Cholun, ghure ashi.

Best time: March-May (Spring - clear skies, rhododendrons), September-November (Autumn - best Kanchenjunga views), December-February (Winter - possible snowfall, cold)

By air: Nearest airport: Bagdogra Airport (IXB), approximately 67 km / 2.5 hours drive. Regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore.

By train: Nearest major railway station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP), approximately 62 km / 2.5 hours. Connected to all major Indian cities. The famous Toy Train runs from NJP to Darjeeling (7-8 hours scenic journey).

By road: Well connected by road from Siliguri (78 km, 3 hrs), Kolkata (600 km, 12 hrs), Gangtok (98 km, 4 hrs). Regular NBSTC and private buses available. Shared jeeps from Siliguri (₹200-300).

Famous places: Tiger Hill Sunrise, Batasia Loop, Peace Pagoda, Padmaja Naidu Zoo, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Rock Garden, Mall Road, Chowrasta, Observatory Hill, Darjeeling Ropeway

Offbeat: Lamahatta, Chatakpur, Takdah, Tinchuley, Lepchajagat, Ging Tea Estate, Rangeet Valley, Ghoom Monastery

Food: Darjeeling Tea, Momos, Thukpa, Churpee (Yak Cheese), Sha Phaley, Aloo Dum, Wai Wai, Tongba, Sel Roti, Gundruk

• Carry warm clothes year-round
• Book Tiger Hill jeep in advance (₹300-500)
• Try the Toy Train joy ride (NJP-Darjeeling or short Darjeeling-Ghoom)
• Visit Mall Road for evening stroll
• Buy authentic Darjeeling tea from estates
• Carry rain gear during monsoon
• ATMs available but carry cash for remote areas

Best time: March-June (Spring/Summer), October-December (Autumn/Early Winter)

By air: Nearest airport: Pakyong Airport (PYG) - 31 km, limited flights. Bagdogra Airport (IXB) - 124 km, 4.5 hours drive.

By train: Nearest railway: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) - 120 km, 4-5 hours. Well connected to Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai.

By road: NH10 from Siliguri (114 km, 4.5 hrs). Shared jeeps from SNT Stand, Siliguri (₹250-350). Private cabs available.

Famous places: MG Marg, Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, Nathula Pass, Enchey Monastery, Ganesh Tok, Tashi Viewpoint, Banjhakri Falls, Do Drul Chorten, Flower Exhibition Centre

Offbeat: Tashi Namgyal Academy area, Deorali Orchid Sanctuary, Ranka Monastery, Saramsa Garden, Hanuman Tok

Food: Momos, Thukpa, Phagshapa, Gundruk, Kinema, Chhurpi Soup, Sha Phaley, Sael Roti, Tongba, Sikkim Organic Tea

• ILP (Inner Line Permit) required for Nathula & Tsomgo for non-Indians
• Carry warm clothes even in summer
• MG Marg is closed for vehicles - great for walking
• Book Nathula pass permits 2 days in advance
• Altitude sickness possible at Tsomgo/Nathula

Best time: March-May, October-December

By air: Bagdogra Airport (80 km, 2.5 hrs)

By train: NJP Station (75 km, 2.5 hrs)

By road: From Siliguri: 68 km via Teesta Bazaar. Shared jeeps available (₹150-250).

Famous places: Deolo Hill, Durpin Monastery, Dr. Graham's Homes, Mangal Dham, Pine View Nursery, Cactus Nursery, Arts & Crafts Centre, 10th Mile

Offbeat: Lava, Lolegaon, Rishyap, Pedong, Icchey Gaon

Food: Momos, Dalle Khursani Chutney, Churpee, Kinema, Local Cheese, Sel Roti

• Visit nurseries for orchids
• Deolo Hill offers 360° views
• Try local cheese from Kalimpong Cheese factory
• Less crowded than Darjeeling

Best time: November-May (best for safari). Avoid June-September (monsoon floods).

