seeking Darjeeling info and advice

somnath · Aug 26th, 2005, 15:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikewill

I'm going to spend some time this weekend and try to sort it out using all your advice. I'll let you know what I come up with.
……….
Oh, and I definitely feel a Kolkata meet-up coming on.

Mike

Planning is also a nice part of traveling. I enjoy it

. and we are also looking forward for the meet up. Cheers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Padma

Hey Somnath,
I'm wondering what you learned about my teaching in Sikkim, I'm hoping it's not that I have ruined the grammar of Sikkim's poor kids. I got three letters from kids this week and am aching to go back. Sikkim is an amazing place to live.

Ha ha ha….. no no not at all. The kids around Pelling are waiting for their teacher

.
Sikkim is a favorite destination for Bengalis

and commonly they(we

) prefer May, as your doubt is right to escape from the heat.
The view of Kanchengungha from Pelling is far better than any other place (motorable). Mt. Kabru will give you a hint of it from Yuksam. Yuksam is a starting point for Goecha la, Rathong Glcr. and KBC Trek. The regular tourists are not so interested to be there. So a bit different. But please try to recall any evening at Yuksam, different trekkers from different part of the world are gathered and exchanging or collecting information and enjoying. That’s a lovely part of Yuksam, isn’t it?
We are waiting for more from you regarding lovely Sikkim.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rangss

Hmmmm...
Thanks Somnath & DDutta...good piece of advice...will stick to good old Darjeeling...
...else screw my employer , take off three more days and visit Sikkim :-)

Great!!!! Now my next tip for the Queen’s (Queen of Hills) cuisine :
¿Eating places for Darjeeling? Where?

he he….

- Somnath

somnath · Jun 30th, 2006, 15:26

Recently a trip from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Darjeeling costs Rs.150 per person. And around 200 for Gangtok.

smilypisces · Nov 6th, 2006, 19:53

i am planning my honeymoon at darjeeling but never turn around there,please help me out ...where to stay ...where to eat..suggest me some very calm places at reasonable price to make my honeymoon more memorable.i am waiting for ur cool suggestion guys.

Casey · Nov 7th, 2006, 05:06

What is your budget?

somnath · Nov 7th, 2006, 10:53

Hi smilypisces,
Welcome to Indiamike.

There are so many options in Darjeeling (please read some posts regarding Darjeeling in this section). But as Casey asked it is important to know your budget.

BTW, honeymoon in Darjeeling is romantic

indeed!!!!

Cheers,
Somnath

Bhaswaran · Nov 7th, 2006, 11:29

Hi,

when on Darjeeling, you must take the joy ride on the famous and beautiful Darjeeling Toy Train. That is a lifetime experience.

The joy ride ticket costs about Rs. 250 per person and a 100-year old steam locomotive will haul you to Ghoom, the highest station on this railroad and come back, with a picteresque 10 minute stop at the engineering marvel at Batasia Loop with majestic sights of the Kanchenjunga (I have uploaded some pictures of this train and of Batasia Loop, see them).

The joy ride starts at 10:00 a.m. from Darjeeling and returns again in 12:00 noon, another one starts at 12:00 noon and comes back at 2:00 p.m. but these depends on the number of passengers, a minimum of 5 passengers is required to start the train. so, just check it out at Darjeeling Railway Station.

Remember, this joy ride and the Darjeeling-Kurseong passernger only runs on steam locomotives nowadays, and this train is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Siliguri-Darjeeling train, that comes from the plains, runs on Disel.

Just remember, a Darjeeling trip without the toy train is incomplete.

You can go for the local sightseeing after you complete this trip also, in the afternoon. It takes around four hours (conducted tour by the local jeep).

And regarding Sikkim, if you are fond of natural beauty, a visit to North Sikkim is a must - Yumthang and if possible, Gurudongmar, which gets closed due to snow in winter will let you see one of the most beautiful landscapes of the HImalayas.

Happy journey

Bhaswaran

Bhaswaran · Nov 7th, 2006, 14:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbuddhiraju

Hello
we are planning a trip to Sikkim late Feb./early Mar. we would like to cover Darjeeling, pleeing, yoksom, gangtok, Yumthang valley. we are coming from Hyderabad. Could you pl tell us which is the ideal time. We are interest to see snow. what will be the temp. like in late feb/early Mar. and what will be the best route.
thanks

Hi,

If you want to see snow, late feb, and if possible, early-mid Feb will be a sure shot time to get snow. However, as per my experience goes, you will be able to get snow at Tsongmo and Yumthang even in March. Do not expect to see snow at Darjeeling or Gangtok.

