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.

Rising above Chowrasta Square, Observatory Hill is a fabulous viewpoint where you can enjoy uninterrupted panoramas of Kanchenjunga. It was formerly home to the Bhutia Busty Monastery but is now where the Mahakal Temple stands. The Hindu place of worship is easily reached from the road that winds up from Chowrasta Square and offers an insight into the religious heritage of Darjeeling. Here, you’ll find ancient prayer wheels, Tibetan prayer flags, and a sacred cave that winds underground to Ghum Monastery.

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.