Darjeeling Tour Packages

Are you lured by the thought of dazzling snow covered peaks, a cosy hotel room, and misty mornings? If ‘yes’, then Darjeeling is the place to be in. Set high amongst the clouds, this gem of a place is known for its beautiful fusion of colonial charm, contemporary developments and natural landscape. Located on a steep mountain ridge and nestled among emerald green tea gardens, Darjeeling offers the best front row seats to the Himalayas! Visit Buddhist monasteries for peace of mind, or go on a trek if you prefer the adrenaline rush. If a Darjeeling tour has been on your mind recently and you are not sure how to go about arranging everything from flight tickets to hotel rooms to Darjeeling sightseeing, log in to MakeMyTrip and find the choicest of Darjeeling tour packages.

Whether you are visiting with your better half or your friends, you have the option to avail your Darjeeling tour from a set of curated Darjeeling packages such as Darjeeling honeymoon packages, Darjeeling-Gangtok tour packages, Darjeeling packages with flights and so on. With MakeMyTrip rolling out varied offers from time to time, you can avail discounts on your Darjeeling package cost giving you pocket-friendly rates. So, look out for the best offers on MakeMyTrip and start planning your Darjeeling tour.

Best time to visit Darjeeling

Situated at an altitude of 6,710 feet, Darjeeling has a temperate climate. The average Darjeeling temperature swings between 9°C in winters to 20°C in summers. During spring and autumn, the Darjeeling weather is cool, while summer is pleasant with a few spells of showers towards the end of June. If you plan your Darjeeling tour in the months of July and August, you may enjoy the monsoon rains in this hill station. Alternatively, you could choose to visit in winter and revel in the chilly Darjeeling weather.

You can decide the best time to visit Darjeeling depending on what you are looking forward to. If Mt. Kanchenjunga is your target, you must visit Darjeeling during summer or spring when you will have clear skies and less cloud cover. However, if you wish to take advantage of fewer crowds and off-season discounts, then the best time visit Darjeeling for you would be the months of July to September.

Irrespective of the time of your visit, your Darjeeling tour experiences will be accompanied by breath-taking views of mountains, valleys, tea gardens and flower plantations, and a host of sightseeing and tourist activities. All these make Darjeeling the perfect holiday destination for your romantic honeymoon or your summer time family trip.

How to reach Darjeeling

By Air: Darjeeling is accessible by air via Bagdogra, the nearest airport to Darjeeling. The airport is located at a distance of 70km from Darjeeling, a drive of about 2 and a half hours. While planning your Darjeeling trip, do keep this mind while selecting your flight times. To travel from Bagdogra airport to Darjeeling, visitors can avail taxi services (private as well as shared cabs).

By Train: The nearest train station to Darjeeling is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), about 72km away from the town. Trains from a number of Indian cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar etc. arrive in New Jalpaiguri, from where tourists can proceed to Darjeeling by road. Tourists can take a taxi from New Jalpaiguri station to Darjeeling. If you are looking for a budget travel option for Darjeeling, buses to Darjeeling are available from Siliguri bus stand.

By Toy Train: The famous Train runs from Siliguri to Darjeeling, covering the Himalayan terrain in a seven hour ride. This can be an interesting way to reach Darjeeling if you can manage to get tickets.

Places to visit in Darjeeling

Darjeeling is one of the most popular places to visit in North East India. It was in fact the third most Googled tourist spot in India a couple of years ago. You can either book a Darjeeling-Gangtok tour package or, a customisable Darjeeling only honeymoon package through MakeMyTrip by selecting your pick of budget, standard or premium hotels and preferred inclusions. Darjeeling also serves as a base for trips to other nearby destinations such as Gangtok, Lachung, Kalimpong and Pelling in Sikkim. Whichever package you choose, make it a point to include some of the must-visit attractions in your Darjeeling sightseeing tour!

Tiger Hill

Tiger Hill is a viewpoint in Darjeeling and is famous for its spectacular sunrise views.  It offers an impeccable view of the sunlit Kanchenjunga peak with lovely clouds in the backdrop. Visitors come here as early as 4:30 am to witness the breathtaking view of the sunrise and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. Tiger Hill tops the list of places to visit in Darjeeling, especially if you enjoy photography!

