[nibedk]

BHPians - Planning a trip to WB

- Darjeeling
- Mirik
- Kalimpong

How many days do you folks think is enough to cover all 3 places? I would like to stay at one of these 3 places and cover the other 2 as well.

Which among the 3 would be the best to make base and also be able to cover the the other 2?

There are quite a few travelogues and info available on net as well. Going through the same but the amount of info is overwhelming. Should I add any more places?

Post that we would travel to Gangtok and would want to cover as many places possible. Here too quite a lot of info and confusing as well especially the permit part.

I would be driving down with my Punto along with family and would want to know realistically what all permits are possible?

What are the must see ones which can be done during winters and if possible with my own car?

My younger brother stays in Gangtok and works in hospitality industry so I am hoping he can help with the permits.

I have around 12-13 days in total starting from Kolkata on 19th Dec morning.

I would finally be travelling back to Hyderabad with a stop over at Bhubaneswar. The 12-13 days is starting from Kolkata and doesn't include the travel to Kolkata from Hyderabad or travel back to Hyderabad from Kolkata. These days have been factored separately

[Samba]

It is better to stay at a couple of places and then cover Mirik, Darjeeling and Kalimpong rather than staying at one place.

As you are visiting Sikkim after mid December, I will suggest you, not to venture the places which require permits. Permits are required for North Sikkim and East Sikkim. Both being at high altitude, there will be an uncertainty of snow fall.

Let me share a rough itinerary for you-

Day 1- Kolkata- siliguri
Day 2- Siliguri to Darjeeling via Mirik
Day 3- Darjeeling sightseeing
Day 4- Darjeeling to Kalimpong
Day 5- Kalimpong sightseeing
Day 6- Kalimpong to Gangtok
Day 7- Gangtok to Kaluk
Day 8- Kaluk to Pelling via Ravangla
Day 9- Visit Yuksom and Pelling sightseeing
Day 10- Pelling to Namchi
Day 11- Namchi to Siliguri
Day 12- Siliguri to Kolkata

For the above itinerary you do not need any permit anywhere. You just need to get the Sikkim travel card, which you can obtain online from Sikkim website.

[Sushil Pingua]

Dear Brother,
Beginning from Kolkata take the following route for ease of travel without having to traverse between jam of trucks and to cross good roads.

Kolkata - Asansol - Dumka - Bhagalpur - Araria - Thakurganj - Siliguri.

I had covered this route in March-April'21 during my 13 days' self-driven vacation with family (wife+5month's daughter+70yrs old mother) to Darjeeling/Sikkim.

In Siliguri I took halt at Mainak Tourist Lodge of WBTDC - abundant and safe parking within its premises. Then next day after breakfast proceeded towards Mirik and took halt at Lepchajagat for a night.
I booked a furnished apartment in Darjeeling for next 3 days, and covered the places in&around Darjeeling in these 3 days. Due to parking issues and NoEntry/OneWay provisioning by the Darjeeling Traffic Police in Darjeeling I had hired a local TataSumo.
Further I proceeded from Darjeeling towards Dentam in Sikkim via Jamuni Bridge - Jorethang - Pelling. Making the HomeStay of Dentam as my base I visited the SkyWalk, Pemayangtse Monastery, Yuksom, Khechiperi Lake, Kanchenjunga WaterFalls, Rimbi Orange Garden. Around Dentam I along with my whole family completed trekking at Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary... You should try the local Rhododendron wine, strawberry wine, millet wine prepared by the local villagers. Beside the town Dentam is Asia's highest iron-suspension bridge & also a Trout Fish farm nearby - Dentam Valley is awesome.

I did not visit Gangtok and higher regions because +ve cases were on a high in Gangtok in April'21. Moreover babies below 5 yrs of age are not granted permit to visit NathuLa and like areas.

Plan accordingly, I've not answered all your queries but I hope my trip gives some good clues for your happy journey.