DAY 1: First go to Darjeeling . You can ) or directly from SIliguri to Darjeeling (8 hours/ around Rs. 250 first class) by toy train (disel) or by share jeep/taxi (3.5 hrs/ Rs. 80 each).

DAY 2: Ride the UNESCO world heritage famous Darjeeling Toy Train (joy ride/ around Rs. 250 each), if you did not ride it earlier/Sight seeing at Darjeeling by local car or share jeep.

DAY 3: Visit Tiger Hill at pre-dawn to get a glimpse of the majestic Kanchenjunga range. and Ghoom monastry. evening leisure time at Darjeeling Mall.

DAY 4: Proceed to Jorthang in the morning. remember this road is very steep and narrow with sharp hair pin bends. With only 26 km/ Rs. 80 per person, it is one of the most exciting & thrilling roads. Take the experienced local share jeep service.

Lunch at jorthang, take another jeep to Pelling.

DAY 5: Visit local sight seeing with Khechiperi lake and Kanchenjunga falls. Remember to see the majestic Kanchenjuga at the sunrise time. You will cherish it for your whole life.

DAY 6: Visit the ancient capital of SIkkim, Yoksum the other day from Pelling.

DAY 7: Proceed to Gangtok from Pelling. There is direct jeep service but book the seats in advance.

DAY 8: From Gangtok, visit local sight seeing..

DAY 9: Visit Tsongmo lake with Nathu La pass (if accessible) the other day from Gangtok.

DAY 10 & 11: Next day, proceed for Yumthang valley (north sikkim).
Come back one day later.

DAY 12: Next day, come down to Siliguri. There is direct jeep service between Gangtok-Siliguri, and catch train/flight.

happy journey,

Bhaswaran

kumar111 · Nov 7th, 2006, 23:28

Hi bhaswaran,

Is it possible to see snow in north sikkim in the mid of Novemeber, some were around 20th of NOV.

Bhaswaran · Nov 8th, 2006, 11:37

As compared to the northern himalays, the eastern himalayas get a late snowfall.

but nothing in the himalayas is predictable. as you know, he stands above all, and so is his behaviour.

If you are lucky, you have at least 30% chance of getting snow at Yumthang at that time.

best of luck

Bhaswaran

madhu_s1 · Mar 3rd, 2008, 16:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Padma

Hey Somnath,
I'm wondering what you learned about my teaching in Sikkim, I'm hoping it's not that I have ruined the grammar of Sikkim's poor kids. I got three letters from kids this week and am aching to go back. Sikkim is an amazing place to live.

I should maybe share more about Sikkim now I'm back, will have to think about suitable info... I can at least give tips on the wonderful permit system. There is nothing like the joy of grovelling to be allowed to stay in Sikkim every 15 days for 4 months.

Re: the roads and rushing to see lots in a short time. I know that this is the perpetual dilemma of travelling and it's tedious to hear 'don't rush your trip' but keep in mind how rough the roads are in that part of the world, how long it takes to get from one place to another and the fact that it's higher altitude than most places you'll probably be visiting. If it's the first time at this height you might find it a bit tiring and that doesn't even come close to the tiredness caused by 5 hours in a jeep on hand-made dirt roads. March is a great time to visit Sikkim, it can still be cold but it's not as wet and you're more likely to see the mountains nice and clearly than in April/May. This year i talked to lots of trekkers who were bitterly dissapointed because they had been told to trek in may, in May it is wet and cloudy in Sikkim. The locals say it wasn't ten years ago but it sure is now. So March is a great time to go. Plus you have the added bonus of avoiding the hoardes fo tourists who come up from W. Bengal in May to experience the cold (or escape the heat?).

About Yuksom vs Pelling. Pelling (which I love because it is my second or third or maybe fourth) home is a string of hotels and not much more as far as the visitor is concerned. It gets great views of the mountains (when they feel like making an appearance) and it is a great place to get to/from in terms of jeeps. Anchila also makes the best chowmein in India (a big call but I feel she's up to the challenge).Yuksom is a lovelly, quiet, friendly place, possibly what Sikkim was before it got full of us tourists and the hotels that house us. It takes 3 hours plus to get there from Pelling and share jeeps back are limited too, they go early in the morning and you can't usually get there from Pelling until the afternoon which really limits what you can do if you have to go the next day. Check in some of the local retaurants about when they have jeeps going back the next day (once we were able to find a 2pm jeep). I like Yuksom as an escape and a bit of R n R but you won't see mountain views from there. They also have a very strange array of chocolates that they bring in from Siliguri for trekkers. I don't know if the trekkers like them but I think they're gross. This is the only place I have ever been i India that doesn't have cadbury chockies, so if, like me, you get terribly addicted, make sure you have some on you before going to Yuksom.

