Darjeeling: The Queen of the Hills
Discover the charm of Darjeeling - a misty, magical destination nestled in the Eastern Himalayas with tea gardens, heritage railways, and breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga.
Explore ToursQuick Facts About Darjeeling
2,134m above sea level
October to May (Winter & Spring)
₹500-₹2,000
3-7 days
Best Time to Visit Darjeeling
Autumn (September-November)
Weather: Clear skies, 15-20°C, occasional rain in early Sept
Why: Best views of Kanchenjunga, tea picking season, festivals
Winter (December-February)
Weather: Cold, 5-12°C, possible snowfall above 2,500m, clear skies
Why: Pristine views, fewer tourists, possible snow experience
Spring (March-May)
Weather: Warm, 18-25°C, occasional rain, rhododendrons blooming
Why: Comfortable weather, pleasant for trekking, flowers bloom
Monsoon (June-August)
Weather: Heavy rain, 15-20°C, lush green surroundings
Why: Fewer tourists, landslide risk, misty views
❄️ Best Time to Visit for Snowfall
Best Months: December-February
Snowfall Chances: December: 30%, January: 50%, February: 40%
🏔️ Offbeat Places Near Darjeeling
Looking for hidden gems? Explore these lesser-known places that offer authentic experiences beyond the typical Darjeeling tourist circuit.
Sittong Orange Orchards
Hidden gem with panoramic valley views and fresh orange picking experience. Best visited during orange season (September-October).
Lepchajagat
Tranquil hilltop with homestays offering Kanchenjunga views. Known for trekking and bird watching. Much quieter than Darjeeling town.
Lamahatta
Serene location perfect for paragliding, trekking, and nature walks. Offers stunning sunrise/sunset views over tea gardens.
Tinchuley & Gumbadara Viewpoint
Niche sightseeing spot with panoramic views and a popular trekking route. Fewer tourists than main attractions.
Chatakpur Village
Authentic homestays with Kanchenjunga views. Experience authentic Gorkha culture with home-cooked meals and family interactions.
🎯 Things to Do in Darjeeling
Tiger Hill Sunrise
Watch Kanchenjunga peak turn golden as the sun rises. The most iconic Darjeeling experience.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
UNESCO World Heritage toy train. UNESCO-recognized heritage railway built in 1881. 88km route with breathtaking hill views.
Tea Garden Tours
Walk through rolling tea gardens, learn tea processing, taste fresh local tea. Meet tea pickers and understand Darjeeling tea culture.
Paragliding in Lamahatta/Jorepokhri
Tandem paragliding with professional pilots. Soar above tea gardens with Kanchenjunga in the distance.
Monastery & Temple Visits
Bhutia Monastery (oldest, 1761), Mahakal Temple, Japanese Temple. Immerse in Buddhist culture and spirituality.
Batasia Loop & War Memorial
5-loop railway spiral designed to reduce gradient. Scenic loop with war memorial honoring Gorkha soldiers.
🏨 Luxury Tea Garden Stays
Experience authentic colonial charm and comfort in heritage tea estates. Wake up to panoramic Kanchenjunga views with morning tea overlooking your private tea garden.
Luxury Tea Garden Stays
₹5,000-₹15,000/night
Experience colonial elegance in heritage tea estates. Direct access to tea gardens, gourmet meals, and panoramic views.
Examples:- Tea garden homestays in Chatakpur
- Heritage bungalows overlooking Kanchenjunga
- Luxury heritage hotels in Chowrasta
Mid-Range Hotels
₹1,500-₹5,000/night
Comfortable rooms with good views and hospitality. Well-located near main attractions.
Examples:- Hotels in Chowrasta (main bazaar)
- Homestays in Lower Darjeeling
- Colonial-style guesthouses
Budget Stays
₹500-₹1,500/night
Clean, basic accommodation in homestays or budget hotels. Often family-run with warm hospitality.
Examples:- Budget guesthouses
- Homestays in residential areas
- Youth hostels
💑 Darjeeling 3-Day Itinerary for Couples
Perfect romantic getaway combining adventure, culture, and comfort.
3 Days (Couples (honeymooners))
Perfect blend of romance, culture, and nature
Activities: Arrive Bagdogra → Drive to Darjeeling (3h) → Rest at luxury tea garden stay → Evening Chowrasta Mall walk → Sunset at Observatory Hill
Meals: Dinner at heritage restaurant
Activities: Tiger Hill sunrise (4 AM) → Breakfast → Batasia Loop visit → Tea garden tour → Paragliding in Lamahatta (optional) → Sunset point
Meals: Breakfast with view, Traditional thukpa lunch, Dinner with momos
Activities: Monastery visits → Local market exploration → Toy train experience (optional short ride) → Lunch → Depart for Bagdogra
Estimated Cost: ₹15,000-₹25,000 per couple (excluding accommodation)
5-7 Days (Families, Adventure Enthusiasts)
Comprehensive Darjeeling experience with flexibility
🎫 Our Curated Darjeeling Tours
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Minimum 3 days to experience main attractions. 5-7 days recommended for offbeat places, trekking, and leisurely exploration.
October-November and December-February offer clear skies and comfortable weather. September (early) and March-May are also good.
Yes, very safe. Darjeeling is one of India's safest hill stations. Women solo travelers are generally comfortable here.
Unlikely in Darjeeling town itself (rare). For guaranteed snow, trek to Sandakphu (3,636m) or Phalut (3,600m) in January-February.
₹4,000-₹8,000 per person for tandem paragliding from Lamahatta or Jorepokhri. Book in advance during peak season.
Chatakpur village has authentic homestays with Kanchenjunga views (₹5,000-₹10,000/night). Lepchajagat and Tinchuley also offer premium stays.
Yes! UNESCO World Heritage railway since 1881. Experience the journey (2-3 hours) more than the destination. Book in advance.
Darjeeling is world's finest tea (the "Champagne of Teas"). Visit tea gardens to learn processing and taste fresh varieties.
Nearest airport: Bagdogra (125km, 3h drive). Alternative: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (90km). Both well-connected to major Indian cities.
Warm clothing (Oct-May), rain jacket (year-round), comfortable trekking shoes, sunscreen, and layers (weather changes quickly).