Kayaking in Darjeeling
Darjeeling offers splendid opportunities for kayaking (i.e. canoeing on a small fiber boat) down mountain rivers while enjoying the magnificent views of the towering mountains, the valleys and the river banks with lush green forests.
Don't be scared thinking that the water current of these mountain streams will force you to uncontrolled speeds. Actually you will be taken down to a river site which is at a much lower altitude. One such site is the Ramman river at Singla, which is about 25kms from Darjeeling town and at an altitude of about 230 meters.
It takes about 1.5 hours to reach Singla from Darjeeling. Here the river flow is gentle and it's ideal for experienced paddlers. The Kayak operator will provide instructions before starting the adventure and the entire kayak session will be carefully supervised. Usually you will get single seater kayaks in Darjeeling.
But if you are a beginner or a novice in Kayaking, then usually the river Little Rangeet (locally known as Chota Rangeet) is chosen which is also near Singla. Here kayaking is done in shallow water. And this place is ideal for families and also for those who want to combine camping with Kayaking.
Kayaking in Darjeeling
Photo: Offroad Adventure
There are two types of kayaking trips offered in Darjeeling. One is a day trip which feels like a kayaking combined with a picnic and tour. The other is an overnight kayak trip which includes camping on the river bank and lets yoy feel the nature more intimately.
Day Kayaking Trip from Darjeeling
A popular option is to book through a well known operator and go for a day trip for kayaking and return to Darjeeling before it is dark. This is a full day trip and the operator takes care of everything including transport, lunch, kayak & gears, instructions etc etc. They will also offer demonstration and practice sessions.
A typical schedule will include:
08.00am: Hotel Pickup and transfer to Singla.
10.00am: Kayaking instructions and demos are given.
10.30am: Initially kayak in shallow water and get used to the current.
12.30pm: Now you will try in deep water of you want.
01.30pm: Have lunch on river bank and under a tent
03.00pm: See rice planting, visit a tea garden etc.
04. 00pm: Drive Back To Darjeeling.
Kayaking & Camping
You will not only kayak during the day time, but come back and enjoy the serene and tranquil atmosphere in Singla area, lie down on a hammock and read books, hear the chirping of the birds, roam around in the nearby tea gardens, and then stay overnight in a camp on the river bank. Great kayaking experience along with spending time with the nature. The camp will be equipped with tent, camping light, mattress, pillow, sleeping bag etc. A typical schedule will include:
08.00am: Hotel Pickup and transfer to Singla.
10.00am: Kayaking instructions and demos are given.
10.30am: Initially kayak in shallow water and get used to the current.
12.30pm: Now you will try in deep water of you want.
01.30pm: Have lunch on river bank and under a tent and then relax.
05.00pm: Coffee time (the operator can also arrange for cultural programs)
08.00pm: Dinner
Overnight stay in camps
06:00am: Have morning tea.
07:00am: Do yoga with an instructor on the river bank.
07.30am: Breakfast.
08. 00am: Drive Back To Darjeeling.
How to take Kayaking trips in Darjeeling
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