Kalimpong, March 19: Weekend tourists or weeklong visitors, young adventurers or vacationing elders, the DGHC tourism department has plans that will please everyone.

The new trekking itinerary launched for this tourist season includes everything from daylong jaunts to weeklong treks through tough terrain and leisurely strolls around the scenic countryside to visits to newly discovered destinations.

“Kalimpong has seen a gradual but steady rise in the number of tourists in the past few years and one of the main reasons is the variety of adventure sports options that the subdivision offers,” said Bimal Gazmer, the area manager of the tourism department. “Rafting and trekking are gaining popularity and that is why we are introducing new itineraries for trekking this year.”

The routes — five of them — have been handpicked to give everyone, irrespective of their age, fitness or time in hand, a chance to soak in the beauty of the hills.

“Visitors can choose from easy strolls around the countryside to mild hikes that will take them up to altitudes of around 3000 ft to more difficult treks reaching altitudes of 7,000 ft and offering spectacular views of the mountains,” Gazmer said.

The first route begins from Kalimpong, winds it way though Rissisum, Lava and Buddhabare (Gitdabling), passes through Kaffer (Loleygaon) and Samthar to Surukto Samco Ropeway before finally ending at Coronation Bridge.

Night halts will be made at Lava, Buddhabare, Samthar, Suruk, Samco Ropeway and Coronation Bridge.

The other routes that have been opened include a circuit trek to Kalimpong that will take the hiker through the vales of Rissisum, Lava, Buddhabare, Kaffer and Rellie.

A one-day round trek from Deolo to Algarah and criss-crossing through Damsong, Pedong, Kagey and back to Kalimpong also finds a place in the itinerary. A halt will be made at Kagey only for this route.

For those with a fetish for adventure, there is the trek that will take you through Lava, Pankhasari, Neora Valley Rochela, Todey Tangta, Parentar, Jholung, Rongo and end at Samsing. Night halts will be made in Lava, Neora Valley, Rochela, Todey Tangta, Parentar and Rongo.

“Though there are tourist lodges on all routes, people keen on get a first-hand feel of the great outdoors can even spend the nights in tents,” Gazmer said. “The tourist lodges have to be booked in advance.”

Speaking about the speciality of trekking here, the Kalimpong tourism manager said: “Treks here include both low and high altitude routes, which everyone,can try out. Only high altitude trekking is possible in Darjeeling and only fit people can participate in such treks.