Nature · Kurseong, Darjeeling & Kalimpong
Dow Hill forest and the old school ridge
An easy half-day walk from Kurseong up through tall cryptomeria and pine forest to Dow Hill, a ridge of colonial-era boarding schools and forest offices, with views down to the tea gardens and the plains.
Photo: Pinakpani · CC BY 4.0 · CommonsDow Hill rises above Kurseong to roughly 2,000 m. The road climbs in switchbacks from the town through plantations of cryptomeria, the Japanese cedar locals call dhupi, mixed with pine and oak. Morning light filters through the tall trunks, and on weekdays you may share the road with only schoolchildren and wood collectors. Allow about 1.5 hours to climb at an easy pace.
Along the ridge stand old boarding schools, including Dow Hill School for girls and Victoria Boys' School, both dating from the British period, and a forest office. They are working schools, so stay on the road and do not enter campuses. Between the trees there are views down to the Kurseong tea gardens and south to the plains.
Kurseong residents love to tell ghost stories about this forest, and you will hear several. The walk itself is gentle and safe in daylight. Come down the same way, or arrange a taxi at the top. A local guide can point out birds such as laughingthrushes and minivets and the orchids on the tree trunks.
Good for
Also in Kurseong
More days here
Photo: Pinakpani · CC BY 4.0 · Commons
Kurseong station, DHR museum and bazaar walk
Walk the heart of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in its headquarters town: the dead-end station with its one-room mus…
Photo: Ravi Dwivedi · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Netaji's house at Giddapahar and Eagle's Crag
Visit the Bose family house at Giddapahar, 4 km from Kurseong, where Subhas Chandra Bose spent seven months under house…
Trips through Kurseong
Do this on a trip
Each of these trips stops in Kurseong. Tell us and we keep a slot for this day.
Photo: Mayukh Ghose · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Comfort
Tea and toy train: Kurseong and Darjeeling
Private car with driver
Photo: Mayukh Ghose · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Signature
Taj Chia Kutir, Windamere and Glenburn
Private SUV with driver
Photo: Arne Hückelheim 2010-09-21 12:41:53 This is a … · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Signature
Windamere, Sandakphu and Taj Chia Kutir
Private SUV with driver; reserved Land Rover on the Singalila Ridge
Sleep nearby
Stays in Kurseong
Photo: Mayukh Ghose · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Budget
Roudra Chhaya Tourism Property (WBTDC)
WBTDC's lodge in Kurseong, formerly the Kurseong Tourist Lodge, with standard and larger double rooms, a restauran…
Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Mid
Cochrane Place
A restored colonial house above Kurseong, once the home of a British magistrate, run as a small boutique hotel wit…
Photo: Mayukh Ghose · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Luxury
Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa
A Taj resort set within the Makaibari tea estate near Kurseong, with rooms and suites facing the tea slopes, a Jiv…
Questions
Before you book
How hard is the Dow Hill walk?
It is an easy to moderate road walk of about 5 km up and back, with a steady climb of a few hundred metres. Most healthy adults and older children manage it in 3 hours. Wear shoes with grip and carry water. Seniors can drive to the top and walk the flat ridge section instead.
Is Dow Hill safe to walk alone?
In daylight on the main road it is generally safe, and locals use it daily. Avoid the forest after dusk, when it is dark and cold, and let your hotel know your route. Solo travellers who prefer company can hire a local guide for a half day.
Can I visit the schools on Dow Hill?
No, not without permission. Dow Hill School and Victoria Boys' School are working residential schools, and visitors are not allowed inside campuses. You can see the buildings from the road. Please do not photograph students.