How To Visit Ahaldara View Point For The First Time?
I remember how we stumbled upon Ahaldara View Point 3 years ago – and since then I’ve gone back twice.
This beautiful viewpoint is located in Sittong – it’s a testament to the untouched beauty that nature has to offer. Moreover, its breathtaking vistas, untouched charms, and serene environment make the spot a perfect escape for weary souls and nature lovers seeking a break from their chaotic, modern lives.
Located at 8500 feet, the Ahaldara viewpoint in the Darjeeling district is a traveller’s paradise and a vantage point that offers stunning views of Kanchenjunga and the Teesta River.
So, if you’re looking for an offbeat destination somewhere close, then add Ahaldara to your list now. In my personal Ahaldara View Point guide, I have comprehensively talked about:
- Which is the best time to visit Ahaldara View Point?
- How to reach Ahaldara from Darjeeling?
- Are there homestays near Ahaldara View Point?
- What wildlife can be spotted around Ahaldara View Point?
- Are there any trekking routes near Ahaldara View Point?
- Are There Any Local Eateries Near Ahaldara View Point?
- Is photography allowed at Ahaldara View Point?
- Is it safe to visit Ahaldara View Point in the monsoon?
- Visiting Ahaldara View Point? Safety tips to remember.
- Frequently asked questions.
Which Is The Best Time To Visit Ahaldara View Point?
The best time to visit Ahaldara is anytime between October and May. The weather is pleasant and clear, offering some of the best views of the surrounding region.
Also, if you are looking forward to a nice winter in the hills, then plan your visit between December and February. However, do pack warm clothes since it tends to get really cold with temperatures falling to 5-6°C during daytime in January.
In this context, it is also important to point out that you should avoid going to this viewpoint during the monsoon months.
How To Reach Ahaldara From Darjeeling?
Wherever you are located in the country (or even outside), it is best to reach New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and take a car to Darjeeling. If you are not from anywhere close, I suggest spending at least two days in Darjeeling before visiting the surrounding regions, including Ahaldara.
Located 45 to 50 kms from Darjeeling, Ahaldara is a perfect offbeat spot! The most convenient way to reach this beautiful location is by car. Yep! The best way to reach the location is by road – it will take you between 2 and 2.5 hours, depending on the conditions of the roads.
You can either hire a private car, which will cost you ₹2500 – ₹3000, or you can go for a shared jeep.
Personally, I have always opted to share a jeep since it costs much less – approximately ₹500/person. So, you can easily book two seats for yourself and pay ₹1000 if you don’t want to sit too close to someone random – I’ve done it multiple times and it works!
It is a beautiful journey that will take you through mountain bends, tea gardens, and pine forests. You will start from Darjeeling and cross Jorebungalow, Ghoom, and Latpanchar before reaching Ahaldara.
However, if you want to reach Ahaldara directly from NJP, then you can get a private car or shared taxi – it will take you 3 hours and cost you a little above 3K in a private car. But the rate for shared cabs will remain the same.
Additionally, Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport, and it is 65 Kms away from Ahaldara – you can take a shared taxi or private cab from here as well.
Are There Homestays Near Ahaldara View Point?
Personally, I have been staying at homestays in Darjeeling and the surrounding areas, including the villages on the Sandakphu trail, for years.
So, when we planned a trip to Ahaldara, we knew we were going to stay in homestays – the home-like, comforting environment always makes up for being a home away from our homes in the plains.
Relatively offbeat till now, Ahaldara is yet to become a tourist hotspot buzzing with fancy boutique hotels. However, there are some homestays close to the viewpoint, mostly in the Sittong region, with different amenities like home-cooked meals, guided treks, and mountain views.
Additionally, you will find options ranging from modern to traditional-style rooms with certain properties featuring useful amenities like attached toilets, hot water, and campfires.
How Can I Book A Stay Near Ahaldara View Point?
For anxious and specifically first-time travelers, it is best to book homestays through online travel sites like Stayfar and FusionStays.
