Nestled in the lush greenery of pine, fir and birch forests, at an altitude of 1,458 m., the picturesque tourist resort of Kurseong is a place of unforgettable charm. 32 km. away from Darjeeling, it is also the place where buses and taxis usually stop on their way between Siliguri and Darjeeling. Famous for its natural bounty of orchids, Kurseong is endearingly called Land of the White Orchid. 

There are several churches and many good schools in Kurseong, of which the Dow Hill Forest School has a beautiful campus. The Forest Museum, the Deer Park, the mini amusement park and the water reservoir - all set amid moss-laden conifers - are worth a visit. The Eagle's Crag is a popular landmark. 

A one kilometre ascent takes one to the top of Dow Hill where a well-developed tourist complex is situated. Standing here on a clear day, one can have a sweeping view of the plains in striking contrast to the hills around. All around are the ubiquitous tea plantations. The Castleton Tea Estate, which produces the world's most expensive tea, is nearby. 

How To Get There 
Kurseong has road links with Darjeeling (32 km.), Siliguri (48 km.), and Mirik (46 km. via Pankhabari and 76 km. via Ghoom). 

Kurseong is a major station on the Toy Train route between Siliguri and Darjeeling. The train stops at Kurseong for a short break before continuing on its way. 

Phalut in Tibetan means Peeled Summit or Denuded Peak, which describes it perfectly. Situated 23 km. away from Sandakphu, Phalut stands on the Darjeeling-Sikkim-Nepal border. The Phalut Ridge is part of almost all the trekking routes in the Sikkim-Darjeeling region, and the culminating point of a number of shorter treks. 

The Phalut peak is a universal favourite of trekkers. At an altitude of 3,600 m., it is a vantage point to experience the awesome beauty of the Himalayas. On clear days, one can have a great view of the Kanchenjungha range. The Everest however, remains hidden by peak No. XIII, a mountain shaped like an enormous armchair of snow. 

How To Get There 
Along the Singalila trekking route, Phalut is 21 km. away from Sandakphu. This journey constitutes the third day of the seven-day trek, and is a relatively easier one. On their way, trekkers are greeted by rhododendrons of different hues, magnolias, chestnut oak, and the stately silver fir emerging out of the mysterious mists. The imposing Himalayas loom large on the western horizon. The final stretch is almost bereft of vegetation, owing to the sweeping icy winds. The Phalut peak is the destination and also the stopover for the night. 

The name Sandakphu means the Height of the Poison Plant, a direct reference to the profusion of the poisonous aconite plants that grow near the peak. The loftiest peak of the Singalila Range, Sandakphu is the culminating point of most of the trekking routes in the Darjeeling-Sikkim region. At an altitude of 3,638 m., it is located at a distance of 58 km. from Darjeeling. 

The best time to visit Sandakphu is in April-May, the flower season, and again around November, when the weather is pleasant and the skies remain unclouded. 

Sandakphu epitomises the wild elemental grandeur of the snows. Nature here is at her pristine best, and the vista at the top is worth all the hardship endured on the way. Aptly called the Paradise of Trekkers, the Sandakphu peak is a vantage point from where one can see four of the world's five highest peaks - Everest, Kanchenjungha, Makalu and Lhotse in a continuous snow-clad arc. 

Sandakphu is resplendent with the ethereal beauty of magnolias, rhododendrons, primulas and other sub-alpine flowers. It also contains more than 600 varieties of orchids, the largest to be found in a single geographical area in the world. 

How To Get There 
Maneybhanjan, at an altitude of 2133.6 m., is the gateway to the Sandakphu region. Bus services are available from Darjeeling, via Sukhiapokhri, to Maneybhanjan. The distance of 24.5 km. is covered in about an hour's time. From here, the 28-km. trek to Sandakphu takes 10 to 12 hours. This section is the most challenging due to its steep gradient. It leads to Sandakphu through thick rhododendron and magnolia forests. 

Land Rovers are also available for a trip from Darjeeling to Sandakphu. But the five-hour ride on a rocky terrain is extremely uncomfortable, and hence the trekking route is the more favoured one. 

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