In the Indian state of West Bengal, there is a town and a district named Darjeeling. The city and the surrounding area are well-known for being among the most popular tourist sites in the nation. Here, you will find some highlights of this amazing destination, and of course, we’ll offer our choices for the best hostels in Darjeeling!
Darjeeling is renowned for its abundance of natural and cultural sites, as well as for the toy railway that has been designated a UN World Heritage Site. The district, which has an area of around 11442 km, draws millions of tourists each year with its array of attractions.
The hill rises from the Terai and Dooars plain in Bengal and climbs more than 12,000 feet (3.66 kilometers) above sea level. The district is divided into three subdivisions: the mountainous portions are made up of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong, while the Siliguri subdivision covers the plains.
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Our favorite hostels in Darjeeling are:
- Hideout Backpackers Hostel - best for backpackers
- Langdak Homestay - best for families
- Bunk & Trails - best for budget travelers
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Hideout Backpackers Hostel
2. Langdak Homestay
3. Bunk & Trails
The Indian state of Sikkim, which borders Nepal on the west and the Bengal lowlands on the south and east, is located to the region’s north. In Darjeeling, those raised in the mountains identify as either Lepcha, Nepalese, Bhutanese, or Tibetan, depending on their origin. The area also struggles with a mix of religions, including Tibetan Buddhism and others, even though Hindus comprise most of the population.The Darjeeling Himalaya is well known for having distinct vegetation and wildlife. There are two national parks in the area – Neora Valley NP and Singalila NP – and one
wildlife refuge – Mahananda WLS. An extraordinarily uncommon and endangered species, the red panda, is the most well-known animal in Singalila National Park. Neora Valley, a stunning tropical forest with a sizable portion that is still undeveloped, is quite popular with tourists. The three “T’s” – tea, tourism, and timber – are essential to the region’s economy. The timber trade has decreased dramatically over time due to growing environmental awareness. In addition, the area also produces a lot of oranges, cardamom, flowers, etc.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
Darjeeling, often known as the “Queen of Hills,” is undoubtedly the most well-liked tourist destination in northeast India. This hill town, located at an elevation of 2134 meters, draws tourists with a wide range of interests because of its wonderful natural beauty.
It is the residence of Lord Shiva and provides breathtaking vistas of Kanchenjunga as well as the friendliness of the diverse Himalayan population. This enormous, snow-capped Himalayan range casts a shadow over Darjeeling and all of its tea fields.
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Quick Introduction to Darjeeling
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Darjeeling cost $5 – $10 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average of around $22 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Best Time to Visit Darjeeling: The best time to visit Darjeeling is often when the temperature is about 25°C. The summer months of April to June are ideal for travelling to Darjeeling since they include the greatest weather and a wide variety of outdoor activities. Additionally, this is the season with the most visitor traffic. Don’t miss seeing the stunning dawn on Tiger Hill and take in the splendour of Kanchenjunga, India’s tallest mountain peak. Summertime in Darjeeling is a fantastic time to explore the Barbotey Rock Garden.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Darjeeling are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Darjeeling.
- Hideout Backpackers Hostel – best for backpackers
- Langdak Homestay – best for families
- Bunk & Trails – best for budget travelers
These are our favorite hostels in Darjeeling. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Hideout Backpackers Hostel
2. Langdak Homestay
3. Bunk & Trails
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Hideout Backpackers Hostel |
| 🤑 Budget-friendly: | Bunk & Trails |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Langdak Homestay |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Langdak Homestay |
| 👫 For Socializing: | Hideout Backpackers Hostel |
| 🎒 for Backpacker: | Hideout Backpackers Hostel |
1. Hideout Backpackers Hostel
In the centre of Darjeeling, there is a family-run hostel called Hideout Backpackers Hostel that mostly caters to backpackers. However, all travellers are more than welcome!
The magnificent views of the gigantic Kanchenjunga and the setting sun through the Singalila range make it the ideal place to unwind. It is highly recommended for solo travellers who want to enjoy a peaceful and tranquil stay in the town. In addition, most of the neighbouring tourist attractions are conveniently reachable on foot.
They have a mixed dormitory room with one single bed and 4 bunk beds. Also, Hideout offers a queen room with one sofa bed and one large double bed. The hostel provides all the necessities, including free Wi-Fi and hot showers. The majority of their visitors like to hang out in their travel café on the rooftop because it has a large common area.
Due to its cosy and welcoming vibe, you can easily meet fellow backpackers and start adventuring together. The hosts provide information on all popular tourist destinations, top restaurants, nearby towns, and entertainment recommendations.
They offer motorbike rentals, trekking, hiking, bike rentals, paid laundry service, and local guides.
Location: The closest attractions to this beautifully located hostel are the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Zoological Park (150 m), Water Fountain (250 m), and Chowrasta (300 m).
The best choice in Darjeeling for
- backpackers
- families
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Langdak Homestay
Langdak Homestay is a cozy and comfortable homestay located in Darjeeling, India. It is situated in the heart of Darjeeling, and is within walking distance of many attractions like the Mall Road, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
The homestay is known for its warm hospitality and excellent service. The staff is friendly and helpful, and they make sure that all guests have a pleasant stay.
