Darjeeling is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from March to May (Spring-Summer) and October to December (Autumn-Winter). These months offer pleasant weather, clear skies, and breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. The winter months (December to February) are cold and sometimes experience snowfall in higher altitudes, while monsoons (June to September) bring heavy rainfall and fog, which may affect sightseeing.

A 3 to 5-day trip is ideal for covering major attractions in Darjeeling. A 3-day itinerary includes sightseeing in Darjeeling town, a visit to Tiger Hill for sunrise, and nearby attractions. If you have 5 days or more, you can explore nearby places like Mirik, Kalimpong, or even take a toy train ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

The top attractions in Darjeeling include Tiger Hill (for sunrise), Batasia Loop, Ghoom Monastery, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train), Japanese Peace Pagoda, Rock Garden, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and Tea Gardens. You can also visit Happy Valley Tea Estate, Mirik Lake, and the Ropeway for panoramic views of the mountains.

The cost of a Darjeeling package depends on factors like duration, hotel category, transportation, and activities included. A budget tour (₹8,000–₹12,000 per person) includes standard hotels and sightseeing, while mid-range packages (₹15,000–₹20,000 per person) offer better hotels and private transport. Luxury packages can go beyond ₹25,000 per person, including premium resorts and guided tours.

The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport (IXB), about 70 km away, with a travel time of 3 hours by road. The closest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), around 75 km from Darjeeling. From both NJP and Bagdogra, you can take a private cab, shared taxi, or a bus to reach Darjeeling. Toy Train services are available from NJP to Darjeeling, offering a scenic journey.