Singalila Ridge Trek
The most popular multiday walk from Darjeeling is the five-day Singalila Ridge Trek from Mane Bhanjhang to Phalut, through the scenic Singalila National Park ( GOOGLE MAP ; Indian/foreigner ₹100/200, camera/video ₹100/500). The highlights are the great views of the Himalayan chain stretching from Nepal to Sikkim and Bhutan. Sandakhphu in particular offers a superb panorama that includes Lhotse, Everest and Khangchendzonga peaks. October and November’s clear skies and warm daytime temperatures make it an ideal time to trek, as do the long days and incredible rhododendron blooms of late April and May.
Local guides (₹1200 per day, including food
and accommodation) are mandatory within the park and must be
arranged at the office of the Highlander
Trekking Guides Association (
GOOGLE MAP ; 
%9734056944; www.highlanderguidesandporters.com;
Mane Bhanjang), if you don't already have one, along
with porters (₹700) if required.
Mane Bhanjhang is 26km from Darjeeling and is served by frequent shared jeeps (₹70, 1½ hours), as well as a 7am bus from Darjeeling’s Chowk Bazaar bus & jeep station. A chartered jeep costs ₹1200. From Rimbik, there are shared jeeps back to Darjeeling (₹150, five hours) at 7am and noon, and a bus at 6.30am (₹90). Book seats in advance. Roads now reach Sri Khola, so you could arrange private transport to pick you up there.
If you have to stay overnight in Rimbik, the
best lodges are Hotel Sherpa (Rimbik;
d ₹900), with pleasant lawns and Alpine-style
huts, and Green Hill (%9593720817; Rimbik;
r ₹500-700), with quieter wooden rooms out the
back.
The usual trekking itinerary is 83km over five days. A shorter four-day option is possible by descending from Sandakhphu to Sri Khola on day three. A rough jeep road follows the trek from Mane Bhanjhang to Phalut but traffic is light and the walking trail partly avoids the road. Some organised groups start in Dhodrey and agencies offer a day hike from here to Tumling. A few fit die-hards cycle the route on mountain bikes in three days, though the section from Kalipokhari to Sandakphu is generally too steep to ride.
Private lodges, some with attached bathrooms, are available along the route for around ₹200 for a dorm bed or ₹700 to ₹1400 per room. All offer food, normally a filling combo of rice, dhal and vegetables (₹200). Rooms have clean bedding and blankets so sleeping bags are not strictly necessary, though they are nice to have. At a minimum, bring a sleeping bag liner and warm clothes for dawn peak viewing. The only place where finding a bed can be a problem is at Phalut where there is only one reliable place to stay. Bottled and boiled water is available along the route, though it's better and cheaper to purify your own water. Trekkers’ huts can be booked at the GTA Tourist Reception Centre in Darjeeling but even they will tell you that you are better off at one of the private lodges.
The main lodges for each overnight stop are listed below in ascending order of price and quality:
Day 1: Trekkers’ Hut, Mountain Lodge, Siddharta Lodge and Shikhar Lodge in Tumling; Trekkers’ Hut in Tonglu
Day 2: Chewang Lodge in Kalipokhari; Trekkers’ Hut, Namobuddha, Sunrise and Sherpa Chalet Lodge in Sandakphu
Day 3: Trekkers’ Hut and Forest Rest House in Phalut
Day 4: Eden Lodge in Gorkhey; Trekkers’ Hut, Namobuddha Lodge and Sherpa Lodge in Rammam
All-inclusive guided treks on this route are offered by Darjeeling agencies for about ₹3000 per person per day, though it’s easy enough to arrange a DIY trek for less. Lodges can get booked out in the busy month of October and early November, so consider a mid- to late November itinerary if you're planning the trek in autumn.
Remember to bring your passport, as you’ll have to register at half a dozen army checkpoints. The ridge forms the India–Nepal border and the trail actually enters Nepal in several places.
For a relaxing end to a trek, consider a stay at Karmi Farm (www.karmifarm.com; per person incl full board ₹2000), a two-hour drive from Rimbik near Bijanbari. It’s managed by Andrew Pulger-Frame, whose Sikkimese grandparents once ran an estate from the main house here. The simple but comfortable rooms are attractively decorated with colourful local fabrics, and bathrooms have 24-hour hot water. A small clinic for villagers is run from the farm, providing a volunteer opportunity for medical students and doctors. Singalila treks and other activities can be organised, but it is just as easy to sit here for a week with a book and a pot of tea, overlooking the bird- and flower-filled gardens in the foreground and towering peaks in the distance. Staff can arrange transport given advanced notice.
