Gangtok & Darjeeling - Safe?

jiimbaa

Hi, I am travelling to Gangtok/Darjeeling (Sikkim) this month - Please advise if it is safe to go there? I have heard of some local issues and some army battles recently. I do not want to get stranded there with my family instead of enjoying a natural peaceful holiday.

Please advise if you know anything for sure. I am ready to cancel the trip if there is a risk, so be unbiased in suggesting.

Thanks in anticipation of your response.

Jiimbaa

kausiks

jiimbaa,

You can travel without any concern to Darjeeling and Gangtok. The hills within West Bengal have been going through some political instability, but army battles? No, I do not think so. If you go through IM, you will find that a lot of people have been visiting these places - no complaints from anybody. Moreover, with the festival season coming forward, tourism will be the top priority of these places. So plan your visit and enjoy it.

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The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see.

BertilR

But, situation can change rapidliy and "bandh" could disrupt your plans. Would recommend you to develop a plan B to coop with any continued instability in Darjeeling/Siliguri area. Apart from access along Hwy 31 there has been no problems in Sikkim. You can follow the situation here: http://beacononline.wordpress.com/
Would say that there are no reasons to call off the trip, so enjoy yourself in this very beautiful area.

namaste_cat

I think Sikkim is a different issue than Darjeeling. I went to school in Darjeeling and to be honest I have been apprehensive to travel there in recent years. Every time I visit my parents in Kolkata, and get my hopes up to go up to Darj, something flares up and back in my rabbit hole I go.

Sikkim on the other hand, I have been to once a year when I visit Kolkata. Most recent visit was in January of 2009, it was as lovely and serene as always. Hopefully someone who has been more recently will update. I personally would not have any qualms about Sikkim, but Darjeeling I'd be monitoring closely e.g. the link BertilR posted and be prepared to cancel.

Such a pity because it's so beautiful there, and the people & places so lovely. I miss it very much.

vineetsaini19

Dea Jiimbaa,

I've just come back from Darjeeling and Gangtok tour last week and its completely safe and sound. Even I had the same concern before leaving for Darjeeling as we were hearing in the news

But to our surprise There are no bandhs and fights.

The only problem you could face is road blockages due to landslides in this rainy season. But that is natural.

So, be cool and enjoy your trip with the family.

Vineet

prasanna_rajan

Hi Vineet,

We are planning for a travel next week to Gangtok. The weather is predicting rain for the next few days.

Can you please advice how bad the roads get affected due to the rains and whether you had any issues in sightseeing due to heavy rains

Regards

vineetsaini19

Dear Prasanna,

Truely speaking, the roads were not that good infact the main highway was closed due to landslides so we had to follow another route through Lava which took almost 4 hours more.

Moreover, site seeing becomes a little problem due to heavy rains as you cant enjoy and roam around, click pictures... But its again a different experience.

We missed Changu (Tsogmo ) Lake as again the roads were closed. This is what I feel bad about. Cant say about the present situation. Hopefully must be open.

Please donot forget to carry your umbrella along even if it seems sunny.

If your dates are fixed then donot think much and enjoy your time.

We had lot of change in plans but that becomes more exciting..

Vineet

avik3in2005

Hi..I had been to Sikkim & North Bengal few months back when the political tension was in peak....the situation is different of Sikkim from Darjeeling....Sikkim is as per my perception is the most coolest state in India with no political or social issues...you can travel to Sikkim at any time of the year...only concern is that there is only one highway NH - 31-A that connect Sikkim to rest of India through west bengal which is partly common also to Road to Darjeeling.In case of any bandh or strike connectivity to Sikkim amy get disturbed some time.You can visit Darjeeling with out fear as it is a nice place ..only suggestion keep some extra day & fund with you incase you are struck up due to some sudden strike or blockade...

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AC

prasanna_rajan

Thanks for the detailed info