Nestled in Kalimpong, Durpin Dara Hill offers an arsenic retreat into nature. With the Durpin monastery perched on its peak, you can explore the cultural and spiritual diversity. Surrounded by forests, mountains and Teesta River, every view will amaze you. Experience the blissful harmony of nature and spirituality in the quietness of the Durpin monastery. The Durpin monastery is a tapestry of the culture and values of Buddhism. As you drive along the hills, you will find inner peace in the solitude of nature. Visit the Durpin Dara hills and appreciate the natural diversity.
About Durpin Dara Hill Kalimpong
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Durpin Dara translates to binocular hill, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas and the town. Located at a height of 1372 metres above sea level, you can admire Kalimpong’s rolling hills and meadows. There are two mountains between which Kalimong resides, offering views of the Himalayas, Sikkim and the Teesta River. You can enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets at the Durpi monastery. The untouched beauty of the Durin hills brings peace to the hearts and souls of the visitors. Apart from the natural beauty, the hills have several botanical gardens, zoos and viewpoints.
Also Read: Places To Visit In Kalimpong
Durpin Monastery
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Standing on the peak of the Durpin Dara hill, Durpin Monastery is a sacred monastery built by the Dalai Lama in 1976. Also known as Zang Dhok Palri Phodang, the monastery’s vibrant flags and Tibetan architecture will enchant you. The monastery houses 108 volumes of Kangyur and several Buddhist scriptures and holy books. The Gelugpa sect of Buddhism resides in this monastery and studies the scriptures. The walls of the monastery are covered with vibrant scenes of stories from the holy books. As you stand outside the monastery, you can get a bird’ s-eye view of Kalimpong, filled with lush green hills and valleys.
Durpin Monastery Timings And Entry Fees
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Durpin Monastery keeps its gate open for visitors from 6 AM to 6 PM. As you walk to the monastery, you’ll see the crystal clear waters of Teesta flowing by and the vibrance of the walls as the sun’s rays will soothe your soul. The monastery has no entry fees and allows everyone to admire its beauty. The enriching Tibetan architecture takes around 2 hours to explore. You can stay as long as you want and observe the lifestyle of the monks.
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Places To Visit In Durpin Dara Hill Kalimpong Within 50 Km
After enjoying a tranquil trip to Durpin Dara Hill, here are some more places you can visit in Durpin Dara Hill. All of these are located in the vicinity of 50 km handpicked for your trip:
Hanuman Temple
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Located 9 km from Durpin Dara Hill, the Hanuman temple is a revered Hindu temple in Kalimpong. This temple is a spiritual centre and also serves as an amazing viewpoint. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the lord of courage and strength, this temple offers spectacular views of Mount Kanchenjunga. The vibrant chants, ringing bells and fragrant flowers bring the community together. Built with modest architecture, the temple is steeped in the culture and heritage of the hills.
Visiting hours: 5 AM to 9 PM
Entry fees: None
Ghoom Monastery
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Located 22 km from Durpin Dara Hills, Ghoom Monastery is another famous monastery in the hills of Kalimpong. Built by the Mongolian monk Lama Sherab Gyatso in 1850, it is the abode of some of the oldest Tibetan Buddhists. The monastery houses a 15-foot-high Maitreya Buddha statue called The Future Buddha. The monastery is an educational institute for monks and those who want to learn more about Buddhism and its scriptures. The tranquillity of the place, surrounded by vibrant flags with prayer written on them, attracts visitors to explore the unique architecture of the Ghoom monastery.
Visiting hours: 9 AM to 6 PM
Entry fee: None
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Darjeeling Ropeway
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Located 21 km from Durpin Dara Hill Kalimpong, the Darjeeling ropeway is a popular attraction offering breathtaking views. Established in 1968, it is India’s first cable car system and was formerly known as Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car. The ride is 2.5 km long, starting from North Point in Singamari and ending at Singla Bazaar. It offers spectacular views of the tea gardens, village, mountains, and rivers. You can even spot Mount Kanchenjunga and enjoy the views of rolling hills.
Visiting hours: 10 AM to 4 PM
Entry fees: INR 200 (Adults); INR 100 (Children).
