Wake Up to Wilderness – Offbeat Adventures in Darap Village

Darap Diaries

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Darap Diaries

Uncover the stoic charisma of Darap Village, an undisturbed hamlet situated near Pelling of West Sikkim, where culture, nature and traditions are blended flawlessly. It is the best destination to spend some pleasant time in serenity with nature.

Darap Village offers a genuine peek into the serene sights of rustic Himalayan life. It is the abode of the friendly Limbu community and other friendly communities such as Chettris, Rais, Lepchas, Gurungs, Tamangs and Bhutias. If you are looking for an off-beat experience in Sikkim and enjoy cultural immersion amidst natural beauty, then Darap Village is the ideal destination for you.

Best Darjeeling Tour Packages

We present to you with our exclusive and wide range of Darjeeling tour packages which will ensure to offer you a comprehensive experience of this hill station, curled up in the arms of the majestic Himalayas. Our packages typically include a wide range of activities, starting from visiting iconic attractions like Tiger Hill, Tea Gardens, Peace Pagoda or the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, which will cater to all families, adventure lovers and honeymooners, alike.

2 Days 1 Night
(4.7) 415
Romantic Escapes: Darjeeling & Sikkim Weekend Getaway
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2 Days 1 Night
(4.7) 415
Weekend Bliss: Darjeeling & Lamahatta Getaway
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2 Days 1 Night
(4.7) 415
Mystic Blessings: Eastern Himalayas Pilgrimage Tour
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2 Days 1 Night
(4.7) 415
Wildlife Escape: Darjeeling & Sikkim
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2 Days 1 Night
(4.7) 415
Sacred Himalayas: Darjeeling & Sikkim Pilgrimage Tour
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9 Days 8 Nights
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Wild Himalayas: Darjeeling & Sikkim Wildlife Tour
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Best Time to Visit Darap Village

Darap Village can be visited all year round with different type of adventure and activities opportunities in different seasons. However, the recommended best time to visit this hidden gem is between March and June and September and November, as it is the ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing amidst the pleasant weather. The landscape remains painted vividly with vibrant green fields, blooming Orchids and Rhododendrons. This is also the best time to enjoy photography, organic farming and nature walks.

Weather and Temperature of Darap Village (Season-wise)

The weather and temperature of the Darap Village vary all year round depending on different seasons. The season-wise breakdown of Darap’s weather and temperature is mentioned below-

Summer (June to August) offers cool evenings and warm days with occasional occurrences of pre-monsoon drizzles. The temperature ranges between 12°C to 24°C. It is the best time to enjoy nature walks around the lush fields while noticing the farming activities of the locals.

Monsoon (July to September) experiences heavy rainfall, making the surrounding valleys covered with clouds and mist. The temperature ranges between 14°C to 22°C, and is the ideal time to enjoy some cosy stays and slow travels.

Autumn (October to November) offers perfect visibility of the surroundings, clear skies, crisp air and stunning golden fields. The temperature ranges between 10°C to 18°C, making it the ideal season to enjoy photography, joining local festivals, trekking and sightseeing.

Winter (December to February) experiences dry, sunny days with cool evenings and mornings. The temperature ranges between 2°C to 12 °c, offering a clear view to enjoy the snow-clad mountains, and it is the ideal time to enjoy cosy stays at the rustic homestays.

Geography and Natural Beauty

Darap is a pictorial village nestled in the Himalayan foothills of West Sikkim, located at a distance of 7 km from Pelling. It is installed at an elevation of about 5,500 feet, encompassed by piping hills, thick forest and lush terraced fields, presenting an immaculate view of the majestic Himalayan range. It is in proximity to the Kanchenjunga National Park and is cuddled by chirping birds, mountain winds and serene streams. The mist-covered mornings, rhododendron trails and organic farmlands of this village make it an ultimate refuge for peace seekers and nature lovers.

Attractions and Activities

Attractions

Limbu Traditional Houses- The century-old houses of the Limbu community are made of stone and wood which showcases the unique lifestyle and architectural styles of this old indigenous community.

Rimbi Waterfalls- You can reach this stunning waterfall at a short drive from Darap and spend some peaceful time in nature breaks and quiet picnic sessions.

Kanchenjunga National Park Trails- It is situated in proximity to Darap creating an opportunity for the visitors to take some nature walks, enjoy birdwatching and short treks in the nearby forested hills.

Singshore Suspension Bridge- It ranks amongst the highest bridges in Asia, overlooking lush forests and steep hills.

Activities

Cultural Interaction & Storytelling- You can enjoy an off-beat experience by interacting with the locals at your village walks and get to know about the rituals, lifestyle and folklores that has been prevailing in the region for generations.

Traditional Farming Experience- You can get the opportunity to learn about the traditional harvesting, and sowing techniques at the green terraced fields.

Bamboo Craft Workshops- You can attend some workshops and tool-making sessions held by the talented artisans of Darap village and explore their local art, such as traditional bamboo crafting and weaving.

Short Treks- You can enjoy some peaceful time by trekking at the scenic connecting trails near Darap and peaceful hamlets such as Pemayangtse, Yuksom or Rimbik situated nearby.

Nearby Attractions and places to visit in Darap Village

Khecheopalri Lake- This is a sacred lake situated at a distance of 25 km, which is considered sacred by the locals and is also believed to be wish-fulfilling, where leaves never gather on its surface. It attracts spiritual seekers from different corners of the wor, where you can enjoy some quiet meditation sessions.

