Visitors' Reviews/Comments
Amit Adhikary (June 2022)
Thanks, we have received the ebook. Actually myself and my wife are planning to visit Karceong, Kalimpong and Darjeeling during puja2022. Can you please guide me whether there is any authentic tour operator at NJP who can provide a small car like WagonR for the entire tour of the above three places. Otherwise should I contact the tour operators whose details are provided in the ebook.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) June 2022
There are plenty of cab/tour operators in Siliguri. You can Google search and choose the one with a high review rating... Gourik Cab Services is one of them. You can also contact a few of the tour operators mentioned in our Ebook and take comparative quotes against a detailed written itinerary. Clubside and Ashmita have shown consistent performance. But Darjeeling based operators are likely to be more expensive in this case because the vehicle has to come to pick up at NJP and go back to Darjeeling after the NJP drop. Please note that we do not take any responsibility for 3rd party services.
Olimpia Das (April 2022)
We really enjoyed our 4 days tour to Darjeeling with Ashmita Trek and Tours. The guides who drove us to places were very polite and professional. Especially Mr Dipu! He is extremly polite and patient. Our trip became very memorable because of the guided tour. We will 100% recommend Ashmita to anybody who wants a tension free guided tour!
Abhijit Dutta (March 2022)
Ashmita Trek & Tour operated by Subash Tamang is well-known across Darjeeling for organizing Treks. I was reluctant first as I was going with my family. Subash Ji made me confident and I went with the bookings for a customized tour, I had decided not a packaged one. The cab driver (Santosh ji) was very nice and he quickly understood our needs and adjusted accordingly. For the 4 days we stayed in Darjeeling, Santosh ji was there to take us around the city, to Sikkim, to Kalimpong and even pick up and drop at the airport. Overall it was a pleasant tour and would definitely recommend Ashmita Trek and Tour for both packaged and customized tour. Thank you both Subash & Santosh, we will meet again.
Bitan Banerjee (January 2021)
I always wanted to visit Sandakphu. But, I had the impression that trekking is the best way to visit the place. My idea was changed when I had a word with Mr. Subhas from Ashmita Trek and Tour. He created a great itinerary for me. I started my journey on 19th December 2020, and my itinerary was - Lepcha Jagat (19th Night), Sandakphu (20th & 21st), Tumling (22nd) and drop to Darjeeling on 23rd.
I was given great accommodations at all the places, a private vehicle and a great guide, Mr. Pemba, who really helped and took great care of me throughout the trip. The locations of the hotels/home-stays were marvelous, with a breathtaking view of Mt. Kanchenjungha.
The sight seeing in all these places were just mind blowing - especially, the sunrise and sunset in Sandakphu and Tumling! I also went to Phallut, the journey and the scenery were mesmerizing.
Overall, it was a great solo trip! And special thanks to Mr. Subhas from Ashmita Trek & Tour and Mr. Pemba for making this trip possible and memorable!
Mary Dowse (March 2020)
Previous plans for travel in India were abruptly canceled. I found Ashmita on Trip Advisor, but your review convinced me. Subash arranged a trek for me on very short notice (less than a week). His attention to service made the visit to Darjeeling and trekking in Singalila National Park a highlight of my trip. Thank you for all the information on your web site and guiding me to Ashmita.
Roderick Sutherland (February 2018)
Hi, I'd just like to say that I found your homepage extremely interesting. I used it a lot when planning my trip to Darjeeling, and found it very easy to navigate between sections. Loads of good, sound advice all in one place. Our trip was very enjoyable. We used a trekking company called Asmita Treks, and the owner Subash Tamang was very helpful and professional as was the trekking guide Dawa lama. We were met at the airport and shown around Darjeeling before starting the trek. Excellent service and a nice hotel. Once again thanks for a great homepage. Keep up the good work. Kind regards
B. Rajagopal (March 2017)
We arranged our itinerary with Mr.Subhash Tamang of Ashmita Travels. It included the trip to various tourist spots in Darjeeling and a one-day trip to Namchi. Our pickup from NJP station and drop at Bagdogra airport was also arranged by Ashmita Trek and Tours. The full tour was done in Toyota Inova car. We had a very cheerful and friendly person named Mr. Nima as our tourist guide and our driver.
