Darjeeling, a part of Sikkim till the beginning of the 18th century, has been described as the ‘Queen of the Hills’ and rightly so. This small hill station provides breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga, the highest peak of the eastern part of the mighty Himalayas. Small quaint settlements, beautiful rhododendron and coniferous forests, verdant valleys and lush tea gardens spread over terraced farms, add to the charm of this tiny hill retreat, and make it a beautiful trekking experience.

WHEN TO GO:
The post-monsoon season in October and November have clear and warm days, especially in the valleys. The pre-monsoon season from March to May brings with it the delights of the spring. The longer days and the beauty of the blooming rhododendrons add to the charms of the region, making the trek an unforgettable one. One just has to be careful of the leeches in the rhododendron and coniferous forests.

Sikkim, situated in the eastern Himalayas, lies between India and Chinese occupied Tibet, and is bound by Nepal, Bhutan and West Bengal. This tiny hill state contains some of the most dramatic geological and topographical features. A land of high mountains, monasteries, orchids, butterflies, dense forests and clear streams, it provides spectacular views of the eastern Himalayas. Birdlife is prolific and some places have as many as 400 species of flowers. Sikkim has some of the finest mountain scenery in the world, as can be seen on the Kanchenjunga trek, the third highest mountain in the world. The treks in this region take one through dense forests, along small villages providing a glimpse of the local life, yaks grazing on the pastures, and a mind boggling variety of botanical life, which leaves a lasting impression on the onlooker.

WHERE TO GO:
The pre-monsoon season from early April to mid May is the best for the rhododendrons, while the post-monsoon season from early October to mid-November provides clearer views of the mountains. However, snow storms at higher altitudes develop rapidly in both the pre and the post monsoon seasons, so one should be prepared for inclement weather at all times.