Back to the grindstone (and dreaming of the Himalayas).
Padma

Padma/Somnath and all:

Padma's post is concerning! do you think sikkim is a bad idea in May then??
I'm planning a trip with following itinerary

Day 1/2 : Kalimpong
Day 3,4,5: Gangtok
Day 6,7: Lachung/ Yumthang
Day 8: Back to Gangtok and depart to bagdogra.

Are you saying that due to rain and clouds the trip will be a washout and the travel will be too hectic? Pls let me know asap since I am almost about to book travel...

somnath · Mar 13th, 2008, 01:23

Madhu I am extremely sorry, didn’t notice this thread. Really sorry.

May is not therecomended time for Sikkim. If it is not an exception you’ll miss a lot. Clouds will stop you to enjoy the Himalayan Range. Still the itinerary is not too hectic except the 8th day. I would request you to keep one day extra. You don’t know the condition of the road…. So it is always better to reach Gangtok before one day.

priyank26 · Mar 7th, 2009, 16:37

Hi Somnath,

I recently joined 'Indiamike' and found the threads very useful. I am planning for a sikkim/Darjeeling trip around mid-may for my honeymoon

. The itenary posted by you is wonderful and it is perfect according to the number of days I have for this trip. Thanks a lot for such a wonderful and helping post

I have few queries regarding a little change in the itenary. I read at many places(and you also mentioned it) that "Yumthang valley" is an amazing place and one misses alot by not visiting this place. So, is it possible that I drop Darjeeling from my itenary and squeeze one more day from some other place to visit Yumthang valley? Below is the itenary that I am thinking of in case I want to visit Yumthang valley:

Day 01:
Bagdogra(flight) to Gantok. Stay there and relax at a nice place.

Day 02:
Leave for Yumthang valley tour. Yumhtang valley - 1

Day 03:
Yumthang valley tour - 2

Day 04:
Back to gangtok from Yumthang valley. This may happen by evening so rest at gangtok.

Day 05:
Visit “Nathu la”, “Baba Mandir” and “Tsomgo lake” from gangtok.

Day 06:
Gangtok to Peeling. Cover peeling - 1

Day 07:
Cover peeling -2

Day 08:
Leave by 7 AM for Bagdogra airport from Peeling as I have a flight at 2 PM for Delhi on this day.

Do you think this is a practical itenary specially from honeymoon point of view? Please advise.

Thanks in advance,
Priyank

madhu_s1 · Mar 7th, 2009, 17:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by priyank26

Hi Somnath,

I recently joined 'Indiamike' and found the threads very useful. I am planning for a sikkim/Darjeeling trip around mid-may for my honeymoon

. The itenary posted by you is wonderful and it is perfect according to the number of days I have for this trip. Thanks a lot for such a wonderful and helping post

I have few queries regarding a little change in the itenary. I read at many places(and you also mentioned it) that "Yumthang valley" is an amazing place and one misses alot by not visiting this place. So, is it possible that I drop Darjeeling from my itenary and squeeze one more day from some other place to visit Yumthang valley? Below is the itenary that I am thinking of in case I want to visit Yumthang valley:

Day 01:
Bagdogra(flight) to Gantok. Stay there and relax at a nice place.

Day 02:
Leave for Yumthang valley tour. Yumhtang valley - 1

Day 03:
Yumthang valley tour - 2

Day 04:
Back to gangtok from Yumthang valley. This may happen by evening so rest at gangtok.

Day 05:
Visit “Nathu la”, “Baba Mandir” and “Tsomgo lake” from gangtok.

Day 06:
Gangtok to Peeling. Cover peeling - 1

Day 07:
Cover peeling -2

Day 08:
Leave by 7 AM for Bagdogra airport from Peeling as I have a flight at 2 PM for Delhi on this day.

Do you think this is a practical itenary specially from honeymoon point of view? Please advise.

Thanks in advance,
Priyank

Priyank,

Somnath's an expert on this area so his comments are welcome, but I feel Yumthang is not to be missed. I planned my honeymoon trip also in May(last year) and had pretty much the same itinerary as yours and I think it makes sense. (EXcept I did Kalimpong instead of Pelling). Yumthang is a breath taking place...also just dont miss Zero point once u are at Yumthang... imagine it snowed in May at zero point when we went ...that place will stay in memory fr a long time for me.

