Best month · Darjeeling & Kalimpong
Darjeeling & Kalimpong in March
March is the start of the first flush. Estates pluck the first tender leaves after winter, and tea houses in Darjeeling start selling the season's lots. Rhododendrons begin to flower on the Singalila Ridge, and the Sandakphu trek opens properly. Haze from the plains starts to build in the afternoons, so mornings give the best views. Prices are still moderate before the summer rush.
Photo: Arne Hückelheim 2010-09-21 12:41:53 This is a … · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsWhere to go
Our picks for March
Photo: Arne Hückelheim 2010-09-21 12:41:53 This is a … · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Darjeeling
The thunderbolt ridge, its tea and its two-foot railway
Photo: Mayukh Ghose · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Kurseong
The toy train's home town, ringed by old tea gardens
Photo: solarshakti · CC BY 2.0 · Commons
Sandakphu and Singalila
West Bengal's highest point, with Everest on the skyline
Trips
Trips at their best in March
Photo: Auli Raha (অলি রাহা) · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Comfort
Sittong, Takdah and Kalimpong villages
Private car with driver
Photo: Mayukh Ghose · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Comfort
Tea and toy train: Kurseong and Darjeeling
Private car with driver
Photo: Arne Hückelheim 2010-09-21 12:41:53 This is a … · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Saver
Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Lava by shared jeep
Shared jeeps, one short reserved car
Photo: Arne Hückelheim 2010-09-21 12:41:53 This is a … · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Saver
Darjeeling long weekend from Kolkata
Overnight train, shared jeeps, toy train joy ride
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
Elsewhere in March
Other hives this month
Questions
Darjeeling & Kalimpong in March, answered
Is March a good time to visit Darjeeling & Kalimpong?
March is the start of the first flush. Estates pluck the first tender leaves after winter, and tea houses in Darjeeling start selling the season's lots. Rhododendrons begin to flower on the Singalila Ridge, and the Sandakphu trek opens properly. Haze from the plains starts to build in the afternoons, so mornings give the best views. Prices are still moderate before the summer rush.
What is the weather like in Darjeeling & Kalimpong in March?
Darjeeling 7 to 15 °C, mild, haze builds. Conditions differ by altitude and coast, so check the forecast for each stop a week before you travel.
Where should we go in Darjeeling & Kalimpong in March?
We suggest Darjeeling, Kurseong, Sandakphu and Singalila. Ask for first flush by estate name and invoice number when buying tea; good shops show both.