Gangtok Darjeeling: 4N 5D

INFORMATION FOR TOURISTS/VISITORS

Best time to visit

For tourists, there are two best seasons to go to Darjeeling, one between March to May (i.e. spring & summer), and therefore the other between October to November (i.e. autumn). These are the days when the temperature is pleasantly cool and therefore the sky is typically clear offering lovely views of Kanchenjunga snow peaks. The summer is brief from May up to June.

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But by mid-June the monsoon usually sets in and lasts through mid-September. The monsoon can sometimes stretch to October. June 15 to September 15 is that the time when all national parks and sanctuaries in Darjeeling district (including Singalila park , Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary and even Neora Valley park in Kalimpong area) remain closed to tourists. this is often also the animal mating season. During monsoon and immediately thereafter, there are chances of landslides in Darjeeling area... so sometimes the routes get blocked.

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The winter in Darjeeling is from December until February. Winter here are often extremely cold and snowstorm is sort of regular within the higher reaches of the district like in Sandakphu. You can experience the snowfall during winter from Tiger Holls which is 11 km away from the town.

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Tourist footfall in Darjeeling becomes minimum during the winter although many tourists visit Darjeeling during Christmas and New Year time to celebrate the festivities and luxuriate in the cold. However during winter, the hotels (particularly of budget category) operate with minimum staff leading to sub-optimal service, and shops and eateries close early. you ought to carry heavy woolens during this point and make sure that the hotel has proper heating plant (preferably including electrical bed warmers in order that you'll sleep well at nights).

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With spring setting in between March and April, Darjeeling becomes at its best. The rhododendron flowers are at their full bloom and therefore the sky gets clear offering wonderful views of the snow peaks. The temperature also climbs and becomes comfortably cold. Summer too (May to Mid June) is a superb time to go to Darjeeling. Temperature is extremely comfortable (you need only light woolens, that too during nights and early mornings) and weather remains clear for nice views. Thousands of tourists keep flocking in, hotels get full and shops & eateries operate at full capacity.

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All said and done, it's difficult to exactly predict and believe Darjeeling's weather. Although you'll see a wonderfully settled and delightful weather at one instance, soon cloud or fog can rise from the deep humid valleys and put a white blanket all around. Sometimes you'll see flakes of cloud within the sky above you and at an equivalent time some below you at the valley.

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Weather conditions in Darjeeling hill town don't follow the standard temperate climate of the plains. actually it varies quite widely across the district of Darjeeling. While I shall be focussing here mainly on the weather of Darjeeling hill town, I shall also draw regard to nearby areas like Kalimpong and Terai (Siliguri/Dooars area), and even Gangtok located within the neighboring state of Sikkim. you'll accordingly compute your travel plans within the region.

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Gangtok usually has a pleasant almost throughout the year. Summer is the best time to visit the place. Winters are great to capture snow-clad mountains but temperature is below freezing point from Dec to Feb. Best to skip the monsoon season.

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Best time to visit Lachen and Lachung is between the months of October and June, as the weather is quite pleasant. Summers have moderate temperatures and ideal to explore the surrounding natural beauty. Winters are exceptionally cold with heavy snowfall, persisting fog and sub-zero temperatures.

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If you want to experience Pelling’s biggest celebration, the Khangchendzonga Festival then visiting in the month of December is a good idea. Besides that, September to May months offer you enough captivating scenes. As Pelling gets severe rainfall during the monsoons, visitors usually prefer the winter or the onset of summer season for travel. Cultural hotspots

Some of the most famous cultural hotspots are Choki Dhani – a cultural village in Jaipur, Desert Safari camps in Jaisalmer and Bagore ki Haveli in Udaipur, among others. Besides these, puppet shows and Rajasthani folk dances and songs are quite popular.

Travel tips

• Carry umbrellas/raincoat if travelling during the monsoons.
• Carry usual warm clothing suitable for subzero temperature as well.
• Wear comfortable footgear for trekking and long walks.

Things to do in Gangtok

There are several activities for tourists in Gangtok. You can go sight-seeing and visit the Rumtek monastery, Rabdentse, Yumthang valley and the Deorali bird sanctuary among others. The Gangtok festival is a great event that gives you a state of the culture in this part of India. Adventure enthusiasts can go river rafting in the Teesta river. Check out the things to do in Gangtok.

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Check out the 24 essential activities that must be on top of your list while planning your itinerary to the capital city of Sikkim. Have a look at the craziest things to do in Gangtok and take your pick:

• Cable Ride – Witness Gangtok At A Glance
• Yak Safari – Take A Closer Look At The Mountain Animal
• Mountain Biking – Satiate The Adrenaline Rush
• River Rafting – Meet The Waters Of Gangtok
• Paragliding – Feel Like You Are On Top Of The World
• M.G. Marg – Indulge In Local Cuisine
• Tashi View Point – Witness The Hues Of Sunset
• Lal Bazaar – Spend Some Bucks On Souvenirs
• Tsuk La Khang Monastery – Embrace The Tranquil Aura
• Hanuman Tok – Take A Walk Through History
• Pemayangtse Monastery – Pay Your Respects
• Rumtek Monastery – Witness The Jaw-Dropping Architecture
• Seven Sisters Waterfall – Get Refreshed
• Nathu La Pass – Soak In The Beauty
• Tsongmo Lake – Embrace The Serenity
• Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary- Explore The Nature
• Ranka Monastery – Feel The Essence Of Spirituality
• Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve- Get Closer To Nature
• Mt Katao- Try Your Hands On Skiing
• Menmecho Lake- Sit By The Pristine Waters
• Do Drul Chorten – Witness An Architectural Marvel
• Tashiding Monastery – Lose Yourself In Spell Binding Views
• Banjhakri Falls – Enjoy A Fairytale Adventure
• Himalayan Zoological Park – See TheWild Side Of Gangtok

Things to do in Darjeeling

Confused about what to do in Darjeeling? Here is the list of things that you can do while you are exploring the city. Keep scrolling down and read along!

• Teesta – Go River Rafting
• Sandakphu – Trek The Peak
• The Toy Train – Take A Joy Ride
• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute – Learn Mountaineering
• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park – Explore Wildlife
• Tiger Hill – Watch The Sunrise
• Dooars – Explore The Tea Gardens
• Kalimpong – Visit The Monastery
• Peace Pagoda – Calm Your Mind
• Batasia Loop – Explore The War Memorial
• Thukpa And Momos – Relish Some Local Food
• Keventers Restaurant – Enjoy Breakfast
• Churpi – Grab A Candy
• Chowrasta – Stroll On The Mall Road
• Bhutia Market – Buy Some Woolens
• Tattoos – Get Inked
• Revolver Hotel – B&B With Music
• Singalila Jungle Lodge – Lodge Amidst A Forest
• Darjeeling Blossoms Eco-Tourism – Live Close To Nature
• Khambuhang Nature Holiday Camp – Enjoy Cottage Camping