[nibedk]

Originally Posted by Samba

It is better to stay at a couple of places and then cover Mirik, Darjeeling and Kalimpong rather than staying at one place.

As you are visiting Sikkim after mid December, I will suggest you, not to venture the places which require permits. Permits are required for North Sikkim and East Sikkim. Both being at high altitude, there will be an uncertainty of snow fall.

Let me share a rough itinerary for you-

Day 1- Kolkata- siliguri
Day 2- Siliguri to Darjeeling via Mirik
Day 3- Darjeeling sightseeing
Day 4- Darjeeling to Kalimpong
Day 5- Kalimpong sightseeing
Day 6- Kalimpong to Gangtok
Day 7- Gangtok to Kaluk
Day 8- Kaluk to Pelling via Ravangla
Day 9- Visit Yuksom and Pelling sightseeing
Day 10- Pelling to Namchi
Day 11- Namchi to Siliguri
Day 12- Siliguri to Kolkata

For the above itinerary you do not need any permit anywhere. You just need to get the Sikkim travel card, which you can obtain online from Sikkim website.

Thanks mate for the detailed itinerary.

From the travelogues in tbhp itself I see that people have travelled to permit zones during winters.

Can't Zuluk be done? Driving on silk route is something I have been dreaming of for long.

[nibedk]

Originally Posted by Sushil Pingua

Dear Brother,
Beginning from Kolkata take the following route for ease of travel without having to traverse between jam of trucks and to cross good roads.

Kolkata - Asansol - Dumka - Bhagalpur - Araria - Thakurganj - Siliguri.

I had covered this route in March-April'21 during my 13 days' self-driven vacation with family (wife+5month's daughter+70yrs old mother) to Darjeeling/Sikkim.

In Siliguri I took halt at Mainak Tourist Lodge of WBTDC - abundant and safe parking within its premises. Then next day after breakfast proceeded towards Mirik and took halt at Lepchajagat for a night.
I booked a furnished apartment in Darjeeling for next 3 days, and covered the places in&around Darjeeling in these 3 days. Due to parking issues and NoEntry/OneWay provisioning by the Darjeeling Traffic Police in Darjeeling I had hired a local TataSumo.
Further I proceeded from Darjeeling towards Dentam in Sikkim via Jamuni Bridge - Jorethang - Pelling. Making the HomeStay of Dentam as my base I visited the SkyWalk, Pemayangtse Monastery, Yuksom, Khechiperi Lake, Kanchenjunga WaterFalls, Rimbi Orange Garden. Around Dentam I along with my whole family completed trekking at Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary... You should try the local Rhododendron wine, strawberry wine, millet wine prepared by the local villagers. Beside the town Dentam is Asia's highest iron-suspension bridge & also a Trout Fish farm nearby - Dentam Valley is awesome.

I did not visit Gangtok and higher regions because +ve cases were on a high in Gangtok in April'21. Moreover babies below 5 yrs of age are not granted permit to visit NathuLa and like areas.

Plan accordingly, I've not answered all your queries but I hope my trip gives some good clues for your happy journey.

My brother is in Gangtok so that will be my base. Thanks for all you inputs. Lets see what finally transpires

Originally Posted by nibedk

Thanks mate for the detailed itinerary.

From the travelogues in tbhp itself I see that people have travelled to permit zones during winters.

Can't Zuluk be done? Driving on silk route is something I have been dreaming of for long.

[Samba]

Originally Posted by Sushil Pingua

Dear Brother,
Beginning from Kolkata take the following route for ease of travel without having to traverse between jam of trucks and to cross good roads.

Kolkata - Asansol - Dumka - Bhagalpur - Araria - Thakurganj - Siliguri.

I had covered this route in March-April'21 during my 13 days' self-driven vacation with family (wife+5month's daughter+70yrs old mother) to Darjeeling/Sikkim.

