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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
+91 70017 24300


Ghoom, also referred to as Ghu, is located at an elevation of 7,407 feet and is at a distance of 6 km from Darjeeling. The Ghum railway station ranks as the highest altitude railway station present in India and the 14th highest in the world. It is the ideal place to enjoy a joyous toy train ride from and to Darjeeling.
Altitude
2,258 meters
Region
Darjeeling
Min temp
2°C to 5°C
Max temp
18°C to 22°C
Ghoom is an enchanting hill station known for its colonial charm, alluring vista and rich heritage. This quaint historic town offers a peaceful getaway amidst the stunning view of the Kanchenjunga and a tranquil environment. The Ghoom railway station was founded on 04th April 1881 after the formation of the Darjeeling Himalayan railway in the year 1879. It is the home to many Buddhist manuscripts and the stunning 15-foot Maitreya Buddha statue. You will have a nostalgic experience here by riding the UNESCO World Heritage ride through Ghoom.
You can expect slow-paced Himalayan charm, stunning mountain views, toy train whistles and many monasteries from Ghoom. I was enchanted by the stunning beauty of Ghoom on my trip, where the joyous toy train whistles along with serene chants from the monasteries felt like a dream.
Ghoom is a tranquil high-altitude settlement burrowed in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India, at an elevation of 2,258 meters. Encompassed by lush greenery, misty landscape and pine forests, Ghoom offers breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains. A mystical ambience is created in this town owing to its misty weather all year round. The landscape remains covered with vibrant wildflowers, enhancing its picturesque appeal. It houses beautiful Rhododendron, Oak and Pine forests, further increasing its natural charm.
Ghoom remains cold all year round, with foggy, misty weather increasing its charm. Here is a season-wise distribution of Ghoom-
| Season | Temperature | Weather | Best activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | 10°C to 20°C | pleasant and mild | sightseeing, trekking |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 15°C to 22°C | occasional rain and cool | photography, nature walks |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 8°C to 18°C | crisp and clear | panoramic views, festivals |
| Winter (December to February) | 0°C to 10°C | sometimes foggy and cold | cosy stays and relaxations |
Ghoom is a mesmerising travel destination which can be visited all year round. The different seasons of Ghoom offer different types of magic and charm to keep you enthused. However, the ideal time to visit Ghoom will be either during the Spring season, which is from March to May, or during the Autumn season, which is from September- November. The weather remains very pleasant during this season, with clear skies offering the best view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. It is the ideal time for monastery exploration and enjoying the stunning surrounding scenery. It is recommended to travel with caution during the Monsoon season as the roads can get very slippery due to the heavy rainfall.
My trip to Ghoom in late autumn felt like a living painting where I witnessed golden sunlight on my way to the monastery and was surrounded by crisp mountain air.
| Months | Weather | Footfall | Category | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | mild, pleasant | Moderate | Peak Season | trekking and sightseeing |
| Monsoon (June-August) | cool and rainy | Low | Off-Season | nature photography |
| Autumn (September-November) | crisp and clear | High | Peak-season | clear views and festivals |
| Winter (December-February) | sometimes foggy, cold | Low to Moderate | Shoulder Season | peaceful retreats |
You can enjoy a joyous ride in the Darjeeling Toy train, soak in the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and explore the stunning Ghoom Monastery here. My trip to Ghoom felt magical, where I witnessed fluttering prayer flags while riding the toy train and on my way to the serene monastery, which made me feel like nature had slowed down my time.
Ghoom is a breathtaking hill station popular for its stunning natural beauty, Buddhist culture and colonial charm. Some top attractions that are a must-see at the Ghoom trip are-
Ghoom Monastery
It is also known as Yiga Choeling Monastery and ranks amongst the oldest monasteries present in Darjeeling. It houses some of the ancient Tibetan manuscripts and the famous 15-foot Maitreya Buddha statue.
Batasia Loop
This spiral railway track is an engineering gem where the toy train makes a picturesque stop to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Kanchenjunga.