Ghoom Monastery

Also known as the Yiga Choeling Monastery, Ghoom monastery is one of the largest monasteries in Darjeeling and is surrounded by refreshing natural beauty. It houses a 15 feet high statue of Maitreya Buddha which is the main attraction of the monastery. It also keeps a preserved collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts. We strongly recommend including this monastery in your Darjeeling sightseeing.

Batasia Loop

One of the most popular among the various Darjeeling tourist places, the Batasia Loop is an architectural feat. This spiral loop of railway track just below the Darjeeling railway station was built in order to reduce the gradient of the ascent, for the easy passage of the Toy Train. Swirling around the mountain garden, the loop offers an amazing view of the majestic Kanchenjunga and the surroundings.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

For mountain lovers, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling. The institute has a school for mountaineering students as well as a museum which displays mountaineering artefacts and information about various mountains and famous mountain climbers. Established in November 1954 in the memory of Tenzing Norgay, the Mountaineering Institute was built with the purpose of encouraging mountaineering as an organized sport in India.

Himalayan Zoological Park

The Himalayan Zoological Park, located within the premises of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, is the perfect Darjeeling tourist place for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. It promotes the conservation of endangered Himalayan plant and animal species. The zoo is home to rare animals like the Red Panda, Tibetan Wolf, and Snow Leopard. One can also see various plant and bird species. It the perfect place to visit with kids on your Darjeeling trip.

Tibetan Refugee Centre

The Tibetan Refugee Centre is home to Tibetan refugees who left Tibet and settled in Darjeeling. It is an ideal place to get a glimpse into the culture, traditions and lifestyle of the Tibetan people. The center has a Buddhist temple, an exhibition hall, and workshops where you can see artisans engaged in creating various handicraft items. You can also buy excellent Tibetan carpets, wool products and handicrafts from here.

Happy Valley Tea Estate

Happy Valley Tea Estate is a charming tea garden located on the gentle slopes of Darjeeling. Here, visitors can get an insight into the process of tea manufacturing, from picking the leaves to their packing, with the help of a guide. One can also enjoy scenic vistas of the mountains surrounding the garden.

Japanese Temple

The white-washed colossus of the Japanese Temple is one of the most popular tourist places in Darjeeling. The temple is built in the Japanese style of architecture and has two statues of Golden Lions that greet you at the entrance. Within the temple is a large prayer hall, where visitors can also join the daily prayers. Surrounded with scenic beauty and serene atmosphere, it is a perfect place for solace-seekers.

Peace Pagoda

The Peace Pagoda is a major attraction located a little away from the magnificent Japanese Temple. This Peace Pagoda features four gold painted statues of Lord Buddha, which are carved around its walls. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk around the Pagoda and admire the wooden artwork that depicts incidents from Buddha’s life. The Pagoda is a symbol of harmony and universal brotherhood.

What to eat in Darjeeling

Darjeeling will surprise you with the variety of authentic as well as exotic food items it offers. The cold climate and a hot bowl of soupy noodles or dumplings are the perfect starters to tease your taste buds with on your Darjeeling tour.

 

1. The most popular street food

That’s right, this is the popular snack food - momo. This Tibetan delight is served with a bowlful of soup and home-made chilli sauce, just the type that will make your mouth water. The dumplings are filled with minced meat, vegetables or cheese flour dough. You also have the choice to go either with the steamed or fried ones. Momo-lovers, you just got one more reason to plan your Darjeeling tour!

 

2. Thukpa soup noodles

This other popular offering from the cuisine of Darjeeling is a recipe consisting of diced meat, eggs, vegetables and noodles served together in a bowl of soup. Easily available at many road-side vendors, a bowl of thukpa noodles can fill you up pretty well.

 

3. Darjeeling tea

This place has its own line of tea, a world class Darjeeling tea. Look out for stalls that serve the authentic tea and you are in for a treat! Order yourself some snacks as well and enjoy that hot simmering cup of tea. With this consider your Darjeeling trip rewarded.

