and walks · 3–5 hoursVillage paths and waterfalls around LingthemDzongu · Guide ₹500–1,000 Crafts · 2 hoursLepcha weaving, bamboo and a few wordsDzongu · Free · buy crafts at fair prices Viewpoints · 7–8 hours returnThe dawn run from Lachen to the lakeGurudongmar Lake · Included in Lachen tours Culture and history · 30 minutesThe Guru Rinpoche legend on the shoreGurudongmar Lake · Free Wildlife and birds · On the drive, 1–2 hoursBlue sheep and yaks on the high plateauGurudongmar Lake · Free Adventure · Whole morningHow to visit at 5,000 m without getting illGurudongmar Lake · Oxygen can ₹500–900 (optional) Culture and history · 45 minutesThe oath stones of Thekong Tek and Khye BumsaKabi Lungchok · Free Monasteries · 1 hourPhensang Monastery on the North Sikkim roadKabi Lungchok · Free · donation welcome Treks and walks · 2 hoursA morning walk through Kabi's farm villagesKabi Lungchok · Free Food · 45 minutesSha phaley and tea on the North Sikkim roadKabi Lungchok · ₹100–200 Monasteries · 1.5 hoursLachen Monastery and its young monksLachen · Free · donation welcome Treks and walks · 2–3 hours walkingA slow acclimatisation day in LachenLachen · Free Culture and history · 1.5 hoursEvening in a Lachenpa kitchenLachen · Included in homestay stay Treks and walks · 8–12 daysGreen Lake: the restricted Zemu trekLachen · Special permits and a full trekking cre… Monasteries · 1.5 hoursLachung Monastery in the quiet hoursLachung · Free · donation welcome Culture and history · 2 hoursA Dzumsa village walk with your hostLachung · Free · tip your host if they guide you Treks and walks · 2–3 hoursOrchards and autumn colour on the east bankLachung · Free · apples ₹100–200 a kg Food · 1 hourThenthuk and butter tea in a homestay kitchenLachung · Included in homestay meals · ₹100–180 a… Food · 2 hoursA walk through a large cardamom farmMangan · Free to ₹300 tip for a local guide Food · 1 hourMomos and sel roti in Mangan bazaarMangan · ₹100–250 Treks and walks · 2.5–3 hours returnWalk up to Singhik for Kanchenjunga at dawnMangan · Free · taxi ₹200–400 one way Culture and history · Half dayAn organic farm village above the TeestaMangan · ₹300–600 for a local guide and tea (ind… Monasteries · 1.5 hoursMorning prayers at Phodong MonasteryPhodong · Free · donation welcome Monasteries · 2–3 hoursUp to Labrang, Sikkim's unrebuilt gompaPhodong · Free · taxi up ₹300–500 Culture and history · 1.5 hoursTumlong, capital of Sikkim for a centuryPhodong · Free Viewpoints · 20 minutesSeven Sisters waterfall on the highwayPhodong · Free · tea ₹20–40 Viewpoints · 1 hourKanchenjunga sunrise from SinghikSinghik · Free Viewpoints · 30 minutesFinding Siniolchu, the mountain Freshfield praisedSinghik · Free Culture and history · 1.5–2 hoursA Lepcha village walk and the Kongchen storySinghik · Free · ₹200–400 tip for a local guide Wildlife and birds · 2 hoursBirds of the Singhik ridge at first lightSinghik · Free Food · 30 minutesTea and Maggi at 3,900 m before dawnThangu · ₹80–200 Culture and history · 1 hourWatching the yak herds of ThanguThangu · Free · ask before photographs Wildlife and birds · 1–2 hoursAlpine flowers around Thangu in summerThangu · Free Viewpoints · 1.5 hoursWatching the treeline on the drive downThangu · Free Adventure · 4–5 hours return from LachungA snow morning at Zero PointYumesamdong (Zero Point) · ₹3,000–4,500 per vehicle Viewpoints · 1.5 hours each wayAbove the treeline from YumthangYumesamdong (Zero Point) · Part of the Zero Point add-on Food · 30 minutesMaggi and butter tea at the topYumesamdong (Zero Point) · ₹60–150 Viewpoints · 45 minutesGlacial streams and the valley headYumesamdong (Zero Point) · Part of the Zero Point add-on Wildlife and birds · 2–3 hoursRhododendrons of the Shingba sanctuaryYumthang Valley · Included in Lachung tours Culture and history · 45 minutesA warm soak at the Yumthang hot springYumthang Valley · Free Adventure · 2 hoursA snow day on the valley floor in MarchYumthang Valley · Boot and coat rental ₹100–300 Wildlife and birds · 1.5 hoursYak meadows along the Lachung ChuYumthang Valley · Free