Samten Choling Monastery
This picturesque monastery with stunning architecture and beautiful prayer wheels is the ideal place to enjoy a serene ambience.
Ghoom Railway Station
If you are a train fanatic, then it is a must-visit place for you to witness the magic of the engineers building this high-altitude railway station at an elevation of 2,258 meters.
Tiger Hill
Located at a distance of 5 km from the Ghoom town, it is the ideal place to witness one of the best sunrises of your life rising majestically over the breathtaking Kanchenjunga.
Darjeeling
Situated at a distance of 6 km from the Ghoom town, Darjeeling is a magical town known for its ethereal natural charm, piping tea gardens, colonial charm and the Mall Road.
Batasia Loop
This scenic railway track is situated at a distance of 3 km from Ghoom, offering the best view of the Kanchenjunga. It has a stunning manicured garden and a war memorial, making it the ideal place to try out photography.
Dali Monastery
This stunning monastery is situated at a distance of 7km from Gjoom and has a big prayer hall along with colourful murals amidst the serene ambience.
Lamahatta
It is a scenic eco-park situated at a distance of 12 km from Ghoom, encompassed by lush pine forests. It is the ideal place for a serene retreat and to enjoy nature’s tranquillity.
Jorpokhri
This mystical gem is located a distance of 16 km from Ghoom, famous for its mystic landscape, twin rivers and stunning Himalayan view. If you get lucky, you can also witness the Himalayan Salamander.
Mirik
This serene hamlet located at a distance of 30 km from Ghoom is famously known for its tea gardens, orange orchards and Sumendu lake.
Kurseong
This serene town is also referred to as “the land of white orchids”, and it's known for its historic school, stunning landscapes and emerald tea gardens.
You can reach Ghoom in a scenic ride from Darjeeling or Siliguri, or even in a joyous toy train ride. I reached Ghoom from Siliguri by hiring a cab, which was an unforgettable journey in itself, where misty pine forests and winding roads surrounded me, and I got glimpses of the Kanchenjunga range during my journey.
Ghoom can be easily accessed by road, rail and airways from several major cities.
By Air
Bagdogra airport is the nearest airport to Ghoom, located at a distance of 62 km. You can take a private or shared cab after reaching the airport and reaching Ghoom. This ride will take you about 2.5- 3 hours.
By Train
Situated at a distance of 57 km, the nearest railway station to Ghoom is the NJP railway station. You can reach Ghoom easily from this railway station in a shared van or a private taxi in a ride of about 2.5-3 hours.
From Siliguri
There are several shared cabs and private taxis available at the Tenzing Norgay bus stand or at the Siliguri junction itself. You can hop on one of these to reach your destination in Ghoom.
From Darjeeling
There are many taxis and jeeps running from Darjeeling to Ghoom. You can also try to ride the Toy train to get a nostalgic experience amidst the scenic hills.
You can enjoy delightful blended flavours of Bengali, Tibetan and Nepali cuisine in Ghoom owing to its rich, diverse culture. Some of the recommended dishes that you must try at your Ghoom trip include- Momo, Thukpa, Phagshapa, Sha Phaley, Sekuwa, Gundruk & Sinki, Dal-Bhat-Tarkari, Churpi Soup, Sael Roti, Alu Dum, Tongba, Darjeeling Tea and Po Cha. Ghoom is a perfect blend of Himalayan, Nepali and Tibetan Buddhist cultures. You can immerse yourself in the rich cultural and spiritual life of this region by interacting with the locals and taking part in the festivals, along with monastery visits.
Monastery Visit
To get an in-depth experience of the local culture of Ghoom, you must visit the Yiga Choeling Monastery. Built in the year 1850, it ranks amongst the oldest monasteries of Darjeeling. You can witness some of the rare manuscripts of the Buddhist people along with the 15-foot statues of Maitreya Buddha here and experience a serene time with the praying monks and a stunning view of Kanchenjunga in the background.
