Darjeeling area itinerary help

sharadm

I've read up on all the great information here and the "lonely planet", "outlook" guides etc, but there's no substiture from hearing some personal opinions given my specific context from people who have visited the place :-)

I'm planning an 8 day (7 night) (travelling to NJP by DM) trip to the area along with my 3 kids (age 8, 5, 1) and my parents. I don't like super touristy places, and would like to go for walks etc (but given kids/parents etc just a couple of km). We are going to be there in early June, which means that by default I'm assuming we won't get to see much of the views.

Given these factors, I was thinking of the following itinerary, and would love to hear comments:

2 nights: Kalimpong
3 nights: Darjeeling
2 nights: Mirik

I had a few questions:
1) I feel very tempted to add in Lava, but that makes it a little too crowded. Would it make sense to replace Kalimpong with lava?
2) I left out Sikkim since by this time of the year it appears to get really rainy out there. Does that make sense?
3) In terms of probability of rain I'm assuming that the lower places (Kalimpong/Mirik) will be drier than Darjeeling/Lava. Is that true?
4) For the hotel in Darjeeling I'm thinking of the Bellevue hotel (the one with only 4 rooms and mentioned in LP) since it's well located and we'll end up occupying most of the hotel . I couldn't find much scoop on this in the blogs etc (and there are too many hotels called bellvue) - any strong opinions about this hotel?

Thanks in advance for the help ...

jyotirmoy

Early June means peak tourist season here so book your accomodations asap. I had been to Kalimpong but didn't like the place too much. The ride along the Teesta river and visiting Gangtok may be a better alternative.

shashank.aggarwal

Hey Guys..

even I am going for three days in that area..

can someone please tell what would be better..going to darjeeling OR Gangtok..

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Bhaswaran

I will be in Darjeeling from 10-13 June, will be staying at Darjeeling Tourist Lodge.

I think monsoon will settle there by that time.

Darjeeling Kalimpong are all crowdy. You can also stay at Lepchajagat or Jorpokhri and they are tranquil places and offer better views. In Kalimpong, better stay at Delo Tourist Lodge, it is offbeat and in better position atop Delo Hill. For bookings, contact: DGHC Tourist Office at 4, Shakespeare Sarani, ITDC office, Kolkata. Phone: 033-22821715

They can book Jorpkohri Tourist Lodge and Delo Tourist Lodge (Kalimpong) for you.

regards,

Bhaswaran

prits_smiles

I would say Gantok is anytime a better place than darjeeling !!

shashank.aggarwal

Thanks prits...u have just helped my confidence..as i also wanted to go to gangtok..but still wanna check out !!

Bhaswaran

Sorry, I do not agree. For me, I like Darjeeling more than Gangtok.

Otherwise, both are crowded and congested. I agree Gangtok is a little less crowded than Darjeeling but the later has its own charm complete with the panoramic view of Kanchenjunga, mall, toy train, and tea gardens. You have to move a few steps out and around the town and can still find its old charm. Scenery along the roads like Darjeeling - Mirik and Darjeeling - Teesta Bazar are breathtaking. This is the seventh or eigth time I am visiting Darjeeling in June with my family and we talk about coming back every year.

Actually, some snow points (seasonwise) like Nathu La and Tsongmo, as well as North SIkkim is better accesible from Gangtok which makes it more attractive to tourists, not the town itself.

Bhaswaran

somnath

Is it really possible to compare? Darjeeling and Gangtok both are unique. Can ANY ONE tell me how s/he is comparing the Victorian architecture of Darjeeling with safety and security of Gangtok? Or the beauty of Tea gardens can be compared with plastic free – disciplined city?

I believe we are trying to compare the taste of Orange Pekoe and the taste of Chhang!!!!

Darjeeling Vs. Gangtok - Need to try both to come to the conclusion. May be the rite question is ‘which one this time’. It depends on available time, choice of other members etc.

Happy traveling.

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jyotirmoy

Very difficult to compare. If your family wants a slow pace relaxing holiday go for Darjeeling and Mirik.
For action & activity I would prefer Sikkim. Seven nights are enough to visit quite a few very interesting & scenic places in Sikkim. The mountain view is also good.

Radjesh

Gangtok is better than Darjeeling

Bhaswaran

So, voting has started

Radjesh

bhaswaran,
so is there something stopping you frm exercising ur fundamental right....

shashank.aggarwal

I am sure sharad is dying to Kill me !! I never meant to hijack this thread..

anyways..the vote is still on !!

Bhaswaran

Carry on Radjesh

Darjeeling Darjeeling Darjeeling Darjeeling Darjeeling Darjeeling Darjeeling

sharadm

I can see my thread has well & truly been hijacked!

Anyway, after spending several more hours reading up stuff I've settled on the following itinerary:

1st night: Mirik (Orange County Retreat)
2nd & 3rd night: Darjeeling (Classic Guesthouse)
4th night: Kalimpong (Himalayan Hotel)
5th & 6th night: Loleygaon (???)
7th night: Lava (Tourist cottage?)

If there are any ptrs on acco for Lava/Loleygaon that would be appreciated. Everything else is booked :-).

Sikkim sounds wonderful - I'll have to come back and do another trip concentrated there. There's nothing to be gained by comparing places - I just came back from 15 days in Uttarakhand that were simply blissful :-)