On that note, I have mentioned three websites you can check out for accommodation in Ahaldara:
| Website | Purpose |
|---|---|
| FusionStays | Displays a verified selection of homestays in Ahaldara and nearby areas. |
| Stayfar | Displays major homestays with easy booking options. |
| BookingNextTrip | Displays homestays in the Darjeeling area with options near Ahaldara. |
However, if you travel frequently like me, then it’s best to contact the homestay of your choice directly and book rooms. You can easily find contact details on hotel listing platforms like Justdial or directly from Google Business.
If you are traveling during peak tourist seasons like Summer and Spring, it’s best to call and check if rooms are available. Also, if you are reserving a room directly, then you should be ready to pay a 50% advance to confirm your room.
Additionally, you can also check Instagram. For example, I found Deoja Forest Stay on Instagram and sent them a message on the platform itself. We exchanged numbers, and I was able to reserve a room directly without any fuss or platform fee – it’s cheaper to book directly.
Also, you can consider booking rooms in nearby areas such as Sittong or Latpanchar. That way, you can plan a visit to this beautiful viewpoint during sunset or sunrise.
The Best Homestays Near Ahaldara View Point:
We stayed at Aahaldara Paradise Homestay. This homestay offers standard rooms and has its own barbecue area for cozy outdoor feasts.
Plus, the views from the homestay were stunning. Also, I enjoyed the home-cooked meals at the homestay – you should definitely try the Chicken Curry here! Just dial 093828 95277 and book your room with them, if you are already convinced!
Apart from my prime recommendation, there are two other good homestays near the viewpoint that you can definitely check out:
- Sunrise Viewpoint Homestay, Aahaldara (4.7 Stars | 470+ Google Reviews) – ₹1350 to ₹1600/Night.
- Humro Home Ahaldara (4.4 Stars | 827 Google Reviews) – prices can vary for direct bookings.
What Wildlife Can Be Spotted Around Ahaldara View Point?
Since Ahaldara is located within the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, you will find different bird species and mammals.
The most common sightings here include leopards, barking deer, wild boars, and black bears. If you are lucky, you can spot elusive animals like the Indian Bison and Royal Bengal Tiger.
Moreover, this spot is a birdwatcher’s paradise, considering the region is home to more than 240 species, like the scarlet minivet, rufous-necked hornbill, and different woodpeckers and sunbirds.
On that note, here’s a list of birds you are most likely going to see here:
- Rufous-necked hornbill.
- Scarlet minivet.
- Great Indian hornbill.
- Collared scops owl.
- Black baza.
Are There Any Trekking Routes Near Ahaldara View Point?
While Ahaldara is not exactly an actual base for long trekking routes, it is a fantastic starting point for relatively short excursions, such as Ghalaytar, which offers scenic views of tea gardens and the mighty Himalayas.
For trekking more extensively, you should consider the popular Sandakphu and Phalut trek – a multi-day easy trek starting from here. You can also check out a day trek option location near Darjeeling, like the trek to Tonglu.
Are There Any Local Eateries Near Ahaldara View Point?
Yes. Ahaldara is a calm, offbeat spot that doesn’t have any food courts or commercial restaurants. So, your entire dining experience will depend on what local homestays and shacks serve on a day-to-day basis.
Near the viewpoint and close to the parking area, you will find small stalls and shacks that sell local snacks, tea, and candies. Being a momo person, I almost always indulge in momos at local shacks. Also, ditch Maggi and switch to Wai Wai when you are in the hills – these instant noodles are delicious.
Moreover, the food you will get here will often feature locally-sourced and organic ingredients. For me, the taste of local and regional cuisines is always a priority.
TBH, I read about a local pork curry called ‘Bongur ko Masu’, usually cooked with ‘Rai’ leaves (a local leafy veggie) on Tripadvisor. So, when I reached Ahaldara, I made it a point to try this out – the best part? Just enquire at the reception of your homestay, and you can get it made for dinner.
Is Photography Allowed At Ahaldara View Point?
Yes. Since Ahaldara is popular for its scenic beauty, photography is permitted in the region. In fact, the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lush valleys make photography a must here!
What Are The Best Times For Photography At Ahaldara View Point?
The best time to take pictures in this region is sunset and sunrise, since you can capture the vibrant and dramatic foray of colors on top of the stunning Kanchenjunga peak. Moreover, for clear views, plan your trip between October and May.