Singalila Ridge Trek
| Day | Route | Distance (km) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mane Bhanjhang (2130m) to Tonglu (3070m)/Tumling (2980m) via Meghma Gompa | 14 |
| 2 | Tonglu to Sandakphu (3636m) via Kalipokhari & Garibas | 17 |
| 3 | Sandakphu to Phalut (3600m) via Sabarkum | 17 |
| 4 | Phalut to Rammam (2530m) via Gorkhey | 16 |
| 5 | Rammam to Sri Khola or Rimbik (2290m) | 19 |
Kalimpong
%03552
/ Pop 43,000 / Elev 1250m
This bustling bazaar town sprawls along a saddle-shaped mountain ridge overlooking the roaring Teesta River and lorded over by the summit of Khangchendzonga. It’s not a must-see, but it does boast Himalayan views, Buddhist monasteries, colonial-era architecture and a fascinating nursery industry, all linked by some fine hikes. You could easily fill three days here.
History
Kalimpong’s early development as a major Himalayan trading centre focused on the tea and wool trade with Tibet, across the Jelep La Pass, as well as a staging base for Victorian travellers headed into Tibet. Like Darjeeling, Kalimpong once belonged to the chogyals of Sikkim, but it fell into the hands of the Bhutanese in the 18th century and later passed to the British, before becoming part of India at Independence. Scottish missionaries, particularly the Jesuits, made great efforts to win over the local Buddhists in the late 19th century and the town remains an important educational centre for the entire eastern Himalaya.
1Sights
Durpin GompaBUDDHIST MONASTERY
(
GOOGLE MAP )
F
Kalimpong’s largest monastery, formally known as Zangtok Pelri Phodang, sits atop panoramic Durpin Hill (1372m) and was consecrated by the Dalai Lama in 1976. There are impressive religious murals in the main prayer room downstairs (photography is permitted), interesting 3D mandalas (visual meditational aids) on the 2nd floor, and stunning Khangchendzonga views from the terrace. Prayers are held at 6am and 3pm.
MacFarlane ChurchCHURCH
( MAP GOOGLE MAP )
One of Kalimpong's most imposing churches, this 1870 church was severely damaged by a 2011 earthquake, when one of its steeples came crashing to the ground. After renovations, the church is now open to visitors and believers alike, and its wood-buttressed Gothic interiors are a wonderful place to spend a few moments in quiet contemplation.
Tharpa Choling GompaBUDDHIST MONASTERY
(
GOOGLE MAP ; off KD
Pradhan Rd; 
h5.30am-5pm)F
Built in 1922, this Gelugpa-school Tibetan monastery of 50 monks contains statues of the past, present and future Buddhas. Don't miss the fascinating museum, next to an unusual Chinese temple, just above the main monastery. It’s a 30-minute walk (uphill) from town along KD Pradhan Rd, 50m past Tripai Rd.
Deolo HillVIEWPOINT
(
GOOGLE MAP ;
9km from Kalimpong; ₹50;
hdawn-dusk)
On a clear day the morning views of Khangchendzonga from this hilltop park are simply superb. After savouring the views you can have breakfast (₹100 to ₹150) at the attached Tourist Lodge (from 8am) and then walk down to Kalimpong via Dr Graham’s Home. A taxi here costs around ₹300.
Dr Graham’s HomeHISTORIC BUILDING
(
GOOGLE MAP ; hmuseum
9am-noon & 1.15-3.30pm Mon-Fri)F
This orphanage and school was built in 1900 by Dr JA Graham, a Scottish missionary, to educate children of tea-estate workers, and now has 1300-odd students. There’s a museum that commemorates Graham and his wife, Katherine. The 1925 chapel above the school seems lifted straight out of a Scotland parish, with its grey slate, spire and fine stained-glass windows.
The gate is 4km up the steep KD Pradhan Rd. Many people charter a taxi to get here (₹150) and then do the downhill walk back to town via Tharpa Choling Gompa and the Himalayan Handmade Paper Industry workshop. Shared minivans (₹30) run sporadically from below One Cup cafe.
Himalayan Handmade Paper IndustryWORKSHOP
(
GOOGLE MAP ; %9932388321; Panlook
Compound, KD Pradhan Rd;
h9am-noon
& 1-3pm Mon-Sat)F
Visitors are welcome to drop into this small unsigned workshop to see traditional paper-making processes, from boiling and pulping of the local argayli (daphne) bush to sifting, pressing and drying. The resulting insect-resistant paper is used to block-print monastic scriptures, but it is also sold as notebooks and cards. Morning is the best time to see production. It's a 15-minute walk from town, on the right side of the road.
