Darjeeling, Queen of the Himalayas, is a mesmerizing hill station towering the glorious Khangchendzonga and home to a population of diverse cultures and some fascinating flora and fauna to observe. The city with its colonial-era architecture, Buddhist monasteries, a 140-year-old Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and beautiful emerald-green tea plantations will art a great vacation and provide you with endless opportunities to experience new things. And it is on our top list to visit Darjeeling in winter season.
Reasons To Visit Darjeeling In Winter 2024
Here’s what all you can do in Darjeeling in the winter season to make the most of the snowy season in this charming town up in the hills.
1. Be A Part Of Darjeeling’s Festivals
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Two major festivals take place in Darjeeling in winter: the Teesta Tea & Tourism Festival, during which the landscapes of Darjeeling transform into a large multi-colored fair selling different types of tea gardens, and the Darjeeling Orange Festival, where many villagers from over 50 villages participate in this festival, offering fresh produce from their gardens.
Also Read: Darjeeling In October
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2. Explore The Tea Gardens of Darjeeling
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Darjeeling is famous all over the world for its delicious tea, which comes from Darjeeling’s vivid green tea plantations. The city’s second-oldest tea estate is open for visitors to have a serene walk. During the experience a guide will walk you through the tea factory, explaining the whole tea production cycle and the different varieties of tea. At the end of the tour, you can sample tea and you can buy some which were produced in the estate.
3. Learn Rock Climbing
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The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, situated at Jawahar Parvat in Darjeeling, offers a variety of mountaineering and adventure courses suitable for all levels of proficiency, from novices to experts. These courses vary in duration from a few days to a month. Additionally, HMI provides Rock Climbing and other introductory activities tailored for tourists who are visiting Darjeeling briefly and may not participate in longer courses. Regardless of the duration chosen, the experience promises unparalleled exhilaration and adventure.
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4. Gaze At The Breathtaking Sunrise And Sunset From Tiger Hill
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It is ideal to visit Tiger Hill in the early morning when the first rays of the sun kiss Mt Kanchenjunga and give it a golden colour, illuminating it in gorgeous colours. The view is simply spectacular. Hiking is one of the best things to do in Darjeeling in winter. Make sure you get there at 3 AM to grab the best place for your view since this place gets very crowded by 4 AM.
5. Set Out For A Trekking Expedition
Darjeeling is one of the most popular areas to trek in, and from there, you can get a view of four of the highest peaks in the world. The temperature in winter is very pleasant and just about the right one for a walk, so it is optimal to spend some time walking or trekking around Darjeeling. It will leave you with a positive, lasting impression of this natural dreamland.
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6. Indulge On Some Local Cuisines
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There are several Northeastern dishes to try out when you’re in Darjeeling, and we’re not talking about just momos and thukpa. From North Indian to Nepali, to Tibetan food, this place is a delight for foodies from across the world. You can enjoy some delicious food like the famous Sael Roti that is available at almost every street joint in every nook and corner of this charming town. The street food here is the perfect snack for beating the cold weather in Darjeeling in winter.
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7. Ride The Toy Train
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The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was built between 1879 and 1881, and for a comprehensive Darjeeling sightseeing tour, you must take this ride. It will give you an experience of the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped hills, the lush green tea plantations, and the quaint valleys. And the delightful ride around the Batasia Loop will make you feel like you’re riding a roller coaster in an amusement park but in the company of some excellent surroundings!
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8. Discover The Buddhist Monasteries
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Zang Dhok Palri Phodang, or the Lava Monastery, is one of the most beautiful and popular monasteries in Darjeeling. It houses many rare scriptures that were brought into India after the invasion of Tibet in 1959. The monastery also offers beautiful architecture; serene surroundings and magnificent views make it a must-see attraction.
9. Ride The Thrilling Darjeeling Ropeway
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The best way to witness the panoramic views of Darjeeling with your family or friends is by taking the Darjeeling Ropeway. This 45-minute cable car ride takes you up at an altitude of 7,000 ft over this attractive retreat. this is among the best ways to witness the snowy landscapes and ice-covered peaks of Darjeeling in winter when it has turned into a winter wonderland.
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10. Go River Rafting In The Teesta River
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For adrenaline junkies, you should go rafting in the Teesta River. The mesmerizing view of the thick forests, the sloppy mountains, the various bird species, and the fish in the water, combined with the excitement of rafting will give you an unforgettable experience. Keep a tab on the weather forecast and ask your tour operator if it’s a good idea to go river rafting before you end up in the water.
