Darjeeling Ropeway

Darjeeling, West Bengal, India

The Darjeeling Ropeway, also known as the Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway, is one of the oldest and most scenic cable car systems in India. Established in 1968, it was initially built to cater to the tea gardens in the valley that were inaccessible by road. It starts at North Point in Singamari (e

General information

Ideal Duration:

1 to 2 Hours
Place Type:

Adventure / Sightseeing
Entry Fees:

Adults: INR 200 per person.

Children: INR 100 (for kids aged 3 to 8 years).

Photography: Usually included in the ticket.

:...

Read More

Adults: INR 200 per person.

Children: INR 100 (for kids aged 3 to 8 years).

Photography: Usually included in the ticket.

:

Read Less

Timing:

Regular Timings: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM (Winter/Monsoon); 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Summer/Autumn).

Closed Day: 19th of every month for maintenance.

:...

Read More

Regular Timings: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM (Winter/Monsoon); 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Summer/Autumn).

Closed Day: 19th of every month for maintenance.

:

Read Less
Special Events:

Inauguration Anniversary: Local small events are sometimes held in February to mark its reopening anniversary.

Tourism Week: During the Darjeeling Carnival, the area is decorated.

:...

Read More

Inauguration Anniversary: Local small events are sometimes held in February to mark its reopening anniversary.

Tourism Week: During the Darjeeling Carnival, the area is decorated.

:

Read Less
Best Photo Spots:

Inside the Gondola: For a selfie with the tea gardens below.

The Boarding Deck: For a wide shot of the valley before the descent.

Tower Mid-point: Capture the cable car with the snow peaks in one frame.

Read More

Inside the Gondola: For a selfie with the tea gardens below.

The Boarding Deck: For a wide shot of the valley before the descent.

Tower Mid-point: Capture the cable car with the snow peaks in one frame.

:

Read Less

Photo Gallery

Show all

Things To Do

Show all

Cable Car Ride: Experience the 5km aerial journey.

Aerial Photography: Capture the tea gardens from above.

Visit Singamari: Explore the local shops near the boarding point.

Tea Tasting: Many stalls near the exit offer fresh local brews.

View Kanchenjunga: Watch the peak change colors during the ride.

Picnic at Tukvar: If allowed, spend time in the tea gardens at the lower point.

Learn History: Read the plaques at the station about its 1968 origin.

:...

Read More

Cable Car Ride: Experience the 5km aerial journey.

Aerial Photography: Capture the tea gardens from above.

Visit Singamari: Explore the local shops near the boarding point.

Tea Tasting: Many stalls near the exit offer fresh local brews.

View Kanchenjunga: Watch the peak change colors during the ride.

Picnic at Tukvar: If allowed, spend time in the tea gardens at the lower point.

Learn History: Read the plaques at the station about its 1968 origin.

:

Read Less

Hotels

Show all

● Hotel Broadway

Address: 4 Cooch Behar Road, Darjeeling

Distance: 1.3 km

Details: A reliable budget hotel providing clean, simple rooms with basic amenities, ideal for short-stay backpackers and budget-conscious travelers exploring ...

● Hotel Queen Darjeeling

Address: Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling

Distance: 1.2 km

Details: A standard budget hotel in Chauk Bazaar offering functional rooms, standard room service, and easy connectivity to the bus stand and local transport h...

● Hotel Sunflower

Address: Mall Road, Darjeeling

Distance: 1.0 km

Details: A cozy, budget-friendly hotel near the Mall, known for its helpful staff, clean rooms, and proximity to major tourist points and shopping centers in t...

● Hotel Tower View

Address: Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling

Distance: 1.3 km

Details: A basic budget accommodation offering essential amenities, simple rooms, and a central location for travelers looking to save on stay costs while visi...

● Hotel Viceroy

Address: Laden La Road, Darjeeling

Distance: 1.4 km

Details: A comfortable mid-range property located centrally, offering well-furnished rooms, quick access to local attractions, room service, and a friendly atm...

● Sinclairs Darjeeling

Address: 18/1 Gandhi Road, Darjeeling

Distance: 1.8 km

Details: A stylish mid-range hotel offering scenic valley views, a well-equipped gym, complimentary WiFi, and an in-house restaurant serving multi-cuisine dish...

● Snowlion Homestay

Address: Near Mall Road, Darjeeling

Distance: 1.1 km

Details: A peaceful homestay experience providing home-cooked meals, a warm atmosphere, and authentic local hospitality for guests who prefer a quiet stay near...

