Nestled in the North Eastern foothills of Himalaya, Darjeeling is a hill station loved by thousands of adventure-seeking tourists. Being known as the "Queen of Hills" among travelers from all around the globe, the captivating vista of the snow-peaked Kanchenjunga, the vast stretch of tea gardens, some fascinating sightseeing attractions and architecture have been captivating the minds of many travelers for nearly a century. However, those who want to have an adventure tour, Darjeeling offers its visitors to enjoy some of the finest adventure activities and to feel the adrenaline rush in them.
Trekking falls under one of the most popular adventure activities in the entire globe and the trekking in Darjeeling is not an exception. There are several trekking routes connected to this hill station and some of the famous treks are Sandakphu and Phalut. The renowned Sandakphu Trek usually starts from Maneybhanjang or Chitrey. Sandakphu, also known as Sandakpur is the highest point in the Darjeeling and is situated at an elevation of 3636 meters.
While trekking along with the famous Singalila range, you will get to see four highest peaks of Himalaya such as Mount Everest, Mount Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, etc. Other than that, you will also get to see various types of orchids and flowers like magnolia, spruce, rhododendron, etc. However, trekking during the season of spring is the best time as the mountain peaks stay covered with snow and the majority of the trees stay full of flowers.
Even though there are very few paragliding spots in Darjeeling such as For example, there is Jalpahar, Jamuni, and Tukvar Tea Garden, Paragliding is one of the adventure activities which is gaining popularity quite rapidly. Paragliding offers the travelers to get a complete aerial view of the entire Darjeeling city as well as all the alluring Himalayan Mountain peaks. While paragliding, a guide will accompany you to ensure the safety of you. Hence, you don't have to worry at all and all you have to do is just run in the beginning and jump in the air when your guide commands you.
This adventure activity in Darjeeling costs around Rs. 3500 for a 15 minutes flight. Keeping in mind the weather condition, the best time to enjoy paragliding in Darjeeling is during the months of October to April. However, paragliding is usually avoided during the months of January to February even though winter is a peak season. Moreover, those who have asthma or any heart-related problems should abstain from this great adventure activity in Darjeeling.
If you are not the one who is faint-hearted then you can try White Water Rafting on River Teesta or River Rangeet. It is quite popular and the most enjoyable adventure activity one can do in Darjeeling. The shimmering river Teesta and River Rangeet flow through the Himalayan valley. These two rivers create foaming white water and turbulent rapids which is ideal to enjoy a great white water rafting. The rafting in Teesta is an amazing experience as you will get to see many colorful Himalayan birds, fishes, forested banks and mountains on both sides while enjoying the activity.
The glittering river Teesta originated from the iconic Tsomogo Lake in North Sikkim which is one of the highest lakes in the entire India at an elevation of 5330 meters. On the other hand, Rangeet originated from a glacier of Mount Kabru. However, both these rivers meet with each other in the plain at Teesta Bazaar. River rafting can be done here as well as at other rafting points like Triveni and Meli.
Camping is another one of the great adventure activities to do in Darjeeling. Spending some nights while having the entire sky and millions of shining stars as your companion is truly an unforgettable experience. Camping on a high elevation gets the travelers a chance to have a great panoramic view of the surrounding as well as help them get an astonishing vista of the Himalayan Peaks like Mount Kanchenjunga.
Camping is a great adventure activity where we get closer to nature and forget the distress, sufferings, etc. of the materialistic worlds. This adventure activity can be done in various camping spots in Darjeeling such as Sandakphu, Tonglu, Gairibas, Kalipokhri, Molley, Gorkey and Srikhola. However, planning camping should be done with the help of a camping operator as they arrange everything and will provide the tent, porters and other camping gears.
Are you mountaineering or rock climbing enthusiast? If "yes", Darjeeling is the best place to indulge yourself in mountaineering and rock climbing as there are several rock sites here in the city. Tenzing Rock is one of the best ones to try this adventure activity. Named after renowned mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, Tenzing Rock is 30 to 35 feet tall with steps which make it ideal from practicing. It also holds a unique historical value as Tenzing Norgay also used to practice here in Tenzing Rock. On the other hand, there is Gombu Rock on similar premises. This rock was named after Nawang Gombu, nephew of Tenzing Norgay.
Those who are Bird enthusiasts and want to witness various kind of vibrant Himalayan birds, Darjeeling does not disappoint them at all as one can go for birding in the thickly wooded forest of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Situated at an approximate distance of 70 km from the heart of Darjeeling, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is a luxuriant forest situated on the foothills of Himalaya and between River Teesta and Mahananda.
The luxuriant forest is the natural habitat of many wild animals such as Himalayan pied hornbills, peafowl, peacocks, fouls, egrets, kingfishers, flycatchers, racket tailed drongo, Assamese macaque, robins, woodpeckers and many more. Apart from wild animals, it hosts several avifaunas like Rufous-necked Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Great Hornbill, swallow, swift, thrush, babbler, warbler, roller, minivet and sunbird. All these birds are found in abundance in this wildlife sanctuary which makes it easy for the avid bird watchers to spot their favorite one and capture a stunning photo.
Falls under one of the best adventure activities to do in Darjeeling, Mountain Biking can be tried in the hilly terrain of the city. If you are one of those who seek thrill and adventure can indulge themselves in this outdoor activity through some excellent cycling trails to Pokhribong, Manebhanjan, Lamahatta, Kurseong etc. To promote mountain biking in the region, Darjeeling got a mountain biking park which is the only one in the country. You can start your Mountain Biking from Ghoom and then ride to the popular Pasupati Market. You can stroll around this market for a little while if you want. After this ride towards Mirik and spend the night there. The next morning start your journey again towards Dudhia and from Dudhia, your journey ends in Siliguri.
