Exploring North East India: Darjeeling and Gangtok’s Hidden Gems

Darjeeling and Gangtok are two of the most fascinating hill stations in India, along with a perfect fusion of nature, culture and colonialism. Although these two places have been on the list of travelers who have been wanting to have an iconic view of the Kanchenjunga range, monasteries and tea estates, there is so much to explore beyond the typical tourist attraction sites. Vast numbers of unsung gems lurk within the region, excellent monasteries, old villages, fertile valleys, and ancestral bungalows, which provide a true insight into the local life and the natural beauty of North East India. There are such hidden gems found in Darjeeling and Gangtok which can make your trip to be an immersive and memorable process. 

In case of the people who are planning on visiting the less known areas of these hill towns, it is imperative to go outside of the box. Not only does the area around Darjeeling and Gangtok provide breathtaking scenery, but the area also is culturally rich, serene, and adventurous. You can either be planning your next Darjeeling and Gangtok itinerary or you can be reading about Darjeeling Gangtok travel packages: you would not want to leave out a few offbeat places that show the heart of the Himalayas. Starting with the ancient monasteries of West Sikkim to the pristine beauty of the Old Silk Route, every destination proves to be a new story, and the traveler will find tranquility and point of view. 

Here are some of the explorations of North East India: Darjeeling and Gangtok’s Hidden Gems 

Hidden Gems Around Gangtok 

The colorful capital of Sikkim, Gangtok, can be characterized as the place with busy markets, colorful monasteries, and picturesque outlooks. But there is more to the city than meets the eye, and this is a land of silent loveliness and undiscovered beauty. 

Pelling: 

Pelling is a small town located at West Sikkim and provides the spectacular view of the snow-clad Kanchenjunga range. Dwarfed by the attraction of Gangtok, Pelling is a treasure trove of attractions to people who prefer soliting and the nature. The old and sacred monastery of Pemayangtse is one of the most serene Sikhs monasteries in the state of Sikkim. Close by (just a few steps away) is the Rabdentse Ruins which is considered to be the ancient capital of the Sikkim Kingdom which is also quite fascinating and spectacular in terms of views. The Sky Walk at Pelling and adjacent waterfalls make Pelling an ideal place to visit especially by the lovers of photography and those who want to find peace. 

Zuluk: 

Zuluk is an ideal destination for individuals who would want to experience the untouched scenery, a remote village located on the Old Silk Route. Located on a high altitude, Zuluk offers spectacular scenes of the Eastern Himalayas as well as the well-known 32 hairpin bends road. Zuluk does not have the hustle and bustle that the other tourist destinations have; it is still in its purest form and it provides one with a relaxing experience and an opportunity to meet the local mountain people. By spending your time in a homestay here, you can have a sample of true Himalayan hospitality. 

Nathang Valley: 

A bit farther on the Silk Route is Nathang Valley which becomes a cold desert during winter. It is an untouched heaven of the people who love adventure and seclusion. It is a wildflower all through summer and a snow-white wonderland all through winter. The Tukla War Memorial and the Mater Dolorosa Church are located close to the landscape to give it historical context. It is a region with one of the most dramatic mountain views in Sikkim and would be an ideal place both to photographers and to the explorers. 

Phodong Monastery: 

Phodong Monastery is one of the minors yet spiritually important monasteries in Sikkim found approximately 40 km away Gangtok. Constructed in the early 18 th century, it contains ancient murals and relics that renders it the site to be visited by people interested in the Buddhist tradition of Sikkim. Although it is important, it attracts fewer tourists, which means that it is possible to meditate and explore. 

Tashi View Point: 

Although it is not totally some secret, it is a place that is passed over by the day travelers. Early morning visitors get the spectacular scenery of the sunrise shining over the kanchenjunga range as the initial rays paint the mountains with the colors of gold and pink. It is a perfect photography point and it is very near to Gangtok and therefore, it is a must-visit place in your itinerary that is very memorable. 

Faraway Places around Darjeeling. 

The small town of Darjeeling also known as the Queen of the Hills is renowned with the beautiful tea gardens, colonial ambience as well as the spectacular mountain scenery. But there is even more magic within the Tiger Hill and Mall Road that all the tourists talk about. 

Local Tea Gardens: 

The vast majority of tourists visiting Darjeeling come to famous estates such as Happy Valley or Makaibari, but the smaller and less famous tea gardens are more personal and more authentic. Going to a family-owned garden allows you to witness the tea-making process first-hand and also get to meet with the growers themselves. You are even in a position to taste fresh brewed tea under the aroma of the hills. These personal experiences give a deeper insight into the heritage of Darjeeling as the manufacturer of the best teams in the world. 

Colonial Bungalows: 

Darjeeling has a wonderful past of colonialism that is well maintained in its heritage bungalows. These houses built during the years of the British rule, some of which have now been turned into boutique hotels, are scattered in the hills and provide a haven to time travelers. Their antique wooden structures, fire places, and well-maintained lawns depict a past time of luxury. A stay in or visit to any of these bungalows will further provide a nostalgia and beauty to your itinerary of Darjeeling and Gangtok, particularly those who have interest in history and architecture. 

Tibetan Market: 

The Tibetan Market is a bustling, cultural, and craft centre situated close to Chowrasta. In this case, you would go shopping with handcrafted jewelry, woolen clothing, carpets and other special souvenirs. This is more than a shopping experience as this type of market submerges the visitors in the Tibetan influence that has defined a large part of the Darjeeling identity. Eating momos or thukpa in the local places and talking to the sellers gives a more authentic cultural experience that bigger tourist destinations cannot offer. 

In addition to these attractions, there are numerous small monasteries, forest walks, and overlooks in Darjeeling which are rarely visited by visitors. An example would be the Aloobari Monastery and Bhutia Busty Monastery which are both a serene place to meditate and take beautiful photographs. 

Designing the Ideal Itinerary. 

The secret of exploring the obscure spots in Darjeeling and Gangtok is striking the right mix between the tourist attractions and the lesser-known secrets when planning your trip. The classic Darjeeling and Gangtok sightseeing plan may cover such landmarks as Tsomgo Lake, Batasia Loop and Rumtek Monastery, but will also allow some time to explore all the available possibilities and enjoy some impromptu treks in tea gardens, local homestays or more of the Old Silk Route drive. 

Several Darjeeling Gangtok travel packages now serve tourists that seek off-beaten tours. When you choose to go on personalized tours then you are able to include such sites as Pelling or Nathang Valley without hurrying your trip. These are customized experiences that merge comfort and adventure and you are guaranteed to immerse in the familiar and the enigmatic. 

Conclusion 

The ancient beauty of Darjeeling and Gangtok with their stunning cultural backdrop has always been an attraction to all the travelers, yet the unexplored routes are declaring the real picture of the area. Exploration of the distant valleys, monasteries, and villages that surround these towns is the introduction into a new world of tranquility, spirituality, and genuineness that mass tourism tends to forget. The Darjeeling and Gangtok secrets do not merely exist but are the places that would make you feel that you are part of the land and its people. 

As a tourist, one should visit these secret jewels to make an ordinary holiday an incredible Himalayan experience. In case of family travel, friends or solo travel, a carefully designed Darjeeling Gangtok travel packages with reputed operators such as Go Kite Tours, would guarantee you comfort, local insight, and unique experience of these hidden locations. then take your bags and breathe the mountain and go out to find the unknown-because where the well-trodden road ends the magic of North East India is really found.