Toy train joy ride from Darjeeling to Ghum
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a 2 ft gauge line built between 1879 and 1881, and listed by UNESCO in 1999. The joy ride uses its top section: from Darjeeling the train climbs to Ghum at about 2,258 m, the highest station on the line, passing within touching distance of houses, shops and the road.
The train halts at the Batasia Loop, where the track spirals around a garden and war memorial with Kangchenjunga behind on clear days. At Ghum there is time to visit the small railway museum. Steam rides cost more and are the ones to choose if you care about the engines. Sit on the left going up for the best valley views.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Steam or diesel for the Darjeeling joy ride?
If you can afford it, choose steam. The vintage B-class engines, built in Britain from the late 1880s, are the heart of the railway, with coal smoke, whistles and crew working the fire. Diesel rides cover the same route and stops for a lower fare. Both take about two hours. Steam departures are fewer and sell out first.
How long does the train stop at Batasia Loop and Ghum?
Usually about 10 minutes at the Batasia Loop and around 30 minutes at Ghum, where you can visit the DHR museum. Timings vary slightly by service. The full ride, Darjeeling to Ghum and back, takes about two hours. Keep your ticket with you on the platforms, and listen for the whistle before reboarding.
Is the joy ride suitable for small children?
Yes. The ride is short, slow and safe, and children usually love the whistle and the views. Coaches are small and seats are close together, so keep bags light. The open platforms at Batasia and Ghum have steps and crowds. Carry a warm layer for the walk at Ghum, which is about 200 m higher and noticeably colder than Darjeeling.
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