10 Best Hill Stations Near Darjeeling for a Perfect Vacation

One of the most beautiful hill stations in India, Darjeeling lies in the Shivalik mountain range of the lower Himalayas in West Bengal. Situated at a height of 2,045 metres (6,709 ft), Darjeeling is known for its striking sights and pleasant climate. Nestled amidst the gorgeous backdrop of the majestic snow-clad mountains, this Himalayan city is famous for emerald green tea plantations, toy trains, and majestic Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. It is home to some of the most beautiful tourist spots, striking shopping streets, and Himalayan cuisines to give you a mesmerising vacation experience with your family and loved ones. While Darjeeling is ideal for a family, solo, honeymoon, or adventure trip, hill stations near Darjeeling, provide a perfect getaway for tourists seeking an adrenaline-fuelled adventurer trip or a laid-back vacation.

Top Hill Stations near Darjeeling

Here is the list of 10 must-visit hill stations in and near Darjeeling that you can include in your Darjeeling tour package.

• Gangtok
• Pelling
• Tinchuley
• Siliguri
• Kurseong
• Sandakphu
• Kalimpong
• Namchi
• Mirik
• Lataguri

Gangtok

Situated in the eastern Himalayan range, Gangtok has all rights to be included in the list of the best tourist places in Darjeeling. Perched at a height of 1,650 m (5,410 ft), Gangtok is a picturesque hill station surrounded by spectacular natural beauty at every turn, including magnificent views of the snow-capped Mount Kanchenjunga. The capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok, attracts tourists with its remarkable natural beauty and spiritual aura. The city has many points of interest, such as Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La, Enchey Monastery, and more. Gangtok is just 98 km from Darjeeling, inviting tourists to relax, unwind, and enjoy tranquil moments in the lap of nature.

Pelling

Located in West Sikkim, Pelling lies within a 75 Km radius and is a hill station not to be missed. Nestled at a high altitude of 6800ft, Pelling is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. With several sightseeing attractions like waterfalls, temples, lakes, and monasteries, Pelling has emerged as the second most popular tourist spot near Darjeeling, after Gangtok. Pelling is an ideal place to enjoy a relaxed holiday and soak in the natural beauty and peace of this striking town. While the spectacular sight of Kanchenjunga and nearby snow-clad mountains are the major attractions here, some sightseeing places in Pelling include Pemayangtse Gompa, Khecheopalri Lake, Pelling Skywalk, Rabdentse Ruins, Kanchenjunga Waterfalls and more.

Tinchuley

A hidden gem, Tinchuley is one of the best offbeat hill stations near Darjeeling. A quaint town in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in Darjeeling, Tinchuley is just 32km from the main town of Darjeeling and can be visited comfortably with a well-planned itinerary. Perched at around 6000 ft. in the Darjeeling Hills, Tinchuley's name refers to the three Chullahs or ovens. It features vast stretches of mountains, tea gardens, and several caves hidden under the Gumpha Dara rocks, standing amidst a panoramic landscape. One of the best places near Darjeeling, Tinchuley is home to many sightseeing places like Orange Orchards, Tinchuley Monastery, Sunrise Point, the Tista River, Ramety Waterfalls, and Gumbadara Viewpoint.

Siliguri

One of the most popular hill stations in Darjeeling, Siliguri is blessed with a number of natural attractions, including tea plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, and snow-covered mountains. Situated at the Himalayan foothills and the banks of the Mahananda River, Siliguri is a unique combination of natural and cultural beauty. Here you can visit the Kalchakra and Salugara Monastery to experience the rich Buddhist culture and tradition. Some of the most important sightseeing places that you can visit in Siliguri are ISKCON Temple, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Bengal Safari Park, Coronation Bridge, etc.

