Living in Siliguri, or flying into Bagdogra on a Friday? Mirik is the closest hill town to the plains: about 52 km, under two hours by car, on the gentlest road into the Darjeeling hills. Here is how we would spend a weekend there.
Saturday: up the hill and round the lake
Leave Siliguri after breakfast and take the road via Dudhia, where the Balason river comes out of the hills, then climb through the tea gardens. Stop at Tingling viewpoint for the terraced tea slopes. You will be in Mirik by late morning.
After lunch, walk the 3.5 km path around Mirik Lake, cross the footbridge and take a rowing boat out. In the evening, browse the lakeside stalls for tea and warm clothes, and have dinner at the hotel.
Sunday: sunrise, monastery and the drive home
Get up early for sunrise from Rameetey viewpoint above town; on clear mornings from October to December you will see Kanchenjunga. After breakfast, visit Bokar Monastery and its view over the lake. If you have time, add the Nepal border market at Pashupati before heading down after lunch to be back in Siliguri by evening.
Good to know
- Mirik is cooler than Siliguri all year: pack a jacket, and warm layers from November.
- Saturday afternoons are busy with day-trippers. Walk the lake early in the morning instead.
- From November to January, buy Mirik oranges straight from the orchards.
More ideas in our guide to things to do in Mirik. To stay a short walk from the lake, book Hotel Jagjeet, Mirik directly with us.
