Delo: Where the clouds whisper to the heights

The Delo Hill offers pleasant weather all year round with chilly winters, misty monsoons and sunny summers. The temperature here normally lies between 5°C to 25°C, thus it is a perfect place for adventurers or peace seekers. Here is a season-wise breakdown of Delo Hills.

Although the Delo Hills can be visited all year round, the best recommended time of visit is between the months of March to May and September to November. The sky remains clear with pleasant weather during these seasons. The flowers are also in full bloom with moderate temperatures during this time. You must avoid the monsoon season, which is from June to August, as the roads remain slippery, or you can travel with caution to enjoy the monsoon charm and some peaceful retreat. Each season of Delo Hills comes with its unique charm and magic.

I visited Delo Hill in October, where I witnessed a cloud-free sky and was surrounded by crisp air and loved the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga, which felt unforgettable.

You can reach Delo Hill in a shared car taken from NJP/Siliguri or Bagdogra via Kalimpong. I was offered sweeping mountain views on my short but thrilling drive to Delo Hill from Kalimpong on the winding mountain road.

You will get to taste a delicious mix of Bengali, Tibetan and Nepali flavours in Deolo Hills. The foods here are prepared using homegrown, organic ingredients. Some of the recommended must-try dishes in Delo Hills include- Momo- Steamed or fried dumpling balls made with the fillings of vegetables or minced meat chunks. Thukpa- It is a soupy noodle bowl made in a flavourful broth with a mix of meat and vegetables. Gundruk- It is a fermented dish made with leafy greens, which is generally served as a side dish. Sekuwa- It is a type of grilled meat made in Nepali style and marinated with some flavourful local spices. Kinema Curry- This dish is prepared using fermented soybean and has an earthy flavour rich in protein. Dal Bhat- This dish is a combination of steamed rice, seasonal vegetables and boiled lentils. Sinki- This dish is made using fermented taproot and is either served as a soup or along with rice. Chhurpi- It is a type of chewy Himalayan cheese that can be chewed for hours and is prepared using yak milk. You will get to peek at the rich culture of Kalimpong in the Delo Hills. You can get a blended experience of the Tibetan, Lepcha and the Nepali traditions, which is deeply reflected in the local lifestyles, traditions, monasteries and festivals.