Travel Guide

Location

•	Kalimpong is one of the largest Sub-Divisions of India and has the distinct advantage of being centrally located and would require a minimum stay of 3 to 4 days to be covered.
•	All major towns of the hill region like Siliguri, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Pelling are almost at equal distance from Kalimpong taking approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
•	Also Lava, Loleygoan, Pedong, Rishop and Charcoal are just within 45mins to 2hrs. If a visitor were to base his stay in kalimpong then his traveling time to Gangtok or Darjeeling would be just 2.5 hrs whereas Darjeeling to Gangtok would almost take 4 hrs.

Kalimpong

Distance Chart

	SLG	DARJ	KPG	PLG	LAVA	LLG	GTK	PDG
SLG	x	3 hrs	2 hrs 30 min	4 hrs 30 min	3 hrs	4 hrs	4 hrs 30 min	3 hrs
DARJ	3 hrs	x	2 hrs 30 min	4 hrs 30 min	3 hrs 30 min	5 hrs	4 hrs 30 min	3 hrs
KPG	2 hrs 30 min	2 hrs 30 min	x	3 hrs 30 min	1 hr	2 hrs	2 hrs 40 min	40 min
GTK	4 hrs 30 min	4 hrs 30 min	2 hrs 40 min	4 hrs	3 hrs 30 min	4 hrs 30 min	x	2.5 hrs

SLG-Siliguri DARJ-Darjeeling KPG-Kalimpong GTK-Gantok PLG-Pelling LLG-Lolegaon PDG-Pedong

AIR - Nearest Airport is Bagdogra (80 kms) 3 hours drive.
RAIL - Nearest railheads are Siliguri 66 kms and New Jalpaiguri (80 kms.) 2 .5 hrs drive.

How and where to get a vehicle to and from Kalimpong:
•	Bagdogra Airport - There is a pre paid taxi booth inside the airport itself.
•	NJP Station - There is a pre paid taxi booth just outside within the vicinity of the station. There are also various share taxis available from the same.
•	Kalimpong - Various taxis are available from the motorstand or Local Syndicate on both 'Reserve and Share Taxi basis' for all major towns. Taxi's can also be arranged from any hotel desk itself. The same is applicable from all towns of this region.

Fact File

Area	►	1056.5 Sq.Km
Altitude	►	1,250-1,600 metres for the town area. Countryside averages to 1,600 to 1,800 metres. Maximum Altitude: Rachela 3,152 metres.
Population	►	Approximate 70,000. Main ethnic groups are Nepali, Bhutia and Lepcha.
Language	►	English, Nepali, Hindi and Tibetan.
STD Code	►	03552
Climate	►	Summer: Mar to Jun• 15°C -25°C. Sunny days,mild weather, flora in bloom. Monsoons: Mid July to Mid September. Drifting clouds, rain and lush green. Autumn & Winter: Sep to Feb 7°C -15°C. Blue skies, clear views of snow peaks, sunshine.
Rainfall	►	Average Annual 220 cms
Best Time to Visit	►	Except for the monsoon months of Mid July to Mid September, Kalimpong is a wonderful place to visit throughout.
Number of Days required at Kalimpong	►	Min-3nights 4days
Clothing	►	Tropical in Summer with a light sweater. Woolens in autumn and winter. Parka jacket for Jan-Feb

Must Buy / Must Try
The Haat Bazaar -
Colours of Kalimpong-If you wish to see the true culture and colours of Kalimpong, then a visit to the Haat bazaar is a must! Almost closing in on 80 years of existence, the Haat bazaar is a vibrant and an interesting showcase of people from different backgrounds, cultures all with the sole intention of making the maximum sales. The concept of the Haat is almost as old as our combined culture. This market is held twice in a week – Wednesdays and Saturdays from early morning since the very beginning. If you wish to get the best of things, then it’s wise to be amongst the first few visitors. From agricultural and farming items, fresh vegetables, clothes, bags, umbrellas, spices, you can get them all at the best bargain prices. One side is full of clothes and likes and the opposite is full of spices, vegetables and fruits. Behind one particular side, lies a segment hidden from the regular eye. Here, you will see a huge compound packed with people playing carom board and various card-games. With these games they enjoy the freshly made momos, phambi, alu thukpa, all of our local street delicacies. A venture into the Haat Bazaar is one of the most exciting things to do in Kalimpong for anyone and everyone.
Fing - *awaiting content*
Dalley - *awaiting content*
RC Mintri Road - Ethnic Shopping.
Another important place just on top of the Haat Bazaar is the R.C.Mintri Road. This was a place which served as a major transaction centre in the old days of the mule caravans coming from Tibet. Here, there are a line of shops which have been there since the trade days and provides for one of the most delightful shopping experiences in Kalimpong, containingBuddhist thankas, hand beaten silver, Bhutanese weaves, Chinese lamps, Lepcha daggers, masks and a lot more....
Of Lollipops & Cheese– *A legacy-awaiting content*
Momos and Thukpa- The Kalimpong way.
You had it here and you had it there or maybe you never had it. The essence of a true Momo is in the form and taste, from which, when taken a bite, warm juices engulfs your mouth and takes your taste buds into pure haven. To have a taste of the real thing, fancy restaurants are not the place; instead it is those packed tiny little momo and thukpa joints that do total justice to the dish. You have to try it to know it.
Kalimpong Walks- Discover the real Kalimpong.
A morning walk, an evening walk or a daytime exploration; imagine what it would be like with a guide by your side showcasing the true beauty , history & culture of the town; a guide who gives you a new perspective on Kalimpong leaving you with a lasting impression of an untold story. “Kalimpong walks” is an initiative to help discover the real Kalimpong.

Travel Guide

Travel Guide

Location

Distance Chart

Fact File

Must Buy / Must Try

F & P