Kipepeo

Offbeat Darjeeling

Our offbeat trip to tranquil and little know places in Darjeeling Hills like Neora Valley, Kalimpong and Kurseong

Snapshot

  • Best Season: October – May
  • Region: Darjeeling
  • Duration: 8 days
  • Activity: Family
  • Grade: Easy
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Rolling tea gardens engulfed in powder puff clouds with brief glimpses of snow capped mountains, little wonder then that Darjeeling is often termed as the Queen of Hill stations. Originally a part of Sikkim it was leased to the British in 1835 which is when they anglicized the original Tibetan name Dorje Ling meaning ‘The place of the Thunder Bolt (vajra)’ given by the local monks to the monastery on Observatory Hill. The cool climatic conditions with grand views of the Khangchendzonga stole the heart of the British, prompting them to develop Darjeeling as a hill station.

Our Offbeat Darjeeling tour is all about experiencing the real Darjeeling – Virgin forests, now clad mountain landscapes, Buddhist monasteries, a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and a tea estate stay . For which you will journey to some offbeat places in Darjeeling Hills namely, Neora Valley, Kalimpong and Kurseong.

  • Visit a tea estate in Darjeeling
  • Ride on the Darjeeling Hill Railway
  • Day trek in Neora Valley
  • Visit Buddhist Monasteries
  • Stay in tranquil and offbeat places

Day 1: Bagdogra to Neora Valley
Pickup from NJP/ Bagdogra and drive to Kolakham village. O/n at a Jungle Camp

Day 2: Neora Valley
Located on the tri junction of West Bengal, Sikkim and Bhutan it is one of the richest biological zones in North-East India . The forest canopy consisting of Oaks, Silver Firs and Ferns is so thick that even sunlight finds it difficult to filter through them. The forest is a treasure trove for many rare birds like Satyr Tragopan, Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, Darjeeling Woodpecker and Hodgson’s Hawk Cuckoo.

In the morning set out for a walk in the forest towards the fabled Changey waterfalls. Your trail passes through thick pine forests teeming with birds. In the afternoon, trek up the route going to Alubari. O/n at a Jungle Camp

Day 3: Neora valley to Kalimpong
Post breakfast drive to Kalimpong through the scenic forest road of Lava-Lolegaon. On the way stop at Dr. Grahm’ Home one of the oldest schools in the region. In the evening drive to Durpin Dara to enjoy a grand Himalayan sunset. O/n at a hotel in Kalimpong

Day 4: Kalimpong to Darjeeling
If you are interested in Buddhism you can visit four monasteries belonging to different sects of Buddhism or head out to the bustling Kalimpong market famous for Buddhist handicrafts.

By late morning drive to Darjeeling, on the way take a halt at Lamahatta. In the evening walk around Chow Rasta , absorbing the atmosphere of Darjeeling. O/n at a hotel in Darjeeling

Day 5: Darjeeling
Wake up early in the morning to drive to Tiger Hill for a memorable sunrise over Kanjchenjunga. On the way back visit Ghoom monastery. After breakfast visit the Zoological Park , Rope Way and the Japanese Peace Pagoda. O/n at a hotel in Darjeeling

Day 6: Darjeeling to Kurseong
Board the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway for a joy ride to Kurseong. Enjoy grand vistas of the Himalayas as the train passes along tea gardens and local markets. O/n at a hotel in Kurseong

Day 7: Kurseong
Spend a leisurely day in the sprawling tea gardens of Kurseong. walk amongst the tea gardens in the companionship of an expert guide who would educate you about the tea plant along with the long history of Darjeeling tea. Learn the intricacies of plucking tea buds with practical hands on session. This would be followed by a visit to the tea factory where you will learn the fine art of tea tasting. O/n at a hotel in Kurseong

Day 8: Kurseong to NJP/Bagdogra
Drop to Bagdogra airport

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