5 Offbeat Places To Visit Near Darjeeling For A Vacation In The Hills

[Travel Guide]

Sikkim and Darjeeling have a number of places to visit. However, most of them are packed with tourists all the time - especially in winters. But that should not deter you from visiting the beautiful land. Also, you should know that there is no dearth of offbeat places you can visit in and around the area. Wondering where they are? Just scroll down. 

1.Sandakphu:

If you are looking for a Sikkim Darjeeling tour package , you should plan ahead as the trip is nearly 2,500 km. Once there, you should visit Singalila National Park which is 3636mt above the sea level. Situated in Sandakphu, it offers an awe-inspiring view of snow-capped mountains. You can get an easy view of Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Everest and Mt. Pandim - the high fives, i.e. top 5 highest mountain peaks in the entire world. You can go on a trek here or just sit back and kick your feet up while enjoying the view with a drink in hand.

2.Phalut:

Phalut stands a bit lower than Sandakphu. At 11,811 ft. it is the second highest peak of the Singalila range. It is another trek spot. Located 80 km from Darjeeling, the bloom of rhododendron will welcome you to this beautiful city if you are here in the spring season. Some huts and bungalows are available here for any hospitality service trekkers might need. You can spot Himalayan wildlife here or just kick back and listen to the twittering of birds. What is more, you can even spot a glacier nearby. 

3.Manebhanjan:

Manebhanjan means “the junction of Stupas”. It is very famous among trekkers en route Sandakphu. Also located near Singalila Ridge, the town is a famous stopover for tourists. The ultimate view of the Sleeping Buddha, i.e., the mountains that form the Kanchenjunga mountain family. This is the selling point of this quaint town on foothills of the Himalayas. 

4.Lepchajagat:

Lepchajagat is little hamlet located 19 km from the Queen of Hills. At 6959ft, it is surrounded by oak trees and rhododendron flowers. It literally means the world of Lepcha and is truly a breath of fresh air in comparison to the crowded roads of Darjeeling. The offbeat destination is sparsely populated and the views of Kanchenjunga mesmerizing. While it is a reserved forest area, people are not barred from visiting this place.

5.Chota Mangwa:

In Lepcha language, Chota Mangwa means “small finger millet” and it makes sense as the place is absolutely beautiful yet small. It is only 35 km from Darjeeling and offers a stunning view of the Teesta river. You will be able to make out the sparkling sculpture of Lord Shiva while the smell of oranges entrances your senses. That, along with the lush pine forest make for an unparalleled experience amidst lofty mountains.

6.Bara Mangwa:

Nearby Kalimpong, only 35 km from Darjeeling, Bara Mangwa is, as you guessed, a brother-of-sorts to Chota Mangwa. It is located on the confluence of Teesta and Rangeet rivers and is the offbeat destination you should choose if you are thinking of a Sikkim Darjeeling tour package from Mumbai. With lush orchards and beautiful landscapes, it never fails to enthrall tourists. Only a few kilometers away from Takling Phunchok Choling Monastery, missing a sunrise here is a sin. You can even go whitewater rafting in the beautiful rivers which have class 4 rapids.

This was the list of places you must visit regardless of whether you are traveling from Mumbai or have a Darjeeling tour package from Ahmedabad. Don’t think of missing on any of them; you must visit them all.