Location: Darjeeling, West Bengal
Travel Dates: 20–21 June 2025
Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Best Time to Visit: March–May & September–December
Experience Level: Scenic, Cultural & Relaxed
How to Reach Darjelling ?
My journey to Darjeeling began with a train from Sealdah Railway Station (Kolkata) to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) the main rail gateway for travelers heading to Darjeeling or the Northeast.
From NJP, I took a shared taxi to Siliguri Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminal (costs around ₹30–₹50 per person , make be sure to negotiate and fix the price before boarding).
From there, I boarded a government NBSTC bus to Darjeeling the fare was just ₹105 at 7am. You can either book at the counter or online through the [NBSTC website] - Book Here.
Tip: Booking online is safer as tickets sell out quickly, and offline booking might require you to come hours in advance.
Before boarding, I grabbed some breakfast as I knew it’d be a while before we reached the top.
The ride from Siliguri to Darjeeling takes around 3- 3.5 hours, but delays are common due to traffic and weather, especially near the upper stretches.
As we ascended, the weather transformed temperature dropped, and fresh cool air started brushing against my face. It felt like nature’s AC. The roads were steep, zigzag, and wrapped in cloud and lushgreen tea gardens so if you’re prone to motion sickness, definitely carry tablets before the ride.
On the way, we passed bird’s-eye views of Siliguri and small waterfalls. Somewhere near Kurseong, I saw the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway toy train chugging slowly down the hill a dreamy sight I’ll never forget.
By around 11:15 AM, we finally reached Darjeeling. Cold breeze and the feeling of having entered another world.
Day 1 – Welcome to the Queen of Hills
After reaching Darjeeling around 11:15 AM, I got off at the bus station and had some chocolate bars to refresh myself. My first reaction was I couldn’t believe I was actually here. Just the previous day I was in Kolkata, breathing city air at sea level and now I was standing at 7000 ft, surrounded by mist, mountains, and clean air. This is exactly how travel transcends you.
I walked around for a bit and finally found my hostel.
Note: Google Maps can be a little tricky here, so ask locals for directions. They’re nice and helpful.
After freshening up, I didn’t waste a minute and took off for my first destination.
1) Mall Road & Mahakal Temple
The problem with Darjeeling is that it’s so beautiful, you feel like taking a photo at every step. I reached Mall Road, which is the heart of the town filled with restaurants, hotels, shops, and key tourist spots.
On the way, I saw a small park with open-air gym equipment. What amazed me was the sight of elderly people doing pull-ups and youngsters jogging all at 7000 ft altitude. I, on the other hand, was catching my breath. The path from my hostel was already a steep climb unlike city roads and seeing locals run effortlessly here made me stop in admiration.
Not far from Kanchenjunga View Point lies the Mahakal Temple, a divine spot where Tibetan prayer flags flutter in harmony with Hindu chants. Situated at such a height, this temple felt different. A blend of Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism, the vibe was calming, and the air felt sacred. I took blessings and spent some quiet moments there.
2) Chowk Bazaar & Peace Pagoda
Next, I headed to Chowk Bazaar, where I had hot Thukpa a Tibetan noodle soup with vegetable in Noryang Tibetan Kitchen . While eating, I met some friendly Malayali travelers who recommended I visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda.
After walking for half an hour, I reached the Peace Pagoda, a calm and spiritual place that radiates peace and silence. As I walked in, I saw walls covered with posters and drawings stories which opposed atomic and nuclear weapons and advocated urging peace over hatred.
Inside, you can join the monks in prayer using sticks and a drum. I participated, chanting "Om Mani Padme Hum"along with beating drums, and took blessings from the head monk before walking to the main pagoda structure a peaceful white dome adorned with carvings from Buddha’s life.
Note: Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple.
3) Sol Studio, Glenary’s & Tea Tasting
It was getting dark and chilly. Rain clouds were looming, so I stopped at Sol Studio Café and tried the famous Darjeeling Momos soft, steaming, and absolutely melting in the mouth.Having a hot momos when it's raining outside is differnt kind of feeling altogether. The café had great vibes too something I noticed about most eateries here.
I then passed by Glenary’s, one of the oldest bakeries in India (estd. 1885). I had their cream rolls, pastries, and tried the lemon tart (though I didn’t enjoy that much, the rest were great).
Nearby, I stopped at a tea centre where they let you taste different teas before buying. I picked up some classic Darjeeling tea powder for home.
4) Foggy Nights & City Centre Feels
Finally, I reached Chowk Bazaar again this time it was glowing with lights, covered in fog. It felt cinematic. I saw a grandma selling tea in the corner, and sipping tea in that weather was like being part of a movie scene.
But Darjeeling has its quirks. My hostel was far from the city centre, down a steep narrow path with poor street lighting. Though it’s a safe place, walking alone in that fog felt a bit eerie . I called my hostel host, who helped guide me back safely.
Travel Tip:If you’re booking a stay, try choosing something close to city centre. Commuting at night can be a challenge due to terrain and visibility.
Day 2 – Tea Gardens, Rock Climbs & Mountaineer Dreams
I began my morning with a cup of coffee and after freshening up I walked back to Chowk Bazaar, planning to start the day from there.
