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Hi Raj, Your inputs and suggestions have been a real value addition for a host of people visiting the beautiful eartern himalayas. My question might be repetitive in nature but again, they are specific to our trip so I seek your guidance. I have made this itinerary from your posts. Please let me know if you suggest any changes .
We are reaching Bagdogra on 19th Nov,2014 1 pm and have to fly to Kolkata on 27th Nov'14 for a friend's wedding. Flight is from Bagdogra at 2:30 pm.
19 NOV
Reach Bagdora at 13:00 hrs- Go to Gangtok (Sikkim) - 5 hrs. Shopping at MG Marg / Lal Mkt..
20 NOV
Day tour covering Flower Exhibition Center, Handicraft Center (Directorate of Handicraft & Handlooms), Hanuman Tok & Viewing area, Ganesh Tok & Viewing area, Himalayan Zoological Park, Tashi View Point, Enchey Monastery, Bakthang Waterfall
21 NOV
Day tour from Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathula Pass
22 NOV
Gangtok – Lachung
After breakfast drive to Lachen (altitude 8800 ft) for about 6 hours. Enroute visit Singhik View point, Seven Sisters Water Falls, Naga Water Falls. Stop on way for lunch. Reach Lachung by evening . Overnight at Hotel in LACHUNG.
23 NOV
Early Morning drive to Yumthang-valley (known as Valley of Flowers), Yumthang is the summer grazing ground of the Yaks & winter playgrounds of Yetis. On the way back visit Hot Spring considered to have medicinal properties. Back to resort for lunch. After lunch departure for Gangtok en route witness the Beautification of the wonderful Bheema & Twin Falls. On arrival at check-in to your hotel in Gangtok.
24 NOV
Gangtok – Namchi- Pelling (127 Km: 6hrs)
Depart for Pelling en-route visiting Samdruptse Hill and Char Dham in Namchi
After noon drive to Pelling. Stay in Pelling
25 NOV
Sun Pelling to Darjeeling(110km: 5hr)
After BF ˝ day Sight seeing
Rimbi Water Falls & Karchen Power House (5kms down from Darap) en route to Khecheopalri lake. Khangchendzonga waterfalls (28 km from Darap) and 5 km before Yuksam. Move to Darjeeling. Check In to Hotel. Evening free.
26 NOV
MIXED Point Tour of Darjeeling covering: Japanese Temple & Peace Pagoda, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Zoo, Darjeeling Ropeway, Tenzing & Gombu Rock, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center, Toy train, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute / Zoo
27 NOV Depart to Airport
Currently, Becuase of Lachung, we are spending 2 full days there for gangtok-lachung-gangtok. Please guide whether we should skip Lachung and give one more day to Darjeeling and one day to Kalimpong instead or is lachung worth it?
Also, do you suggest we speak to a travel operator for end-to-end car or should be seek to rent a car at every location on our own. We are 2 couples. Also, seek your guidance for hotels. We are neither looking for budget nor high luxury hotels. They may be in range of 2500-3000 per night on Continental tariffs. We have shortlisted the names from few frnds and online references.
Gangtok- Sterling Delisso, Darjeeling- Villa Everest, Peling- Teshigang, Lachung- Fortuna. Please guide us for the trip. Thanks a lot Raj !!
Harsh Mehta (September 2014)
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There is nothing in Lachung as such. One goes there for visiting Yumthang Valley, but it requires an overnight stay at Lachung and spending two full days for the trip. While Yumthang is great and certainly worth it (provided you get clear weather), for better utilisation of time, you can spend a day in Kalimpong and an extra day in Darjeeling for making a day trip to Mirik.
Hotels are okay. You can contact a tour operator like Ashmita Trek & Tours to organize your trip. They offer attractive discount on Darjeeling Tourism Cards.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) September 2014
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Hi Raj,
I'm planning for 5 nights and 6 days for Darjeeling and Gangtok. we will be 2 adults and 2 kids(7 & 3).Following tickets are booked:
arrival at Bagdogra 5 oct
joy ride Darjeeling 9 Oct
departure from Bagdogra 10 oct
My rough itinerary
day1 arrival at airport-transit to gangtok
day2 10 point sight seeing
day 3 Tsomgo lake and baba mandir
day 4 transit to darjeeling via namchi (possible ??)
day 5 half day sightseeing then joy ride (afternoon)
day 6 3 point sightseeing, transit to bagdogra airport.
What do u suggest shall i drop tsomogo lake and increase a day in darjeeling. but I really wanna visit the lake... and char dham at namchi is also a must do for me. Please give ur valuable comments and suggestions.