Lepcha Heritage MuseumMUSEUM
(
MAP
GOOGLE MAP ; %9933780295; h10.30am-4.30pm Mon-Fri)F
This offbeat collection of Lepcha treasures could be likened to rummaging through the attic of your grandfather’s house (if he were a Lepcha elder). A guide explains Lepcha creation myths, while pointing out religious texts, sacred porcupine quill hats and old pangolin skins. It’s a 10-minute walk downhill below the Sports Ground. Times vary so call ahead.
St Teresa’s ChurchCHURCH
( GOOGLE MAP )
A fascinating missionary church built in 1929 by Swiss Jesuits, St Teresa was constructed to incorporate designs from a Bhutanese gompa. The wooden apostles resemble Buddhist monks, and carvings on the doors resemble the tashi tagye, eight auspicious symbols of Himalayan Buddhism. The church is off 9th Mile, about 2km downhill from town. If it's locked, ask the next-door neighbours.
DON'T MISS
NURSERIES
Kalimpong is a major flower exporter and
produces about 80% of India’s gladioli and sundry orchid varieties.
Visit Nurseryman’s Haven (
MAP
GOOGLE MAP ; %03552-256936; Holumba
Haven, 9th Mile) at
Holumba Haven to see some 200-odd species of orchids; Santi Kunj (
GOOGLE MAP ; BL Dixit
Rd; h8.30am-noon
& 1.30-4pm Sun-Fri)
to see anthuriums and the bird of paradise; and Pineview Nursery (
MAP
GOOGLE MAP ; %03552-255843; Atisha
Rd; admission ₹10; h9am-5pm
Mon-Sat) to gaze at its
eminently photographable cactus collection.
2Activities
Himalayan EaglePARAGLIDING
(
GOOGLE MAP ; %9635156911; www.himalayaneagle.in)
Manali-based pilots offers paragliding flights from Deolo Hill. Tandem flights cost ₹3000/5000 for a 5/15km flight from Deolo Hill. Weather conditions have to be perfect for flights.
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
KALIMPONG WALKS
There’s plenty of scope for some great walking around Kalimpong, so allow an extra day or two to stretch your legs. Helpdesk Tourism at Sherpa Lodge and Holumba Haven offer information on all these walks and can arrange guides (per day ₹800 to ₹1500) and transport if needed.
In Kalimpong itself, Helpdesk can arrange a half-day guided crafts walk (guide ₹600 to ₹800), taking in a traditional incense workshop, working silversmiths, noodle makers and a thangka (Tibetan cloth painting) studio, all hidden in the backstreet bazaars near Haat Bazaar.
One easy half-day walk close to town leads from near Holumba Haven to the villages of Challisey and Chibo Busty to a grand viewpoint over the Teesta River. En route, you can drop by the LK Pradhan Cactus Nursery and a small curd production centre at Tharker Farm, with the option of descending to see two fascinating traditional Lepcha houses at Ngassey village.
Heading further afield, one potential DIY hike starts at a wide track at 20th Mile, 2km past Algarah on the road to Pedong. The track climbs gently along a forested ridge to the faint 17th-century ruins of Damsang Dzong, site of the last stand of the Lepcha kings against the Bhutanese. Continue along the ridge and then descend to views of Khangchendzonga at Tinchuli Hill, before following the dirt road back from Sillery to the main Algarah–Pedong road. From here you can walk back 4km to Algarah to catch a shared jeep to Kalimpong (last jeep 3pm), or continue 3km to Pedong via the Bhutanese-influenced Sangchen Dorje Gompa in Sakyong Busty, just below Pedong. Buses and jeeps leave Kalimpong for Pedong (₹30 to ₹50) and Algarah (₹30) at 8.15am, or charter a return taxi for the day (₹1000 to ₹1500). If you want to stay overnight, the five cottages at the laid-back Silk Route Retreat, 1.5km before Pedong, offer a fine hiking base.