Pelling, Yuksom & South Sikkim

Treks and walks · 3–4 hours returnHilley to Barsey through the rhododendronsBarsey · Sanctuary entry fee, roughly ₹50–150; g… Viewpoints · 1–1.5 hoursSunrise over Kanchenjunga from the Barsey ridgeBarsey · Free once you are staying at Barsey Wildlife and birds · 3–4 hoursBirding and wildlife on the sanctuary trailsBarsey · Entry fee plus guide, about ₹1,500–2,500 Food · OvernightA homestay night in Okhrey below the sanctuaryBarsey · ₹1,500–2,500 pp with dinner and breakfa… Culture and history · 2–3 hoursDentam rice terrace walk at harvestDentam · Free · tip a local guide ₹300–500 Food · 1.5–2 hoursCardamom plots and a smoky bhatti kilnDentam · Free · tip the farmer ₹200–300 Food · 2–3 hoursA farm kitchen evening in DentamDentam · Included with homestay dinner Wildlife and birds · 2–3 hoursEarly birding on Dentam's farm edgesDentam · Free · local guide ₹500–1,000 if availa… Viewpoints · 1 hourKanchenjunga sunrise from a Hee Bermiok farmHee Bermiok · Free Food · 2 hoursOrganic farm walk among cardamom and alderHee Bermiok · Free with homestay · tip ₹200–300 Culture and history · 2–3 hoursLimboo kitchen evening and tongba by the fireHee Bermiok · Included with homestay dinner Viewpoints · 1 hourStargazing over the Kanchenjunga ridgesHee Bermiok · Free Viewpoints · 1 hourKanchenjunga dawn from KalukKaluk · Free Food · 2 hoursWinter walk through Kaluk's orange orchardsKaluk · Free · fruit bought from farmers Culture and history · 1 hourKaluk's Lepcha heritage houseKaluk · Small fee or donation (check locally) Treks and walks · Half day, 3–4 hours with stopsVillage trail from Kaluk up to RinchenpongKaluk · Free · donation at the monastery Culture and history · 1 hourFirst hour on the prayer-flag jettyKhecheopalri · Small entry or parking fee · lamps ₹20–… Monasteries · 2–2.5 hours returnUp to Khecheopalri village and its gompaKhecheopalri · Free · donation welcome Wildlife and birds · 2 hoursBirding walk in the lake forestKhecheopalri · Free · local guide ₹1,500–2,500 a day (… Food · Evening, 2 hoursA homestay supper of gundruk and churpiKhecheopalri · Included in homestay ₹1,500–2,500 pp wi… Monasteries · 1.5–2 hoursSamdruptse and the Guru Rinpoche statueNamchi · Entry roughly ₹50–100 pp; check Culture and history · 1.5–2 hoursChar Dham pilgrimage complex at SolophokNamchi · Entry roughly ₹50–100 pp; check Treks and walks · 5–6 hours returnWalk up Tendong, the Lepcha flood hillNamchi · Small forest fee; guide ₹1,500–2,000 op… Food · 2 hoursA morning food walk in Namchi bazaarNamchi · ₹200–400 for a full tasting Monasteries · 1.5 hoursMorning prayers at Pemayangtse MonasteryPelling · Entry about ₹20–50 · donation welcome Culture and history · 1.5–2 hoursForest walk to the Rabdentse ruinsPelling · Free or a small fee · check at the gate Viewpoints · 2.5–3 hours returnClimb to Sanga Choeling and the skywalkPelling · Monastery free · skywalk entry about ₹5… Viewpoints · 1 hourKanchenjunga dawn from Upper PellingPelling · Free Culture and history · 1.5–2 hoursBuddha Park in the quiet first hourRavangla · Entry roughly ₹50–100 pp; check Monasteries · Half dayRalang, the old gompa and the new monasteryRavangla · Free · donation welcome; car about ₹1,2… Treks and walks · 8–9 hours returnDay trek to Maenam Hill above RavanglaRavangla · Guide ₹1,500–2,500 plus sanctuary fee Culture and history · Overnight or half dayKewzing village homestay and Bon monasteryRavangla · Homestay ₹1,500–2,500 pp with meals Monasteries · 1–1.5 hoursRinchenpong Monastery and its Adi BuddhaRinchenpong · Free · donation welcome Culture and history · 1 hourThe poison lake and the 1860 campaignRinchenpong · Free Food · 1–2 nightsA slow stay at Yangsum Heritage FarmRinchenpong · Farmstay rates vary; ask when booking Viewpoints · 1.5–2 hoursRidge walk to Rabindra Smriti VanRinchenpong · Free Monasteries · 2–2.5 hoursClimb to Tashiding Monastery on its hillTashiding · Free · donation welcome Culture and history · 1 hourThongwa Rangdol and the mani stone koraTashiding · Free Culture and history · 1–2 daysBumchu night with the pilgrimsTashiding · Free · rooms ₹1,500–3,000 pp, book early Food · 2 hoursCardamom farms and lanes below the monasteryTashiding · Free · ₹1,500–2,500 for a local guide (… Tea · 1.5–2 hoursAn early walk through Temi's tea rowsTemi · Free Tea · 1 hourTea factory visit and tasting at TemiTemi · Free or small fee; rules vary Viewpoints · 2–3 hoursCherry blossom season at Temi in NovemberTemi · Free; festival events may charge Food · OvernightDinner and a night in a homestay near TemiTemi · ₹1,500–2,500 pp with dinner and breakfa… Viewpoints · 45 minutesWalk across the Singshore BridgeUttarey · Free Treks and walks · Full day, 8–10 hours returnDay hike towards Chewabhanjyang passUttarey · Local guide ₹1,500–2,500 a day Viewpoints · 1.5–2 hoursMainebas waterfall after the rainsUttarey · Free Culture and history · 2 hoursUttarey village and lake morning walkUttarey · Free Culture and history · 1–1.5 hoursNorbugang throne and Kathok Lake at duskYuksom · Free or a small fee (check) Monasteries · 2–2.5 hours returnSteep morning walk up to Dubdi MonasteryYuksom · Free · donation welcome Treks and walks · 8–10 days returnDzongri and Goecha La trek from YuksomYuksom · ₹16,000–28,000 pp with an agency (indic… Culture and history · 2 hoursTashi Tenka and the old capital on footYuksom · Free

The Dooars & Siliguri

Viewpoints · 1 hourThe Bindu barrage and the Bhutan bankBindu · Free Treks and walks · 2 hoursA morning walk on the Jaldhaka riverbedBindu · Free; local guide ₹300–500 Culture and history · 1.5 hoursLarge cardamom on the Bindu slopesBindu · Free; tip or buy a packet Food · OvernightA homestay night at the end of the roadBindu · ₹1,200–1,800 pp with meals Treks and walks · 2–3 hours up, 1.5 hours downWalk up to Buxa Fort from SantalabariBuxa · Forest fees about ₹100–300; porter ₹500… Viewpoints · 3–4 hours return from BuxaSunrise over the Dooars from LepchakhaBuxa · Free; guide ₹500–800 Wildlife and birds · 2 hoursJeep safari in Buxa Tiger ReserveBuxa · ₹2,500–3,500 a jeep for up to 6 (indica… Culture and history · 1 hourRajabhatkhawa: where the king ate riceBuxa · Small entry fee at the centre (indicati… Wildlife and birds · 1.5–2 hoursGaur at the Chapramari watchtowerChapramari Wildlife Sanctuary · ₹2,500–3,500 a jeep for up to 6 (indica… Toy train · 1–2 hoursThe Dooars train through the forestChapramari Wildlife Sanctuary · ₹30–150 a ticket Tea · 2–3 hoursTea slopes and views around ChalsaChapramari Wildlife Sanctuary · Free; car ₹800–1,500 Viewpoints · 2 hoursRivers of the Chapramari forestChapramari Wildlife Sanctuary · Car ₹800–1,500 Culture and history · 2 hours with safariThe brick ruins of Nalraja GarhChilapata · Included in Chilapata safari, ₹2,500–3,… Wildlife and birds · 1.5–2 hoursAfternoon safari in the elephant corridorChilapata · ₹2,500–3,500 a jeep for up to 6 (indica… Adventure · OvernightA forest night at MendabariChilapata · About ₹2,500 a room + meals (indicative) Wildlife and birds · 2–3 hoursForest birding on the Chilapata edgeChilapata · Guide ₹500–1,000 Wildlife and birds · 1.5–2 hoursJatraprasad and Rhino Observation PointGorumara National Park · ₹2,500–3,500 a jeep for up to 6 (indica… Wildlife and birds · 2 hoursMedla watchtower by bullock cartGorumara National Park · Safari jeep share + about ₹40–100 pp ca… Wildlife and birds · 1.5–2 hoursBirding at Chukchuki watchtowerGorumara National Park · ₹2,500–3,500 a jeep for up to 6 (indica… Wildlife and birds · 1.5–2 hoursA quieter evening at Chandrachur towerGorumara National Park · ₹2,500–3,500 a jeep for up to 6 (indica… Wildlife and birds · 1.5–2 hoursDawn jeep safari for Jaldapara's rhinosJaldapara National Park · ₹2,500–4,000 a jeep for up to 6 (indica… Wildlife and birds · 1 hourElephant safari into the tall grassJaldapara National Park · About ₹800–1,000 pp Indian nationals (i… Culture and history · Half-dayTotopara and the Toto languageJaldapara National Park · Car ₹1,500–2,000; no entry fee Tea · 2–3 hoursPlains tea gardens around BirparaJaldapara National Park · Car ₹1,200–1,800 Treks and walks · 6–8 hours returnThe Mahakal cave walk up the riverbedJayanti · Guide ₹600–1,000; forest fees if applic… Viewpoints · 1.5 hoursSunset on the Jayanti riverbedJayanti · Free Treks and walks · 3–4 hours returnThe climb to Pokhri lakeJayanti · Guide ₹600–1,000 Wildlife and birds · 2 hoursMorning birding on the Jayanti bankJayanti · Free; guide ₹500–800 Wildlife and birds · 2–3 hoursRiver birding on the Jaldhaka at dawnJhalong · Free; guide ₹500–800 Viewpoints · 3 hoursUp to Paren for valley viewsJhalong · Car ₹1,200–1,800 Culture and history · 1.5 hoursA walk through the hydel colony and riverJhalong · Free Adventure · OvernightAn evening at the Jholung River CampJhalong · ₹2,500–3,500 a room (indicative) Culture and history · 3–4 hoursHalf-day to the Jalpesh Shiva templeLataguri · ₹1,500–2,000 car; temple free Food · 1 hourBoroli fish and a Dooars thaliLataguri · ₹150–300 Tea · 2 hoursA morning walk through Dooars tea gardensLataguri · Free; guide ₹300–500 Wildlife and birds · OvernightA night at Kalipur in the Gorumara forestLataguri · About ₹2,000 a cottage + ₹500 pp meals … Viewpoints · 1.5 hoursSunset on the Murti riverbedMurti · Free Wildlife and birds · 1 hourThe morning elephant bath at DhupjhoraMurti · Free to watch; rides only when offered Wildlife and birds · 2 hoursRiver birding along the Murti at dawnMurti · Free; local guide ₹500–800 Culture and history · 1.5–2 hoursA local dinner and folk dance eveningMurti · Dance programme about ₹275 at some camp… Tea · 2 hoursMorning walk through Samsing tea gardenSamsing · Free; guide ₹300–500 Adventure · Half-day or overnightRocky Island and the Murti bouldersSamsing · Car ₹1,000–1,500; camp rates vary Treks and walks · 3–4 hours returnWalk up to Mouchuki on the forest edgeSamsing · Guide ₹500–800 Food · 1–2 hoursGundruk, squash and a Samsing homestay mealSamsing · Included in homestay rates Wildlife and birds · 4–5 hoursWinter ducks at the Gajoldoba barrageSiliguri · ₹1,500–2,000 car + ₹300–600 boat Viewpoints · 1–1.5 hoursCoronation Bridge and the Teesta at SevokeSiliguri · Free Culture and history · 1.5–2 hoursHong Kong Market for jackets and gearSiliguri · Free to browse Food · 1.5–2 hoursMomos, rolls and mishti on Hill Cart RoadSiliguri · ₹200–500 per person Viewpoints · 1 hourAcross the Suntalekhola hanging bridgeSuntalekhola · Free Adventure · OvernightA night at the Suntalekhola river campSuntalekhola · ₹1,500–3,000 (indicative, forest corpor… Wildlife and birds · 2 hoursForktails and redstarts on the streamSuntalekhola · Free; guide ₹500–800 Treks and walks · 2–2.5 hoursThe road walk from Suntalekhola to SamsingSuntalekhola · Free

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