Gauri Choudhary (September 2014)
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You can keep Tsomgo lake. It'll be a long journey if you plan to visit Namchi on your way to Darjeeling. The shorter route from Namchi to Darjeeling via Jorthang and Tukvar is in a bad condition and small cars can't make it. But if you have a Sumo/Scorpio etc, you can go. It takes about 2.5 hours from Namchi to Darjeeling. Otherwise you will need to come via Teesta (3.5 - 4 hours from Namchi)
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) September 2014
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Hi,
I landed on your website and frankly speaking no other website provides such a detailed and informative information on tour to Sikkim Darjeeling Area. Based on your inputs and my own research I have prepared an itinerary for my tour of two families 4 adults and two kids about 5 years. I'd like you to give your valuable comments. Here is what I plan:
Day 1- Airport to kalimpong transfer . ( Suggest good 3 star hotel here)
day 2- Kalimpong local sight seeing & transfer to Gangtok.
Day 3- Tasngu Lake, Baba Mandir. and Nathula Pass
Day 4 - Gangtok Local Half day 10point tour and Pelling transfer, tell
me if it feasible? Ranka and Rumtek Monastery will be skipped that's ok
Day 5- Pelling full day tour
Day 6- Pelling Darjeeling transfer and evening at Darjeeling
Day 7- Morning Tiger Hill, batasia Loop, goom Monstry and mixed points
tour in second half, possible?
day 8 -Mirik Lake, Pasupati market ( up to india Border ) Can we include
the toy train Joy Ride here ?
day 9- Darjeeling to Airport.
Please review the itinerary and also suggest good 3-4 star hotel at each place. Looking forward to your suggestions. Thanks once again for the wonderful work you are doing.
Aniket (September 2014)
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You will need a day in Gangtok to get your permits for Tsomgo, Nathula etc. Usually you can't get it on the same day and move. Pelling transfer in the second half is okay. Day-7 is possible but can be a bit tiring since you get up and start your day at 3am. Skip Pashupati market .... useless and time wasting. Rather visit Jorpokhri on the way to Mirik. Toy train is not possible on the same day unless you start and get back early.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) September 2014
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Hello Sir ,
Could you please review my following Itinerary if it is feasible. I have used information mentioned on your site though. I am not sure to go to Darjeeling first or gangtok as I have to catch 12 pm flight from Bagdogra on last day. Please provide your comments early if possible as we are travelling on 27 Sep to 5 Oct and already late in making bookings.
Day 1 - 27 Sep : Arrrive Bagdogra at 1 pm . Transfer to Darjeeling via Mirik by Pre Paid -taxi Takes about 4.5 hours. Mirik lake and tea gardens on the way Overnight in Darjeeling.Night stay in Darjeeling.dinner at the famous Glenary's Restaurant.
Day 2 - 28 Sep : trip for mixed-point tour in Darjeeling. Stay overnight.
Day-3 - 29 Sep: Visit the 3-point tour ( Tiger Hill, GhoomM nastery, Bhatasia Loop). 3-point early morning tour for Tiger Hill and 2-hour joyride on toy train.
Leave for Pelling by afternoon 2:00 PM, night halt @ Pelling
Day 4 - 30 Sep: After BF ˝ day Sight seeing. Rimbi Water Falls & Karchen Power House (5kms down from Darap) en route to Khecheopalri lake. Khangchendzonga waterfalls (28 km from Darap) and 5 km before Yuksam.
Move to Lachung by 4 PM. Overnight at Lachung.
Day-5 ( 1 oct): Start in the morning for Yumthang, Yumi Samedong, night halt at Lachung
Day-6 ( 2 Oct): Lachung to Gurdongmar lake. From lake return to Gangtok directly. Rest of day at leisure
Day 7 (3 Oct): Go for a full day 10-point sightseeing tour
Day 8 4 OCT : Get the required permits and Make a full day trip to Tsomgo Lake and followed by visit to Baba Mandir. May also combine Nathula Pass.
DAY 9 5 oct - Leave early from Gangtok to bagdogra. Catch flight at 12 pm
Devika Bhimwal (September 2014)
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Pelling to Lachung on the same day is not doable.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) September 2014
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Hello Sir ,
Thanks you for your inputs. Could you please suggest then how we will be able to accommodate Pelling in the tour . Or should we make Gangtok first and in last Darjeeling . Thanks for your reply.
