Snowfall In Darjeeling: Weather, Things To Do, Places To Visit, And More | Will It Snow This Year
A lot has changed in Darjeeling weather in the last few days. It seems like a 360-degree turn. The meteorological experts were not hopeful about snowfall in Darjeeling this December of winter.
However, with the turn of events, Darjeeling is likely to have a snowy December in 2024. Currently, Sandakphu, with an elevation of 11,930 feet, is having snowfall, and it started on 20th November 2024 and in a few days, it may snow in Darjeeling.
| “It snowed around 2 pm but the intensity was less. The region might receive snowfall again during the night. The roads are clear as of now, and the snow will melt as soon as the temperature rises.” Anil Tamang, Coordinator, Singalila Land Rovers’ Owner’s Association |
Naturally, with the news of snowfall coming from Sandakphu, there has been a boost in tourists’ interest.
So, with Darjeeling about to turn into a magical white land this year, you can choose the Queen of Hills as your winter vacation hotspot.
But what makes snowfall in Darjeeling so special? How is the weather condition when it snows in Darjeeling? What are the best activities and places to visit during Darjeeling snowfall time?
At Dream and Travel, we have tried figuring out answers to all these questions based on our travel experience, local interactions, discussions with meteorological experts, and, of course, research.
| ** Dream And Travel Quick Notes On Snowfall In Darjeeling ** With the November snowfall in Sandakphu, the temperature in Darjeeling has gone down to 12 degrees Celsius. The last snowfall in Sandakphu was on 20th March 2024. Darjeeling Town had the last snowfall in December 2021.Further, the last snowfall in Tiger Hill happened on 20th January 2022. So, with the anticipation of snowfall in Darjeeling this winter, there is a renewed interest among tourists about this beautiful hill station. A 5-day tour to Darjeeling will cost you around IN5 15-20k per head. |
What Is The Time For Snowfall In Darjeeling?
Late December to February is the time for snowfall in Darjeeling.
It starts to snow in the higher altitudes of Darjeeling in late December. The intensity of the snowfall reaches its peak in January, and it continues till February. However, there are exceptional years like 2023 and 2024 when the snowfall hits Darjeeling early, and it starts in November.
Moreover, sometimes, the higher altitudes of Darjeeling, like Tonglu, Sandakphu, and Tumling, get snowfall till March.
The months of snowfall in Darjeeling are similar to Gangtok snowfall time. So, if you want to explore more snowy fun in the lap of the Eastern Himalayas and you have more than 10 days of vacation plan, you can try a Darjeeling to Gangtok tour.
Tsomgo Chho, Yumthang Valley, Zuluk, and other places in Sikkim have heavy snowfall from late December to February.
Snowfall In Darjeeling: Know The Weather Conditions
December, January, and February are the months of snowfall in Darjeeling. December in Darjeeling is pleasant, with adequate sunny hours, clear skies, and moderate temperatures.
Further, with Christmas and New Year celebrations, Darjeeling basks in a festive mood in December. It also has festivals like the Teesta Tea And Tourism Festival, Ghoom Festival, etc. So, many tourists love to visit Darjeeling in December.
Nevertheless, with cold early mornings, the December temperature in Darjeeling ranges between 4-15 degrees Celsius. The longer sunshine hours often make the mercury go up.
In January, the temperature has a further dip and on days, it can reach 0 degree Celsius. The average Darjeeling temperature in Darjeeling is between 2-10 degrees Celsius.
February is equally cold in Darjeeling. However, the highest temperature sees a little rise, hitting 3-12 degrees Celsius on days.
Have a look at the table below to have a clear picture of the weather conditions during snowfall in Darjeeling.
| Month | Average Temperature (Lowest to Highest/ Degree Celsius) | Rainfall/ Precipitation (MM) | Number of Rainfall/ Precipitation Days | Sunshine Hours |
| December | 4-15 | 3-5 | 4 | 6 |
| January | 2-10 | 15 | 10 | 5 |
| February | 3-12 | 14 | 12 | 5 |
** Temperatures and the amount of precipitation can change dramatically due to the higher altitude and other climatic factors. So, always check with your tour operator and have a live update of the weather conditions.
These Are The Places To See Snowfall In Darjeeling Now
You have to visit Sandakphu to see snowfall in Darjeeling now. However, there are many other places in Darjeeling that have heavy snowfall.
Before I get into further details, please note that Darjeeling is a district and Darjeeling Town is at its epicenter. Whereas snowfall in Darjeeling Town may not occur every year, the parts of Darjeeling I will talk about now, have snowfall regularly.
