What is the best time to visit Darjeeling?
The best seasons to visit Darjeeling and the mountainous areas of north Bengal are after the monsoons and before winter (late Sept to late Nov), and spring (mid-Feb to May).
Darjeeling experiences a temperate climate, with cool summers and chilly winters. The weather is pleasant during the months of April to June and September to November and the skies are clear. During these months, you can enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks and partake in various outdoor activities.
It's worth noting that Darjeeling receives a fair amount of rainfall during the monsoon season (June to August), which can limit visibility and make trekking trails slippery.
Find out more about the best time to visit India.
How many days do you need in Darjeeling?
To truly appreciate the charm of Darjeeling, it is recommended to spend a minimum of three to four days in the town. This timeframe allows you to explore the key attractions at a leisurely pace and immerse yourself in the unique ambiance of Darjeeling.
With three to four days, you can visit iconic spots like Tiger Hill, the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and the Happy Valley Tea Estate. You can also take time to explore the monasteries, enjoy scenic drives, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park.
Additionally, allocating a day to visit the tea gardens surrounding Darjeeling will give you the opportunity to witness tea plucking and processing and indulge in tea tasting. Overall, three to four days is a recommended duration to fully experience the attractions and atmosphere of Darjeeling.
How to get here
Virtually all travellers arriving in Darjeeling from the plains come via Siliguri, whether by the Toy Train or by road. Jeeps and buses stop at the bus stand in the lower half of the town, from where it’s a bit of an uphill trek to the main hotel area. Here’s how to get to Darjeeling.
By plane
The nearest airports to Darjeeling are Bagdogra, 100km to the south (see page 787) — allow at least 3hr to get there by taxi – and Pakyong, 79km away, in Sikkim. By train Darjeeling is famous for its spectacular Toy Train (see box). Railway reservations (daily 8am–2pm) for selected main-line trains out of NJP can be made at Darjeeling’s station a couple of days before departure, though booking online or via one of the town’s travel agencies is easier.
By bus
Due to poor road conditions, it is best to avoid the handful of buses and minibuses that run to Siliguri from the bus stand near Chowk Bazaar.
For overland bus travel to Kathmandu, head to the border town of Kakarbitta in Nepal to get a choice of coaches.
By taxi/jeep
In the mornings, jeeps run regularly to Gangtok (for Sikkim; foreigners need two photographs and photocopies of their passport information page and Indian visa to get permits at the border), Siliguri, Mirik, and Kalimpong, and are by far the most efficient way to travel, especially if you pay for two front seats for yourself.
Book in advance if you can at the jeep stand (next to the bus stand); each route has its own syndicate, and some have two or three.
Find out the best ways to get to India.