● Sterling Darjeeling

Address: Ghoom Monastery Road, Ghoom, Darjeeling

Distance: 2.5 km

Details: A beautiful mid-range resort featuring modern amenities, including a restaurant, garden, and comfortable rooms, ideal for families and couples seeking...

● The Elgin Darjeeling

Address: Hermitage Road, Darjeeling, 734101

Distance: 1.2 km

Details: A luxurious heritage hotel offering colonial charm, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and premium amenities like fine dining and spa services. Perf...

● Windamere Hotel

Address: Observatory Hill, Darjeeling, 734101

Distance: 1.5 km

Details: An iconic colonial-era hotel known for its rich history, personalized service, cozy fireplaces, and elegant suites that offer a regal experience in th...

Show All

Restaurants

Show all

● Dekeva's

Address: Shop 51, Gandhi Road, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101

Distance: 2.5 KM

Details: Dekeva's is a charming, fuss-free eatery that has built a loyal following among those seeking the most authentic and traditional Tibetan cuisine in to...

Food List: Chicken Thukpa, Steamed Momos, Fried Pork Momos, V...

● Frank Ross Cafe

Address: Nehru Rd, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101

Distance: 2.7 KM

Details: Frank Ross Cafe is a delightful, modern spot on the bustling Nehru Road, offering a fantastic variety of vegetarian-friendly global cuisines in a cozy...

Food List: Pav Bhaji, Veg Burger, Masala Dosa, Tacos, Paneer ...

● Glenary's Restaurant

Address: Nehru Road, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101

Distance: 2.5 KM

Details: Glenary's is an iconic culinary landmark in the Queen of Hills, offering a colonial-era charm that captivates every visitor. This historic establishme...

Food List: Chicken Sizzler, Creamy Mushroom Soup, Freshly Bak...

● Hasty Tasty

Address: Nehru Road, Mall Chowrasta, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101

Distance: 2.9 KM

Details: Hasty Tasty is a highly popular, budget-friendly eatery located right near the Chowrasta Mall, known for its quick service and delicious vegetarian co...

Food List: Aloo Dum, Veg Momos, Pav Bhaji, Chole Bhature, Pan...

● Keventers

Address: Shop No. 1, Club Side, Nehru Rd, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101

Distance: 2.6 KM

Details: Keventers is widely regarded as a quintessential breakfast spot in Darjeeling, drawing crowds who seek a classic start to their day amidst breathtakin...

Food List: English Breakfast, Grilled Sausages, Crispy Bacon,...

Show All

Information

Why Famous:

India's First: It is celebrated as the first cable car system in India, holding great historical value.

Tea Garden Views: Famous for providing the best aerial view of the world-famous Darjeeling tea estates.

Hi...

Read More

India's First: It is celebrated as the first cable car system in India, holding great historical value.

Tea Garden Views: Famous for providing the best aerial view of the world-famous Darjeeling tea estates.

High Altitude Ride: One of the highest ropeways in Asia, starting at over 7000 feet.

:

Read Less
Architecture:

Station Design: The Singamari station is a sturdy concrete structure built on a cliff edge, measuring roughly 80 by 50 feet.

Cable System: It uses a Bi-cable system with massive steel towers spaced along the ridge to support the weight and ...

Read More

Station Design: The Singamari station is a sturdy concrete structure built on a cliff edge, measuring roughly 80 by 50 feet.

Cable System: It uses a Bi-cable system with massive steel towers spaced along the ridge to support the weight and movement.

Gondola Cabins: Modern metallic cabins with high-tension glass windows, designed for aerodynamic stability in mountain winds.

:

Read Less
How To Reach:

By Air: From Bagdogra, it is a 3-hour drive to Darjeeling, then 3 KMs to Singamari.

By Train: From NJP, take a cab to Darjeeling town.

By Road: Located on the road to Lebong, easily accessible from the Mall...

Read More

By Air: From Bagdogra, it is a 3-hour drive to Darjeeling, then 3 KMs to Singamari.

By Train: From NJP, take a cab to Darjeeling town.

By Road: Located on the road to Lebong, easily accessible from the Mall.

By Local Transport: Shared taxis and private cabs are readily available from Chowk Bazaar or the Mall.

:

Read Less
Weather and Best Time to Visit:

Morning: 10:00 AM to avoid the heavy afternoon mist.

Spring Season: April to June for clear blue skies.

Autumn: October for the best visibility of the Himalayan range.

:...

Read More

Morning: 10:00 AM to avoid the heavy afternoon mist.

Spring Season: April to June for clear blue skies.

