Things to Do in Darjeeling
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Darjeeling - a paradise for tea lovers
Discover serenity
in the hills of Darjeeling
Experience the charm of Darjeeling, where every corner invites relaxation and beauty. From lush tea gardens to stunning mountains, Darjeeling feels like a warm embrace, encouraging you to stay longer.
Local Experiences
From heritage walks and tea garden tours, Darjeeling offers something for every traveler.
Ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly known as the “toy train”, is one of the few hill railways still operating in India. UNESCO has declared DHR as a World Heritage Site, since 1999. The picturesque journey from Ghum to Darjeeling is a traveller’s delight. One diesel-powered train makes the entire 88 km trip between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, and another train runs between Kurseong and Darjeeling.
Distance
:
10-15 minutes walk via Gandhi Road
Opening hours
:
8am to 5pm
Price
:
Rs 1000 for Diesel/Rs 1500 for Steam
Mountain scenery at Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway
Take a ride on the The Darjeeling Ropeway, also known as the Darjeeling Himalayan Cable Car. The Ropeway offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience stunning views of the Himalayan landscape, the town of Darjeeling, and surrounding areas as they glide over the lush tea gardens and valleys.
Distance
:
4.2 km ( 18min)
Opening hours
:
10 am – 4 pm
Price
:
Rs 260 per head
Drive to Tiger Hill
Catch a beautiful sunrise as you drive to Tiger Hill viewpoint early in the morning.
Distance
:
13.2 km (45 min)
Opening hours
:
3 am
Entry fee
:
Rs 50 per person
Discover Nature’s Serenity at Lamahatta Eco Park
Lamahatta Eco Park is a peaceful and eco-friendly destination that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Darjeeling hills. It’s a perfect spot for nature walks, photography, bird watching, and simply unwinding amidst the forests.
Distance
:
54 minutes via NH110 and Peshok Road
Opening hours
:
8am to 5pm
Entry fee
:
Rs 30 per person
Unleash your adventurous spirit at Sandakphu
Sandakphu is a popular trekking destination, and one of the most famous treks in the eastern Himalayas. The Sandakphu trek takes about 4-5 days and that takes you through dense forests, alpine meadows, and picturesque villages, offering spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks along the way.
Distance
:
58kms (5.5 hours)
Best time to visit
:
Autumn (October to November) – Best for Crystal-Clear Mountain Views
Spring (March to May) – Best for Blooming Rhododendrons & Mild Weather
Road trip to Jore Phokhari
Jore Phokhari — meaning "twin lakes" — is a tranquil nature escape nestled in the hills above Darjeeling. The two adjacent lakes, shaped like human feet, sit within the peaceful village of Sukhiapokhri, surrounded by lush tea gardens and breathtaking Himalayan views. Take a leisurely boat ride on the lake, stroll through the surrounding forests, or simply sit back and soak in the stillness of this hidden gem.
Distance from the hotel
:
57 minutes (19 km)
Opening hours
:
8 am – 6 pm
Things to See in Darjeeling
Darjeeling offers peace and serenity, where one can unwind amidst nature's beauty
Tiger Hill
Standing at a height of 2590 m, Tiger Hill offers the most stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga, Mt. Everest and other eastern Himalayan peaks. To view the dawn light break over the 250 km stretch of the Himalayan horizon, rise early and take the jeep out to Tiger Hill, 11km south of Darjeeling.
Opening Hours
:
4:00 AM to 7:00 AM (sunrise visits)
Distance
:
45 minutes
Note
:
Best time to visit: Around 4:30 AM to catch the sunrise over Kanchenjunga
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly known as the “toy train”, is one of the few hill railways still operating in India. UNESCO has declared DHR as a World Heritage Site, since 1999. The two hour journey from Ghum to Darjeeling is a traveller’s delight. One diesel-powered train makes the entire 88 KM trip between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, and another train runs between Kurseong and Darjeeling.
Opening Hours
:
The first joyride is scheduled for 9:20 am and the last one is for 2:20 pm
Note
:
There are two types of engine Diesel and Steam
Distance
:
10 mins walking (2.2km By vehicle)
Singalila National Park
Singalila National Park located on the Indian side of the scenic Singalila Ridge is one of Darjeeling’s finest trekking area – along the India and Nepal border. The park is famous for its rhododendron forests.
A local guide or porter is mandatory within the park, and can be arranged at the Highlander Guides and Porters Welfare Association. Jeep transport within the national park is also available and is provided by the Singalila Land Rover Owner’s Welfare Association.
