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Kalimpong, West Bengal · Darjeeling hills

Kalimpong

A quieter hill town of flower nurseries, monasteries and old colonial buildings.

1,500
Starts at
1,247 m
Highest point
1,700 m

Kalimpong is an easy hill destination in Kalimpong, West Bengal, Darjeeling hills, reaching 1,700 m. The best time to go is March to May and October to December. Plan 2 to 3 days on the ground from Bagdogra / NJP and about ₹2,500 per person per day.

Find peaceOn a budgetFamily escapeInto natureCulture & heritageWorkation
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What to do in Kalimpong

The one thing not to miss

Deolo Hill

The highest point in town, with a park and a wide view of the Teesta valley and Kanchenjunga.

  1. 2Durpin monasteryZang Dhok Palri Phodang, on the ridge at the other end of town.
  2. 3The flower nurseriesKalimpong grows orchids, cacti and gladioli for the whole country.
  3. 4The haatThe market is at its busiest on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

A sample plan: 3 days

  1. Day 1

    Bagdogra to Kalimpong

    About 2.5–3 hours on the road. Check in and take a short walk to get your bearings.

  2. Day 2

    Deolo Hill · Durpin monastery · The flower nurseries

    Details for each are under What to do, above.

  3. Day 3

    Kalimpong to Bagdogra

    Leave after breakfast; hill roads are slower than the map suggests.

A starting point built from the things to do above. Move days around to suit your pace.

When to go

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely

Why go

Darjeeling's charm without its crowds, and a base for Lava and Rishyap.

Why not

Lower and warmer; fewer big peak views from town.

Before you go

Permits
None.
Guide
Not needed.
Safety
Monsoon landslides on the Teesta road.
Phone & internet
Good.

Permits, food and festivals in Darjeeling hills →

These details haven't been field-verified yet. Confirm permits, road status and weather locally before you travel.

If something goes wrong

Main hospitals in Darjeeling hills: Darjeeling District Hospital, Darjeeling; North Bengal Medical College & Hospital, Siliguri.

All emergency contacts for Darjeeling hills →

What to pack for Kalimpong

Worked out from its season, altitude and terrain. Tick things off as you pack; tap a name to find it in a shop.

0 of 18 packed

Clothing

4 items

Footwear

1 item

For day outings

2 items

Health and sun

4 items

Documents and money

3 items
  • Government photo ID and two photocopiesAsked for at hotels, check posts and permit counters.
  • Enough cash for the whole tripATMs are scarce and often empty beyond the gateway town.
  • Permits and registrationsNone.

Phone and power

2 items
  • Power bank Charging is limited, and cold drains batteries fast.
  • A SIM that works thereGood.

For what you're going for

1 item

Read before you go

1 item

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Homestays in Darjeeling hills

No homestays listed here yet. Run one? List it.

Getting there

The nearest gateway is Bagdogra / NJP.

Directions from Bagdogra Open in Google Maps

Directions open in Google Maps with today's road time. In the mountains, add a third to whatever it says.

Normal car?
Yes, any car can make it. The road up the Teesta valley is prone to landslides, especially in the monsoon; check its status and allow extra time.

By road

Buses and shared taxis. Fly to Bagdogra or take a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), both next to Siliguri. Shared jeeps and taxis leave from there.

Pickups & drivers

From Bagdogra / NJP. Call or WhatsApp the driver directly.

No drivers listed for Kalimpong yet. Drive this route? List your cab.

Kalimpong: questions people ask

What is the best time to visit Kalimpong?

The best months for Kalimpong are March to May and October to December. January and February and September are possible but not ideal. Snow is rare here.

How difficult is Kalimpong?

Kalimpong is rated easy. No trekking is needed, starting at 1,247 m and reaching 1,700 m.

How many days do you need for Kalimpong?

Plan 2 to 3 days on the ground, counted from Bagdogra / NJP. Add travel days to reach the gateway from your city.

How much does a trip to Kalimpong cost?

Expect about ₹2,500 per person per day for a mid-range trip (stay, food and local transport). That is roughly ₹7,500 for 3 days, before the cost of getting to Bagdogra / NJP.

How do you reach Kalimpong?

By road: from Bagdogra / NJP it is about 75 km, 2.5–3 hours (Siliguri → Sevoke → Teesta Bazaar → Kalimpong); from Darjeeling it is about 50 km, about 2.5 hours (Darjeeling → Ghum → Peshok → Teesta Bazaar → Kalimpong). Fly to Bagdogra or take a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), both next to Siliguri. Shared jeeps and taxis leave from there. The nearest gateway is Bagdogra / NJP.

Do you need a permit or a guide for Kalimpong?

Permits: None. Guide: Not needed.

Is Kalimpong suitable for children and senior citizens?

With children it is great; with seniors it is great. It is moderately busy in season. Monsoon landslides on the Teesta road.

What should you pack for Kalimpong?

Pack fleece or light sweater, sun cap or hat, compact umbrella, rain jacket or poncho, comfortable walking shoes with grip, day pack, 20–30 litres, water bottles, 2 litres in total, sunscreen, spf 50, small first-aid kit and your own medicines. Also carry a government photo ID, enough cash and any permits. The full list is on this page.

Is there mobile network and internet at Kalimpong?

Good.

Who should not go to Kalimpong?

Kalimpong suits most travellers, including children and senior citizens. The one drawback to know about: Lower and warmer; fewer big peak views from town.

Close to Kalimpong

Within about 35 km in a straight line. Hill roads are a good deal longer, so check the drive before you combine two.

More in Kalimpong hills