Kalimpong, March 19: Weekend tourists
or weeklong visitors, young adventurers or vacationing elders,
the DGHC tourism department has plans that will please everyone.
The new trekking itinerary launched for
this tourist season includes everything from daylong jaunts
to weeklong treks through tough terrain and leisurely strolls
around the scenic countryside to visits to newly discovered
destinations.
`Kalimpong has seen a gradual but steady
rise in the number of tourists in the past few years and one
of the main reasons is the variety of adventure sports options
that the subdivision offers,` said Bimal Gazmer, the area
manager of the tourism department. `Rafting and trekking are
gaining popularity and that is why we are introducing new
itineraries for trekking this year.`
The routes - five of them - have been handpicked
to give everyone, irrespective of their age, fitness or time
in hand, a chance to soak in the beauty of the hills.
`Visitors can choose from easy strolls around
the countryside to mild hikes that will take them up to altitudes
of around 3000 ft to more difficult treks reaching altitudes
of 7,000 ft and offering spectacular views of the mountains,`
Gazmer said.
The first route begins from Kalimpong, winds
it way though Rissisum, Lava and Buddhabare (Gitdabling),
passes through Kaffer (Loleygaon) and Samthar to Surukto Samco
Ropeway before finally ending at Coronation Bridge. Night
halts will be made at Lava, Buddhabare, Samthar, Suruk, Samco
Ropeway and Coronation Bridge. The other routes that have
been opened include a circuit trek to Kalimpong that will
take the hiker through the vales of Rissisum, Lava, Buddhabare,
Kaffer and Rellie. A one-day round trek from Deolo to Algarah
and criss-crossing through Damsong, Pedong, Kagey and back
to Kalimpong also finds a place in the itinerary. A halt will
be made at Kagey only for this route.
For those with a fetish for adventure, there
is the trek that will take you through Lava, Pankhasari, Neora
Valley Rochela, Todey Tangta, Parentar, Jholung, Rongo and
end at Samsing. Night halts will be made in Lava, Neora Valley,
Rochela, Todey Tangta, Parentar and Rongo.
`Though there are tourist lodges on all
routes, people keen on get a first-hand feel of the great
outdoors can even spend the nights in tents,` Gazmer said.
`The tourist lodges have to be booked in advance.`
Speaking about the speciality of trekking
here, the Kalimpong tourism manager said: `Treks here include
both low and high altitude routes, which everyone,can try
out. Only high altitude trekking is possible in Darjeeling
and only fit people can participate in such treks.
Courtesy
The Telegraph |
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