For the ultimate dawn and dusk views of Khangchendzonga, head to the Tiffin Dara viewpoint, just above the village of Rishap, about 30km from Kalimpong. A rough road branches off the main Kalimpong–Lava road and climbs for 3km to a signed footpath 1km before Rishap. The path detours left after 20 minutes to the viewpoint and, once back at the junction, it continues through forest for 45 minutes to rejoin the main Kalimpong–Lava road. Just before this junction, by some prayer flags, a shortcut footpath drops down to Lava village via the Forest Lodge. For transport take the 7am shared jeep to Lava (₹80) or the slower 8am bus (₹60). The last bus back to Kalimpong is at 1.30pm. A chartered one-way jeep costs ₹1600 to Rishap or ₹2000 for a day's return hire, taking in Lava.
Lava (2353m), 34km from
Kalimpong, is a worthy destination in itself, especially if you
time your walk with the bustling Tuesday market, or the 10am
debating or 3.30pm prayers at the modern Kagyupa
Thekchenling Gompa. Adjoining Lava is Neora Valley National Park (
GOOGLE MAP ; Indian/foreigner ₹60/200, vehicle hire ₹1500,
guide ₹200; h15 Sep-15
Jun), whose lush forests
are home to red pandas, clouded leopards and myriad bird species.
Jeep tours are available (₹1300 to ₹1600) and travel agents can
arrange a four-day camping trek to Roche La (3155m), at the high
junction of West Bengal, Sikkim and Bhutan. The cottages of the
Lava Forest Lodge (%033-23350064; www.wbfdc.com; Lava;
d ₹800-1500) just above town offer the nicest
accommodation but can be hard to book; try through
West Bengal Tourism in Siliguri or Holumba Haven in Kalimpong.
The private
Hotel Orchid is another decent choice. Avoid October, when
Bengali tourists flood the town. Shared jeeps (₹80) run back to
Kalimpong when full, until around 3.30pm and there is one bus at
1.30pm.
CCourses
Anandavan Yog PeethYOGA
(
MAP
GOOGLE MAP ; %3552-256936; www.anandavanyogpeeth.com)
This Yoga Alliance–registered organisation runs 17-day yoga teacher-training courses for US$1400, based at Holumba Haven.
TTours
Gurudongma Tours & TravelsTREKKING
(%03552-255204; www.astonishingindiatours.com;
Rinkingpong Rd,
Hilltop)
This local operator run by 'General Jimmy' organises interesting trekking, mountain-biking and birdwatching tours, based out of its luxury farmhouse on the Samthar Plateau.
4Sleeping
Manokamana LodgeGUESTHOUSE$
(
MAP
GOOGLE MAP ; %03552-257047; manokamanalodge@gmail.com;
DB Giri Rd; s/d
₹500/700; 
i
W)
This simple, family-run place is somewhere between a local hotel and a backpackers' dive. Its central location, combined with an internet cafe and an excellent-value restaurant add to its shoestring appeal, even though accommodation is fairly basic, characterised by linoleum-floored rooms and bucket hot water in clean attached bathrooms. Ask for one of the quieter rear rooms.
Deki LodgeGUESTHOUSE$
(
GOOGLE MAP ;
%03552-255095; www.dekilodge.yolasite.com;
Tripai Rd; s/d from
₹990/1100; W)
This friendly Tibetan-owned place is set around a peaceful flower-hemmed family house, and boasts an airy terrace cafe. The rooms are plain and a tad overpriced for what's on offer, but the pricier upper-floor rooms (₹1330/1760) are comfortable, with shared balconies. It's a 10-minute walk northeast of the town centre, just up a side road.
oHolumba
HavenBOUTIQUE HOTEL$$
(
MAP
GOOGLE MAP ; %03552-256936; www.holumba.com; 9th
Mile; r ₹1800-3000; W)
A unique and utterly charming property combining a nursery and a family-run guesthouse, Holumba is located amid sylvan settings a walkable 1km below town. The spotless, comfy rooms are arranged in cosy cottages spread around the lush orchid gardens, and good homestyle meals (preorders only) are available in the sociable dining room.
The owner Norden is a great source of information on local hikes and trips.
Kalimpong Park HotelHERITAGE HOTEL$$
(
MAP
GOOGLE MAP ; %03552-255304; www.kalimpongparkhotel.com;
Rinkingpong Rd; s/d
₹2530/3200; iW)
This former summer home of the maharajas of Dinajpur is perched on a mountain shelf overlooking the Relli Valley, and packs in oodles of Raj-era charm. Wicker chairs and scarlet blossoms line the verandah and there’s a charming lounge bar, along with a restaurant offering British boarding-school staples, such as jelly custard (order in advance).
