11 adventures and activities in Darjeeling and Sikkim for the Daredevil in You
Darjeeling and Sikkim provide you with a laid-back experience as you sit back and relax nestled in the cozy lap of the Himalayas. But is that all you desire? Or is the adventurer in you looking for some unparalleled thrills under the snow-capped peaks of the mighty Kanchenjunga too? If that’s the case, you have come to the right spot.
Here are 11 things you can do in Darjeeling and Sikkim to satisfy the adventurer in you.
1. Make a Splash!
As you make your way down the mighty Teesta river, you will see mountains on either side covered in dense forests. While rafting down the Teesta river, the enthralling experience of white water rafting will be complemented by the view on either side of the river. The foaming rapids will become a lasting memory in your mind.
You can even partake in multiple rafting courses based on your experience level starting at Melli, a border town between West Bengal and Sikkim.
2. Metal to the Pedal!
Ready to run out of breath as you pedal your way to the top of a mountain along India’s first Mountain Biking trail? As you cycle up a mist-covered hill along a 20-kilometer trail to a hamlet named Chatakpur, you may be lucky enough to spot a few exotic animals like the Himalayan Black Bears and wild boars. However, you can also rent mountain bikes in Sikkim and Darjeeling for casual rides on the meandering streets of these mountain cities.
3. Soar like an Eagle!
If the views from the mountainside weren’t enough, you could choose to get a better panoramic view by paragliding your way in Darjeeling.
If you do, then rest assured, you will be soaring like an eagle while enjoying the mystic vistas of the snow-capped peaks.
4. Climb to New Heights!
Who does not have a desire to scale the mighty Everest? Getting the climb to the Himalayan rocks will inch you closer to checking it off of your bucket list.
Let the adrenaline kick in with every few inches you climb.
Darjeeling and Sikkim both offer numerous rock climbing escapades. However, the most popular is the Tenzing rock, where the first Everest climber Tenzing Norgay started his climbing career. Besides that, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling has everything you need to conquer that climb.
5. Off the beaten track!
Ready to take your adventures to the next level? Venture into new trails for days with treks to places that will enchant you with their grandeur. Sikkim and Darjeeling offer you a handful of trek routes but, some of the most notable ones are:
Sandhakpu Trek: Get up close and personal with the lofty peaks of Kanchenjunga and Everest while being surrounded by blooming rhododendr on flowers at the height of 3,636 meters.
Dzongri Trek: At the height of 4.020 meters, this trek gives you unforgettable sights of the Kanchenjunga and Mt Pandim.
Goecha La Trek: Comprehend the beauty of the Himalayan mountains at the height of 4,940 meters as you pass through valleys of unadulterated Himalayan wilderness.
Kanchenjunga Trek: Not for the faint-hearted, the Kanchenjunga trek is the only one that leads you into the Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve. At the height of 8,586 meters, you cannot get closer to Kanchenjunga without scaling the peak.
Green Lake Trek: A paradise among the trekkers, this trail is best-known for the panoramic view it offers at the height of 5,000 meters.
6. Sleep Under the Stars!
You can go all-in for a full-blown natural experience and set up camp along the route of the Sandhakpu trek for a view of the unparalleled night sky.
Moreover, the non-existent light pollution and the high altitude make for the perfect combination to stargaze.
If you prefer to camp on a riverside, the Triveni camping site is for you as it is along the confluence of two rivers where you can sleep to the lullaby of the mighty Teesta.
7. Twist the throttle!
A ride along the twisty road up the mountains is exhilarating if you’re a biker by heart. You can find multiple bike rental services in Darjeeling and Sikkim. It is by far the best mode of travel. As they say, “riding is therapy.”
8. Among the clouds!
For the lesser daredevils, you can employ a helicopter ride to give you an aerial tour of Sikkim. Some popular spots for aerial exploration are the Kanchenjunga Mountain flight, Tsomgo Lake flight, west, and north Sikkim flights. Most importantly, you can tour the whole state comfortably from the warm seat of a helicopter.
9. Into the wild!
Sikkim and Darjeeling contain exceptional biodiversity. It houses rare species like red pandas, snow leopards, musk deer, and so on. Some of the most prevalent ones are The Kanchendzonga National Park, Singalila National Park, and Singalila National Park.
Several Botanical gardens are also available for exploration. Like for example the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan zoological park, which is one of the most revered Zoological parks in India. It hosts several rare and endangered species calling for an adventure of a lifetime.
10. Conquer the Peaks!
The quaint state of Sikkim consists of several peaks open for mountaineers to climb.
If you are ready to take it a step further from rock climbing, trying to scale actual Himalayan peaks is sure to get your adrenaline rushing. Mt. Jopuno, Mt. Tenchenkhang, Frey Peak, Mt. Brumkhangse, and Mt. Lama Wangden are five scaleable peaks from Sikkim.
However, it is not a perennial event as March-May and September – November are the best months for these expeditions.
11. The Joy Ride!
We cannot end this list without the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the main attractions of Darjeeling. Take a Train ride up to Darjeeling, being chugged along by vintage steam engines on this experience.
The thrill of being dragged up winding tracks along cliffs by a steam engine is a one-of-a-kind, making them a must-visit.
The Sub-Himalayan regions of Darjeeling and Sikkim are not just sleepy hamlets nestled under the snowy peaks. They offer so much more than just the view, and if you’re looking for adventure, we have got you covered with our tailor-made itineraries and travel plans to best suit your needs.
Contact us for that oh-so-sweet adrenaline rush among the mountains.
