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


Jorpokhri is a quiet hilltop spot near Darjeeling, famous for its twin lakes and mountain views.
Altitude
7,400 feet
Region
Darjeeling
Min temp
2°C
Max temp
22°C to 25°C
The word “ Jorpokhri” refers to “ two ponds”, which are placed peacefully at the heart of a quaint village. It appears magical at the time of dusk or sunrise. The trees and sky are reflected in the serene still water. The Gora, or the rare Himalayan salamanders, reside in one of the ponds. You will get to witness the surrounding mountains as well as the Kanchenjunga from here on clear days. It is an uncrowded region with quiet, clean surroundings. It is an ideal spot to simply watch the misty, covered landscape by sitting or taking some serene walks.
You can expect Himalayan wildlife sightings, magical twin ponds, misty hills and serene landscapes from Jorepokhri. Y trip to Jorepokhri felt completely untouched and magical where I caught a glimpse of the Himalayan Salamander, the calmness of the place with fog surrounding the water filled my heart my peace.
It is situated along the scenic Darjeeling- Mirik road in a calm ridge, just at a distance of 19 km from Darjeeling at an elevation of around 7,400 feet above sea level. Being a part of the biodiversity hotspot, the Singalila range, you will get breathtaking views of the nearby forests and the Himalayan range from Jorpokhri. These two sacred ponds are encompassed by vibrant prayer flags and benches. It is a photogenic spot where you can capture the reflection of trees and the sky.
The weather and temperature of Jorpokhri based on different seasons is mentioned below
| Season | Temperature | Weather | Best activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | 10°C – 18°C | blooming rhododendrons and pleasant weather | photography and nature walks |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 12°C – 20°C | occassional rain and cool weather | misty forest trails and birdwatching |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 8°C – 16°C | crisp air and clear skies. | forest treks and sunrise views |
| Winter (December to February) | 2°C – 10°C | foggy mornings and chilly weather | peaceful stays |
You can visit Jorpokhri throughout the year owing to its serene ambience and cool, moderate climate. However, the Spring and Autumn seasons, between March and April or October and November, are the best recommended times for enjoying ideal weather and clear views.
My trip to Jorepokhri was in early November surrounded by golden sunlight, mirror-like twin ponds and crisp air. my trip felt like I was lost in a paradise.
| Months | Weather | Footfall | Category | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | blooming Rhododendrons, pleasant weather | Moderate | Peak Season | photography and nature walks |
| Monsoon (June-August) | occasional rain and cold weather | Low | Off-Season | misty forest walks and birdwatching |
| Autumn (September-November) | crisp air and clear skies | High | Peak-season | forest treks and sunrise views |
| Winter (December-February) | foggy mornings and chilly weather | Low to Moderate | Shoulder Season | peaceful stays |
Jorpokhri is known for its serene ambience, proximity to Lepchajagat, Darjeeling, panoramic views and twin lakes. I enjoyed taking serene walks by the twin lake which feeding the ducks and witnessed clouds drifting above the sky touching hills which was a very thrilling experience for me. Some attractions and activities of Jorpopkhri are mentioned below
The Twin Ponds
It is a quintessential spot where you can witness crystal-clear water encompassed by vibrant prayer flags, benches and stone walkways. One of the ponds also houses a rare protected species, the Himalayan salamander.
Stupa and Local Temple
Near the pond, you can witness a small temple and a Buddhist stupa. It is an ideal spot to enjoy morning walks and meditation sessions.
Kanchenjunga Viewpoint
You will get an opportunity to witness the beautiful Kanchenjunga range and a magical sunrise near the pond on clear days.
Surrounding Forest Trails
You can take some nature walks around the village's short walking paths and the nearby trails surrounded by pine forests.
Lepchajagat
This charming forest village is situated at a distance of 5 km from Jorpokhri, which will take you about 15 mins. It is encompassed by rhododendron and pine forests where you can enjoy peaceful stays, Kanchenjunga views and nature walks.
Ghoom Monastery
It ranks amongst the oldest monasteries of Darjeeling, which will take you about 10 km from Jorpokhri to reach in about 25 minutes to reach. It houses prayer halls and a huge Maitreya Buddha statue.
Batasia Loop
This iconic railway loop is situated at a distance of 12 km from Jorpokhri, which will take you about 30 minutes to reach. You can enjoy some panoramic views here and also ride the Toy train to elevate your experience.
Sukhiapokhri
This is a quaint market town, which is situated just at a distance of 3 km from Jorpokhri and will take you about 10 minutes to reach. You can do some shopping here and buy some handmade items, snacks or tea. It is also the entrance to some of the scenic trails and houses different eateries offering local flavours.
Jorpokhri can be easily reached from Lepchajagat and Darjeeling, which are situated at a distance of 7 km and 19 km respectively by car. I enjoyed the uphill drive amid the scenic, peaceful vistas surrounded by pine forests from Lepchajagat to Jorepokhri.
By Air
The nearest railway station is situated at a distance of 65 km, which is the Bagdogra airport. You can book a cab from the airport premises, which is going towards the Siliguri → Ghoom → Sukhiapokhri → Jorpokhri route.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Jorpokhri is situated at a distance of 70 km, which is the NJP railway station. You can take a cab from this station to reach Sukhiapokhri and then hire a local cab to reach Jorpokhri.