Baskar (February 2017)
Besides the hot and amazing momos, the owner of the Hot Stimulating Cafe Mr. Rumba(9932260769, 8343014617)who is having very good exposure of the places around and he took us to the places which was my dream to visit and I must assure that the trek was more than worth for your money. We had a 5 days Trek around Sandakphu, Phalut where you can see Sleeping Budha- the third highest peak in the world and Mt. Everest. About Mr. Rumba he easily mixed up with us (11 people we were) and he used to call every one as his brother. He knows many people around these places and he has very good knowledge about these places and its history. If u want to do a trek around these places give a shot at Hot stimulating cafe Trek and I assure that you wont regret it.
Aditya Rai (November 2016)
Hello, my name is Aditya Rai from Siliguri. Me and my friends from Bangalore had booked our Adventure Tour with Blue Dragon Adventure & Travel in April 2016. They had arranged the tours with Paragliding, Cycling, Camping, Rafting & Trek for 9Days. Our experience and tour was excellent. Team were so professional that we can not say in words, their hospitality was also very good, food was good (felt like we were at home). Overall was very very good. Like to visit them soon again with my friend. They were so friendly that they were like our friends from a long time. But we could not do the rafting due to the dam project in Teesta river and at that time it was not suitable for rafting, but instead of rafting they organized a motorbike day tour in Darjeeling. It was so nice and wonderful to ride the Royal Enfield in the Himalayas with narrow roads. Overall an excellent Tour and well organised. Thank you Team Blue Dragon Adventure & Travel.
Payel (October 2016)
Hi Raj, First of all thanks a lot for such a wonderful site. I planned my entire trip of Sikkim and Darjeeling based on your website and would be visiting Gangtok on Nov 12th and Darjeeling on Nov 17th. But I am facing a lot of trouble in getting hold of any of the tour operators that you have mentioned. I sent out mails to everyone and called all of them as well. Only one of them replied and even though i called multiple times they seemed busy or never called me back.
Can you please share some other tour operator number who will respond, so that i can discuss and finalize on my tour. I will be very grateful to you for that and i am now pretty sure that whoever you suggest would be verified and trusted.
I would also request you to put this word across to the tour operators with whom you are associated. I have traveled a lot many places in India and had good experiences with most of the travel agents. This was the first time that I faced such neglect and that again made me feel that this is the reason that Eastern or North eastern India remains a less traveled place for people from the rest of the country because of this same laid back behavior and this really sours ones travel experience for a traveler who is coming from Hyderabad to visit these places. In tourism industry customer service matters the most.
Finally, I can see how you want the world to know about these beautiful places and you are doing a wonderful job there. Thanks again. Regards.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com, October 2016)
This is a very busy time for the operators in Darjeeling. Unlike many other places, high tourist seasons are rare in the hills here and they actually execute orders during such time more than taking orders. They can not scale their operation with more staff only for 3 to 4 months a year. So expect slow response.
You can also contact Club Side Tours & Travels. They have a larger operation and may respond better. If you provide clear & specific requirements, you can expect faster response. If you want to engage an operator into discussions, this is not a good time, not up to Diwali.
While unfortunately your personal experience with them may be unsatisfactory, far too many tourists have had great experiences over the years (as evident in independent site reviews like in Tripadvisor as well as my site) to have any doubt on their credibility. Regards.
Chris McMahon (June 2016)
I was in Darjeeling 11 years ago and after a 6 week back packing tour through North India we arrived in this absolutely breath taking location. I wanted to trek in the region, but wasn't sure where to go. We stumbled upon the sign that led us to Trekmate. The next day we were off on what I can only describe as the best 5 days of trekking I have ever experienced.
Runjun, who was my guide, had an intimate knowledge in the areas of flora and fauna, as well as all the geographical features that we came across. He knew the villagers personally and I was honoured to spend time in many a home enjoying the hospitality that the locals are renowned for. I hope to one day return to this majestic land and experience the love and vibrancy of the locals and see Kanchenjunga once again. Thank you.
Sajan Skaria (March 2016)
Dear sir, I am a NRI person with family. I would like to visit Darjeeling and Gangtok for 4 days. If I am coming by train to new jalpaiguri shall I get tour operators there?
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com, March 2016)
Most at the station area will cheat you and offer low class tours. Better prearrange through one in Darjeeling.