This route is much longer. We visited North Bengal & North Sikkim this November. Now a days we stick to this route-

Kolkata- Dankuni- Mogra - Kalna- Nabawdip - Krishnanagar - Berhampore (Riverside road) - Moregram- Malda - Raiganj- Botolbari - Dhantola exit (take left 500 m before the exit to avoid the bad stretch) - Islampur - Bagdogra - Siliguri.

It's a smooth road now.

Originally Posted by nibedk

From the travelogues in tbhp itself I see that people have travelled to permit zones during winters.

Can't Zuluk be done? Driving on silk route is something I have been dreaming of for long.

Check the weather on your dates before you venture East Sikkim. You will get updated information from locals, whether it's snowing or not. If not, you can proceed. Chances are 50:50.
For East Sikkim you need to collect permit from Rongli.

I was in North Bengal & North Sikkim this November.

You can check my travelogue for more details-

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/trave...uster-awd.html (Sailed through North Bengal & North Sikkim in an Ecosport & a Duster AWD)

[nibedk]

Originally Posted by Samba

Check the weather on your dates before you venture East Sikkim. You will get updated information from locals, whether it's snowing or not. If not, you can proceed. Chances are 50:50.
For East Sikkim you need to collect permit from Rongli.

I was in North Bengal & North Sikkim this November.

You can check my travelogue for more details-

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/trave...uster-awd.html (Sailed through North Bengal & North Sikkim in an Ecosport & a Duster AWD)

There are many contradictory statements on net which doesn't make it clear whether permits are being given to smaller cars. Unless its heavy snow I am pretty sure Punto can do what a Ecosport can. Unless 4 WD is a requirement Punto can cover what a Ecosport can. Do you see any challenge in getting permit for a Punto? Also to all these restricted places do we have to get separate pemits?

Can we get permit to cover all restricted places or we will have to get separate ones based on where we plan to drive?

[Sushil Pingua]

Originally Posted by Samba

Now a days we stick to this route-

Kolkata- Dankuni- Mogra - Kalna- Nabawdip - Krishnanagar - Berhampore (Riverside road) - Moregram- Malda - Raiganj- Botolbari - Dhantola exit (take left 500 m before the exit to avoid the bad stretch) - Islampur - Bagdogra - Siliguri.

It's a smooth road now.[/url]

What I understand between Botolbari and Dhantola, is that it is not a safe road for families if traversed on the state highway via villages - sabdhan, goagaon and biprit (these villages are very close to Bangladesh border). There have been incidences of highway crimes on this state highway route. I don't guarantee safe passage in this route.

Botolbari to Dhantola via Dalkhola is the Prime Highway to go but is marred by horrendous truck jams around Dalkhola at times when even a bicycle can't make its way ahead.

The Farakka Barrage near Malda is another torture road, where the width of road is narrow as compared to the traffic of trucks on this stretch. Atleast 2-3 hours can get wasted before and after Farakka Barrage if stuck in slow moving traffic at the wrong hour.

[Samba]

Originally Posted by nibedk

There are many contradictory statements on net which doesn't make it clear whether permits are being given to smaller cars. Unless its heavy snow I am pretty sure Punto can do what a Ecosport can. Unless 4 WD is a requirement Punto can cover what a Ecosport can. Do you see any challenge in getting permit for a Punto? Also to all these restricted places do we have to get separate pemits?

Can we get permit to cover all restricted places or we will have to get separate ones based on where we plan to drive?

You need two permits. One for North Sikkim, one for East Sikkim.

North Sikkim permit will cover- Dzongu, Lachen, Gurudongmar, Lachung, Yumthang, Zero point.

It is best to obtain North Sikkim permit from Mangan. As your brother is in Gangtok, am sure he can help you with someone at Mangan, who can get you the permit for North Sikkim.

East Sikkim permit will cover - Zuluk, Nathang valley, Kupup Lake, Tsomgo lake.

It is best to obtain East Sikkim permit from Rongli.

