Now in the hills

DarjeelingTour Plan

Lataguri to Samsing, Rocky Island and Suntalekhola

Lataguri to Samsing is about 35–40 km via Chalsa and Matelli, climbing from the plains into the first hills at about 750 m. By car it takes 1–1.25 hours; shared vehicles run from Chalsa and Matelli in the mornings.

Your options

Ways to make the journey

Reserved car
1–1.25 h

Drive east to Chalsa, then north through Matelli and tea gardens, crossing the Murti before the climb to Samsing. Continue 2 km to Rocky Island and a few km to Suntalekhola. A day trip with a car from Lataguri covers all three.

Shared vehicle
1.5–2 h

Take a bus or shared vehicle from Lataguri to Chalsa, then a shared jeep from Chalsa or Matelli to Samsing, mostly in the morning. Return services thin out in the afternoon, so ask your homestay to help with transport back.

Auto-rickshaw
1.5 h

Autos from Chalsa can take you to Samsing and Rocky Island, though the climb is slow. It is cheaper than a car for a couple travelling light.

Worth a stop

  1. Chalsa
  2. Matelli tea gardens
  3. Murti river crossing
Start by 9 a.m. so you have the full day for Samsing, Rocky Island and Suntalekhola and are back before dark.

Questions people ask

Good to know

How far is Samsing from Lataguri

About 35–40 km via Chalsa and Matelli, one to one and a quarter hours by car. Rocky Island is 2 km beyond Samsing, and Suntalekhola a few kilometres further. A day trip by car costs about ₹2,000–3,000, indicative 2026.

Is there public transport from Lataguri to Samsing

Partly. Buses and shared vehicles go from Lataguri to Chalsa, and shared jeeps run from Chalsa or Matelli to Samsing, mostly in the morning. Services back are limited after midday. A car is easier for a day trip.

Can I visit Samsing and Murti on the same day

Yes. Murti is on the way, about 7 km from Chalsa. A common plan is Samsing, Rocky Island and Suntalekhola in the morning and early afternoon, then the Murti riverbank at sunset before returning to Lataguri.

Is the road to Samsing steep

The last stretch climbs into the hills with bends and a few steep sections, but it is paved and fine for normal cars in the dry season. In the monsoon, small landslides can affect it. Travel in daylight with a local driver.

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