Opening Hours
:
6 am to 7 pm
Distance
:
36 km ( 1hour 45 min )
Batasia Loop
Batasia Loop is a well-maintained garden provides a peaceful atmosphere for a leisurely walk, ideal for families with young children. Kids will love the toy train ride at Batasia Loop, which allows you soak in the beautiful scenery.
Opening Hours
:
6am to 5pm
Distance
:
20 minutes (5kms)
Chowrasta
A large open area, the Chowrasta is surrounded by shops, restaurants and pony stables. The best place to purchase books and souvenirs. `
Opening Hours
:
8am to 8pm
Distance
:
15 minutes (1km)
The Mall
Darjeeling Mall in Darjeeling offers a perfect blend of local culture, shopping, and food experiences that cater to your diverse interests. Indulge in delicious local cuisine and teas at the eateries within the mall.
Opening Hours
:
8am to 8pm
Distance
:
15 minutes (1km)
Lloyd Botanic Garden
The garden showcases numerous colours of orchids, rhododendrons, magnolias, primulas, ferns and many varieties of Himalayan plants.
Opening Hours
:
8am to 4pm
Distance
:
15 minutes (4km)
Ropeway
The cable car ride takes six passengers at a time and passes over the lush green tea gardens while offering wonderful views of Sikkim, Kanchenjunga and the river Rangeet.
Opening Hours
:
10am to 4pm
Note
:
6 people in one cable car
Distance
:
25 minutes (4kms)
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
Located within the zoo precinct, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute has provided training for India’s leading mountaineers. The Museum showcases memorabilia from Everest expeditions by Tenzing Norgay, Edmund Hillary and George Mallory. The Institute also offers courses for amateur mountaineers.
Opening Hours
:
10am to 4pm
Note
:
Closed on Thursday
Distance
:
5.6 km (22 minutes)
Ghoom Monastery
The largest monastery in the region, Ghoom Monastery belongs to the Yellow Sect of Buddhists. On the inside, it centres a 15-ft tall idol of Buddha called Maitreya Buddha (Coming Buddha) along with thangkas, sculptures, palm leaf, paper manuscripts and the Buddhist Tibetan Gospel. The entry to the monastery is free for the guest.
Opening Hours
:
8am to 6pm
Distance
:
5.5 km (22 min)
Tenzing and Gombu Rock
Tenzing and Gombu rocks are located at Lebong Cart Road. Tenzing rock is named after Tenzing Norgay, who was famous for climbing Mount Everest. Gombu rock is named after Tenzing’s nephew NawangGombu, who also climbed Everest twice. The two rocks are used for training in rock climbing.
Opening Hours
:
8:30 am - 4 pm
Distance
:
6.3 km ( 28 min)
Mirik
Mirik is a few kilometres away from Darjeeling. Attractions worth visiting in Mirik include the Sumendu Lake, Deosi Dara, Kawlay Dara, Rameetay Dara, Devi Sthan, RaiDhap, Bokar Chokhor Ling Monastery, orange orchards, cardamom plantations, The Helipad and Swiss Cottage and the Thurbo Tea Garden and Factory.
Opening Hours
:
7am to 7pm
Note
:
Parking fee Not applicable
Distance
:
1 hr 55 min
Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre
Established in 1959, this Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre includes a Tibetan Buddhist temple, and workstations producing carpets, woodcarvings, wool and woollen items. The lovely handicrafts produced at the centre are sold at the showroom.
Opening Hours
:
8am to 5pm
Note
:
Sunday closed
Distance
:
8.7 km (34 min)
Japanese Peace Pagoda
Standing on a hillside 2km from the town centre, the gleaming white Peace Pagoda is one of the many 70 pagodas built around the world by the Japanese Buddhist Nipponzan Myohoji organisation. Visitors to this Buddhist Temple are provided a hand drum, and encouraged to join in the drumming rituals.
Opening Hours
:
5 am to 6 pm
Distance
:
1.8 km (8min)
Yiga Choeling Monastery
One of Darjeeling’s most famous monasteries, the Yiga Choeling Gompa is a peaceful temple with delightful old murals. This monastery provides a glimpse into the Buddhish culture and heritage of the region.
Opening Hours
:
9 am to 6 pm
Distance
:
25 minutes 6.6 km
Mountain climbing and canoeing
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute runs 15-day adventure courses in January and February, which include climbing, jungle survival and canoeing, for those aged between 18 and 30. There are also 28-day basic and advanced mountaineering courses, from March to May and September to December. Some courses are for women only. Foreigners should apply directly to the centre at least three months in advance.