Paul Williams (February 2016)
Subash (of Ashmita Trek & Tours) organised a 2-day trek for us along the Singalila Ridge, part walking, part Land Rover, to see the sunrise over the Himalayas from Sandakphu. Our guide was excellent, always courteous and helpful, even offering to carry our sleeping bags as we only had day rucksacks with us. He was very knowledgeable as well about the area and its flora and fauna.
Hospitality at all our stops was good, although I would advise anyone doing this trek in the cooler months to make sure they've adequate warm clothing - the room we stayed in had no heating and the nighttime temperature was below freezing.
Sleeping bags, blankets and hot water bottles are provided, but you will still probably need to keep all your available clothes on! The place was spotlessly clean, however, and the hot food provided was good and very welcome! Our sunrise view was not the best as there was quite a lot of mist, but it was still spectacular and the weather is not a trek organiser's responsibility! Overall an excellent trek and well organised. Thank you Subash.
Geetika Saraswat (January 2016)
Just wanted to share that I had a very bad experience with Clubside Tours & Travel Pvt. Ltd. They are not professional at all. We booked Gangtok, Darjeeling tour with them. They never informed us who is going to pickup, what time driver will be coming. Sightseeing was done according to the convenience of driver. We booked them from 25th Dec till 1st Jan'16.
Peter (December 2015)
Just wanted to say the Darjeeling-Tourism web site is very informative for first time visitors to Darjeeling. I used it to connect with Subash of Ashmita Trek and Tours. I would thoroughly recommend this independent company for anyone who is looking for a well organised trek. We did a 2 day trek to watch the sun rise over Kangchenjunga which was amazing. The whole thing was very well organised and I would not hesitate to recommend.
Indrajit Roy (September 2015)
I would like to know if the tour operators mentioned in the website have sightseeing tours by bus or jeep in shared manner. I will be travelling alone on November 21st. Can I book the tour packages
after reaching there. I have booked my hotel in Hotel Broadway Annexe.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com, September 2015)
Tour operators do not offer shared transport. Ideally you should book your tours in advance and the card discount works only on standard/published package rates. Some have tried to walk in and book a package after negotiating rates, and were refused.
Tim Sebastian (United Kingdom, April 2013)
Hi Raj, Thanks a lot of your helpful website and recommendations. We had a great time exploring various tea gardens in Darjeeling together with a great tour of Sikkim. Adventures Unlimited are real professional team of young adventurers who were so helpful in organizing our 10 days motorcycle tour and a five dayer Singalila ridge trek. We highly recommend this company. Regards,
Iain McIntyre (March 2013)
Dear Raj, Thank you for taking the time to reply. May I ask for a little more information/advice? On our first day we may visit the Rope Way and/or take a short trip on the Toy Train and explore the town. On the second day, we hope to be able to get to see sunrise from Tiger Hill followed by a trip to a tea plantation and perhaps a short scenic walk or trip to areas of interest. To do this it is probably best if we organize a knowledgeable guide and driver for one day to see the tea plantations and surrounding area; are you able to provide a couple of suggestions for local guides/drivers (or operators) that we could approach to arrange this. We have been in contact with Adventures Unlimited originally to arrange whitewater rafting (which we are no longer proposing to do as we have been told the Teesta is unsuitable at the moment); they have offered to arrange a trek but we do not know if they are suitable for this? Any further help you are able to provide would be greatly appreciated. Regards,
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com, March 2013)
Hi, Adventures Unlimited is a well known company. There are several other options (I discussed on this page). You may contact couple of them, compare the offerings & rates, and then take a call.
Kim Jun Tae, Korea (August 2012)
We have been to Darjeeling and our trip with Ashmita treks & tours really felt like a special holiday. And Mr. Subash is very kind friendly person !!! We have many information about Darjeeling and Sikkim. We will definitely recommend this company with our friends. Thank you Subash.
Kevin Chao (June 2012)
Follow the recommendation here. I went to Darjeeling and found Ashmita Trek and Tours. It's really great and a fantastic experience. Mr. Subash, he is the kind of person you'll always feel warm and comfortable with. He is a professional and would like to share his experience. The most important thing is that, since I'm not local person here, lots of things I'm not familiar with, but he helped not only during trekking days, but also any time I needed help. He gave me advise and help with hospitality, no mater when or for what kind of trouble, you'll always see he facing your problem like his own problem. I feel so warm during this trip, and so not only beautiful mountain view, but beautiful heart.
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