It's not about Ecosport or Punto, if it's dry both the cars can go, if it snows none can go. I have covered North Sikkim and East Sikkim in a Toyota Etios earlier. My friend has taken his Punto earlier and now his Avventura to North & East Sikkim many times.

Originally Posted by Sushil Pingua

What I understand between Botolbari and Dhantola, is that it is not a safe road for families if traversed on the state highway via villages - sabdhan, goagaon and biprit (these villages are very close to Bangladesh border). There have been incidences of highway crimes on this state highway route. I don't guarantee safe passage in this route.

Botolbari to Dhantola via Dalkhola is the Prime Highway to go but is marred by horrendous truck jams around Dalkhola at times when even a bicycle can't make its way ahead.

The Farakka Barrage near Malda is another torture road, where the width of road is narrow as compared to the traffic of trucks on this stretch. Atleast 2-3 hours can get wasted before and after Farakka Barrage if stuck in slow moving traffic at the wrong hour.

Botolbari road in day is safe. This time I crossed it at 1-30 am in night and there were enough police men doing duty. In the recent past no incidents were reported. I had a talk with the locals.
Still those who are taking this route for the first time, I will suggest them to avoid this road in night.

Dalkhola is still a mess, but the flyover at Dalkhola bypass will open shortly,

After the completion of the 4-lane highway before and after Farakka Barrage, in my last 6 drives, it was a smooth sail. Plus in-case there is a congestion, local police men will allow private cars to take the wrong side to go ahead.

If driven in night, Kolkata to Siliguri takes around 10-11 hours and in day 12-13 hours. Both with breaks.

[nibedk]

Originally Posted by Samba

You need two permits. One for North Sikkim, one for East Sikkim.

North Sikkim permit will cover- Dzongu, Lachen, Gurudongmar, Lachung, Yumthang, Zero point.

It is best to obtain North Sikkim permit from Mangan. As your brother is in Gangtok, am sure he can help you with someone at Mangan, who can get you the permit for North Sikkim.

East Sikkim permit will cover - Zuluk, Nathang valley, Kupup Lake, Tsomgo lake.

It is best to obtain East Sikkim permit from Rongli.

It's not about Ecosport or Punto, if it's dry both the cars can go, if it snows none can go. I have covered North Sikkim and East Sikkim in a Toyota Etios earlier. My friend has taken his Punto earlier and now his Avventura to North & East Sikkim many times.

No that's not what my point was. I do understand the capacities of our machine. My question was that are they giving permits to smaller cars irrespective of the brand.

I am currently collating all the info and will start the final planning.

Is it possible to do Kolkata to Darjeeling in a day especially considering the early sunset in winters? and I believe roads ain't that great compared to southern hill stations. I have done ghat roads late in the night as well but roads are great this side of the country.

Any offbeat places to stay in the Darjeeling that you recommend?

[Samba]

Originally Posted by nibedk

No that's not what my point was. I do understand the capacities of our machine. My question was that are they giving permits to smaller cars irrespective of the brand.

That's why I wrote, we have been there in Etios & Punto. If they deny permit for low ground clearance cars, we couldn't have taken our cars. In October, my friend did Gurudongmar in his Polo too. But do expect some underbelly hits on the North Sikkim roads.
Take the permit from Mangan, not Gangtok. The car RC must be in drivers name. They do not entertain authorization letters.

Originally Posted by nibedk

I am currently collating all the info and will start the final planning.

Is it possible to do Kolkata to Darjeeling in a day especially considering the early sunset in winters? and I believe roads ain't that great compared to southern hill stations. I have done ghat roads late in the night as well but roads are great this side of the country.

It's doable. Keep 15 hours in hand. But you may get fog while climbing up Darjeeling in evening. Road surface is good from Siliguri to Darjeeling.

Originally Posted by nibedk

Any offbeat places to stay in the Darjeeling that you recommend?