Tarey Bhir
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Located 6 km from Durpin Dara Hill, Tarey Bhir is a hidden gem nestled in Sikkim. It is known for its 10,000-foot-high cliff offering magnificent views of the surrounding landscapes. As you walk around this place, you will see wide stretches of meadows, valleys, green hills, and the confluence of rivers. There are walking pathways with safety barriers on both sides, allowing visitors to get the most panoramic views of the scenery. You can also visit the wildlife sanctuary located near Tarey Bhir.
Visiting hours: 8 AM to 5 PM
Entry fees: INR 20 (Adults); INR 10 (Children)
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Cactus Nursery
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Situated 3 km from Durpin Dara hills, Cactus Nursery is a haven for botanists and plant lovers. The nursery has an extensive collection of plants and succulents and is maintained by the state government. You can find hundreds of cacti, orchids, succulent plants, and many more exotic plants in this nursery. Each one has a description explaining its place of origin and beauty. If you like gardening, you can also participate in the workshops on caring about plants.
Visiting hours: 8 AM to 5 PM
Entry fees: INR 20 (Adults only)
Peace Pagoda
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Peace Pagoda is a must-visit destination in Kalimpong, situated 20km from Durpin Dara Hill. It is a part of the global network of Peace Pagoda established by Nichidatsu Fujii, a Japanese Buddhist monk. The Peace Pagoda was established in 1992 to promote harmony and unity of people of all races worldwide. The Peace Pagoda is distinctly adorned with four statues of Lord Buddha, marking different phases of his life. With a grand entrance, the gleaming white structure is filled with chants and fragrances of offerings.
Visiting hours: 4:30 AM to 7 PM
Entry fees: None
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How To Reach Durpin Dara Hill Kalimpong
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By Air: The nearest airport to Durpin Dara Hill is Bagdogra Airport. It is an international airport located 80 km from Kalimpong and 16 km from Siliguri. You can hire a cab and cover the remaining distance to the hills in 3 hours.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Durpin Dara Hill is New Jalpaiguri, 75 km away. You can take a private cab to Kalimpong in 3 hours.
By Road: You can start your trip from Siliguri and cover 65 km to the serene and beautiful hills. Many shared cab or jeep services are available at affordable rates. After visiting Darjeeling, you can also reach Kalimpong. The distance between Kalimpong and Darjeeling is 50 km.
Best Time To Visit Durpin Dara Hill Kalimpong
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The best time to visit Durpin Dara Hill is from March to May. With the dawn of summer, the temperature is comfortable to explore the hills. The temperature ranges from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. The humidity levels are negligible, and the valleys are brimming with the flowers from spring. You can also visit Durpin Dara Hill from September to November to avoid the crowds. With temperatures around 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, you can get a panoramic view with a smaller crowd. During this season, many local festivals and cultural events, such as Dashain, take place. Visiting during the festivals gives a glimpse of the lifestyle and cultural value of the locals like none other.
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Durpin Dara Hill offers a spiritual and nature retreat like none other. Admire the charming scenery of the hills as you explore the place. If this guide about Durpin Dara Hill attracts you, plan your next vacation here. Here are some of the best packages for a trip to Sikkim. Wander in the hills and forests of Kalimpong, sip authentic tea flavours and rejuvenate yourself.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Durpin Dara Hill
Can visitors go inside the Durpin monastery?
Yes, the monastery welcomes visitors to experience tranquillity and admire its beauty. The monks' simple lives and routines leave an impression on the tourists.
Is Mount Kanchenjunga visible from the Duepin Dara viewpoint?
Yes, you can spot Mount Kanchenjunga from the Turpin Dara viewpoint. It is essentially invisible on clear sky days.
Is Kalimpog better than Darjeeling?
Kalimpong offers a quiet retreat in the hills. It is less crowded and has many hidden gems within it. You can visit this place to get the scenic views.
How many days are enough to explore Kalimpong?
Around 3 to 4 days are enough to experience the beauty of Kalimpong. You can shorten your duration as per your requirements.
Do monks live in Durpin monastery?
Durpin Monastery is an educational institute that transforms young monks into spiritual leaders of the future. Visitors can observe their simple lifestyle on the monastery premises.
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