11. Enjoy Cottage Camping
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The deluxe cottages at Khambuhang Nature Holiday Camp in Kalimpong feature thoughtfully designed rooms with wooden interiors that emulate the authentic Himalayan house experience. These rooms have a comprehensive array of amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, continuous hot and cold water supply, complimentary toiletries, room service, laundry facilities, and more. The owners are dedicated to ensuring your enjoyment during your stay at this serene nature camp.
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12. Lodge Amidst A Forest
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Singalila Jungle Lodge, owned and managed by resident Avinash Rai, is a family-run property spanning approximately 9 acres of lush forest and plantations. Once within the lodge grounds, the predominant sounds you’ll encounter during the day are the melodious chirping of birds in the garden and the gentle rush of nearby streams. The lodge affords breathtaking views of Singalila National Park, promising an unforgettable experience during your stay.
13. Meet The Endangered Himalayan Wolf
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Located in the famous town of Darjeeling, the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is one of the top things to visit in Darjeeling in winter. The wildlife is one of the best destinations for families and kids. At the Zoological Park, you can see the endangered Himalayan wolf, the snow leopards, Tibetan Wolves, Clouded leopards, Red Panda, and more.
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Best Time To Visit Darjeeling
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Darjeeling, during winter, turns the hill station into a double delightful destination. Darjeeling temperature in winter is bearable and pleasant, the least crowded and most scenic just about the right place for cold lovers. The best part is that you can enjoy the city with no winter snow in December and winter snow in Darjeeling in January. Many tourist attractions are open in December, and there are lesser chances of snowfall in Darjeeling.
How To Reach Darjeeling
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By Air: The nearest airport to Darjeeling is 95 km away in Bagdogra. There are some direct flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Guwahati, and Kolkata to Darjeeling.
By Road: You can either take a bus or drive to Darjeeling from towns like Bagdogra, Kalimpong, and Gangtok. Darjeeling is also connected with the city Kolkata which is 651 km away.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Darjeeling is New Jalpaiguri which connects the city with all the major parts of India.
You May Also Like To Read: Things To Do In Darjeeling
The secret of the North Eastern Himalayas can be explored with a leisurely winter trip to Darjeeling when visiting your favourite travel companions. So, while you’re planning your list of destinations to visit in Darjeeling, don’t forget to keep this list with you to ensure you spend a memorable time on this beautiful hill station.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Darjeeling In Winter
Does it snow in Darjeeling in January
For snow lovers, January is the best time to visit Darjeeling. There can be snowfall in Darjeeling in December, however, it may not snow every year and is unpredictable.
Which month is best for Darjeeling?
April to June is considered as an ideal time to visit Darjeeling. People who wish to see the snowfall should visit Darjeeling from October to January. However, the attractions in the higher altitudes are not accessible during heavy snowfall.
Why is Darjeeling famous?
Darjeeling is famous for its toy train, tea gardens, and the panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The toy train of Darjeeling has been declared a UN heritage. The lush greenery of tea plantations and salubrious weather make it a nice place for tourists to visit.
Which is the most beautiful place in Darjeeling?
Darjeeling has not one but many beautiful attractions in its kitty which makes sightseeing an interesting affair. Tiger Hill, Singalila National Park, Batasia Loop, and Observatory Hill, are some of the places to visit in Darjeeling.
How crowded is Darjeeling in December?
December is off-season in Darjeeling, hence it is not very crowded or costly during winter.
Is Nathula Pass open in December?
Yes, it usually remains open in December, depending upon the snowfall. There is a high probability that the roads remain closed due to heavy snowfall. November and March are better months to plan a visit.
Is it safe to visit Darjeeling in December?
Yes, it is completely safe to visit Darjeeling in December. You can visit Mirik, Takdah, Tinchuley, Lamahatta, Kurseong, Sukhia & many other places in Darjeeling.
Which is colder Sikkim or Darjeeling?
Sikkim in most areas lies at a higher altitude than Darjeeling, and is hence usually colder. If you want to see snow certainly, visit Sikkim.
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Abhay Kumar is a graduate of English Literature. Writing is both his hobby and his passion. He writes academic research articles as well as poetry and short fiction. He loves reading science fiction, fantasy, literary fiction, and translated fiction. He also loves traveling and writing about himself in the third person.