Sandakphu
Altitude: 3,636 Meters
Sandakphu, the highest point in West Bengal, is the place to be and see snowfall in Darjeeling now. Sandakphu is an excellent trek route with a moderate difficulty level.
The Sandakphu trek begins from Manebhanjan, a hamlet in Darjeeling and the biggest hub of vintage Land Rovers. You can also explore safaris in these vintage cars through the hairpin bends starting from Manebhanjan.
Tonglu
Altitude: 3,070 Meters
Tonglu is the place to enjoy a panoramic view of Mount Kanchenjunga and other Eastern Himalayan mountains.
During winter, Tonglu mostly has clear skies, barring the hours of snowfall. However, if you want to explore Tonglu at its best and its more than 600 species of orchids, you must schedule your trip between mid-March to April.
Furthermore, Tonglu is the perfect place for stargazing with less crowd, pollution and the embrace of the mountains.
Dhotrey
Altitude: 2,590 Meters
Dhotrey is a popular Darjeeling snowfall zone. Being a beautiful hamlet on the Manebhanjan to Sandakphu route, it is the best place to connect with nature.
Further, in Singalila National Park’s buffer zone, Dhotrey itself is an emerging rural tourism destination. The North Bengal Tourism Authority has identified it as one of the off-beat destinations in Darjeeling.
Its connectivity to Bagdogra Airport, New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, and Darjeeling Town has fuelled the growth in tourism.
Moreover, the Dhotrey Monastery is a revered place for the Kagyu Sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
If you want a serene holiday in Darjeeling, you can find your accommodation at a homestay in Dhotrey. Bara Hatta Homestay in Singilila National Park is a pleasant homestay. You can contact them at 74832 14516/ 9647529802. The contact person is Alika Gurung.
Tumling
Altitude: 2970 Meters
Meet Tumling as you walk or take a jeep ride from Manebhanjan to Sandakphu. Tumling has snowfall in the winter season, and in the Eastern Himalayas, this hamlet is located at the India and Nepal border.
You can visit the Tumling Monastery for some moments of quiet, and the snowclad pine trees stand there as the eternal witnesses of time.
Phalut
Altitude – 3600 Meter
For the adventurous souls willing to explore beyond Sandakphu, the road leads to Phalut. The second-highest peak in West Bengal, Phalut, is a popular trek route.
You can see more than 26 Himalayan peaks from Phalut, and being a relatively remote place, it offers a greater connection with nature.
Singalila National Park
Altitude Range: 2500-3650 Meters
Home to Sandakphu, the Singhalila National Park is another place in Darjeeling to have heavy snowfall. Located above the Singalila Ridge, this national park is home to red pandas.
You will also meet Himalayan black bear in Singalila National Park. So, with the best panoramic views of the Himalayas, Singalila National Park is an excellent place for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Unique Things To Do During Snowfall In Darjeeling
Winter is the month of festivities in Darjeeling. Further, it is the season for tea garden tours in this hill station of West Bengal. A popular getaway from Kolkata, Darjeeling also becomes an ideal destination for rock climbing and trekking in winter.
Let’s explore.
⁍ Don’t Miss The Trekking Expeditions
A trek to Sandakphu via Tonglu and Tumling can be the best thing to do during snowfall in Darjeeling. The snowfall first kisses the land of Darjeeling at Sandakphu.
Conquer the summit, and you will see Mount Kanchenjunga, Makalu. Mount Everest and Mount Lhotse are emerging before your eyes.
⁍ Take Part In The Local Festivals
If you plan your trip between December to February or the Darjeeling snowfall time, you can take part in many festivals here.
With lights, special cakes, and carols, Christmas and New Year are most vibrant in Darjeeling. You have places like St. Andrews Church, St. Columba’s Church, and Antioch Church at the epicenter of these festivities.
Further, famous eateries like Keventers and Glenary’s serve special bakery items or dishes during these festivals.
Apart from these two, Darjeeling also has some special celebrations during these three months. The table below explains it all.
Festivals like Saraswati Puja and Maghe Sankranti are common in Bengal. However, Darjeeling, being a cosmopolitan hub, adds a unique flavor to each celebration with people from Nepal and Tibet.
⁍ Enjoy The Sunrise And Sunset Views From Tiger Hill
For people visiting Darjeeling, it’s a sin to miss the sunrise on Tiger Hill. The first ray of the Sun kissing Mount Kanchenjunga creates an ethereal experience.
People start gathering on Tiger Hill from 3-4 AM in the morning, even in the chilling cold.
⁍ Take A Tour Of The Tea Gardens
Tea gardens are essential for Darjeeling’s heritage, tourism, and livelihood. You can plan a tour of the tour gardens. The day trip will cost you around INR 5k.