Within Darjeeling, it's difficult to get offbeat places. It's congested. Do check with your hotel for parking. We prefer Sterling Resort in Ghoom, when we visit Darjeeling. This hotel has ample parking space and offers a great view of Kanchanjungha too. We hire a local cab and visit Darjeeling from Ghoom, instead of taking our cars due to parking problem in Darjeeling.

[Sushil Pingua]

Originally Posted by Samba

It's doable. Keep 15 hours in hand. But you may get fog while climbing up Darjeeling in evening. Road surface is good from Siliguri to Darjeeling.

Within Darjeeling, it's difficult to get offbeat places. It's congested. Do check with your hotel for parking. We prefer Sterling Resort in Ghoom, when we visit Darjeeling. This hotel has ample parking space and offers a great view of Kanchanjungha too. We hire a local cab and visit Darjeeling from Ghoom, instead of taking our cars due to parking problem in Darjeeling.

I agree with the suggestions given by Ld. Samba.
Kolkata to Darjeeling travelling time would be minimum 15 hours, upto 17 hours. And I must admit it will be a tough endurance test of the driver, so I would like to add that atleast two persons drive alternately. Kolkata to Siliguri is itself tiring, adding another 4 hours of narrow uphill road to it would be challenging for the driver, in terms of concentration, fatigue and the headlamps' glare of oncoming vehicles...uff...I can't take it, not possible for me
What I prefer is driving out refreshed after a good night's sleep, energetic breakfast in the morning and driving out in the morning sun when the wind is chilly and the air is fresh as I breathe it. Moreover since I travel with my baby, wife and old mother, I prefer to keep them high in their energy levels, they too get tired sitting idle at the back seat, that's why I drive maximum of 7 hours in a day by beginning early in the morning and take halt lunch onwards to get my family members refreshed with energy.

Lastly I would ask why to test the endurance of man, machine and family members? when the drive is meant to be a family-vacation of 2 long weeks.

There are no offbeat places in Darjeeling but adjoining Darjeeling which are at distance of half an hour's drive from Darjeeling like Lepchajagat, Ghoom & the Dali(outskirt of Darjeeling, 1-2 Km from the Darjeeling Toy Train Station) locality. Ghoom should suit you.
Car-Parking is a major issue in Darjeeling, whether with the Hotel or market place public parking.

[RoadAtlas]

Let me share another itinerary. Just for the purpose of redundancy.

Day 1: Drive from Kolkata to Kalimpong and stay at Delo tourist Lodge. This will be a long drive and you need to start early.

Day 2: Enter into Sikkim using Rongli Border and get your permits from the SDPO Office (you may not get a permit for Nathula Pass, but try nevertheless). Visit Zuluk Hairpin turns, Gnathang Valley, Old Baba Mandir, and Tsongmo Lake in the way and finish the day at Gangtok. Feel free to spend a night at Kuppuk/ Gnathang and complete the rest of the journey the next day.

Day 3: North Sikkim Permits can be obtained from Gangtok as well as Mangan. Take your pick. Remember to add Gurudongmar and Yumthang to the list of places in the permit. Once done, drive to Lachung and end the day.

Day 4: Start early, Complete Lachen, Zero Point, Gurudongmar, Yumthang Valley. Kala Patthar and reach Ravangla exiting North District. Spend one additional day at Lachen if needed and reach Ravangla the next day. This will also allow you to enjoy the snow-clad mountains.

Day 5: Visit: Buddha Park, twin Ralong Monastery in Ravangla, once done, drive to Pelling and in the same day visit, Rabdantse Ruins and Pemeyangtse Monastery, Chenrezig Idol (roads with a steep gradient, hiring a rented car is highly recommended), Sangha Choling Monastery. Time it well and you can see a beautiful sunset from the last point. Stay at Pelling

Day 6: Drive to Yuksom. Visit the waterfalls and Orange orchards along the way. Once in Yuksom, visit the old palace ruins and the local monastery. Feel free to drive to Yuksom Helipad to enjoy the Kanchanjungha. It is the closes you can get to the mighty mountain on four wheels.

