Straddling a ridge at 2134 meters and surrounded by Tea Plantations on all sides , Darjeeling has been a very popular hill station since the British established it as an R&R centre for their troops in the mid 1800’s . The views over the mountains to the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga and down to the swollen rivers in the valleys are magnificent . Darjeeling is a fascinating place where you can see Buddhist monasteries , visit Tea plantations , or go trekking to high altitude spots near the border with Sikkim.

Parmesan Nadia Himalayan Zoological park - The Zoo houses India’s only collection of Siberian Tigers and some rare species , such as Red Panda .

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute - Entered through the Zoo on Jawahar Road west about 2Km from the town , the HMI runs courses to train mountaineers. There are couple of interesting museums here .

The Mountaineering Museum – contains a collection of historic mountaineering equipment , specimens of Himalayan Flora & Fauna .

The Everest Museum – next door traces the history attempts on the green peak.

Ropeway, Tensing -- Gumbo Rock – At north point about 3Km from town this was the first passenger ropeway ( cable car) to be constructed in India . it is 5Km long & connects Darjeeling with Singla Bazaar on the little Ranjit river at the bottom of the valley.

Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center – 20 to 30 minute walk from Chowrasta brings you down to this Tibetan centre. It was established in october1959 to help rehabilitate Tibetan refugees who had fled from Tibet with the Dalai Lama following the Chinese invasion.

Tiger Hill – The highest spot in the area at 2590meters Tiger Hill is near Ghoom , aout 11Km from Darjeeling . The hill is famous for its magnificent dawn views over Kanchenjunga and other eastern Himalayan peak .

Ghoom Monastery – This is probably the most famous monastery in Darjeeling and is about 8Km south of town , just below Hill Cart Road and the railway station near Ghoom . it enshrines an image of the Maitreya Buddha " The Coming Buddha "

Mirik - Being promoted as a hill station Mirik is about 50Km from both Siliguri & Darjeeling at an altitude of 1767 meters. The lake is the main attraction here and there’s a 3.5km path around it. Mirik is surrounded by tea estates , orange orchards & cardamom plantations.

Kalimpong is a bustling and rapidly expanding , though still relatively small , bazaar town set amongst the rolling foothills and deep valleys of the Himalaya at an altitude of 1250 meters . it was once part of the lands belonging to the Rajas of Sikkim. Kalimpong’s attraction include three monasteries , a couple of solidly built churches and an excellent private library for the study of Tibetan and Himalayan language & culture. The most interesting part of a trip to Kalimpong is the journey there from Darjeeling via the Teesta River Bridge.

Monasteries – Established in 1922 , the Tharpa Choling Monastery belongs to the Yellow Hat Sect " Geluk –Pa" of Tibetan Buddhism , founded in Tibet in the 14^th century and to which the Dalai Lama belongs. Lower down the hill , The Thongsa Gompa , or Bhutanese Monastery is the oldest monastery in the area and was founded in 1692 . Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery , 5Km south of the town centre at the end of the ridge was built in the mid 1970’s at Durpin Dara Hill and was consecrated by Dalai Lama.

Flower Nurseries – Kalimpong is an important orchid growing area and flowers are exported from here to many cities in the northern India . The Sri Ganesh Moni pradhan nursery and the Udai Mani Pradhan nursery are among the most important in the area

Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim , occupies the west side of a long ridge flanking the Ranipul River . The scenery is spectacular and there are excellent views of the entrie Kanchanjunga range from many points in the vicinity.

Enchey Monastery – Located above Siniolchu Lodge , about 3Km from the centre of town the 200 year old Enchey Monastery is well worth a visit , It’s a relatively small place and dosen’t compare with the other larger monasteries in Sikkim , but it does sit on spectacular ridge overlooking Gangtok and there are views across to Kanchenjunga.

Institute of Cottage industries - High up on the main road above the town the Cottage Industries Emporium specialises in producing handwoven carpets , Blankets , Shawls , Lepcha weaves , patterned decorative papers & " Choktse " tables.

Namgyal Institite of Tibetology - Established in 1958 and built in traditional style this unique institute promotes research of language and traditions if Tibet as well as Mahayana Buddhism.

Chorten & Monastery – The gold apex of a huge white Chorten , located about 500meters beyond the institute is visibly from many points in Gangtok and is surrounded by prayer flags attached to Bamboo poles .

 Tsangu lake – Tsangu Lake lies at 3750 meters , 34Km east of Gangtok and just 8Km from Tibetan border . The two hour trip there from Gangtok offers spectacular views .

Destination

Hotel ( 3 Star )

Darjeeling

Mohit / Shambhu / Similar

Gangtok

Golden Heights / New Castle / Similar

Kalimpong

Hotel park / Similar