Pemayangtse Monastery- This is an esteemed monastery which ranks amongst the oldest monasteries of Sikkim and is situated at a distance of 8 km from Darap at a scenic location perched atop a hill. You can witness some stunning antic relics and artworks here.

Yuksom- It was the first capital of Sikkim which is situated at a distance of 20 km. This place is ideally known for its Buddhist heritage and deep-rooted history. It is a heaven for history devotees where you can try out short hikes and explore Dubdi Monastery andNorbugang Coronation Throne.

Sangachoeling Monastery- it is a 17th-century monastery roosted at the top of a hill which is situated at a distance of 10 km from Pelling. You can reach this monastery via a picturesque forest trail from Pelling offering a sweeping view of the Himalayas.

Local Cuisine and Cultural Experiences

Sangachoeling Monastery- it is a 17th-century monastery roosted at the top of a hill which is situated at a distance of 10 km from Pelling. You can reach this monastery via a picturesque forest trail from Pelling offering a sweeping view of the Himalayas.

Homestay Experience- Get the opportunity to connect deeply with the kind-hearted Limbu locals of Darap by staying at the attractive wooden homestays get a taste of their warm hospitality and witness their architectural skills.

Indulging in Local Handicrafts- The villagers residing here are very talented artisans you can interact with the village elders and learn their traditional methods of tool making, simple construction using wood and earth and bamboo weaving.

Interacting with the locals- The Darap Village is inhabited primarily by the Limbu community. You can interact with the friendly locals and get to know about their values, ancestral traditions, farming practices and their amicable relationship with nature.

Attending Local Festivals- You can visit Darap at the time of local festivals such as Losar, Sankranti, Maghe or Tihar, which are celebrated with vibrant dance and song performances. The Limbu locals residing here often perform this lively dance and songs in the evening to celebrate nature, local legends, harvest and for the visitors.

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Accommodations

The Darap Village primarily has warm, eco-friendly homestays, which are run by the friendly locals residing he, where you can enjoy offbeat comfort and cultural immersion. You will be provided delectable meals prepared by the host family with love and care. The rooms are clean with attached bathrooms, however, there are limited homestays here, thus it is recommended to book your stays in advance. Some of the recommended homestays here include- Daragaon Village Retreat, The Homestay Darap, The Homestay Darap, Norling Homestay, Yankee Doodle Homestay and Denzong Homestay.

Homestays in Darap Village

The homestays of Darap Village are mostly in the form of stone and wooden cottages where you can enjoy delectable meals prepared using fresh ingredients collected from the adjacent fields in a cosy and comfortable environment. Some of the homestays here also offer activities such as immersive cultural experiences, village walks and hiking. Some of the recommended homestays of Darap Village include- Daragaon Retreat, Humro Home Gurung Homestay, Odyssey’s Darap Eco Retreat, Darap Village Homestay and Darap Retreat Homestay.

Where Is Darap Village

Darap Village is 7 km from Pelling in the Gyalshing district of West Sikkim. Perched at an elevation of about 5,500 feet, Gangtok is 120 km away. Some of the nearby attractions include Kanchenjunga National Park, Pemayangtse Monastery, and Rimbi Waterfalls.

Darap Village offers a genuine peek into the serene sights of rustic Himalayan life. It is the abode of the friendly Limbu community and other friendly communities such as Chettris, Rais, Lepchas, Gurungs, Tamangs and Bhutias. If you are looking for an off-beat experience in Sikkim and enjoy cultural immersion amidst natural beauty, then Darap Village is the ideal destination for you.

How To Reach Darap Village

With a proximity of just 7 km from Pelling, which is a famous tourist spot, the Darap Village can be easily accessed via different transportation modes.

By Air: The nearest airport from Darap Village is the Bagdogra Airport, situated at a distance of 135 km. You can pre-book a cab or take a shared cab from Siliguri up to Pelling via Jorethang and Geyzing and finally Darap the entire travel time via road will take 5-6 hours.

By Train: The NJP station is the nearest to Darap which is at a distance of 130 km. You can take a taxi from Siliguri to reach Darap via Pelling.

By Road-

From Siliguri: The distance between Siliguri and Darap Village is 130 km. The travel route includes Siliguri- Melli- Jorethang- Legship- Geyzing- Darap. You can take a shared taxi up to Pelling or can be dropped at Darap en route to Pelling.

From Darjeeling: The distance between Darjeeling and Darap is 110 km. The route includes Darjeeling- Jorethang- Legship- Geyzing- Darap. You can reach Pelling via Jorethang in a shared cab and then reach Darap village in a local cab.

Pro-Tips while travelling to Darap Village

    Pack some light jackets even in summer, as the temperature can change in the mornings or evenings.
    Carry sturdy, comfortable shoes to make an easy walk on the village trails.
    Book your stays in advance, as there are limited options here, and you can also get some good discounts.
    Carry enough cash which you can withdraw from Pelling or Geyzing, as there are no ATMS in Darap.

Conclusion

Darap Village is a home-like destination in the lap of Himalayas which offers a blended flavour of nature, community and culture. It is the ideal place to reconnect with nature and undergo a digital detox session while enjoying the stunning sunrise view and peaceful walks in the nature trails.

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