Devika Bhimwal (September 2014)
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You can follow this sequence:
Day1: Transfer to Gangtok from Bagdogra. Day2 & 3: Visit Lachung/Yumthang and return to Gangtok. Day4: Day trip to Tsomgo lake & Baba Mandir. Day5 morning: Move to Pelling and do local sightseeing. Day6 (morning): Transfer to Darjeeling. Day7: local sightseeing at Darjeeling: Day8: day trip to Mirik or Kalimpong, Day9: Depart.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) September 2014
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Hello Raj,
Such a beautiful website hats off to you. I will reach Darjeeling on 02/11/2014 Sunday and will be there till 05/11/2014. On 05/11/2014 I have booked the toy train ride and rest of the time for small shopping and in the afternoon I will move to Gangtok. So please guide me on 03rd Monday and 4th Tuesday sightseeing. Two full days I want to utilise more effectively covering all the nearest reachable beautiful places. I am travelling alone n a photographer by passion. Regards
Sudeep Puthalath (September 2014)
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Hi, on 3rd go for tiger hill sunrise (3-point tour) early in the morning and then followed by 7-point or mixed point tour later in the day. After returning take a stroll along the Mall road, walk up to the Mahakal Temple on Observatory hill. Next day take a day trip to Mirik by a private cab ... lovely tea gardens on the way, Indo Nepal border (view point at Simana ... do not enter Pahupati Market though), Mirik Monastery and the lake. Take lunch at the restaurant of Jagjeet Hotel. On the way back, cover Jorpokhri and Lepcha Jagat.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) September 2014
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Hi, Thanks a lot Raj.. I will be carrying my photos, driving licence and passport along with the xerox copies hope that would be fine as documentary part. Can u suggest an easiest way to get pass to visit Nathula pass and hope if I take a private taxi I can cover the lake and Nathula pass and temple if I start in the early morning in the same day itself as mentioned in the website.. and finally is there any important point I should keep in mind before starting the journey especial about climate, gadgets am carrying, the place, local people and transport..
Regards
Sudeep Puthalath (September 2014)
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Photos and Driving license will be fine ... no need to carry passport. Ask the hotel to get you the permit. It takes one day and the application has to go in the morning, and then you can plan for the trip next day. You should take a Scorpio (roads are not suitable for small cars). You can cover all three places on the same day. Start by 8am. Take adequate woollens. Remember these are all restricted army areas, particularly Nathula. And the altitude at Nathula does not suit all (some have breathing problems). So, do not exert yourself much out there and head back immediately if you have difficulty in breathing instead of pushing it further.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) September 2014
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Dear Sir,
Thank you for patiently answering all the questions and guiding us in planing our trips.. We are going for the GoechaLa Trek (oct 1 2014) and before the trek we are planning to do some sight seeing. I have put up an itinerary. Kindly confirm if it is ok.
Day 1 : NJP to Makaibari Tea Estate. Visit Mirik Lake and Pasupati Market.If time permits, trek in the estate
Day 2 : Factory Tour. Leave for Darjeeling. Get off at Ghoom . See Monastery and Batasia Loop. Take train to Darjeeling. Visit HMI and Chowrasta.
Day 3: Visit Peace Pagoda.Leave for Gangtok. On the way see Rumtek and Ranka Monastery. visit Botanical garden near Rumtek.
Day 4: Visit Tsomgo and Nathula Pass.Gangnesh Tok and Hanuman Tok. shopping at MG Marg.
Day 5: Leave for Yuksom. On the way, visit Pemayangste Monastery and Khecheoparli Lake. Reach Base Camp.. Please suggest any changes if you think is needed. Thanks
Vidya (September 2014)
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Hi,
Mirik and Makaibari are not on the same route. You can cover one on the way to Darj. Whether you will get Toy train from Ghoom will depend on your timing. Also buy tickets in advance if you want to ensure seats. Also for HMI you should reach Darj by afternoon. For Nathula etc, ask your hotel in advance to make your permits. It requires a full day and application should go in the morning. Ganesh tok is not on the same route as Hanuman tok, although possible.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) September 2014
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Mr. Raj first of all I want to thank you for providing all details through your site. I still have some query hope u will guide me. I am planning to visit both places in December last week with my family(total 4 person).Can i know whether Nathula pass is have any close days, can we go directly to Darjeeling from Nathula pass, if yes then how much time it will take & suggest the route, what is there at zero point,& from there also can we go to Darjeeling direct by which route & in how much time, can we return New Jalpaiguri from Darjeeling via Mirik Lake & viewing Tea Garden, how much time it will take. MY Plan is as follow Plz. suggest is it better or to be improved.