Kurseong

The next tourist spot near Darjeeling, Kurseong, is a bustling township blessed with sprawling tea gardens, striking landscapes, and rich flora and fauna. Situated at an elevation of 1,482.55 metres (4,864.0 ft), Kurseong has a pleasant climate throughout the year. The name Kurseong translates to the place of a white orchid. The town has many viewpoints that offer mesmerising sights of Kanchenjunga, Kabru, and Jannu mountains and winding rivers like Mahananda and Teesta, flowing down to the valley. Kurseong is called the Botanist Paradise due to its fascinating surroundings. Some of the highlights of this town are Castleton Tea Estate, Eagle's Crag View Point, Ambotia Shiva Mandir, and Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Museum.

Sandakphu

One of the most sought-after hill stations in Darjeeling, Sandakphu, is called a trekkers’ wonderland. Located at an altitude of 11,930 ft, the Sandakphu trek is quite popular among adventure lovers. The quaint town of Sandakphu is above the cloud level, thus offering magnificent sights of the top 4 mountains in the world - Mt. Lhotse, Mount Everest, Makalu, and Mount Kanchenjunga. You can also visit Tumling, Majestic Pine Forest, Jorepokhri Homestay, Megytar Samalbong, etc. Sandakphu is an ideal spot for weaving memories and enjoying a relaxed vacation away from the busy cities.

Kalimpong

The next on the list of the best tourist places in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, is just 50 km from Darjeeling. Perched at the height of 1,250 metres (4,101 ft), Kalimpong boasts natural beauty, cultural richness and many sightseeing spots. Nestled on a ridge on the east of river Teesta, this exquisite town offers panoramic views of the Rangit Valley in Sikkim. Also, its proximity to Jelep La and Nathu La makes it a popular hill station near Darjeeling for tourists. With meandering rivers, lush green valleys, and snow-capped mountains, Kalimpong attracts tourists from across the world. You can visit historic sites, explore Himalayan landscapes, and enjoy local cuisine. Top attractions in Kalimpong include Kalimpong Science Centre, Deolo Hill, Mangal Dham Temple, Cactus Nursery, and more.

Namchi

Namchi is one of the best offbeat hill stations near Darjeeling, opening up to the unmatchable sights of the Rangit Valley and Khangchendzonga mountain range. Situated at an elevation of 1620 meters, Namchi is famous as the home to the World’s largest statue of Padmasambhava, the founding father of Tibetan Buddhism. The name - Namchi signifies ‘top of the sky’, giving tourists a striking view of the picturesque and quaint surroundings of South Sikkim. Here, tourists can enjoy many adventure activities like rappelling, trekking, hiking, etc. Some of the major attractions of Namchi include the Guru Padmasambhava statue, Ralang Monastery, Tendong Hill, Solophok Chardham, Ngadak Monastery, and Doling Gompa.

Mirik

A picturesque and quiet village, Mirik is around 49km from Darjeeling. Perched at the height of 1,495 m (4,905 ft), Mirik’s most attractive aspect is the Bokar Monastery, one of the biggest monasteries in this town. The name Mirik is derived from Mir-Yok (Lepcha words), which means a place burnt by fire. With picturesque sights, a serene ambience, and a pleasant climate, Mirik has become a popular travel destination. One of the offbeat hill stations near Darjeeling, Mirik, is home to many sightseeing spots such as Pashupati Nagar, The Mirik Lake, Orange Orchards, Tingling View Point, Sumendu Lake, etc.

Lataguri

One of the most popular tourist spots near Darjeeling, Lataguri, lies in the Jalpaiguri district. Once a small hamlet, Lataguri has now become a popular spot for nature and adventure lovers, who wish to experience the wilderness in Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary and Gorumara National Park. Perched on the Eastern Himalayas hills, a road trip towards Lataguri, itself is a memorable experience. The road towards Lataguri is filled with semi-tropical forest and lush valleys of tea gardens on both sides, making the trip a visual treat for visitors. Strategically situated at the entry point of Gorumara National Park, Lataguri is home to many tourist spots, including the Murti River, Buxa Forest, Jayanti Mahakal Cave, and more.

Darjeeling is a paradise for tourists, offering many hill stations and tourist spots in the vicinity. Whether you are looking for a Darjeeling tour package for couples or a friend and family, plan a longer vacation here to explore a plethora of tourist spots near Darjeeling.