Panitanki - Mirik - Darjeeling

tadka daal

Hello

I will arrive in Panitanki coming from Nepal on the 1st of November and I will leave Siliguri by train on the 4th heading west. This is the route I have in mind.

1 November: get to Patinanki around afternoon, head to Mirik, stay overnight
2 November: wander around Mirik and head to Darjeeling
3 November: joy train and sightseeing around Darjeeling
4 November:spend the morning in darjeeling and leave for Siliguri, getting on my train towards Patna(for gaya-bodhgaya)at 18:30

I have a few questions, suggestions are welcomed!

- will I be able to take a bus or shared jeep to Mirik from Patinanki? how much should I pay for that? how long will it take?

- same as above for the journeys Mirik-Darjeeling and Darjeeling-Siliguri

- What is not to be missed in or near Darjeeling?

- I was also considering the idea of visiting Kalimpong, Lava etc... but I guess that is too much travelling for 3 nights in the area. What do you think?

Britishraj

You can get a shared jeep from Panitanki to Mirk expect to pay Rs 100. Try the Tibet Lodge near the taxi stand / lake.

Shared jeep Mirik to Darj. approx. Rs.100 Try Andy's Guest House
As you will probably arrive lunchtime in Darj. You can do the Toy Train ride,leaves at 3pm. Get off at Ghoom visit the Buddhist Temple. and share taxi back to Darj.

If possible depending on weather you can go up to Tiger Hill(5am) to view the sunrise over Kanchejungha and a peak at Mt. Everest!...fantastic DEPENDS ON THE WEATHER!!

Kalimpong give it a miss.

__________________
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tadka daal

Hi Britishraj, thank you very much for replying.

I think I will stay at those places you recommended since I will be backpacking on a low budget.

I also read that the distance from the Nepali border controls to the Indian ones is about a couple kilometers walk, so it is advisable to get on a rickshaw. How much should I pay for that little distance? I know that I should learn and get used to bargaining transport fares(and so many more things) as I go, but I dont really want to get ripped off just having arrived in India.

Last thing I would like to know is the duration of the following journeys:

Tapinanki-Mirik
Mirik-Darjeeling
Darjeeling- Siliguri

Britishraj

Hi
In reply to your post. Cost of rickshaw accross the Nepal border to Tankapani ( India) sorry, I don't know. I usually ask the custom's guys to give me a price guide and then go into a bargaining mode. Try out a couple and walk away, you will soon get an idea. Good luck.

Shared jeep;Tankipani to Mirik approx 3hrs

Mirik to Darj. approx.3 hrs.

Darj. to Silliguri depends which route the driver takes approx 3hrs.
You should'nt have a problem with fares for shared jeeps, they are usually fixed.

Point to remember: Shared jeeps/ bus will drop you off at the Taxi / bus stand in Darj. From this point its a steep uphill hike to Chowrasta Mall and the taxi drivers demand Rs150 which is a rip off. so be prepared for a Hike! I did it once when I was fit as a 'Fiddle' unfortunately, as I'm now shaped like a 'Cello' I pay the price. Check the location of your hotel in the Lonely Planet if the taxi will be necessary. Ask the friendly shopkeepers for any Info.

Toy Train dep. from Darj stn is 10am and 3pm.

Enjoy the adventure

tadka daal

Thank you so much once again Britishraj

Im sure that all your recommendations will be really helpful

By the way, about walking uphill in Darjeeling I think I can manage to "fiddle it" , I am still a young lad (I believe)and I will make the best of it until I turn into a "cello"