Dt.23/12/14 arrive at NJP approx. 8 A.M. then at Gangtok get fresh & view Himalayan Zoo Park & do some shopping & stay.
24/12 Take either 10 Point tour including Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok,Tashi View Point, Bakthang Waterfall, Tibetology Museum, Chorten Stupa, Enche Monastery, Handicraft & Cottage Industry, Flower Exbition, Ropeway. Alternative drive to Rumtek Monastery, Ranka Monestary, Banjhakri waterfall or Full day tour of Tsogmo Lake, Baba Mandir & Nathula Pass.
25/12 as Above alternative.
26/12 checkout & way to Darjeeling check in Hotel & after lunch go to Joyride with Toytrain come back to Mall Road go to Observatory Hill & Mahakal Temple.
27/12 Take 3 Point tour to Tiger Hill Back to Hotel & then take Mix Point Tour which include Japanese Temple & Peace Pagoda, HMI & Zoo, Ropeway, Dhirdham Temple, AVA Art Gallery,Bengal Natural History Museum,Rock Garden & Gangamaya Park,Happy Valley Tea Estate, Tibetan Refugee Help Center.
28/12 Check out from Hotel & drive to NJP via Mirik Lake & Tea Gardens, if Possible can we go to Nepal Border, if Yes please suggest short route so that we can take train at NJP in Evening.
Rajesh R. Singhania (September 2014)
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Your itinerary looks good. Do not plan Darjeeling directly from Nathula .... instead come back to Gangtok and then transfer to Darjeeling next morning. You can visit Mirik on your way to NJP from Darjeeling. You will go by the Nepal border on your way to Mirik (the view point there is known as Simana).
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) September 2014
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Please go through my itinerary and suggest if its feasible, especially Gangtok 10-point tour.
20 December : Bagdogra to Darjeeling (via Mirik)
21 December : Darjeeling Sight-seeing
a) 3-point tour
1) Tiger Hill
2) Ghoom Monastery
3) Batasia Loop and War Memorial
b) Toy train ride
22 December : Darjeeling Sight-seeing
a) Mixed Point Tour
1) Japanese Temple & Peace Pagoda
2) Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Zoo
3) Darjeeling Ropeway
4) Tenzing & Gombu Rock
5) Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center
6) Happy Valley Tea Estate
7) Rock Garden
23 December : Darjeeling to Gangtok
a) On the way, river rafting (if river rafting is not operational, then paragliding)
24 December : Gangtok Sight-seeing
a) 10-point tour
1) Ranka Monastery
2) Ban Jhakri Waterfall
3) Rumtek Monastery
4) Enchey Monastery
5) Ganesh Tok
6) Zoo
7) Hanuman Tok
8) Ropeway
9) Tashi View Point
10) Chorten Stupa
25 December : Gangtok Sight-seeing
a) 3-point tour
1) Tsongmo Lake
2) Baba Mandir
3) Nathula Pass
26 December : Gangtok to Bagdogra
Shashank Kamerkar (September 2014)
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Hi, River Rafting or Paragliding should be arranged in advance. Do not try to do it on the fly. Zoo is not part of usual 10-point full day tour of Gangtok. You may not have enough time left. It's a vast area and takes time to explore.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) September 2014
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Dear Sir ,
Thanks for your reply. I have worked out my Itinerary as below:-
01 Feb15 arriving Bagdogra airport at 1340hrs. Proceed to Gangtok (1400-1830hrs)night stay @Gangtok
02 Feb Gangtok full day trip to Tsomgolake- Baba mandir-Nathula pass (0730-1630hrs). Night stay@Gangtok
03 Feb 10 points tour (half day) 0800-1300hrs. Proceed to Darjeeling 1400-1800hrs. Night stay@Darjeeling
04 Feb Take 3 point tour(0400-0730hrs) followed by morning train ride (0800-1000hrs). Thereafter take 7 points tour. Night halt@Darjeeling
05 Feb Return journey Darjeeling- Bagdogra via Mirrik (0700-1200hrs) Flight ETD 1415. Security chech -in by 1300hrs
Is it OK? Please suggest/improvement/amendments
Shankar Chavan (September 2014)
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Swap 2nd and 3rd (you need one day to get permits for Nathula etc).
