Sipping Tea in the Clouds

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR):

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the "Toy Train", is a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow gauge railway that runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in West Bengal is about 86 kilometres (53 mi) long. The century old train has been declared as World Heritage by UNESCO in 1999. The construction of DHR was started in 1879 & was fully functional in 1981. Its elevation level varies from 100 metres (328 ft) at New Jalpaiguri to about 2,200 metres (7,218 ft) at Darjeeling. A journey from Siliguri to Darjeeling (approx 7hrs) or a joy ride in Darjeeling will be lifetime experience for any tourist.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute:

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was set up by the local hero Tenzing Norgay Sherpa following their successful ascent on Mount Everest on 28 May 1953 during 1954, this unique institution trains mountaineers. Apart from Tenzing, legendary mountaineers like Nawang Gombu ( First man to climb Everest twice ) and Lattoo Dorjee Sherpa have helped build the reputation of this pioneering institute. The institute is presently under the purview of the Ministry of Defense, Government of India. It is situated on Jawahar Parbat about 2 Km from Chowrasta.

The oldest mountaineering institute in the country carries out various mountaineering courses every year as well as has the very good collection of mountaineering equipments which have been used in various mountaineering expeditions and other wise. The traces of attempts made to conquer Mt. Everest have been kept in the Mt. Everest Museum. The institute also screens short films on mountaineering. You can also view the Himalayan peaks through the Zeiss Telescope given to the Nepalese Maharaja by Hitler. Sherpa Tenzing Norgay was the Director of this institute for many years and he was cremated near the institute after his death in 1986.

Tiger Hill

Situated 13 kilometers from the town at an altitude of 2590 meters (8482 ft.), has earned international fame for its magnificent view of the sunrise over the "Kanchanjunga" and the great eastern Himalayan peaks. On a clear sky even Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, is visible from here along with other Himalayan giant Lhotse,Makalu,Janu,Rathong,Kabru, Pandim,Simvo and Siniolchu.

Mirik Lake

Mirik Lake, or Sumendu Lake, is a lake in Mirik, Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India. It is 1.25 kilometres long. There is an 80-foot long arch footbridge across the lake called the Indreni Pull.

Pasupati Market and Simana View Point

You will find this market on your way to Mirik Lake. Situated right at the Nepal border, this is the place to buy cheap cosmetics and clothes imported from Thailand. It's not more than a 10-minute walk away from the Darjeeling-Mirik Road.

This place falls on the way while visiting the more popular Mirik Lake and Pashupati market. It offers good views of the opposite mountains and valleys down below. The famous village of Maneybhanjan (which is the starting point for Sandakphu trek) and the walikgn trail to sandakphu can be seen clearly from here.