Taking part in the Local Festivals
You can take part in the local Nepali and Tibetan festivals to witness the rich culture prevailing in Ghoom. Losar is the Tibetan New Year, which is celebrated in February- March with great enthusiasm with feasts, dances and prayers. Tihar is a Nepali festival which they celebrate by decorating their homes with beautiful flower garlands and oil lamps. The Buddha Jayanti is another festival here, which is celebrated in the monasteries by offering butter lamps and prayers.
Experiencing Local Flavours
You will get the true taste of the Himalayan culture prevailing in Goom by tasting Chang and Butter Tea. You can try out the delectable Sha Phaley, Thukpa and Momo along with visiting the local tea shops to get a flavorful taste of the Darjeeling tea and experience the true food and tea culture prevailing.
Local Handicrafts
The locals residing in Ghoom are experts in crafting handmade items, Buddhist artefacts, wooden crafts and woven items. You can visit the small shops to shop for these woollen shawls, prayer flags, and other handmade souvenirs.
There are several accommodation options in Ghoom, from budget-friendly hotels to comfortable homestays and lodges. Some of the recommended places for your stay in Ghoom to enjoy a flawless trip include- Summit Swiss Heritage Hotel & Spa, Hotel Mount Meridian, Sterling Darjeeling, Himalayan Homestay, Ghoom Monastery Retreat, Deki Lodge, Eco-lodges in Lamahatta and Tea Garden Bungalows.
I stayed at a heritage retreat in Ghoom, where I woke up to a chill mountain breeze each morning and the sounds of monastery bells echoed in the air filled with mist, which made my stay truly unforgettable.
| Category | Best stay | Price range | Features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Ghoom Homestay | ₹800 - ₹1,200/night | local experience, basic amenities | solo travellers |
| Mid-Range | Hotel Snow View | ₹2,000 - ₹3,500/night | good location, comfortable rooms | families |
| Luxury | Mayfair Darjeeling (nearby) | ₹7,000 - ₹12,000/night | scenic views, premium services | luxury travellers |
| Boutique | The Elgin Darjeeling (nearby) | ₹5,000 - ₹8,000/night | elegant decor, heritage property | peace seekers, history lovers |
Homestays
You will be offered an authentic local experience in the homestays of Ghoom.
Hotels
Ghoom offers a range of hotel options, ranging from cosier options to established names and ones with stunning views and proximity to key locations.
Ghoom is an ideal place for a short trip where you can experience some tranquil time amidst the stunning natural beauty. This cosy town has several sightseeing spots which you can explore during your short vacation and re-energise yourself for a busy work week.
Where is Ghoom located?
Ghoom is located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, around 6 km away from Darjeeling.
What is the altitude of Ghoom?
Ghoom is situated at an elevation of around 2,225 meters
What is Ghoom known for?
Ghoom is known for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop, panoramic views and Tiger Hill.
What are the things to do and explore in Ghoom?
You can visit the Ghoom Monastery, explore the Batasia Loop, visit the DHR museum, Ghoom railway station, enjoy sunrise at Tiger Hill, explore the local markets, enjoy nature walks, viewpoints, hiking, and enjoy tea estate tours in Ghoom.
How to reach Ghoom?
You can easily reach Ghoom from Darjeeling by taking a local taxi.
Can I find any good accomodation options in Ghoom?
You can find several stay options near Ghoom in Darjeeling, ranging from luxury hotels, guesthouses, to budget-friendly homestays. The luxury hotel includes Sterling Darjeeling and many more.
Do I need a entry fee to enter Ghoom Monastery?
No, you will not have to pay any entry fee to enter the monastery. A small fee might be required for photography inside the monastery.
What are the visiting hours for the Ghoom Monastery?
Ghoom Monastery remains open between 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You can visit early to witness the praying monks performing their daily rituals.
Can I take photos inside the Ghoom Monastery?
Yes, you can take photos here; however, for indoor photography, you can check the signs indicating the rules.
Are there any specific dress code for the Ghoom Monastery?
As it is a place of worship, it is recommended to cover your knees and shoulders and dress modestly, and you must remove your shoes before entering the prayer halls.