Opening Hours
:
10 am – 3 pm
Distance
:
3.3km (18min)
Tibetan classes at Manjushree Center
Beginner and advanced lessons in written and spoken Tibetan are offered at this Tibetan cultural centre, with beginner courses starting every two months.Students can stay with local Tibetan families. They are open from mid March to mid December.
Opening Hours
:
9 am to 5 pm
Distance
:
3 min walk from the Hotel
White water rafting
The GTA Tourist Information Centre books scenic family-orientated rafting trips on the Teesta River. A jeep will transport you to the site at Gangtok, 1.5km above Teesta bazaar. The rapids are mostly Grade II to III and dam construction has limited runs in recent years. The best times for rafting are September to November and March to June. About 16km west of Kalimpong, Teesta Bazaar is an important centre for white-water rafting. You can book with the DGHC, about 1.5km from Teesta Bazaar along the road to Kalimpong.
Opening Hours
:
9 am – 3 pm
Distance
:
39km (1Hour 50 min)
Observatory Hill
Observatory Hill in Darjeeling is a beautiful escape with lovely views of Kanchenjunga. The road to the top may be steep but visiting Mahakal Mandir is a delightful experience, especially in the early morning.
Opening Hours
:
Always open for public
Distance
:
2km (11 min walking **no vehicles allowed**)
Barbotey Rock Garden
Barbotey Rock Garden in Darjeeling is a green spot that is a must-visit experience for families with young children. Established in 1980, the garden is well-maintained with beautiful waterfalls and vibrant flower trees.
Opening Hours
:
10am to 4pm
Distance
:
7 km (30min)
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
This is a unique destination where you can see high altitude animals in their natural surroundings.
The zoo has the largest captive population of snow leopards. It is also known for its Red Panda conservation efforts.
Opening Hours
:
8.30 am to 4 pm
Note
:
Closed on Thursday
Distance
:
5.6 km (28 min)
Shopping in Darjeeling
Whether you're strolling through the Mall Road, exploring local markets, or visiting quaint artisan shops, shopping in Darjeeling is an opportunity to bring home traditional crafts of the region.
Nathmull’s Tea Room
Darjeeling tea is often referred to as the "Champagne of Teas" because of its delicate flavor and high quality. Darjeeling tea contains antioxidants such as polyphenols, which can contribute to heart health and overall well-being.
Opening Hours
:
9am to 8:30pm
Distance from the hotel
:
15 minutes (2 km)
Note
:
Closed on Sunday
Dorjee’s Himalayan Artefacts
This tiny Aladdin's cave is crammed with Himalayan knick-knacks, from Tibetan gau (amulets) to cast Buddhas and silver prayer wheels. Walking in through the door is like entering a scene from Kipling's novel Kim.
Opening Hours
:
9am to 5pm
Distance from the hotel
:
10 minutes (1km)
Hayden Hall
Sells Tibetan-style yak wool carpets as part of its charitable work (Rs 6,000 for a 1m by 1.8m carpet) and offers shipping within India. There also sell knitwear and bags made by local women.
Opening Hours
:
9am to 5pm
Distance from the hotel
:
5 minutes (800m)
Note
:
Closed on Sunday
Off Road Gear
The Off Road Gear shop sells satisfactory Nepali counterfeit clothing, and waterproofs and jackets, as well as Chinese and Russian made bootss
Distance from the hotel
:
6 min walking
Das Studios
Das Studio is a haven for photography lovers – here you will find lovely photographs of the region on display. The reprinted 19th century mountain photographs make for great souvenirs.
Opening Hours
:
10am to 7pm
Distance from the hotel
:
10 minutes (500m)
Note
:
Closed on Sunday
Life and Leaf Fair trade shop
Supports local artisans and environmental projects through the sale of organic honey, tea, jute bags and Assamese silk stoles.
Opening Hours
:
10am to 8pm
Distance from the hotel
:
5 minutes (500m)
Note
:
Closed on Thursday
Oxford book and Stationery Company
The best bookshop in Darjeeling, selling a good selection of novels and Himalayan-related titles.
Opening Hours
:
10am to 7pm
Distance from the hotel
:
10 minutes (900m)
Note
:
Closed on Sunday
Goodricke House of Tea
Sit and sip a range of brewed teas from local estates. Remember to bring some back home for friends and family.
Opening Hours
:
9am to 8pm
Distance from the hotel
:
10 minutes (900m)