Also, if you go between October and November, you will be able to photograph the beautiful orange orchards in the Shittong area, filled with fruit. Similarly, if you visit in the Spring, you can witness a vivid display of flowers.
Is It Safe To Visit Ahaldara View Point In The Monsoon?
Not really.
Generally, I avoid traveling to the mountains during the monsoon, though I find Darjeeling very beautiful during the rainy months. But the recent surge in landslides and the subsequent road closures have made it a complete no-no to travel to these regions.
Moreover, you can hardly experience the viewpoint in its entirety during the monsoon since everything around you will be lost in the low-hanging clouds and fog. So, even if the landscape is scenic and lush in the monsoon, the overall experience is usually impacted negatively by the rainy weather.
To make things easier, I’ve laid out the primary safety concerns below:
- Landslides: Heavy rainfall in Darjeeling and adjoining hilly areas causes landslides and makes the travel routes inaccessible.
- Road Closures: The roads are too dangerous to navigate due to heavy rains and unpredictable landslides. This is particularly true for spots like Ahaldara that are located on hilltops.
- Obscure Views: This one’s perhaps the most heartbreaking issue. The fog and clouds end up hiding the entire Kanchenjunga range, including the surrounding mountains.
- Lack Of Tourist Activities: If the weather is not good, then it will end up limiting outdoor activities in the region. Moreover, the main attraction here is the panoramic view, which is most likely hidden behind the clouds.
Visiting Ahaldara View Point? Safety Tips To Remember:
When you are traveling to the mountains, it is always crucial to be safe and respectful – if you don’t respect nature, nature will surely show you why it is imperative to do so. And I’m not even kidding – never joke about safety when it comes to mountains and adjoining hilly areas.
Darjeeling, and in this case specifically Ahaldara, is no different. In this context, I have laid down some vital safety tips below:
1. Be Mentally Prepared About The Roads:
The roads, including the trails, are going to be narrow. So, it’s not going to be a comfortable ride entirely – it’s best to be ready for a bumpy ride to the viewpoint.
2. Carry Appropriate Footwear:
Please don’t make the mistake of carrying your regular footwear to the hills. For starters, ditch all open-toe shoes, including sandals and flip flops. Any shoes you wear here have to be covered – you need shoes that are strong to withstand bad roads.
3. Carry Your Essentials:
There are a few shops in this area. As a result, it is better that you carry your own snacks, medicines, and anything else that you might need during your stay.
4. Carry Cash:
Ahaldara View Point is a cash-only establishment. As a result, you won’t find any facilities for debit, credit, or other digital payments. In this context, it is vital to remember that there is limited connectivity – only Jio, BSNL, and sometimes Airtel have network coverage. So, don’t depend a lot on digital payments.
4. Avoid Traveling At Night:
Generally, the area is safe during the day. But at night, it is best to avoid isolated stretches. In fact, we stayed in after 6 PM every day. Moreover, if you have been to hilly areas, you already know that night falls faster, and people turn in for the day faster.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Check out the most commonly asked questions related to Ahaldara View Point.
The distance between Ahaldara and Sittong village is 21.6 km, via the Lat-Mahaldiram Road. By car, it should take you around 1 hour and 15 minutes. If you visit right after the monsoon, then it will take you another 15 to 30 minutes.
The distance between Ahaldara and Namthing Pokhri is 11.9 km, via the Lat-Mahaldiram Road. By car, it should take you around 40 minutes. If you visit right after the monsoon, then it will take you another 15 to 30 minutes.
Yes. Ahaldara is located at the top of the Shelpu Hills. The hills are situated within the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Interestingly, Ahaldara is the sanctuary’s highest point. As a result, this viewpoint is also popular as a prime birdwatching hotspot.
No. You cannot take pictures with a drone at Ahaldara. This is due to stringent restrictions and laws in such protected areas. Since drones are categorized as aircraft and aircraft usage is not allowed in many wildlife sanctuaries and parks across the country, it is safe to assume that you can’t use drones here, unless you have written permits from the relevant authorities.
The distance between Ahaldara and Latpanchar is 6.9 km, via the Shelpu-6th Mile Road. By car, it should take you around 30 minutes. If you visit right after the monsoon, then it will take you another 15 to 30 minutes.
