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Rock climbing in Darjeeling is a subtle exploitation of adventure for the soul, where one faces thrilling challenges whilst climbing new heights. The world-class indoor climbing wall of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute calls out to professionals and beginners alike to test their potential for climbing. Tenzing Rock, named after Tenzing Norgay, the conqueror of Everest, poses a challenge for budding climbers. Rock climbing in Darjeeling becomes an experience that helps a climber to mingle with nature and feel the raw energy of mountains pumping in one’s veins.
Quick Details About Darjeeling
Elevation: 6709 feet above sea level
Best Time To Visit Darjeeling: December to February
Location
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located at the extreme northern end of West Bengal, the town of Darjeeling is an eastern Indian border town surrounded by magnificent mountain views. It occupies a unique location as a border town to Sikkim, Nepal, and Bhutan. With such a historic past and rich cultural heritage, Darjeeling has become one of the must places to visit.
Suggested Read: The Best Adventure Sports In Darjeeling For An Exciting Outing
How To Reach
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are several options for transportation from Siliguri, including taxis, shared jeeps, and WBSTC buses. Taxis are the most convenient and take 2-3 hours, while shared jeeps are budget-friendly and can be a fun experience. Buses are the most economical but take longer.
Rock Climbing Spots In Darjeeling
There are two types of rock for climbing in Darjeeling, namely Tenzing Rock and Gombu Rock.
1. Tenzing Rock
Photo: Suvendra.nath / Wikimedia Commons
Tenzing Rock in Darjeeling, is a field of ancient rock climbing. It is called Tenzing Rock because it used to be a training ground for Tenzing Norgay, the first man to climb Everest. Guides provide harnesses and safety gear, and a little bit of encouragement can sometimes be enough to help a climber scale the rock face. Tenzing Rock offers one of the best rock climbing in Darjeeling.
Best Time For Rock Climbing: March to May or October to December
Price For Rock Climbing: ₹ 50
Suggested Read: Best Hill Stations Near Darjeeling For A Marvellous Staycation
2. Gombu Rock
Photo: Sumit surai / Wikimedia Commons
Gombu Rock in Darjeeling is a mystery, an elusive rock climbing spot. There isn’t any mention of it on any tourist map, and it takes adventurous souls through dense undergrowth to reach it. It provides the thrilling experience of outdoor rock climbing in Darejeeling. The challenge lies in discovering a hidden gem and pushing oneself, while the reward is the connection with the raw, untamed beauty of Darjeeling.
Best Time For Rock Climbing: March to May, October to December
Price For Rock Climbing: NA
Places To Visit In Darjeeling
Here is a well-curated list of the top five places to visit in Darjeeling that caters to every type of traveller.
1. Tiger Hill
Photo:Shahnoor Habib munmun / Wikimedia Commons
Tiger Hill in Darjeeling is a sight that can take anybody’s breath away with the sense of wonder and awe of a world waking up. The whispers of light from the horizon come and paint the sky in soft pastels. The snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga start to blush at the first rays of the sun as a crescendo of colour is displayed. On Tiger Hill, a haunting silence is almost palpable, however, magic eludes not with the sunrise.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Darjeeling In December
2. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Photo: Syed Sajidul Islam / Wikimedia Commons
The DHR is a very special and beautiful train journey that defies gravity with its narrow-gauge tracks and loops. It took birth toward the end of the 19th century as it goes curling along the Darjeeling hills. The train is one not of scenic beauty but of a rolling museum with steam engines that softly whisper stories of the bygone era. At the same time, the slow pace of the DHR gives the passengers time to appreciate the changing landscape, and the vivid colours of the tea plantations.
3. Batasia Loop
Photo: Dr Vikramjit Kakati / Wikimedia Commons
The Batasia Loop is a gorgeous train station in the Darjeeling hills where the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway performs an elegant revolution around itself. The loop is not only a train enthusiast’s paradise but also a place soaked in history with wartime memorials and manicured gardens. The colourful train framed by the snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga makes for picture-perfect postcards.
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Darjeeling For Your Next Summer Vacations
4. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Photo: Shahnoor Habib Munmun / Wikimedia Commons
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling provides one with a view of the majestic Himalayan creatures. The mountain majesties, such as snow leopards and red pandas, are sheltered here. This park undertakes conservation activities for Himalayan wildlife and works vigorously for the preservation of endangered species like red pandas and snow leopards. These educational programs raise awareness regarding the fragile balance of the mountain ecosystem.
5. Japanese Peace Pagoda
Photo: Sujay25 / Wikimedia Commons
The Japanese Peace Pagoda is a Buddhist monument situated in Darjeeling amidst busy streets and rolling hills of the Himalayas. Constructed by a Japanese Buddhist monk named Nichidatsu Fujii, it symbolises peace and nonviolence against the chaos down here on earth. It has four gilded statues of Buddha depicting important stages of his life and carvings of scenes in Buddhist mythology.
Suggested Read: Offbeat Places Near Darjeeling For Your Next Trip
Where To Stay
Photo: Dr. Debapriya Hore / Wikimedia Commons
Darjeeling offers a plethora of accommodation facilities to pilgrims and travellers. Some popular ones are Olde Main Bellevue Heritage Hotel, Central Heritage Resort & Spa, Sinclairs Darjeeling, Sterling Darjeeling, Central Gleneagles Heritage Resort and many more. Accommodations are available in various budgets, parking, Wi-Fi, and dining facilities are also provided in some accommodations.
Where To Eat
Photo: Sumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons
Savour food in Grains Pure Veg by Udaan Nirvana, Grains Pure Veg by Udaan Himalayan, Kunga Restaurant, Sonam’s Kitchen, Dekevas Restaurant and many more available options, one is sure to get a good mix of local flavours and dishes to satisfy their taste buds.
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Darjeeling For Couples
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost of the Trip: The trip to Darjeeling may include transportation, offering items, food, and refreshments. So, the estimated cost would be from INR 2000/- to 5000/- per day.
Tips For Travellers:
- Take care as a responsible traveller, and do not litter in the temple complex.
- Dress modestly—covering your shoulders and knees—since you will be entering places of worship.
- Show due respect to the local customs and traditions.
With proper guides and by following suitable guidelines, Rock climbing in Darjeeling is a thrilling experience worth remembering a lifetime. From the diverse wildlife of Padmaja Naidu Himalayan national park to the joy of travelling in Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, along with this adventure sport also explore the nearby gems. These attractions take your rock climbing expedition to a whole new level. Choose TripXL to plan this thrilling adventure!
Cover Photo: Sujay25 / Wikimedia Commons