By air: Bagdogra Airport (80-120 km depending on destination)

By train: New Mal Junction, Alipurduar Junction, New Jalpaiguri

By road: From Siliguri: 60-150 km. Multiple entry points.

Famous places: Jaldapara National Park, Gorumara National Park, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Chilapata Forest, Murti River, Jhalong, Bindu

Offbeat: Samsing, Rocky Island, Mendabari, Totopara (Toto tribe village), Jayanti, Rajabhatkhawa

Food: Bengali Cuisine, River Fish, Forest Honey, Bamboo Shoot dishes, Elephant Apple Pickle, Wild Mushroom dishes

• Book elephant safari in advance at Jaldapara
• Carry binoculars for bird watching
• Best rhino sighting: Jaldapara
• Best elephant sighting: Gorumara
• Carry mosquito repellent
• Forest lodges book up fast in season

Best time: March-May (rhododendrons bloom), October-December

By air: Bagdogra Airport (152 km, 5 hrs)

By train: NJP (140 km, 5 hrs)

By road: From Gangtok: 131 km (5 hrs). From Siliguri: 140 km.

Famous places: Pelling Skywalk, Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins, Kanchenjunga Falls, Singshore Bridge, Darap Village, Khecheopalri Lake, Rimbi Waterfalls

Offbeat: Darap Village, Dentam, Uttarey, Hee Bermiok

Food: Momos, Gundruk, Phagshapa, Sael Roti, Local Organic Food

• Best Kanchenjunga view at sunrise from helipad
• Pelling Skywalk is a must
• Carry warm clothes
• Permits needed for treks

Best time: March-May, September-November

By air: Bagdogra (38 km)

By train: NJP (32 km)

By road: Siliguri: 32 km, Darjeeling: 32 km

Famous places: Eagle's Craig, Dow Hill, Makaibari Tea Estate, Ambotia Shiva Temple, Forest Museum, Toy Train Station

Offbeat: Chimney, Margaret's Hope Tea Estate, Cochrane Place, Giddapahar

Food: Makaibari Organic Tea, Momos, Local Nepali Food, Sel Roti

• Visit Makaibari for organic tea experience
• Dow Hill is known for paranormal stories
• Great stop between Siliguri & Darjeeling

Best time: October-March

By air: Bagdogra (52 km)

By train: NJP (52 km)

By road: From Darjeeling: 49 km. Siliguri: 50 km.

Famous places: Sumendu Lake, Boating, Don Bosco Church, Mirik Bazaar, Orange Orchards, Tea Gardens

Offbeat: Ramitey Viewpoint, Thurbo Tea Estate, Tingling Viewpoint

Food: Momos, Fresh Orange Juice, Local Tea, Sel Roti

• Boat ride on Sumendu Lake is a must
• Visit orange orchards in season (Nov-Jan)
• Great for a quiet weekend getaway

Best time: Year-round (avoid heavy monsoon Jul-Aug)

By air: Bagdogra (75 km)

By train: NJP (72 km)

By road: From Darjeeling: 23 km.

Famous places: Lamahatta Eco Park, Pine Forest Walk, Dhupi Tree Garden, Mountain Viewpoint

Offbeat: Tinchuley (nearby), Takdah Orchid Centre

Food: Local Home-cooked meals, Organic Tea, Momos

• Perfect day trip from Darjeeling
• Book homestay in advance
• No ATMs - carry cash
• Great for photography

Best time: October-March (bird watching best in winter)

By air: Bagdogra (112 km)

By train: NJP (107 km)

By road: From Kalimpong: 34 km.

Famous places: Neora Valley National Park, Lava Monastery, Changey Falls, Nature Walks

Offbeat: Kolbong, Rishyap, Kafer

Food: Simple Bengali-Nepali meals, Packed food recommended

• Best for bird watchers
• Carry very warm clothes in winter
• Roads can be rough
• No mobile network in many areas
• Carry cash, no ATMs

Best time: March-June, October-December. Closed in monsoon.