 

4. A home-made delight – Cheese!

If you acquaint yourself with a Darjeeling local, request them to make Churpee with Niguru. The churpee is a cow’s or yak’s milk cheese available in both hard and soft forms. Though the hard one can be eaten as such in the form of snacks, the soft form is cooked along with Niguru, a local fern, and the combination is simply savoury. You can’t find this in regular restaurants.

 

5. Darjeeling’s festive special – Sel Roti

Made out of a thick paste of ground rice with masala and water and then deep fried, Sel rotis are a delight of the festive season in Darjeeling. Relish it with a cup of the famous Darjeeling tea if you’re visiting during Dussehra or Diwali and you’ll be one of those lucky few to have ever tasted this snack combination.

 

6. For the chilli fans - Dalle

These are fire balls bottled up in a jar! These pickles are prepared with round red chillies, mustard oil, spices, salt and vinegar. The hot and spicy home-made chutneys are served with momo or thukpa noodles. If you have an affinity for chillies, don’t miss this spicy taste of Darjeeling.

Fun things to do in Darjeeling

A trip to Darjeeling can be your perfect getaway. Here, apart from covering the main tourist attractions during your Darjeeling sightseeing, you can also experience some interesting activities that will add fun and excitement to your holiday!

Darjeeling Toy Train Joy Ride

One of the best ways to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Darjeeling is to take a short joy ride on the famous Toy Train in Darjeeling. The Darjeeling Toy Train is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site which makes it a popular tourist attraction. Riding this narrow gauge train will be a unique experience. Witness nature at its best as the train passes through the awe-inspiring Bastia Loop on the way to Ghoom monastery. One can also witness the arresting views of the distant Himalayan peaks covered in snow and the stunning peaks of Kanchenjunga mountain. This experience can be enjoyed with family and friends, especially if you are visiting with kids. It is also ideal for couples and can be included in your Darjeeling honeymoon package.

Visit to a Tea Estate 

Explore one of the charming and verdant tea-estates of Darjeeling and get an opportunity to witness the process of tea-manufacturing. Enjoy a guided tour of a tea-estate as you explore the sprawling tea-plantation, discover various types of tea and get a glimpse into the process of how a variety of brews are produced. The guide will tell you how each variety is grown, how the leaves are picked carefully and how they are then processed to get ready for the perfect brew. You can also buy your favourite brew that you can make in your own home. A visit to a tea-estate is a refreshing experience that you must add to your Darjeeling tour package.

Stroll around Mall road

For local shopping and picturesque surroundings, the Mall road is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the winding Mall road of Darjeeling. The road, lined with many local shops and branded outlets, is a perfect place to buy various items, from handicrafts to souvenirs to clothes. You can also indulge in street food, especially momos and Thukpa. There are benches by the roadside where people can relax and enjoy the views of the surrounding natural beauty and the distant Himalayan peaks against the backdrop of vanilla sky. The ‘Chowrasta’, which means ‘four roads’ is lined by restaurants, book stores, curio shops and numerous vendors selling artefacts and other collectibles along the street.

Eat at a Beatles-themed restaurant

If you are an ardent fan of the Beatles, then you must visit this unique eatery in Darjeeling called Revolver Restaurant. It is a Beatles-themed restaurant which is famous for its homely ambience and authentic Naga and Nepali cuisine. They also serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with a set menu. The food here is extremely hygienic, pocket-friendly and prepared delicately. Apart from their delectable food, you must also try their coffee as it is the only restaurant in Darjeeling that serves hand made fresh coffee with roasted beans. Do visit this cosy restaurant on your Darjeeling trip.

Take a Tibetan food walk

Treat your taste buds to the simple yet delicious flavours of Tibetan cuisine in Darjeeling. Take a Tibetan food walk and explore many local eateries and restaurant that serve authentic Tibetan food. On your food walk do try the delicious momos, savoury Thukpa, the popular Tibetan Tea which is a blend of tea and butter, and Chaang, a traditional Tibetan alcohol. The Kunga Restaurant, Dekevas and Hasty Tasty are some of the best eateries in Darjeeling where you can have your fill of delightful Tibetan food. If you are in Darjeeling, then taking a food walk is one of the best ways to discover various Tibetan delicacies.