You've taken 2 nights for Lachung / yumthang which is right..I am assuming you will halt at Lachung. Forget a yumthang tour on your day 2 since the journey from gangtok to lachung is a long one and it'll be around 4 pm by the time you reach lachung. Set aside day 3 for yumthang and zero point. Day 4 you'll leave to gangtok back...

I wish you that can have better views of Kanchenjunga from Pelling in May...Gangtok/kalimpong disappointed us on that front since it was cloudy.
Also, at Gangtok we stayed at the Royal plaza which is one of the best places I've stayed in ...ask for a valley view if you plan to stay there...

somnath · Mar 8th, 2009, 01:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by priyank26

Do you think this is a practical itenary specially from honeymoon point of view? Please advise.....
Priyank

I don’t know, sorry

. Didn’t get any chance for honeymoon

ha ha ha….
Priyank, Congratulations .

Good suggestion from Madhu. Really good info… thank you Madhu.
Yumthang is really something very special. Itinerary looks good. And again, as I always say, May is not good time for Gangtok / Kalinpong / Darjeeling. Priyank, why not you are concentrating on entire N. Sikkim? I mean Gurudungmar lake / Yumesamdong.
http://www.singalilatreks.com/images...-map-North.gif
Please refer to the above-mentioned map.

Else, itinerary is doable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by madhu_s1

Somnath's an expert on this area so his comments are welcome, but I feel Yumthang is not to be missed.......

"expert" !!!! certainly not

..... I just love these areas... just trying to share my experience.

priyank26 · Mar 17th, 2009, 18:51

Hello Somnath, Madhu and all other experts

Many thanks for your replies and suggestions. I really appreciate that

I contacted three tour operators for my trip.
I got 3 quotes from these guys and all are differing a lot from rates point of view. This thing really confused me now

Following are the details of three quotations I received:

1. Rs 21000 from Mr. Suman Mukherjee. This will include stay at Super Deluxe room in Rabdentse Residency (Pelling) and Honeymoon Suite in Hotel Saikripa in Gangtok. He has promised for a good property in Lachung and Lachen too but I do not have the names for the same.

2. Rs 31600 from Yak n Yeti. This will include stay at Mintokling guest (gangtok), Hotel Mt. Pandim (Lachen), Hotel Apple valley (Lachung) and Hotel Panchak (pelling).

3. Rs 39600 from Mr. Prabir Sen. This will include stay at White Conch Residency(Gangtok), Fortuna (Lachung) and Pemaling Residency (Pelling).

Kindly help me out of this confusion

Thanks in advance

Priyank

Jun 30th, 2006, 15:26	#32
somnath Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Calcutta Posts: 2,545	Price hike Recently a trip from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Darjeeling costs Rs.150 per person. And around 200 for Gangtok. __________________ Learn as if you were going to live forever. Live as if you were going to die tomorrow. My Travel Pix...1 My Travel Pix...2 My Travel Pix...3

Nov 6th, 2006, 19:53	#33
smilypisces Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: ranchi Posts: 1	help me out with darjeeling info i am planning my honeymoon at darjeeling but never turn around there,please help me out ...where to stay ...where to eat..suggest me some very calm places at reasonable price to make my honeymoon more memorable.i am waiting for ur cool suggestion guys.

Nov 7th, 2006, 10:53	#35
somnath Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Calcutta Posts: 2,545	Welcome Hi smilypisces, Welcome to Indiamike. There are so many options in Darjeeling (please read some posts regarding Darjeeling in this section). But as Casey asked it is important to know your budget. BTW, honeymoon in Darjeeling is romantic indeed!!!! Cheers, Somnath

