Monsoons and strikes in june-Darjeeling?

Manon & Michel

Hey everyone!

We decided to take the following route: Delhi-Agra-Varanasi-Kolkotta-Darjeeling. We will start at the 21st of june (2008) and end our journey at the 4th of july. We will travel bij train, mostly during the nights. From Darjeeling we fly back to Delhi.

I am slightly worried about the weather though! People told me about the monsoon...Is it bad in this period?...or is it just starting then? Advice is more than welcome!
But it seems that monsoons are everywhere in this period, so basically there is no use for changing my plans?

I am also wondering if the recent strikes in Darjeeling are likely to have any follow ups. Can anyone confirm the current situation?

Best wishes!
Manon

somnath

Hi,
Darjeeling strikes
( for Darjeeling strikes.)

Overcast sky is the main problem. But Kashmir is the best place during monsoons.

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ashakasha

Somnath- what is the current socio/political situation in Kashmir? Would tourists be likely to be impacted by tensions there?

somnath

Hi Ashakasha,
This is a biiiiiig question and I am not that knowledgeable to answer this . Still allow me to share what I know. Since my father and my maternal uncle both are going to Kashmir in Mid Jun I was trying to collect some info. There is a very big company in Kolkata who actually rules the package tour segment of Calcutta. As you know we Bengalis play major role as far as domestic tour / tourist is concerned and Bengali domestic tourists just follow the footprint of this company (just telling you this to give an idea about their impact).
And during my trip to Kashmir I came to know that Gujratis and Bengalis are the major stakeholder in Kashmir domestic tourism industry. Last year there was attacks on two tourist buses in Kashmir and as a result the said Travel operator of Kolkata just cancelled all the trips. Kashmir was once again out of the list of Bengali tourists. But I personally know some persons who went to Srinagar during winters but again, that’s not really a tourist season.
But Kashmir is now back to the same company’s tour list. As a result the trend to visit Kashmir is once again prominent (at least in Kolkata). I am not very sure about other parts of India but Bengali tourists are definitely planning to visit Kashmir once again.

- Somnath

ashakasha

Thanks, Somnath. I guess, in reading about the tension between Pakistan and India over Kashmir, it seemed like conflicts could arise quite unpredictably...as far as you know, is this the case? Or- do people have some warning that something might go down, in advance? With so many other places available to visit, I'd hate to tempt fate THAT boldly....especially traveling with a teenager.

somnath

Hi Ashakasha,
I understand your views. You are right safety / risk is always attached to Kashmir. It is not like Indo-Pak war in Kashmir but terrorist activities that creates tension in such a beautiful valley. And some warning for terrorist activity – well, may be it is available to intelligence dept. to take required preventive steps but certainly not for common people / tourists.
Now, coming to the next part of your post – why Kashmir? It may not sound very practical but ask someone who had been to Kashmir …. s/he will confirm “because it is Kashmir” . I understand that it is not always possible with families but it is true for some people that they love to enjoy the spectacular sight in spite of some risks.
I don’t know about your travel experience in Himalaya but as per my experience (though it is negligible) this is the most beautiful (in terms of scenic beauty) part of our country.
But again it is absolutely personal choice – “go / no go” (Kashmir) ……. Our country is vast enough to attract all types of tourists with various parameters of attraction. You can try Ladakh in monsoons (I had never been to Ladakh) – experienced members can comment about this region.

Hey Ashakasha, are you planning for your monsoon trip? - Thats great

- Cheers.

ashakasha

Hi Somnath-

I have zero Himalaya travel experience
I don't mind going to "risky" places, but am more guarded when traveling with my son. I am sure we will check out Kashmir for a short visit, at some point. I heard from other friends that it is not to be missed.

Yes, trying to plan for my "monsoon trip" I have some nice arrangements made for being in Darjeeling for the long term (assuming they go smoothly), but a little birdie told me it ain't so fun in Darjeeling during the monsoon

Anyhow- just looking into some places to go for a couple months before we go up. In communication with Auroville now...think we have some volunteer work, maybe accommodation.

somnath

That’s quite natural. You can try Kashmir in winter. It is chilly but number of incidents remains significantly low under heavy snow.
And best of luck for your “monsoon trip”.
That’s true, Darjeeling during monsoon is not very exciting.