Darjeeling, also known as the ‘Queen of the Hills,’ is a beautiful hill station situated in the eastern part of India in the Great Himalayas. As a town famous for its beautiful views of the mountains, tea gardens, and historical references, Darjeeling looks like a winter wonderland during the winter season. The town presents a natural beauty with snow on the mountains and a cool climate throughout the year, making it a favorite tourist destination across the world. The Darjeeling Gangtok Tour Package during this season offers a chance to see the beauty and tranquility of the area as well as to enjoy various thrilling activities.
Winter in Darjeeling is all about living up to the colors of festivals, the adventure of treks, and picturesque views that make a traveler’s tour a memorable one. The beautiful blue heavens and spectacular terrains make it an ideal place to host several events, including festivals and other related activities as well as various adventurous activities. If you are a nature lover looking for a calm and serene environment surrounded by snow-capped mountains or an adventure freak waiting to hit the mountains, then Darjeeling in this charming season has something unique for everyone.
Before you set foot on this beautiful Himalayan country, brace yourself for a sightseeing tour that is embedded with natural and cultural as well as adventurous aspects. In this blog, I will be sharing five interesting activities that one can indulge in during the winter season in Darjeeling, and all the five experiences are different from each other. There is nothing better than having wonderful memories to take home after the winter holidays in Darjeeling, and there are many ways to make them, from colorful festivals to snowy trails. Therefore, get ready for the thrilling ride in one of the most famous hill stations of India!
Here are the 5 Memorable Things To Do In Darjeeling During The Winter Season
1. Participate in the Colorful Festival
People of Darjeeling celebrate many colorful festivals in the winter season, and the most important among them are Christmas and New Year.
Teesta Tea and Tourism Festival: This festival is dedicated to tea and is held during winter months to attract a number of tea lovers. It is a festival of tea that is brewed in the region, and the tourists get an opportunity to taste different types of tea grown in the region. Apart from the tasting room, there are cultural presentations, local arts and crafts, and other food specialties that depict the region’s history.
Darjeeling Orange Festival: Usually held in November, this festival focuses on the orange production of the area. It consists of local arts, good food, and entertainment by artists of different cadres. This atmosphere is ideal for a cultural experience as one enjoys fresh oranges and other citrus fruits.
Darjeeling Carnival: Music lovers should not miss the ten-day Darjeeling Carnival. This festival has bands playing in different languages of music: rock, folk, traditional, and all the other types. They are filled with decorations, parades, and cultural activities, which makes it an entertaining experience for tourists.
Such festivals provide an opportunity to feel the national cordiality of people and make the stay memorable.
2. Trek through the Snowy Trails
Trekking is another exciting activity in Darjeeling; it is even more challenging during the winter season when the mountain is covered with snow.
Tonglu Trek: This is a two-day trek that passes through Singalila National Park that offers you wonderful views of snowcapped mountains and different vegetation as well as animals. It is not very challenging, and therefore it can be taken by persons with no experience in trekking as well as families. During the tour, visitors will see beautiful, picturesquely located village houses and can communicate with the locals and get acquainted with their lives.
Sandakphu-Timburey Trek: The Sandakphu-Timburey trek is one of the fantastic treks for the experienced trekkers that take nearly four days from Manebhanjan. This trek offers you spectacular views of some of the highest mountains in the world, including Makalu and Kanchenjunga. While walking through the snow-covered paths, you will be fascinated by the beauty of the scenic view and the calmness of the surroundings.
Trekking during the winter season in Darjeeling is a good experience for those who want to see the Himalayas and get fresh air and the feeling of the victory over one’s own self at the same time.
3. Take the Ropeway to Get a Fascinating Picture
Among the most fascinating means of enjoying the winter scenery of Darjeeling is the Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Route.
Ropeway Experience: This 45-minute ride takes you up to 7,000 feet above sea level with the snow-clad peaks and the valleys of Himachal below. While flying, you’ll be able to see beautiful views that will give you a vantage point to take great pictures. This is a very quiet trip, which provides an opportunity to enjoy the winter scenery in its full extent, which is rather fascinating.
Budget-Friendly Stay: For added flexibility, we recommend finding one of the most affordable homes in Darjeeling. These types of lodging not only can be cheap, but can also give a traveler a closer look at the culture and people of the country. Most homestays provide traditional meals, directions on how to go around the locality, and many other tips when you are in the area.
4. Watch the Sunrise at Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill is one of the most famous places to watch the sunrise in Darjeeling and perhaps in all of India.
Sunrise Experience: To enjoy the beauty of this natural phenomenon, one has to leave the hotel by 4 a.m. in the morning to reach Tiger Hill. When you get there, it’s the view of the snow-capped mountains, of which Mount Kanchenjunga is the third highest in the world. In the morning at sunrise, the first light has a golden color that makes one think that mountains are wearing golden cloaks. This is one of the most beautiful things you will ever see in your entire life.
Photography Opportunities: The sunrise at the Tiger Hill is another great attraction that will be good for photographers. This is especially so because as the sun rises and shines on the impressive mountain ridges the process of taking photographs showing the difference between the sky and the white mountains becomes a memorable experience. The footage of the landscape at the break of the day will provide thousands of opportunities to capture incredible moments with your camera, no matter whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer.
5. Take a Toy Train Ride For a Thrill
Travel to Darjeeling is not complete without a ride in the toy train of Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, which is listed in the World Heritage Site.
Toy Train Experience: The toy train from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling is one of the most scenic and enjoyable trips, which is full of natural beauty. While on the train, you will be able to watch the greenery of tea estates and beautiful countryside villages as the train moves along the winding tracks, savoring the fresh air of winter. The ride usually takes about 7 hours, but there is enough time to rest and enjoy the scenic views.
A Unique Adventure: The toy trains, which are the main attraction of the place, give a very specific and rather romantic view of Darjeeling and let you enjoy the view slowly. The rocking of the train and the sound of the whistle give a feeling that one is taken back to the past.
Conclusion
Darjeeling comes out to be an enchanting winter destination with the right amount of thrill, ethnic flavor, and scenic beauty. From dancing on the beautiful terrain during colorful festivals of the region to trekking on snow-clad trails, every activity gives a beautiful glimpse of this beautiful hill station. Watching the beautiful sunrise at Tiger Hill or going for a ride in the toy train that has been popular for years gives you memories to cherish in the tour.
While preparing your Darjeeling – Gangtok Tour Package is the scenic beauty and the friendliness of the people should guide your travel. Each day spent in Darjeeling, whether wandering through the tea gardens or sampling local foods, will give you memories that will remain with you after your trip. Therefore, welcome to the winter in Darjeeling and get ready for the enchanting and mesmerizing journey.