Some famous tea gardens of Darjeeling are:
- Glenburn Tea Estate (Near Singritan, Darjeeling, Kambal Tea Garden, West Bengal 734101, Phone Number: 033 2288 5630)
- Makaibari Tea Estate ( V756+W87, Pankhabari Rd, Kurseong, West Bengal 734203, Phone Number: 091471 27351)
- Castleton Tea Garden (Kurseong, Phone Number: +91 9873414857)
- Margaret’s Hope Tea Factory (W7CF+C7C, T.G. P.O Tung, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734224, 033 2287 3067)
⁍ Learn Rock Climbing
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute at Jawahar Parvat offers many mountaineering courses in winter. You can especially learn rock climbing at Tenzing and Gombu Rock.
You can reach out to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute at 076022 15312/090648 51452/097975 42349 to know about their courses, fees and schedules.
⁍ Try The Local Dishes
Snowfall in Darjeeling is the best time to try the authentic cuisines of Darjeeling. You can try dishes like Sel Roti, Thukpa, MOMO, and Kakra Ko Achar from the small street-style stalls.
Kunga Restaurant at Gandhi Road is one of my favorite places to try Tibetan food in Darjeeling. The restaurant remains open from 10 AM to 6 PM, and you can reach out to them at +91 96798 89365.
Further, the pocket pinch here will be around INR 200-400 per person.
Places To Visit During Snowfall In Darjeeling
I have already mentioned the places where you can see snowfall in Darjeeling now. However, there are some other hotspots in Darjeeling during the snowfall time.
Here are brief introductions to those unique places in Darjeeling.
⁍ Senchal Lake & Wildlife Sanctuary
Senchal Lake, located at an elevation of 2,487 Meters, has one of the highest golf courses in the world. It is a popular picnic spot and is a great place for birders during snowfall time.
Further, the wildlife sanctuary is home to animals like Himalayan black bear, jungle cat, Assam macaque, rhesus monkey, Himalayan flying squirrels, etc.
⁍ Kurseong
Kurseong starts having snowfall in November. However, the average winter temperature in Kurseong ranges between 5-8 degrees Celsius.
Further, Kurseong is quaint and is famous for the Makaibari Tea Estate, Goomtee Tea Estate, and Castleton Tea Estate. Very few know that Kurseong is the headquarters of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or DHR.
⁍ Batasia Loop
With an altitude of 2,134 meters, Batasia Loop is a part of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The railway track from an infinity symbol and the Gorkha War Memorial at the center of this loop make it a somber place to visit.
Further, during snowfall in Darjeeling, you can sit on a bench at Batasia Loop and explore a 360-degree view of Mount Kanchenjunga, neighboring tea gardens, and the entire Darjeeling.
⁍ Japanese Peace Pagoda
Admission Fee: Free
Hours of Operation: 4:30 am TO 7 PM
The white structure of Peace Pagoda and its surroundings look surreal during snowfall. Nichidatsu Fujii, a Buddhist Monk, built the Japanese Peace Pagoda.
It is a place to unite and practice spirituality and universal brotherhood.
Plan Your Stay At The Best Accommodation During Snowfall In Darjeeling
Once you reach Darjeeling from Bagdogra Airport, you need comfortable accommodation. Remember, it’s chilling cold during the months of snowfall in Darjeeling.
While, it is not easy to find a hotel in Darjeeling with a central heating system. However, most reputed hotels have room heaters, coil heaters, and blowers. Some even will provide you with electric bed warmers.
So, look for hotels with standard amenities, linens and upholstery. Here, I have curated some reasonable and comfortable accommodation options for you in Darjeeling.
| Name of the Hotel | Address | Phone No | Tariff (INR/ Per Day/ Per Person) |
| The Heritage Darjeeling | Victoria Rd, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101 | 082938 84372 | 1300+ |
| Central Gleneagles Heritage Resort -The Mall Road Darjeeling | The TATA Bungalow, Mall Rd, Opposite Mahakal Temple, Darjeeling, 734101 | 098310 71162 | 3100+ |
| Hotel Zodiac | 27, A/1, Gandhi Road, Opposite Bethany School, Limbugaon, West Bengal, Darjeeling, 734101 | 0354 225 6229/097334 66695/086704 05079 | 3400 |
| Hotel Sunflower | Mall Road, Manbari Basti, Darjeeling, 734101 | +91 – 354 – 2253358 / +91 – 9832061545 | 3700+ |
That’s all I had to share with you about snowfall in Darjeeling. So, pack your bag and plan a winter trip to Darjeeling now. Bon voyage!