Day 8: You can stay the next day in Uttarey. this village is known for its trekking routes, situated in a valley with towering mountains on the borders. Or you can drive further drive till Oakhrey, another small hillock well known for the Hilley Versey trek. This is a beginner trek where you have to walk for 3 hours passing through a state Sanctuary full of Rhododendron trees with their red flowers in full bloom.

Day 9: Drive to Jorethang and take the straight road to Darjeeling. The road is not in a good condition and you need to drive carefully.

Day 10: Darjeeling Sightseeing

Day 11: Drive through Peshok road and visit Lamahatta, Takdah, Peshok Tea Estate on the way. Alternatively, the Mirik route can also be utilized for better views. Reach Siliguri and spend the night.

Day 12: Drive to Kolkata


The plan I have included will require a lot of driving effort on your side and is not at all recommended if you want to complete this trip in a sedated manner and enjoy the beauty. It is not humanely possible to cover North Bengal and Sikkim in two weeks, but if you must, this is the way you will be able to cover most of the icons. Difficult, but doable.

[warp_10]

Hi,
Nice to see that you are embarking on this trip. We had a very similar trip in 2018 November covering Darjeeling, Gangtok and Kalimpong (in that order).

Originally Posted by nibedk

How many days do you folks think is enough to cover all 3 places? I would like to stay at one of these 3 places and cover the other 2 as well.

My trip was spread evenly (2 days each) since we had 7 day trip, and we found that Darjeeling could have been done in a few more days. I did not stay in a single place since the travel in Ghat road to-and-fro could be pretty long and had a kid with me (especially Darjeeling to Gangtok). But I guess that is left to comfort of each.

Originally Posted by nibedk

There are quite a few travelogues and info available on net as well. Going through the same but the amount of info is overwhelming. Should I add any more places?

Well, we wanted to do North Sikkim but missed it. Heard that North Sikkim by itself could be a separate trip. If not, you could look at that for sure.

Originally Posted by nibedk

Post that we would travel to Gangtok and would want to cover as many places possible. Here too quite a lot of info and confusing as well especially the permit part.

I would be driving down with my Punto along with family and would want to know realistically what all permits are possible?

The permits are super confusing between Darjeeling and Gangtok (especially the taxi drivers don't want their business to be eaten up by the other). We decided to taxi separately from Darjeeling to Gangtok and back.

The sight of Kanchunjenga is breathtaking and it felt like the city was built around it Each city was unique with its own character. Have a brilliant trip and a fun time ahead !

[Neversaygbye]

Originally Posted by nibedk

Is it possible to do Kolkata to Darjeeling in a day especially considering the early sunset in winters?

While it is possible, it is not recommended because of all the points Samba and Sushil have mentioned. I think the itinerary Samba has shared is an optimized one. In case you want to tweak it a bit and want a relaxed drive on Day 1 without losing a day, you can opt to break at Raiganj instead of Siliguri on your way to Darj. That is what I have done on both my drives to Darjeeling. One doesn't have to wake up at an unearthly hour or drive through the night or reach after dark, if the break is at Raiganj. It takes about 5-6 hours to reach Darj from Raiganj (bypassing Siliguri) and if you start early, you will reach at check-in time. The WBTDC lodge in Raiganj serves excellent home cooked food and has ample parking. They also give a packed breakfast on request. Also, if you want to stay in Darjeeling AND have your car with you, one of the few places you can do that is the WBTDC Darjeeling Tourist Lodge. I have stayed and parked my car there without any hassles. It is also walking distance from the mall and other places of interest within Darjeeling town. Other than that, Sterling Ghoom is also great and it takes less than half an hour to reach Darjeeling from there. (I stayed there the first time I drove down).