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Darjeeling, West Bengal · Darjeeling hills

Mirik

A lake town ringed by tea gardens and orange orchards, near the Nepal border.

1,500
Starts at
1,495 m
Highest point
1,600 m

Mirik is an easy hill destination in Darjeeling, West Bengal, Darjeeling hills, reaching 1,600 m. The best time to go is March to May and October to December. Plan 2 days on the ground from Bagdogra / NJP and about ₹2,000 per person per day.

On a budgetFamily escapeFind peaceInto nature
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What to do in Mirik

The one thing not to miss

Sumendu Lake

Boating, and a footbridge across to the pines.

  1. 2Bokar monasteryOn the hill above the lake.
  2. 3The tea gardensEstates line the roads in every direction.
  3. 4The orange orchardsIn season in the early winter.

A sample plan: 3 days

  1. Day 1

    Bagdogra to Mirik

    About 2 hours on the road. Check in and take a short walk to get your bearings.

  2. Day 2

    Sumendu Lake · Bokar monastery · The tea gardens

    Details for each are under What to do, above.

  3. Day 3

    Mirik 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

An easy, gentle stop for families between Siliguri and Darjeeling.

Why not

Small — most people only spend a few hours.

Before you go

Permits
None.
Guide
Not needed.
Safety
Boating only with life jackets.
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 Mirik

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 17 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.

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.

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 Mirik yet. Drive this route? List your cab.

Mirik: questions people ask

What is the best time to visit Mirik?

The best months for Mirik 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 Mirik?

Mirik is rated easy. No trekking is needed, starting at 1,495 m and reaching 1,600 m.

How many days do you need for Mirik?

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

How much does a trip to Mirik cost?

Expect about ₹2,000 per person per day for a mid-range trip (stay, food and local transport). That is roughly ₹4,000 for 2 days, before the cost of getting to Bagdogra / NJP.

How do you reach Mirik?

By road: from Bagdogra / NJP it is about 50 km, about 2 hours (Siliguri → Dudhia → Mirik); from Darjeeling it is about 45 km, about 2 hours (Darjeeling → Ghum → Sukhiapokhri → Mirik). 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 Mirik?

Permits: None. Guide: Not needed.

Is Mirik suitable for children and senior citizens?

With children it is great; with seniors it is great. It is moderately busy in season. Boating only with life jackets.

What should you pack for Mirik?

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 Mirik?

Good.

Who should not go to Mirik?

Mirik suits most travellers, including children and senior citizens. The one drawback to know about: Small — most people only spend a few hours.

Close to Mirik

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

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