Gangtok · Kalimpong · Darjeeling
Gangtok, Kalimpong & Darjeeling
- NJP / Bagdogra
- Gangtok
- Kalimpong
- Darjeeling
Price on request
The quiet hill town
Kalimpong and the forest villages
Lower, warmer and quieter than Darjeeling, with flower nurseries, an old trade-route history, and the forest ridges of Lava and Lolegaon above.
Kalimpong was once the end of the road from Tibet: the wool and mule trade over the Jelep La came down here to market. Its colonial bungalows, schools and missions still give it a different character from Darjeeling — less busy, a little warmer, and full of flowers grown in the nurseries for which it is known.
Above the town the forest climbs to the villages of Lava, Lolegaon and Rishop, simple places with long views and homestays rather than hotels. Kalimpong sits between Gangtok and Darjeeling, so it fits into almost any circuit.
Registered with Sikkim Tourism Reg. No. 77/DoT&CAv/S/20/TA
What to see
Places worth your time
- 01
Deolo Hill
The highest point in town, with gardens and a view over the Teesta and Relli valleys.
- 02
Durpin Monastery
Zang Dhok Palri Phodang, consecrated by the Dalai Lama, on the ridge above town.
- 03
Flower nurseries
Orchids, cacti and gladioli — the town’s quiet speciality.
- 04
Morgan House
An ivy-covered colonial-era mansion, now a heritage lodge.
- 05
Lava & Rishop
Forest villages at around 7,000 ft with a monastery, birding trails and views to Kanchenjunga.
- 06
Lolegaon
A village on a forested ridge, known for its canopy walk among old trees.
Itineraries
Kalimpong tour packages
Every itinerary can be changed to your dates and pace. Prices on request.
When to go
Seasons
February – May
Spring
The best of the flowers, and mild weather.
June – September
Monsoon
The ridge roads to Lava and Lolegaon become difficult.
October – December
Autumn
Clear, dry and the best month for the Kanchenjunga view from Deolo.
January
Winter
Cold up at Lava and Rishop, mild in town.
Getting there
About 2½ to 3 hours from NJP or Bagdogra along the Teesta, and about 3 hours from Gangtok or Darjeeling.
Permits & documents
No permit is needed for Kalimpong, Lava, Lolegaon or Rishop.
From our office in Namchi
Local tips
- Lava, Rishop and Lolegaon are homestay country: warm welcomes, simple rooms, cold nights.
- The last stretch to some ridge villages needs a proper hill vehicle; we send the right one.
Questions
Kalimpong: frequently asked
Kalimpong or Darjeeling?
Darjeeling for the toy train, Tiger Hill and tea. Kalimpong for a quieter stay and the forest villages. Many people do one night in each.
Talk to a local
Tell us where you want to go
Send your dates and the number of travellers. We reply with a written, day-by-day itinerary and an itemised quote — and it costs nothing to ask.
- +91 80162 57040
- WhatsApp the office
- Lower Ghurpisey, Namchi, South Sikkim 737126, India
Registered with Sikkim Tourism Reg. No. 77/DoT&CAv/S/20/TA