The toy train
coming from Siliguri is some thing which is liked by the elders and the
children equally. The real fun in coming to Darjeeling is on the toy
train. It takes six to seven hours to cover a distance of 82 kms and the
slow speed gives you enough time to watch and appreciate the beauty
which nature has provided it. This train passes through the Forests,
waterfalls, over deep valleys and through the mountains and tunnels.
Trekking
In DarjeelingOne of the famous trekking route taken by the
trekkers is that of the Darjeeling-Sandakphu / Phalut trek. This
trekking route is best during the months of April, May, October and
November. As during these seasons the visibility is clear and the
weather is also hospitable. For trekking on this route one does not have
to carry much luggage as the Gorkha Hill Council has provided trekkers
hut and other facilities all along the route. But it is advisable to
carry your own sleeping bags. On this route the trekker must be prepared
for all kinds of weather and high altitude mountain sickness. The trek
passes through low areas and very high ridges so temperature varies a
lot be prepared for all types of weather. There surroundings may be very
attractive but there are some areas which have long stretches without
any water, so carry water with yourself. Regular meals are available.
Guides and porters can also be arranged.
Gangtok, the "Lofty
Hill" or the "Hill made flat to build the Gangtok monastery in
1716". Gangtok is a city, which, till one sees it, one would
believe exists only in picture-story books. In the mystery-laden mists
prayer flags whip in the breeze; wheels spin in the hands of Lamas
mumbling invocations to God, in the distance are the snows, on the
streets amidst brightly painted pagoda roofed houses, lined with
friendly smiling people are silver, silk and spice and jewellery to
gladden an maiden's heart, from across the seven seas are gadget and
goods to delight the collector of "imported goods', while directly
overlooking the city is the hill Lukshyma, the 'Mother of Pearl' citadel
of the magic mountain, Khang-Chen-Dzod-Nga.
An air of
enchantment hangs over the city, indeed the whole valley; the mysticism,
the stupas, the monasteries reach out as soon as one has crossed the
border. While across the hills and valleys comes the sounding of the
long trumpets by robed lamas.