Darjeeling

Darjeeling is home to several markets and bazaars, where the sights, sounds and aromas are intoxicating. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and heritage and meet the people. There are several markets around Chowrasta Square, where you’ll find everything from Tibetan artefacts to interesting antiques. The Mahakal and Dragon markets are particularly well known for selling imported goods from Bangkok as well as woollen clothes.

Tiger Hill is the spot to watch the sun rise over the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. Seeing the sky turn to deep orange over the Himalaya is an awe-inspiring moment – definitely worth the early start. As you return down Tiger Hill, there are several places to visit, including the Batasia Loop War Memorial and Sincheal Singh Devi Dham, a traditional Hindu temple just below the summit.

Built in honour of Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, the first people to summit Everest, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is a world-renowned hub for mountaineering and adventure activities.  For tourists, the centre provides a fascinating look at some of the early Everest climbs through interesting displays and photographs, including artefacts from Norgay and Hilary’s legendary first summit in 1953, plus an overview of life in the Himalaya. 

For many, the first thing that springs to mind when you speak of Darjeeling is the tea. There are various types, but the finest (and most expensive) is picked in spring, during the first flush (tea harvest) of the year. To find your perfect cuppa, either visit Nehru Road and sit in one of the numerous tea houses or buy some from one of the local shops.

Chug along the UNESCO-protected Darjeeling Himalayan Railway on a scenic two-hour toy train ride to Ghoom, the highest railway station in India. Taking the narrow-gauge train, you journey through forested mountains and tea gardens, taking steep climbs and sharp bends, enjoying views of the eastern Himalaya as you go. It also stops at Batasia Loop station, home to a hilltop war memorial dedicated to Indian soldiers​ and magnificent vistas over the Himalaya.