Backpackers can’t give Darjeeling a miss because it offers great places to trek and camp in, as well as a magnificent view of the Himalayas. If you’re a backpacker travelling to Darjeeling, there are several Darjeeling hotels and hostels to choose from. Given below are places to visit in Darjeeling if you’re backpacking through.
Sunrise at Tiger Hill
Kick-start your trip with one of the most surreal views you’ll ever get in your life. Tiger Hill is the point in Darjeeling at approximately 2590 meters above sea level. From the summit, you can have the front row view of the mountain, Kanchenjunga and several other snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas. Tiger Hill is around 11 km from the town of Darjeeling, and you’ll have to leave very early (around 3 am), to get to the summit in time for sunrise.
The best season for an unobstructed view of the sunrise is from October to December. But you should keep in mind that weather conditions do play a major factor – and be prepared if it gets too foggy! You can spend the rest of the day exploring the hill and the areas around the hill, and the other views that it has to offer, such as the Senchal Lake.
Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple
The Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple is a quaint Japanese Temple located around ten minutes away from the Darjeeling town. The temple is built in a traditional Japanese style and has a prayer room on the first floor. You can participate in the prayer service, for a divine experience, if you visit between 4.30 am – 6 am or 4.30 pm – 6.30 pm. Near the temple is a Japanese Pagoda, which shows four avatars of Buddha. You can also climb to the top of the Pagoda, and treat yourself to a magnificent view of the Himalayas.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
If you’re an outdoor adventure and mountaineering enthusiast, the HMI is one of the places you must visit in Darjeeling. Though it is a mountaineering institute, the HMI is also a destination in itself. You can take basic and advanced mountaineering courses here, as well as courses on outdoor adventures, which last between 15 to 28 days. There’s also a museum that you can visit, which contains various historical mountaineering artifacts and displays of various expeditions. Review our verdict on Cleartrip.
Batasia Loop
The Batasia Loop is the spot where the Darjeeling toy train makes a complete loop, which is required for its descent of nearly 140 feet. You can either experience the loop if the ride the toy train, or you can take a cab to the spot and enjoy the view as the train takes the loop. The spot also gives you a 360-degree view of Darjeeling – both the town and the mountains. The railway track is laid along a beautiful garden, and seating areas, which surround the loop.
Day Treks in Darjeeling
If you have the luxury of being in Darjeeling for several days, there are many treks that you could make if you’re an outdoor person. If not, there are day treks in Darjeeling that start early in the day and will have you back by dark. For example, you can trek from Tonglu and return via Tumling to Manebhanjan. There are several guides and operators whose help you can take, and their services range from basic necessities to a fully-planned trek.
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Do share your love for this amazing travel destination. Also we will be happy to hear more tourist places from Darjeeling, please comment below.
Very well described post and beautiful pictures.
Darjeeling is on my list now…beautiful clicks:-)