Visiting hill stations has been the favorite and dream of many. The two top, incredibly beautiful hill stations in India – Darjeeling and Gangtok – welcome huge tourist attention. It is because of their natural charm that lies in mountains, green hills, valleys, and overall landscapes. The good news is you can cover these two places in one go, in a combined tour. You can tell your tour operator in Siliguri for a customized Gangtok Darjeeling package vacation.
Though we can’t compare their beauty, this blog can tell you different aspects of Darjeeling and Gangtok and their holiday plans. This information will let you come out of the confusion about which place you should choose this time.
The Ultimate Showdown: Darjeeling vs. Gangtok
1. The Landscape
The natural scenic beauty enchants every tourist. Both Darjeeling and Gangtok boast picturesque landscapes. Let’s see.
Darjeeling
The "Queen of the Hills" Darjeeling is in North Bengal, noted for its stunning views of green hills, the Kanchenjunga range (the third-highest mountain in the world), valleys, and tea gardens. Darjeeling district has many remote places absolutely ideal for nature lovers, and peace seekers.
The town is dotted with hilltop monasteries, bustling bazaars, rolling hills, and colonial-era architecture. A Toy Train Ride, buying world-famous Darjeeling tea leaves, and sunrise at Tiger Hill complete your Darjeeling tour.
Gangtok
Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim, a famous northeast Indian state, which belongs to the Eastern Himalayas. The Tibetan charm lies in every corner of the city with the views of Mount Kanchenjunga.
Known as the Land of Monasteries, Gangtok has iconic sacred places, thick forests, and beautiful vistas around it. The Tashi Viewpoint gives you an excellent view of the Sunrise, Sunset, and Himalayan ranges. East Sikkim or Gangtok district has several remote places to plan a tranquil holiday.
2. Best Time to Visit
Darjeeling
The best time to visit Queen of Hills Darjeeling is from March to May and October to December. The weather in Darjeeling during these months remains pleasant.
Gangtok
Gangtok you can visit from March to early June and Late September to November. These months generally have clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
Connect with the most trusted tour operator in Siliguri for your Darjeeling Gangtok tour plan.
3. Duration
Darjeeling
You can cover all the top outdoor sightseeing places in Darjeeling within 2 days. So, you can plan a 3-day and 2-night Darjeeling holiday plan. If you want to explore offbeat places and lots of adventure activities as well, then go for a 5-day Darjeeling holiday plan.
Gangtok
You can explore the majority of attractions in Gangtok within 3 days. So, you can plan a 4-day and 3-night Gangtok holiday trip plan. Or, a 7-day Gangtok holiday plan if you want to enjoy adventure activities along with remote stays, such as in Zuluk, and Aritar.
4. Scopes for Adventure Activities
Enjoy the opportunity for adventure activities on your Darjeeling Gangtok holiday.
Darjeeling
Trekking
Hiking
Paragliding
Ropeway Ride
Darjeeling Himalayan Toy Train Ride
Zorbing
Kayaking
Camping
Safari
Rock Climbing
White water Rafting
Hot Air Balloon
Mountain Biking
Gangtok
Trekking
River Rafting
Paragliding
Mountain Biking
Yak Safari
Cable Car Ride (Ropeway ride)
Helicopter Ride
Hang Gliding
Caving
Rock Climbing
Embark on promising outdoor spots planned by the top tour operator in Siliguri for Gangtok Darjeeling.
5. Culture and Heritage
Darjeeling
Darjeeling is rich in colonial history, recorded in its architectural charm. The town has a prominent aura of Nepali, Tibetan, and British heritage. Be on a cultural tour with a Darjeeling Gangtok holiday package.
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Clock Tower, Ghoom Railway Museum, and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) are attractions for history and culture enthusiasts.
Gangtok
Gangtok is a blend of traditional Sikkimese culture and contemporary vibes. The town is home to numerous monasteries (sacred places), including the famous Rumtek Monastery, which is the center of Tibetan Buddhism.
Plus, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology shares deep insights into Tibetan culture and history with its visitors. Explore the Mahatma Gandhi Statue, Do Drul Chorten, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, Nathula Pass, etc.
6. Places to Visit
Darjeeling
Darjeeling is home to - Tiger Hill, Dali Monastery, Ghoom Monastery, Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Darjeeling Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Rock Garden, Rajbari, St. Andrew’s Church, Batasia Loop, Peace Pagoda and Happy Valley Tea Estate, Tenzing & Gompu Rock, Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Ropeway, Lamahatta, Lepchajagat, Chatakpur, BIjanbari, Takdah, Sittong, Tinchuley, etc.
Gangtok
Gangtok is home to – Rumtek Monastery, Do Drul Chorten, Tashi View Point, Enchey Monastery, Ranka Monastery, Shiv Temple, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Zuluk, Thambi View Point, Gnathang Valley, Kupup, Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake, Old Baba Mandir, Himalayan Zoological Park, Flower Exhibition Centre, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, etc.
7. Getting There (how to reach)
Darjeeling
Darjeeling is accessible by air, road, and train. Board a flight that connects Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri, which is about 70 km away. Board a train that connects New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, about 62 km. From these points, you can easily hire a private taxi or take a shared cab to reach Darjeeling.
Gangtok
Gangtok in Sikkim is about 112. 3 km from Siliguri, 124 km from Bagdogra Airport, and 148 km from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. You can book a private or shared taxi to reach Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Or, you can take a helicopter service available from Bagdogra to Gangtok, a quick way to approach Gangtok.
8. Shopping
Darjeeling
Darjeeling offers a fulfilling shopping experience. The Chowrasta and Mall Road are great for buying local handicrafts, world-famous Darjeeling tea, a variety of woolen clothing, cakes, and cookies. Visit the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center, which sells beautiful handcrafted items crafted by Tibetan refugees.
Gangtok
When you’re in Gangtok, the MG Marg is the shopping hub. Here, you can buy traditional handicrafts and trendy items. Lal Bazaar is another popular market in the Gangtok region, where locals sell fresh produce, spices, and unique souvenir items. Buy organic Sikkim tea and handcrafted artifacts for your loved ones.
Gangtok and Darjeeling have their own beauty and equally fascinating tourists. The above-mentioned information may help you choose your next holiday destination in a hill station, whether Gangtok or Darjeeling. Get in touch with Dream Destination Holidays for comfortable and affordable Darjeeling Gangtok holiday packages.
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