From Siliguri
The distance between Siliguri and Jorpokhri is about 65 km, and the road route includes Siliguri → Ghoom → Sukhiapokhri → Jorpokhri, which will take you about 2.5-3 hours by road.
From Darjeeling
The distance between Darjeeling and Jorpokhri is about 19km, and the road route includes Darjeeling → Ghoom → Lepchajagat → Jorpokhri, which will take you about 45-60 minutes.
The local cuisines of the region are inspired by the blended flavours of North Bengal, Gorkha, Tibetan and Nepali traditions. You can enjoy soulful meals in the homestays or small eateries, which are prepared using ingredients which are locally sourced from the nearby forests, farms or gardens. Some of the must-try dishes here include- Dal Bhat Tarkari, Momo, Thukpa, Smoked Pork Curry, and Gundruk and Kinema. You can try out the following experiences in Jorpokhri
Visit the local temple and the stupa
There is a small, beautiful Buddhist stupa near the lake amidst beautifully fluttering prayer flags, where you can witness the locals offering their prayers or lighting incense. You can also participate with them and do some meditation for the peace of your mind.
Experiencing the simplicity of village life
Jorpokhri is an ideal destination for building some real human connections, as it is not a very touristy region. You can often witness the locals of the region simply maintaining peace while sipping tea or working in their gardens.
Witnessing the handicrafts and the local life
You can politely approach the warm and friendly locals and witness their excellent craftsmanship while they make simple crafts or weave some beautiful baskets. You can also witness them while they work in the tea gardens.
Experiencing the local festivals
The hamlet livens up with vibrant music, traditional rituals and candles during the time of the festivals, such as Maghe Sankranti or Tihar. The celebrations are vibrant but quiet, where the locals worship the dogs, crows and cows at the time of Tihar.
Amidst the accommodation options in Jorpokhri, you will find WBFDC Jorpokhri Tourist Lodge, which is operated by the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation. It is situated overlooking the breathtaking mountain view near the twin lake, where you will be offered clean, simple rooms. You will also find local homestays in Jorpokhri, which are run by the locals of the region, where you will be offered warm hospitality, clean rooms and delicious home-cooked meals.
I thoroughly enjoyed my peaceful stay at one of the cosy homestay of Jorpokhri where the sweeping views of the Mt. Kanchenjunga right from the porch of my homestay refreshed my soul. I enjoyed sipping warm cup of tea in the foggy mornings of Jorpokhri which was a completely thrilling experience for me.
| Category | Best stay | Price range | Features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Jorpokhri Homestay | ₹1,200 – ₹1,800 | warm hospitality, Kanchenjunga views | Solo travellers and backpackers. |
| Standard | Forest Rest House (WBFDC Lodge) | ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 | peaceful ambience and lake-facing | Nature lovers |
| Premium | Humro Home Jorpokhri | ₹3,500 – ₹5,000 | Valley views and wooden interiors | Birdwatchers |
| Heritage | The Retreat, Lepchajagat (Nearby) | ₹4,000 – ₹6,000 | Proximity to Jorpokhri, pine forest views and colonial charm | Luxury seekers |
| Group Stay | Local Guesthouses (3–4 rooms) | ₹1,000 per person | lage spaces, family friendly, group bonfires and shared meals | Budget family trips, Friend Groups. |
Homestays
There are a few homestays near Jorpokhri run by the local families where you will find clean, simple rooms along with attached bathrooms, delicious home-cooked meals and quiet ambience. The hosts of these homestays are very helpful and friendly by nature and mostly belong to the Gorkha and the Nepali communities. Some of the recommended homestays to book your stay here include
Jorpokhri is a charming, high-altitude, soulful retreat. It is ideal for nature lovers, peace seekers, families, couples and also photographers. You can spend some serene time here, away from the crowd of tourists, simply sitting near the twin rivers or enjoying the breathtaking views of the landscape.
Where is Jorpokhri located?
Jorpokhri is situated near Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal.
Why is the place called Jorpokhri?
The word 'Jor' means two, and 'Pokhri' means pond, derived from the twin ponds.
What is Jorpokhri known for?
Himalayan Salamanders, Kanchenjunga views and Twin Lakes.
When is the best time for a trip to Jorpokhri?
October to April is the best time when you can enjoy chilly mountain air and clear views.
Will i have to pay an entry fee to visit thelake?
Yes,. You will have to pay a small entry fee, which is collected by the Forest Department.
Will I be able to see the Himalayan Salamander here?
Yes, you can easily spot them during the monsoon time near the lake.
What are the activities that I can enjoy here?
You can enjoy quiet retreats, nature walks and scenic photography.
Can I find good accomodation options in Jorkhri?
You can find limited stay options near Jorpokhri, such as small homestays and forest bungalows.
Is Jorpokhri far from Darjeeling?
No, it will take you around 40-60 minutes to reach by road.
Is this place suitable for couples or family trips?
Yes, the scenic and peaceful vibe of this place is ideal for a family trip or romantic getaways.