To my surprise, most restaurants in Darjeeling open only around 10 or 11 AM, so options are limited if you’re an early riser. I finally found a place that served special Darjeeling tea and veg rolls that fueled me up for the day.
1) Tea Garden View
After walking downhill for a bit, I reached the Tea Garden Viewpoint . From here, you can witness the wide spread of tea plantations rolling down the hills. You can even walk through the narrow paths between the plantations and click pictures from scenic angles.
It was quiet, green, misty the kind of spot where time slows down. I stood there soaking it all in, before moving to my next destination.
2) Tenzing Rock
Next up was Tenzing Rock, an iconic spot in Darjeeling. This is where Tenzing Norgay, the legendary mountaineer who first summited Everest with Edmund Hillary, demonstrated the rock climbing skills without the support of any equipment during the visit of Jawaharlal Nehru.
Here, you can climb the rock face yourself under the guidance of instructors all for just ₹100. It was my first rock climbing experience, and it thrilled me to the core. After conquering the climb, I bought a few souvenirs from nearby stalls and moved on.
3) Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
After a short walk, I reached Padmaja Naidu Zoo, which also houses the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI).
Entry Fee: ₹110 for Indian adults, ₹180 for foreigners, and ₹10 for camera usage.
The zoo is India’s largest high-altitude zoo and is home to several rare and endangered species. I was lucky to spot the majestic Siberian tiger and the adorable red panda the zoo’s star attractions.
The layout is neat, and the animals are well cared for. The entire zoo is set within a lush forested area, making it feel more like a wildlife sanctuary than a typical zoo.
4) Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI)
Next, I walked into the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the one place I was most excited to visit.
Founded in 1954, HMI was built in honor of Tenzing Norgay and is one of the most prestigious mountaineering institutes in the world. It continues to train India’s best climbers and hosts regular courses in high altitude expeditions.
There’s also a museum , indoor theatre and various display of statues and different kinds of knots here. You can alsowatch Hindi dubbed movie " The Everest " . The museum is packed with real gear used by mountaineers over decades from Tenzing’s oxygen cylinders and boots , to equipment used by early Himalayan explorers. It’s unlike any museum I’ve seen.
After geeking out on history, I stopped at the HMI canteen for lunch the food was simple, clean, and much cheaper than any other eatery I had been to in Darjeeling.
Journey Back
With my heart full and legs tired, I walked back to the hostel. After bidding goodbye to the folks I met there, I headed to the bus stand. Unfortunately, I missed the last NBSTC bus that departs at 4 PM.
As an alternative, I opted for a shared taxi to Siliguri (₹250 per person). It turned out to be a different kind of experience altogether I met a complete stranger in the taxi who eventually became a good friend. We talked about Darjeeling, its people, its beauty, and how it stands apart from anywhere else in India.
The shared taxi usually drops you near a common taxi stop, not the bus terminal, so I took another shared auto from there to New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP).
And that’s how I concluded my unforgettable Darjeeling journey with lungs full of mountain air, a backpack full of tea and souvenirs, and a heart filled with memories.
Useful Tips :
* Best Time to Visit:
March–May or October–December if you want to see snow. Carry warm clothes even summers are chilly at 7000 ft.
* Good to Pack Items:
Light woolens, rain jacket, hiking shoes and socks ,Balaclava, motion-sickness tablets,full shirts and pants .
* Where to Stay:
Stay close to Mall Road or Chowk Bazaar. Avoid far off hostels unless you're okay with steep walks and less lighting at night.
* Food Tip:
Most restaurants open only after 10 AM. Keep light snacks handy if you start your day early.
* Stay Tip:
Always call and book your hotels rather than booking through online platforms as you might save a lot through this . Prices are more often shown more in online than offline plus you have option to negotiate there .
Locations (Click to View on Map)
1) NJP Railway Station - Map
2) Siliguri Bus Stand (Tenzing Norgay Terminal) - Map
3) Mall Road - Map
4) Mahakal Temple - Map
5)Chowk Bazaar - Map
6) Peace Pagoda (Japanese Temple) -Map
7)Sol Café - Map
8)Glenary’s Bakery - Map
9)Tea Garden Viewpoint - Map
11)Tenzing Rock - Map
12)Padmaja Naidu Zoo - Map
13)Himalayan Mountaineering Institute - Map
14)Noryang tibetan kithchen - Map
15)Batasia Loop-Map
16)Tiger Hill- Map
17) Toy train station - Map
Additional info :
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most scenic train rides in India. You can take the full journey from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Darjeeling (around 7 hours) for about ₹1,295–₹1,555, or go for the popular Darjeeling–Ghum joy ride via the stunning Batasia Loop, priced between ₹1,000 and ₹1,600 depending on whether you choose diesel, steam, or Vistadome. Tickets can be booked on the IRCTC website or directly at the station booking early is highly recommended.
This Darjeeling trip was short but special. I came back with peace, adventure, and a pocketful of memories. If you're someone who seeks mountains, warmth in cold air, or just a little silence from the city rush Darjeeling will welcome you.