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) September 2014
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My wife and I have 12 nights in the region from Nov 12 to Nov 24 but we enjoy travelling slowly as we are in our mid-60s. We were thinking of 1 night in Siliguri (our arrival flight arrives late), 4 nights in Darjeeling, 3 nights in Gangtok, and 3 nights in Kalimpong before returning to NJP to catch a night train. Does that seem like a reasonable number of days in each place? That still leaves 1 extra night. You may have another recommendation but we were thinking of spending that extra night in Namchi. However, I am unclear on the best route to get to Namchi and how to add it into the itinerary. For example, would it be convenient on the way from Darjeeling to Gangtok or is the road from Darjeeling to Namchi not very good? Thank you in advance and best regards,
Peter Munro (October 2014)
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Number of days in each place is quite okay. You may however consider adding one night in Gangtok and reducing one from Kalimpong, if you plan to do considerable local sightseeing. Otherwise if you want to take it easy, it's fine. There is a shorter route to Namchi from Darjeeling via Tukvar & Jorthang but that's in a bad shape and small cars can't make it. From all other places, you will need to go via Teesta. Kalimpong would be the closest. So make Namchi your last stop after Kalimpong.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) October 2014
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Hello Raj I'm Swati from kolkata. Here are a few of my plans
25th we (4+1 infant) will reach NJP by 2am if train is on schedule. We want to leave from NJP at 3.00am or 4am.
25th December - Day 1
Reach Darjeeling Via Mirik after 12.00pm. Take lunch and go for paragliding/or mall.
26th Tiger hill, Joy train and other Local sight seeing and paragliding (if not on 25th)
27th at 8am leave for Gangtok via Kalimpong(optional) and other sight seeing on the way. Rope way in Gangtok also
28th Changu, Baba mandir and Nathula and other sight seeing on the way
29th leave at 8am - 10am for NJP. River Rafting on the way.
Our return train is at 9pm from NJP
Please advice if this is a good plan or if u suggest any changes My hotel reservation is with Summit Hotels.
Car rental is quoting 20000/- for this tour which i think is expensive. Can you suggest me should i book in advance or book car after i reach Darj?
Swati Tibrewala (November 2014)
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Hi Swati,
If you want to start from NJP by 3 or 4am then pre-book a car from a well known operator and avoid taking a taxi from the station. There might be one or two stray drivers at that hour offering you a drop. Paragliding on the same day is possible, but being awake the whole night, it may be quite tiring. You actually don't have any other time for this. Next day paragliding may not be possible because of other activities. Drive straight to Gangtok and not via Kalimpong as that would take the whole day with Kalimpong local sightseeing. Nathula permit needs to be done one day in advance and sometimes due to heavy snow in winter route may remain closed. Changu and Baba Mandir should be doable. Rest is fine. Take photo id cards for the permits. Book cars after you reach Darjeeling. Note that you can not use the same car both in Darjeeling and Sikkim.... you will need to take local cars due to state restrictions in these two areas.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) November 2014
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Sir,
I alongwith my wife, daughter aged 9 years and son aged 4 years and one more family comprising of 3 adults are planning to visit Gangtok and Darjeeling in Apr 2015 as per following programme:
Day 1: Arrive Bagdogra Airport. Proceed to Gangtok by road(prepaid
taxi)and check in
Day 2: 10 point sightseeing tour at Gangtok.
Day 3: Visit to Tsongo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula Pass
Day 4: Check out at 8 Am and proceed to Darjeeling via Namchi.
Day 5: 3 point tour followed by 7 point tour
Day 6: Toy train Joyride/Visit to Kalimpong and back
Day 7: Check out 1200 hrs and proceed to NJP station. Train at 1730 hrs.
Is my itinerary OK or do I require any alteration? Please guide
Sanjay Kumar Singh (December 2014)
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Your itinerary is quite good. Few points to note:
1. For Tsomgo/Nathula etc, all of you should carry your Photo Ids and submit them on day2 for getting permits.
2. The shorter road from Namchi to Darjeeling is quite bad (takes about 2.5 hours or so). If you want to take this road, you will need a Scorpio/Bolero etc. Otherwise go via Teesta Bazaar which takes one hour more.
3. On day-6 if you do toy train ride, it may be late for Kalimpong day trip. Plan for one of the two. An alternative could be, take the first toy train (around 8am), do only the forward journey up to ghoom, get off and then head for Kalimpong from there (ask the taxi to come down to Ghoom to pick you up). From Ghoom, Kalimpong will take about 2 hours. In Kalimpong you will spend about 3 hours for sighseeing/lunch etc and then return. Among other places, visit Graham's Home school and Dello Hills.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) December 2014
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