Darjeeling – the word itself speaks for the beauty it holds. Situated in the northernmost part of West Bengal, it is a famous and charming hill stations. During sunrise, this town offers a magnificent view of the mighty snow-covered Kanchenjunga which will leave you spellbound. People visit mostly for the scenery but if you want more, then you can go for adventure sports in Darjeeling. Since, there are a lot of options, we will help you guide and sort the activities for you!
10 Best Adventure Sports In Darjeeling You Must Try In 2024
The adventure sports in Darjeeling will keep you afloat the thrill on your trip. While many recommend to try white water rafting, however, we recommend taking a look at the other amazing options that Darjeeling offers. Let us now explore the various adventure sports in Darjeeling so that next time you plan a trip there, it would be easy for you to figure out which one to go for:
- Paragliding: Fly In The Air
- Whitewater Rafting: Some Water Treatment
- Trekking: High Up The Mountains
- Kayaking: Gentle Stroke Of Water
- Mountain Biking: Ride Around The Valleys
- Zorbing: A Unique Adventure
- Safari: Adventure Of A Lifetime
- Camping: Across The Open Meadows
- Rock Climbing: Challenging But Adventurous
- Hot Air Balloon: Capture Delightful Sights
1. Paragliding: Fly In The Air
How does it feel to see the city from the top? Well, when a guide joins you while paragliding, it is known as the tandem paragliding. You and the guide will be completely secured in the separate safety harness. The guide will be in complete control of the flight, so you have to just enjoy the ride. All you have to do is to run a few steps when the guide launches and says “Go” and then you jump into the sky from the edge of the area of the cliff you climbed up to do paragliding. So, if seeking adventure in Darjeeling, go paragliding.
Cost of Paragliding: INR 3,000 – 4,000
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2. Whitewater Rafting: Some Water Treatment
White water river rafting in Darjeeling is extremely popular and the best adventure activity. The river Teesta and Rangeet are two rivers that flow down the Himalayan mountains and create the magical white water which has different rapids and stretches. They are excellent for rafting when you think about both the beginner and the seasoned rafting. Teesta river operates around 50 rafts during the season. This river rafting has two starting places. One is Melli and the other one is Triveni.
Cost of river rafting: Check with the tourism office
3. Trekking: High Up The Mountains
Image Credit: Mondo79 for Wikimedia Commons
Trekking is the simplest, but the most adventurous activity among all the adventure sports. Sandakphu trek starts at a place called Maneybhanjang or Chitrey. Sandakphu and Phalut are the peaks of trekking spot. You have to go for this trek during spring because this is the time the majority of the trees have colorful flowers. You will find the forest covered with rhododendrons and magnolias. If you are trekking in winter, you can actually expect some great snow here.
Cost of Sandakphu Phalut Trekking: INR 1,200
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4. Kayaking: Gentle Stroke Of Water
If you do not prefer white water river rafting, then you can definitely go for Kayaking. There are only a few places in India where you will really like Kayaking but you will really enjoy it here. This activity is only enjoyed when you do it slowly and you admire the beauty of the nature. The river where kayaking provides a great downstream flows from Singla. You will get to see natural vegetation and unique kind of fauna near the river. Always take proper measures for your safety.
Cost of Kayaking: Contact Darjeeling tourism for details
5. Mountain Biking: Ride Around The Valleys
Another offbeat adventure sport in Darjeeling is mountain biking from Ghum to Siliguri. If you are looking to explore great terrains and some adventure, then this is for you. Your journey starts from Ghoom and the a ride to the Pashupati market. You will then cycle for 58 km straight and take the night’s rest at Mirik. The next morning, you ride through Mirik to reach Dudhia for another 52 km. Then, you reach Siliguri when the activity ends.
Cost of Mountain Biking: INR 4,500
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6. Zorbing: A Unique Adventure
If you are looking for funny adventure sports in Darjeeling, then definitely go for Zorbing. This is a rare sport which entails you to secure inside a soft plastic ball and roll over the hills. And if you are touring with family, then your kids will love it. Spin around the lush meadows of Darjeeling while the crowd cheers and has fun but not more than you. All in all, zorbing is among the ultimate adventures in Darjeeling you must indulge in.
Cost of Zorbing: INR 300 – 600
7. Safari: Adventure Of A Lifetime
The Singalila National Park is just 36 km from Darjeeling. Can you hear the jeeps inside the park? If not, then visit the park and grab a seat in a jeep. For safari comes and lets you explore Himalayan wildlife including the beloved Red Panda. In terms of flora, you will be amazed by the acres of ferns, magnolias and orchids. Wait, there’s more – there is a portion of the park from where you can clearly get a peek of the Kanchenjunga snow peaks. Safari is one of the most underrated adventure activities in Darjeeling.
Cost of Safari: INR 1,000
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8. Camping: Across The Open Meadows
Spending the nights in the vicinity of nature and the wonder of the Himalayas is an experience you will never forget. You will consider it to be one of the best adventure activities in Darjeeling when you enjoy the mesmerizing views and landscape. There are plenty of spots for camping like Tonglu, Gairibas , Kalipokhri, Molley, Gorkey and Srikhola. This is a slightly different experience than any other as the areas are pretty remote and might be tough for newbies.
Cost of Camping: Contact local operators
9. Rock Climbing: Challenging But Adventurous
One of the toughest and challenging adventure sports in Darjeeling are climbing the several rock sites. As you might be familiar with Tenzing Rock, is the most popular rock climbing spot. Named after the first Everest climber, Tenzing Norgay, the spot was first practiced by him. You will get climbing lessons at all the skill levels including novices to experts.
Cost of Rock Climbing: INR 2,000
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10. Hot Air Balloon: Capture Delightful Sights
Afraid of paragliding and the brushing air? But would like to fly in the air. Here’s one of the best adventure sports in Darjeeling where you can explore the valleys and hills of Darjeeling by riding in a hot air balloon. Under the canopy of a brightly colored parachute, you will be sitting and enjoying your ride. Needless to say, it would be the most royal experience for you. Very seldom do you find such an experience in India.
Cost of Hot Air Balloon: INR 1,500
Further Read: Trekking In Darjeeling
You will enjoy Darjeeling for its natural scenic beauty and now you know, the adventure sports as well. Thus, when you are planning a trip to Darjeeling, you need to plan one where you include adventure sports in Darjeeling. The stunning scenes are to die for and mesmerize you as you progress through the trip. In short, there is a lot to explore in terms of adventure while the scenery rejuvenates the rest of you.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Adventure Sports In Darjeeling
How many days is enough for Darjeeling?
5-7 days are great if you want to have leisure time and 2 days if you want to see complete sightseeing and then proceed to other places like Gangtok, Nathula and Changu Lake.
Which month is the best for Darjeeling?
The best time to visit Darjeeling is the summer months. April to June is the best and ideal time to come to visit this beautiful place. Then, you have the winter months which is from October to December.
What is special in Darjeeling?
The special thing in Darjeeling is the Darjeeling Tea of course. You have hand-knitted items at New Mahakal Market, carpets from Tibetan Self Help Center, cheap electronics at Chowk Bazaar, Tea at the small and cute cafes.
Which is the most beautiful place in Darjeeling?
You have the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Singalila National Park, Tiger Hill, and observatory Hill. These are just some of the places which can give you the epic views of Darjeeling.
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