Autumn: October for the best visibility of the Himalayan range.

:

Read Less
Near Tourist Places:

Zoo (1km), HMI (1km), Tibetan Refugee Center (2km), Mall Road (3km), Mahakal Temple (3km), Observatory Hill (3km), Japanese Temple (5km), Peace Pagoda (5km), Ghoom (8km), Batasia Loop (7km)

Tourism Tips

Health & Safety: Not recommended for those with extreme vertigo or heart conditions.

Packing: Carry a light sweater as it gets chilly inside the moving car.

Accommodation: Stay near Mall Road for easy acces...

Read More

Health & Safety: Not recommended for those with extreme vertigo or heart conditions.

Packing: Carry a light sweater as it gets chilly inside the moving car.

Accommodation: Stay near Mall Road for easy access.

General: Reach early (by 9 AM) to avoid long waiting lines which can exceed 2 hours.

:

Read Less

FAQs

Ans:- As of recent updates, the ticket price for adults is approximately ₹200 for a round trip, while children (between 3 to 8 years) are charged around ₹100. These rates are subject to change by the forest department and management. It is best to carry cash as digital payments may sometimes fail.

Ans:- Currently, there is no official online booking system for Darjeeling Ropeway tickets. Tickets must be purchased in person at the counter at Singamari station. Due to high demand, it is common to see long wait times, sometimes exceeding two hours, so plan your day accordingly.

Ans:- Each cable car cabin is designed to comfortably accommodate up to 6 passengers. The cabins are enclosed with large glass windows to provide 360-degree views of the valley. If you are traveling in a smaller group, you might have to share the cabin with other tourists during peak hours.

Ans:- Passengers can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the lush green tea gardens, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls. On a clear day, the ride offers a stunning view of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. You can also see the Little Rangeet River flowing at the bottom of the valley.

Ans:- The best season for the ropeway is from October to December and from March to May. During these months, the sky is usually clear, providing the best visibility of the Himalayan peaks. During the monsoon (July-September), clouds often obstruct the view, and the ride may be less enjoyable.

Ans:- The Darjeeling Ropeway was originally established in 1968. Initially, it was used primarily for transporting goods and tea leaves from the valley to the town. It was later converted into a passenger service to boost tourism, becoming a pioneer in cable car transportation in the Indian Himalayan region.

Ans:- The official name of the Darjeeling Ropeway is the Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car. It is often referred to as such because it offers spectacular aerial views of the Little Rangeet River valley. It was the first cable car system in India and remains one of the most popular tourist attractions.

Ans:- The ride begins at the Singamari station, which is located at North Point in Darjeeling town. This station is approximately 3 kilometers away from the Chowrasta (Mall). Tourists usually take a taxi or a shared jeep from the town center to reach the Singamari ropeway station for their trip.

Ans:- The ropeway usually operates from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. However, during the peak tourist season (April-June and October-November), it may open earlier at 9:30 AM to accommodate the high volume of visitors. It is highly recommended to arrive early to avoid long queues, as tickets sell out fast.

Ans:- The total length of the ropeway is about 5 kilometers for a round trip (2.5 km each way). The entire journey takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, including the time spent at the lower station. It is a slow and scenic ride designed to let passengers enjoy the landscape.

Ans:- Yes, at the Singamari (top) station, there are public restrooms and small shops selling snacks, water, and tea. At the lower Tukver station, there are also small local kiosks where you can enjoy local snacks and fresh tea while looking at the vast expanses of the tea bushes.

Ans:- Yes, the Darjeeling Ropeway remains closed for maintenance on the 19th of every month. This is a mandatory safety check to ensure all mechanical parts are functioning correctly. Additionally, the service may be suspended without prior notice during heavy rains, high winds, or dense fog for safety reasons.

Ans:- Yes, the ropeway is safe for people of all ages. The cabins are fully enclosed, and the movement is smooth and steady. However, people with a severe fear of heights (acrophobia) should be cautious. It is an excellent family activity that provides a unique perspective of the hills without walking.

Ans:- Yes, the ropeway stops at the Tukver tea estate station. Most tourists get off here to enjoy the tea gardens from the ground, take photographs, and have a cup of fresh Darjeeling tea at the local stalls. After spending some time, you can board the return cable car back to Singamari.

Ans:- You can take a private taxi from the town center, which takes about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can find shared jeeps heading towards North Point or Lebong from the Chowk Bazaar taxi stand. Some energetic tourists even choose to walk the 3 km distance to enjoy the mountain air.