The rooms at Langdak Homestay are spacious and airy and come with all the necessary amenities. The beds are comfortable, and the bathrooms are clean and well-maintained. The homestay also offers free Wi-Fi and laundry services.
Langdak Homestay is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay in Darjeeling.
Location: Langdak Homestay is situated 5 minutes away from Ghoom Monastery and 1.7 km away from the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery Darjeeling. The Bagdogra International Airport is located 62 km from the homestay.
A great choice for
- families
Check prices at:
Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Bunk & Trails
Bunk & Trails is a lovely accommodation with an outdoor adventure theme. It has a great location in Ghoom, just outside the Senchal nature sanctuary.
Individual single beds are offered in a mixed dorm accommodating up to four people. Also, they have a private room with a hall and a private bathroom. Keep in mind that this hostel accepts cash payments only.
Bunk & Trails offers a variety of activities to choose from. Mountain bike rentals, a motorbike tour to Senchal wildlife sanctuary, and a very interesting day tour to the Indo-Nepal border via zigzag roads. Furthermore, you can get a guided tour to watch the Tiger hill sunrise!
Location: The hostel is 7.6 kilometres from the Japanese Peace Pagoda, while Mahakal Mandir is 8.3 kilometres away. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Zoological Park are within 7.2 kilometres, Tiger Hill Sunrise Observatory is 4.7 km, and Tibetan Buddhist Monastery Darjeeling is 1.7 km away from the property.
This is one of the best hostels in Darjeeling for
- budget travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Darjeeling for Solo Travelers?
We think that the best hostel in Darjeeling is Hideout Backpackers Hostel.
This hostel is located in a quiet area, yet close to all the main attractions in the city. It offers comfortable dorms and private rooms, as well as a restaurant, bar and terrace overlooking the Himalayas.
There’s a cozy common room where travelers can relax and meet other guests, plus a kitchen and laundry facilities.
The staff are friendly and helpful, and the hostel offers a range of activities including yoga, treks and cycling excursions.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
More Hostels worth a mention
At the moment, we think you are all set with the hostels we just shared with you. We always try to keep our guides super fresh and up to date. We might add more hostels worth a mention here in the future if we feel that it could enrich your travel and hostel experience.
Backpacking Tips for Darjeeling
First things first, be sure to have cash with you. A lot of shops don’t accept cards. Also, a lot of hostels have a cash-only policy.
1. Darjeeling typically experiences heavy rain from July on. The monsoons are wonderful, but travelling to Darjeeling during these months may be difficult due to barriers everywhere and the regular incidence of landslides. But suppose you’ve already decided to travel to Darjeeling in the monsoon season. In that case, you’ll fall in love with the lush, green landscape drenched in the rain, making for some incredible photo opportunities. In contrast, there is less rain at the end of September.
2. One of the top attractions in Darjeeling is the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, also known as the Darjeeling Zoo. The zoo, which spans 27 hectares, is the only one specifically dedicated to conservation breeding projects for endangered Himalayan species like the red panda, snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, and Himalayan black bears. The Darjeeling Zoo, which is located on an area of 67.5 acres at an average elevation of 7,000 feet (2.13 km), is the biggest high-altitude zoo in India.
3. The Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda is a haven of tranquillity and a symbol of peace. It can be reached by car from Darjeeling town in about 10 minutes by going to the Jalapahar Hills. The temple, also known as the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple, was constructed in 1972 by the Japanese Buddhist Monk Nichidatsu Fujii. The temple has two stories and was constructed in the conventional Japanese style. This location provides exceptional vistas; you can even see The Kanchenjunga peak from here.
4. Finally, the plucking and processing season, which lasts from March to October, is one of the greatest times to visit Happy Valley Tea Estate. An employee will show you around the tea factory during this time and explain the withering, rolling, fermenting, and drying processes as well as how the same tea leaves are used to make black, green, and white tea. A tea sampling is also provided at the end of the tour. Additionally, there is a tea shop where you may purchase the highest-grade Darjeeling Tea produced on the estate.
We hope these tips will make your trip easier. Now let’s continue with our handpicked hostels just for you!
What about the cheapest hostels in Darjeeling?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Darjeeling.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Darjeeling
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
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How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Darjeeling best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
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Our Favorite Hostels in Darjeeling put on a map + sights
We’re listing all the three best Darjeeling hostels on a map to give you an idea of the location and distances between them.
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FAQs
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Flights to Darjeeling?
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More handmade Guides for you
Here are some of our in-depth guides for India to help you out with your travels:
- best hostels in Jaipur
- best hostels in Delhi
- best hostels in Mumbai
- best hostels in Goa
- best backpacker hostels in Goa
- best hostels in Chennai
- best hostels in Rishikesh
- best hostels in Pondicherry
- backpacker hostels in Goa
- yoga retreats in Rishikesh
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Darjeeling guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
