Trekking in Darjeeling, West Bengal

Darjeeling is a beautiful small hill station in the foothills of Himalayas. It is located in the state of West Bengal, India. Located at a height of 2,134 meters, it is covered by lush green tea gardens. This region is inhabited by a mix population of Bhutias, Nepalis, Lepchas and Tibetans. It is also famous for its narrow gauge toy train and some of the beautiful trekking destinations in the lap of Himalayas.
Hills of Darjeeling attract trekking from all over India and abroad. Wild flowers, Rhododendrons, Orchids and Magnolias add glitter to the natural beauty of the hills of Darjeeling. Different trekking routes here promise you the enchanting views of some of the beautiful snow capped mountains in Himalayan range like Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse.

Best time to visit Darjeeling for Trekking

Trekking season in Darjeeling begins in the month of March and goes upto June. Since the region witnesses rain during monsoon season, in the months from July to August, the second season of trekking here starts from September and ends in the month of December. There is heavy snowfall in the months of January and February during winters, which makes trekking in Himalayas almost impossible.

Some of the most sought after Treks of Darjeeling

Sandakphu Trek

Sandakphu, which is located in West Bengal at an altitude of 3,636 meters above mean sea level, is culminating point of many trekking routes. From this point trekkers can have a look of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu peaks. Trekking in this region starts from a town near Darjeeling called Manaybhanjan, which is at an altitude of 2,134 meters. Varieties of flora and fauna can be spotted in this trek while passing through its Pine forests. Around 600 species of birds are believed to inhabit in this region in dense green forests.

Darjeeling-Phalut Trek

This is one of the famous treks, which is preferred by trekkers of all the ages. The route which runs from countryside amid Pine and Oak forests, leaves trekkers with an experience to be cherished life long. Trekkers can have a beautiful view of snow covered peaks of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga from Pahlut. The trekking expedition starts from Manaybhanjan and passes from Tonglu, Kalapokhri and Sandakphu before culminating at Phalut. Phalut is located at the junction of West Bengal, Sikkim and Nepal. The best season to visit is from the month of April to May and October to November.

Neora Valley Nature Reserve Trek

Neora Valley is a home to some of the species of endangered animals, birds and plants. Located in Eastern Himalayas, Lava is the starting destination of the trek. Before reaching Rachela Pass, which is located at an altitude of 3,152 meters on Indo-Bhutan border, one has to pass from densely forested hills and valleys. Bird watchers from far away places flock to this area during Spring season in the months from Mach to June. One also gets an opportunity to experience the nature in its cascading streams and waterfalls amid Pine and Oak jungles. The trekkers have to move through the Neora Valley National Park, which is a habitat of various species of flora and fauna, apart from birds.

Darjeeling-Kalimpong Trek

This trekking expedition is considered one of the best treks in Kalimpong area, which starts from Darjeeling to reach the highest point Rochella, located at an altitude of 3,400 meters above sea level. One has to cover the areas of Relli, Pankhasari and Neora during trekking. The trek does not include tough terrains and can be enjoyed by healthy persons of any age group. During the trek, trekkers can spot exotic varieties of birds and plants.

Trekking expeditions in Darjeeling area depends on the taste, availability of time and physical fitness of the individual. There are some treks which can be covered in a single day and also some of the treks even need eight to ten days to complete.

How to reach Darjeeling

Air :Bagdogra is the nearest airport to Darjeeling. Located at a distance of about 90 km from Darjeeling, it is connected by domestic flights from major cities in India like Calcutta, Guwahati and Delhi.. From Bagdogra one can reach by taxi to Darjeeling.

Rail :As Darjeeling has a narrow gauge railway station, it is connected by toy train from New Jalpaiguri, which is the nearest broad gauge railway station.

Road :Darjeeling is well connected by roads and regular bus services are available from Siliguri (86 km), Gangtok (100 km) and Kalimpong(51 km).