Cloud 9HOTEL$$
(
MAP
GOOGLE MAP ; %03552-255410; cloudnine.kpg@gmail.com;
Rinkingpong Rd; s/d from
₹1000/1400; W)
The five wood-panelled rooms on the 1st floor of this cheerful property are irreverently homey, and the restaurant below serves interesting Bhutanese dishes and chilled beer. Binod the owner is a Beatles junkie and loves to bond over music in the late evenings – he might even buy you a beer if you're good with the guitar! Front-facing rooms are brighter but slightly more expensive.
Himalayan HotelHERITAGE HOTEL$$$
(
MAP
GOOGLE MAP ; %03552-255248; www.himalayanhotel.com;
Upper Cart Rd; s/d
₹2400/3600; W)
This historic hotel was opened by David MacDonald, an interpreter from Francis Younghusband’s 1904 Lhasa mission, and over the years has housed such Himalayan legends as Alexandra David-Neel, Heinrich Harrer and Charles Bell. The brash Mayfair chain recently bought the property and renovations are underway, so it remains to be seen how much ambience will survive.
Elgin Silver OaksHERITAGE HOTEL$$$
(
MAP
GOOGLE MAP ; %03552-255296; www.elginhotels.com;
Rinkingpong Rd; s/d incl
full board ₹8100/8400;
iW)
This centrally located Raj-era homestead-turned-heritage hotel packs plenty of atmosphere but isn't brilliantly run. The rooms are plushly furnished and offer grand views down the valley towards the Relli River (ask for a garden-view room). The tariff includes all meals in the classy restaurant.
Hotel OrchidHOTEL$$
(%03552-282213; www.hotelorchid.com;
Lava; d
₹1200-2200)
A middle-of-town inn featuring 12 bright pine-skirted rooms, fresh linen and clean bathrooms with hot water, the Orchid is one of Lava's few overnight options. There's some decent Chinese food available in the in-house restaurant on the ground floor.
Silk Route RetreatRESORT$$
(
GOOGLE MAP ; %9932828753; www.thesilkrouteretreat.com;
21st Mile, Pedong; s/d cottage
₹1600/2500; W)
The five clean and modern cottages make a good base for hiking or biking the region (hiking guides are available) and the food is good (mains ₹180 to ₹250), with a sociable verandah hang-out.
5Eating
Gompu’s Bar & RestaurantTIBETAN$$
(
MAP
GOOGLE MAP ; Gompu's
Hotel, off DB Giri Rd;
mains ₹120-200; h7am-9pm)
Gompu’s is known for its signature oversized pork momos (₹130), which have been drawing locals and travellers alike for as long as anyone can remember. Lunchtime is the best time to find them. It’s also a good place for a cold beer (₹210) chased by a plate of garlic chilli potatoes or crispy pork.
Lee'sCHINESE$$
(
MAP
GOOGLE MAP ;
%9593305812; DB Giri
Rd; mains ₹80-150, set meal ₹250; h11am-7.30pm
Mon-Sat)
Mr Lee and his daughter serve up fantastic and unique Chinese-style dishes at this eatery with a red interior. Stand-out dishes include the mun wontons (dumplings fried in egg), mun chu nyuk (red pork), homemade mefun (rice noodles), a delectable golden chicken in garlic gravy and a refreshing pot of good-quality green tea. It's on the top floor above One Cup cafe.
Paris Kalimpong BakeryBAKERY$
(
MAP
GOOGLE MAP ; DB Giri
Rd; pastries ₹30-50; h9am-6pm
Mon-Sat)
Surprising French-owned bakery that serves up excellent baguettes, eclairs, cheese brioches, quiches and cakes, plus coffee. Opening hours can be erratic but it's worth persevering.
King ThaiCHINESE$$
(
MAP
GOOGLE MAP ; 3rd fl
supermarket, DB Giri Rd;
mains ₹160-200; h11am-9pm)
A multicultural hang-out with a Thai name, Chinese food and Bob Marley posters on the walls, this place draws in monks, businessmen and Tibetan cool kids. The generously portioned food is mainly Chinese with some Indian accents, and there’s a bar with comfy chairs.
Cafe RefuelINTERNATIONAL
(
MAP
GOOGLE MAP ;
www.caferefuel.com;
Rishi Rd, 9th Mile; h10.30am-8pm)
Cool place with a motorbike-themed decor that uses classic old Vespas for counter seats. The food has a Mexican twist, with homemade nachos and burritos, hamburgers, pizza and pita sandwiches, plus espresso coffee and a foosball table to keep things lively.