Nov 7th, 2006, 11:29	#36
Bhaswaran Landscape Photographer Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Kolkata. INDIA bhaswaran@redifmail.com Posts: 1,353	joy ride Hi, when on Darjeeling, you must take the joy ride on the famous and beautiful Darjeeling Toy Train. That is a lifetime experience. The joy ride ticket costs about Rs. 250 per person and a 100-year old steam locomotive will haul you to Ghoom, the highest station on this railroad and come back, with a picteresque 10 minute stop at the engineering marvel at Batasia Loop with majestic sights of the Kanchenjunga (I have uploaded some pictures of this train and of Batasia Loop, see them). The joy ride starts at 10:00 a.m. from Darjeeling and returns again in 12:00 noon, another one starts at 12:00 noon and comes back at 2:00 p.m. but these depends on the number of passengers, a minimum of 5 passengers is required to start the train. so, just check it out at Darjeeling Railway Station. Remember, this joy ride and the Darjeeling-Kurseong passernger only runs on steam locomotives nowadays, and this train is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Siliguri-Darjeeling train, that comes from the plains, runs on Disel. Just remember, a Darjeeling trip without the toy train is incomplete. You can go for the local sightseeing after you complete this trip also, in the afternoon. It takes around four hours (conducted tour by the local jeep). And regarding Sikkim, if you are fond of natural beauty, a visit to North Sikkim is a must - Yumthang and if possible, Gurudongmar, which gets closed due to snow in winter will let you see one of the most beautiful landscapes of the HImalayas. Happy journey Bhaswaran

Mar 13th, 2008, 01:23	#41
somnath Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Calcutta Posts: 2,545	Hi, Madhu I am extremely sorry, didn’t notice this thread. Really sorry. May is not therecomended time for Sikkim. If it is not an exception you’ll miss a lot. Clouds will stop you to enjoy the Himalayan Range. Still the itinerary is not too hectic except the 8th day. I would request you to keep one day extra. You don’t know the condition of the road…. So it is always better to reach Gangtok before one day.

Nov 7th, 2006, 05:06	#34
Casey Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 707	What is your budget?

Nov 7th, 2006, 23:28	#38
kumar111 Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: bangalore Posts: 13	Hi bhaswaran, Is it possible to see snow in north sikkim in the mid of Novemeber, some were around 20th of NOV.

Nov 8th, 2006, 11:37	#39
Bhaswaran Landscape Photographer Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Kolkata. INDIA bhaswaran@redifmail.com Posts: 1,353	As compared to the northern himalays, the eastern himalayas get a late snowfall. but nothing in the himalayas is predictable. as you know, he stands above all, and so is his behaviour. If you are lucky, you have at least 30% chance of getting snow at Yumthang at that time. best of luck Bhaswaran

Mar 7th, 2009, 16:37	#42
priyank26 Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 15	Hi Somnath, I recently joined 'Indiamike' and found the threads very useful. I am planning for a sikkim/Darjeeling trip around mid-may for my honeymoon . The itenary posted by you is wonderful and it is perfect according to the number of days I have for this trip. Thanks a lot for such a wonderful and helping post I have few queries regarding a little change in the itenary. I read at many places(and you also mentioned it) that "Yumthang valley" is an amazing place and one misses alot by not visiting this place. So, is it possible that I drop Darjeeling from my itenary and squeeze one more day from some other place to visit Yumthang valley? Below is the itenary that I am thinking of in case I want to visit Yumthang valley: Day 01: Bagdogra(flight) to Gantok. Stay there and relax at a nice place. Day 02: Leave for Yumthang valley tour. Yumhtang valley - 1 Day 03: Yumthang valley tour - 2 Day 04: Back to gangtok from Yumthang valley. This may happen by evening so rest at gangtok. Day 05: Visit “Nathu la”, “Baba Mandir” and “Tsomgo lake” from gangtok. Day 06: Gangtok to Peeling. Cover peeling - 1 Day 07: Cover peeling -2 Day 08: Leave by 7 AM for Bagdogra airport from Peeling as I have a flight at 2 PM for Delhi on this day. Do you think this is a practical itenary specially from honeymoon point of view? Please advise. Thanks in advance, Priyank

Mar 17th, 2009, 18:51	#45
priyank26 Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 15	Need help in resolving confusion Hello Somnath, Madhu and all other experts Many thanks for your replies and suggestions. I really appreciate that I contacted three tour operators for my trip. I got 3 quotes from these guys and all are differing a lot from rates point of view. This thing really confused me now Following are the details of three quotations I received: 1. Rs 21000 from Mr. Suman Mukherjee. This will include stay at Super Deluxe room in Rabdentse Residency (Pelling) and Honeymoon Suite in Hotel Saikripa in Gangtok. He has promised for a good property in Lachung and Lachen too but I do not have the names for the same. 2. Rs 31600 from Yak n Yeti. This will include stay at Mintokling guest (gangtok), Hotel Mt. Pandim (Lachen), Hotel Apple valley (Lachung) and Hotel Panchak (pelling). 3. Rs 39600 from Mr. Prabir Sen. This will include stay at White Conch Residency(Gangtok), Fortuna (Lachung) and Pemaling Residency (Pelling). Kindly help me out of this confusion Thanks in advance Priyank

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