Visit a Tea Bar

Being one of the top tea producers in the world, Darjeeling boasts of some of the finest variety of teas. Your trip to Darjeeling would be incomplete without a visit to one of the tea bars to try a fine cup of Darjeeling tea. Golden Tulips Tea Lounge and the Nathmull’s Sunset Tea Lounge are two of the best tea bars in Darjeeling. You can order tea by the cup or pot along with snacks like muffins and cookies. Enjoy your tea iced or hot as you relax on a comfortable lounge sofa. These bars also have souvenir sections which sell tea accessories and manufactured tea that visitors can buy.

Shop at the Tibetan Self Help Centre and Bhutia Market

If you want to buy the local and unique items of Darjeeling, then the Tibetan Self Help Centre and Bhutia Market, are two of the best places to visit in Darjeeling. At the Tibetan Self Centre, which was established to support Tibetan refugees, you can buy a variety of Tibetan items like handicrafts, woolen shawls and carpets, leather jackets, coats, carved wooden souvenirs, hand painted scenery etc. Bhutia market is another market which is popular for selling genuine woolen clothes like sweaters, scarves, and caps at prices that are too good to be true. Visit these two markets to satisfy your appetite for shopping.

Go rock climbing

Challenge yourself and go rock climbing in Darjeeling. Climb up the natural rock formations to test your strength and endurance. You can try rock climbing at Tenzing Rock and Gombu Rock which are the only natural rock formations in Darjeeling. Both amateurs and experienced climbers can try this activity. You will be provided with all necessary safety equipment and a professional instructor. Enjoy a rock climbing experience and capture the adventurous moment in your camera once you reach the summit. This is a fun activity to try with family and friends and visitors can add it to their Darjeeling tour package while booking it.

Take an excursion to Mirik

After a drive through beautiful green meadows, valleys and pine trees, you will arrive at ‘Mirik’. This spot is famous for its climate, beauty and easy accessibility. Enjoy a little treat of boating and canoeing at the Sumendu Lake or, trek through the trails of Darjeeling’s enchanted forests. The Kawlay Dara view point in Mirik not only overlooks lush green terrain but also gives remarkable views of the snow-clad Himalayan mountain ranges.

A trip to Darjeeling can revive your senses, with its many naturally scenic, culinary and cultural treats. Whether you are looking for a Darjeeling honeymoon package, a Darjeeling package for families, or a Sikkim and Darjeeling tour package, you will find a wide selection on MakeMyTrip. So get set for your Darjeeling trip now!

If you’re ready to be overwhelmed by the hypnotizing beauty of the majestic Himalayas, then plan your Darjeeling holidays now. The mesmerising hill station of Darjeeling has a plethora of places to visit and things to do, to make your vacation a memorable one. Darjeeling package with MakeMyTrip offers you the best of deals and discounts and customisation options for maximum benefits. Owing to its breath-taking natural beauty, the quaint hill station is very popular among honeymooners. If you are planning your Darjeeling tours with family and kids, then do take a joyous ride on the Darjeeling Toy Train and experience the stunning views of the snowy Kanchenjunga mountain. Add a unique experience to your Darjeeling tours by visiting a tea estate to witness the tea-manufacturing process along with capturing some instagrammable pictures. For a leisurely stroll, the Mall Road is the best place to visit. You can buy beautiful souvenirs from the curio shops, relax at a bookstore, sip the world-famous Darjeeling tea, and indulge in some lip-smacking street food while soaking in all the beauty of the Himalayan peaks in Chowrasta. Savour the warmth of the hot noodle soup and beat the cold with mouth-watering momos along with a spicy dip. Get transported to another era as you walk through the colonial structures and heritage schools. MakeMyTrip Darjeeling package includes tours to important tourist attractions like Japanese Temple, Peace Pagoda, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Batasia Loop and more. Wildlife enthusiasts must-visit Himalayan Zoological Park to see some of the endangered Himalayan flora and fauna. Make your Darjeeling tours worthwhile by experiencing the sensational sunrise at Tiger Hill. Add some adventure by trying rock climbing at Tenzing Rock and Gombu Rock. So, ditch the city crowds and plan your Darjeeling package now!