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Darjeeling consists of serpentine trails amidst emerald green valleys of rhododendron forests, outstretched with the powerful giants of the Himalayas in the backdrop. Trekking in Darjeeling makes for an unbeatable experience for those who solace themselves in the arms of nature. The trail is a kaleidoscope of rich tea plantations and dense forests interlaced with a tapestry of flora and fauna.These treks are about journeys of self-discovery, evenings beside campfires, experiencing the local life, narrating stories, and cooking meals together.
Top 10 Places For Trekking In Darjeeling
Darjeeling, the Himalayan crown jewel, offers a network of trails providing an unforgettable adventure. Here are the top 10 places for trekking in Darjeeling.
1. Sandakphu Trek
Photo: Firojali.art / Wikimedia Commons
Situated on the Singalila Ridge, towering over 11,900 feet in altitude, Sandakphu is one of the most beautiful Darjeeling treks. It winds from sprawling villages, past yak pastures, and undulating meadows with wildflowers in spring when rhododendrons explode in colour. Steep climbs and potentially chilly nights have to be tackled, but they are of a moderate difficulty level and within the reach of visitors with decent fitness.
Best Time For Trekking : March to June & September to December
Sandakphu Trekking Price: From ₹9,000 – ₹13,000
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Darjeeling
2. Tonglu Trek
Photo: solarshakti / Wikimedia Commons
Trekking in Tonglu is a short one that gives one a taste of the Himalayan grandeur without committing oneself fully. It starts at Dhotrey, a pretty village, and goes through beautiful forests of rhododendrons in the spring and pines or firs for the rest of the year. The magic of Tonglu lies in its several surprises, yak herders or the first glimpse of Kanchenjunga. Tonglu’s beauty lies in its simplicity, which reflects itself in basic homestays to give a feel of warmth and hospitality.
Best Time For Trekking: April to October
Tonglu Trekking Price: From ₹6,000 – ₹8,000
3. Phalut Trek
Photo: Rkb95 / Wikimedia Commons
Phalut on the Singalila Ridge provides but one view of the giants of the Himalayan range. The path winds through beautiful villages like Rimbik, and Chitrey has colourful fluttering prayer flags, with the smell of fresh bread wafting in the atmosphere. As the altitude increases, the world begins to change, with lush green valleys giving way to climbing meadows dotted with wildflowers. The real charm of Phalut is its isolation, which leaves a chance for peace far from the crowd of popular trails.
Best Time For Trekking: October to November
Phalut Trekking Price: From ₹8,000 – ₹13,000
Suggested Read: Adventure Sports In Darjeeling
4. Singalila Ridge Trek
Photo: Matt Stabile / Wikimedia Commons
The Singalila Ridge Trek is a high-altitude hike along the spine of the Himalayas, giving its participants, or rather viewers, a view of some of the most majestic mountains in the world. This trail offers different landscapes, forests of rhododendrons, yaks’ pastures, and quaint villages. But more than that, it’s the camaraderie with fellow trekkers, the simple joy of a steaming cup of Darjeeling tea, and the warmth of hospitality dispensed by local people in the villages that end up being unforgettable.
Best Time For Trekking: March to May
Singalila Trekking Price: From ₹15,000 – ₹25,000
5. Darjeeling Rim Trek
Photo: Mckay Savage / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Darjeeling Rim Trek in Darjeeling is quite suitable for families and photography enthusiasts looking to have a relaxed initiation into the region. The emerald-green valleys, quaint villages, and sprawling tea plantations make up the tea-loving culture of the area. It is this beautiful blend of nature, culture, and tea that helps you eschew the humdrum of daily life and indulge in the rich heritage of Darjeeling.
Best Time For Trekking: September to November
Darjeeling Rim Trekking Price: From ₹15,000 – ₹25,000
Suggested Read: Shopping In Darjeeling
6. Kanchenjunga National Park Trek
Photo: G Devadarshan Sharma / Wikimedia Commons
This is a pilgrimage in the heart of the Himalayas to meet the most iconic Kanchenjunga. From wild rhododendron forests to meadows of wildflowers and yak herders, the park’s trails vary. Reaching at dawn, visitors are welcomed to a view of the snow-capped peak of Kanchenjunga. The camaraderie forged with fellow trekkers, the joy of yak butter tea, and a chance to experience the rich culture of the mountains make the trip memorable.
Best Time For Trekking: March to May
Kanchenjunga National Park Trekking Price: From ₹20,000 – ₹ 30,000
7. Lamahatta Trek
Photo: sumitsarai / Wikimedia Commons
Lamahatta trek is one of the secluded treks in Darjeeling The foothills is a tranquil tea trail for quiet experiences amidst rolling tea gardens and quaint villages. It is not one of the tiring ascents but a stroll through the folds of a tradition-laden landscape against a backdrop of natural beauty. The trail passes through beautiful villages where life slows down a breath with an opportunity to interact with friendly locals and indulge in their customs. At the top lies the Lamahatta Eco Park, with a serene lake reflecting the snow-capped peaks of the Kanchenjunga range.
Best Time For Trekking: March to May , October to December
Lamahatta Trekking Price: From ₹10,000 – ₹18,000
Suggested Read: Best Food In Darjeeling
8. Senchal Trek
Photo: Photos Worldwide / Wikimedia Commons
The Senchal trek in Darjeeling is an offbeat adventure that showcases the unbridled beauty of the Himalayas. The trail winds through the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, definitely a far cry from the more trodden paths of Darjeeling. At the end of your climb lies untainted beauty, gnarled rhododendron trees and even the highly elusive red panda. The chirping of birds and the snow-capped peak of Kanchenjunga are best enjoyed at dawn while on this trek.
Best Time For Trekking: October to April
Senchal Trekking Price: From ₹10,000 – ₹20,000
9. Gorkhey Trek
Photo: Greenchild / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Gorkhey Trek in Darjeeling is one where you could step back in time through the pristine beauty of the Darjeeling hills to get warm with the hospitality of the Gorkha people. The real magic of the Gorkhey Trek lies in the villages along the way, without electricity, where life goes according to the rhythm of nature. The cream of the Gorkhey Trek is the spectacular views of the snow-capped peak of Kanchenjunga at dawn.
Best Time For Trekking: March to May
Gorkhey Trekking Price: From ₹6,000 – ₹12,000
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Darjeeling For Couples
10. Everest View Trek
Photo: Lenny K Photography / Wikimedia Commons
Everest View Trek in Darjeeling offers trekkers glimpses of the Himalayas, the world’s highest peak, while on a stroll through charming villages and emerald green tea plantations. It’s a trail that will appeal to all sorts of trekkers, offering a tapestry of landscapes. It is in its villages that the real magic of Everest View Trek comes alive, life unfolding at a leisurely pace, friendly locals, and homestays that exude warmth, providing one with a haven to share stories and laughter.
Best Time For Trekking: March to May & September to December
Everest View Trekking Price: From ₹5,000 – ₹15,000
Darjeeling Trekking is a gateway to a world of Himalayan wonders, offering a variety of adventures. From challenging climbs like the Singalila Ridge Trek to serene walks in tea plantations, Darjeeling offers something for everyone. TripXL can help plan and book the perfect Darjeeling trek to suit your interests and fitness level, ensuring you experience the beauty of the Himalayas.
