Durpin Gompa
Kalimpong
Kalimpong’s largest monastery, formally known as Zangtok Pelri Phodang, sits atop panoramic Durpin Hill (1372m) and was consecrated by the Dalai Lama in…
Getty Images/age fotostock RM
Kalimpong
This bustling bazaar town sprawls along a saddle-shaped mountain ridge overlooking the roaring Teesta River and is lorded over by the summit of Khangchendzonga. Smaller and more laid-back than Darjeeling, Kalimpong boasts Himalayan views, Buddhist monasteries, and a fascinating nursery industry, all linked by some fine hikes. You could easily fill three days here.
Attractions
Must-see attractions for your itinerary
Deolo Hill
Kalimpong
On a clear day, the morning views of Khangchendzonga from this hilltop park, about 500m higher than the town centre, are simply superb. After savouring…
St Teresa’s Church
Kalimpong
A fascinating missionary church built in 1929 by Swiss Jesuits, St Teresa's was constructed to incorporate designs from a Bhutanese gompa. The 12 wooden…
Himalayan Handmade Paper Industry
Kalimpong
Visitors are welcome to drop into this small workshop to see traditional paper-making processes, from boiling and pulping of the local argayli (daphne)…
Tharpa Choling Gompa
Kalimpong
Built from 1912 to 1922, the main temple of this Gelugpa-school Tibetan monastery of 50 monks contains statues of past, present and future Buddhas. Don't…
Neora Valley National Park
Kalimpong
This birding haven lies east of Lava, a town 30km east of Kalimpong, and its luxuriant forests are home to a few red pandas and leopard cats and countless…
Lepcha Heritage Museum
Kalimpong
This offbeat collection of Lepcha treasures could be likened to rummaging through the attic of your grandfather’s house (if he were a Lepcha elder). A…
Thongsa Gompa
Kalimpong
A short distance below the junction of RC Mintri and Rishi Rds is this charming Nyingmapa-school monastery, also known as the Bhutanese Monastery. The…
Guidebooks
Purchase our award-winning guidebooks
Get to the heart of Kalimpong with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.