By air: Bagdogra (215 km)

By train: NJP (210 km)

By road: From Gangtok: 120-130 km (6-7 hrs).

Famous places: Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, Lachung Village, Lachen Village, Seven Sisters Waterfalls, Kala Patthar

Offbeat: Chopta Valley, Thangu Valley, Green Lake Trek base

Food: Thukpa, Momos, Yak Butter Tea, Sha Phaley, Tingmo

• Protected Area Permit required
• Acclimatize before Gurudongmar
• Carry altitude sickness medicine
• Roads can be treacherous
• No mobile network beyond Lachung/Lachen

Best time: October-November (clearest views), March-May (rhododendrons)

By air: Bagdogra (88 km to Manebhanjang)

By train: NJP (85 km)

By road: Manebhanjang (trek start): 28 km from Darjeeling. Land Rover option available.

Famous places: Sleeping Buddha View, Everest Panorama, Singalila National Park

Offbeat: Phalut, Sabarkum, Molley

Food: Maggi (trekker staple), Thukpa, Dal Bhat, Nepali meals at lodges

• Trek requires moderate-good fitness
• Hire guide from Manebhanjang
• Land Rover can drive up (rough ride)
• Carry all warm gear
• Views best early morning
• Book huts through DGHC/GTA

Best time: October-March

By air: Bagdogra Airport (12 km)

By train: NJP Station (5 km), Siliguri Junction

By road: Connected to all Northeast destinations. NH10, NH31.

Famous places: Hong Kong Market, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, ISKCON Temple, Salugara Monastery, City Centre Mall, Kali Mandir

Offbeat: Duars Safari from Siliguri, Coronation Bridge

Food: Bengali Cuisine, Street Food, Momos, Biryani, River Fish

• Good shopping at Hong Kong Market
• Book onward transport from SNT Stand or Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand
• Many ATMs and facilities available

Best time: March-May, October-December

By air: Bagdogra (150 km)

By train: NJP (148 km)

By road: From Gangtok: 65 km, from Pelling: 65 km.

Famous places: Buddha Park (Tathagata Tsal), Rayong Sunrise Viewpoint, Ralang Monastery, Borong Hot Springs

Offbeat: Borong Village, Yangang, Maenam Hill

Food: Organic local cuisine, Momos, Chhurpi, Sael Roti

• Buddha Park free entry
• Borong Hot Springs worth visiting
• Great midpoint between Gangtok and Pelling

Best time: March-May, October-November (trekking)

By air: Bagdogra (168 km)

By train: NJP (165 km)

By road: From Pelling: 40 km, from Gangtok: 145 km.

Famous places: Coronation Throne, Dubdi Monastery, Goechala Trek Start, Kathok Lake

Offbeat: Tashiding, Khecheopalri Lake (nearby)

Food: Local Sikkimese cuisine, Momos, Thukpa, Chang (local brew)

• Must for trekkers
• Get trekking permits here
• Visit Dubdi Monastery (steep 45min walk)
• Carry cash, limited ATMs

Best time: October-May

By air: Bagdogra (115 km)

By train: NJP (110 km)

By road: From Gangtok: 78 km (2.5 hrs).

Famous places: Samdruptse (Guru Padmasambhava Statue), Char Dham, Ngadak Monastery, Rock Garden, Tendong Hill

Offbeat: Borong, Temi Tea Garden

Food: Organic Sikkimese food, Temi Tea

• Visit Char Dham early morning
• Temi Tea Garden worth a visit
• Can combine with Ravangla day trip

Best time: March-June, October-December

By air: Bagdogra (162 km)

By train: NJP (158 km)

By road: From Gangtok: 38 km (2 hrs).

Famous places: Tsomgo Lake, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, Yak Rides

Offbeat: Kupup Lake

Food: Maggi, Momos at stalls, Hot chai

• Permits required (apply 1 day before in Gangtok)
• Altitude sickness possible
• Lake frozen Dec-Mar
• Carry warm clothes even in summer
• Yak ride: ₹300-500