6Drinking & Nightlife
oArt
CafeCAFE
(
MAP
GOOGLE MAP ;
Rishi Rd; coffee
₹40; h10am-7pm)
Cool cafe with a breezy terrace offering fine views over the Teesta Valley towards Darjeeling. There is good coffee, shakes, lemonade coolers (served in Mason jars) and great thin-crust pizzas (₹160 to ₹180), plus magazines to read. It's a good place to meet Kalimpong's hip set, especially as there's no wi-fi.
One CupCAFE
(
MAP
GOOGLE MAP ;
DB Giri Rd; coffee
₹50-90; h11am-6pm
Mon-Sat)
Kalimpong's first coffee house serves a decent espresso hit, alongside some quality cakes, brownies and ice-cream specials. No wi-fi.
7Shopping
Lark’s ProvisionsFOOD & DRINKS
(
MAP
GOOGLE MAP ; DB Giri
Rd; h9.30am-6.30pm)
This is the best place to pick up local cheese (per kg ₹600), produced in Kalimpong since the Jesuits established a dairy here in the 19th century. It also sells locally made milky lollipops (₹30) and yummy homemade pickles.
Haat BazaarMARKET
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; btwn Relli & RC Mintri Rds)
On Wednesdays and especially Saturdays, this normally quiet bazaar roars to life with a plethora of merchandise ranging from food and textiles, to objects of daily life and sundry other knick-knacks.
Kashi Nath & SonsBOOKS
(
MAP
GOOGLE MAP ; DB Giri
Rd; h10am-6.30pm
Mon-Sat)
This, and the attached stationary shop next door, has a modest collection of Himalayan titles, plus some international bestselling novels and nonfiction titles.
8Information
Cyber Infotech
(
GOOGLE MAP ; per hr
₹30; h10am-7pm
Mon-Sat; W) Tiny
internet cafe opposite Gompu's that offers computers and wi-fi.
Helpdesk Tourism (
GOOGLE MAP ; %7363818059,
8967938378; helpdesktourism@gmail.com;
Sherpa Lodge; h9am-5pm) This private information centre on the
ground floor of Sherpa Lodge offers guides, a useful map and
information on trips around Kalimpong, including hikes and regional
homestays. Ask for Jigme or Norden.
Post Office
(
GOOGLE MAP ; Rinkingpong
Rd; h9am-5pm
Mon-Fri, to 4pm Sat)
State Bank of India ATM ( GOOGLE MAP ; DB Giri Rd) One of several ATMs located together.
Tourist Reception
Centre (DGHC;
GOOGLE MAP ; %03552-257992; DB Giri
Rd; h10am-4.30pm
Mon-Sat, closed 2nd & 4th Sat) Sleepy staff can organise local tours and
accommodation.
8Getting There & Away
All the bus and jeep options and their offices are found next to each other at the chaotic Motor Stand ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ).
Bus & Jeep
Bengal government NBSTC buses run hourly to Siliguri (₹80, 2½ hours).
Himalayan Travellers (
MAP
GOOGLE MAP ; %9434166498; Motor
Stand) This helpful
transport company runs shared jeeps to Lava (₹80, 1½ hours, five
daily from 7am).
Kalimpong Mainline Taxi Driver's Welfare Association (KMTDWA; MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Motor Stand) Frequent shared jeeps to Siliguri (₹130, 2½ hours) and two daily to Jorethang (₹100, two hours, 7.30am and noon).
Kalimpong Motor Transport ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Motor Stand) Frequent shared jeeps (₹130, three hours) to Darjeeling until midafternoon, plus charters (₹1800).
Kalimpong, Sikkim All Highway Taxi Driver’s Owner's
Association (
MAP
GOOGLE MAP ; %259544;
Motor Stand) Shared jeeps to Gangtok (₹140, three
hours, hourly until 11.30am), Ravangla (₹150, 3½ hours, 2pm) and
Namchi (₹110, 8am and 1pm) in Sikkim.
Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT; MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Ongden Rd) Operates a single bus to Gangtok (₹105, three hours) departing at 1pm from opposite the Motor Stand.
Train
Kalimpong Railway Out Agency (
MAP
GOOGLE MAP ; Mani
Rd; h10am-5pm
Mon-Sat, to 1pm Sun)
Sells train tickets from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) train station but has
no tourist quota.
8Getting Around
Taxis (mostly unmarked minivans) can be chartered for local trips from along DB Giri Rd. A half-day rental to see most of the sights should cost ₹1000.