Why

Mirik

Tea Garden Junction.
The Oranges Orchard Town.
Nature Hiking heaven.
Beautiful Countryside Village.
Vantage Points to view mesmerizing Natural beauty.

Mirik:

Mirik is a picturesque small offbeat Himalayan Destination, a perfect summer escape in the Queen of Hills(In 2017 became the sub-divisional headquarter). It is a quaint town, bestowed with charming weather and beautiful ambience, with the blend of the English era and a leisure destination amidst scenic mountains on the rolling hills of the Himalayas. The name Mirik is derived from Lepcha words “Mir-Yok” which means “Place Burnt By Fire'', Perched at an elevation of approx 1767m (5797ft). And located 49km away to the south-southwest of Darjeeling town. Mirik is much warmer compared to Darjeeling.

Mirik was a tea commercial hub of the region where people from surrounding areas were to flok in for trade purposes. The present lake area was a marshland with a thick growth of sweet flag(Acorus calamus) locally called Bojho(it is a flowering plant also used for medicinal purposes). Earlier during the colonial days, the open field on the eastern bank of the lake was used as a polo field by the British. In 1969 the Tourism Department(West Bengal) acquired 335 acres of land from Thurbo tea estate to turn this place as a tourist spot. Which included the popular Sumendu Lake(popularly known as the Mirik Lake). However, it was inaugurated by the next chief minister of West Bengal, in April 1979.

As Mirik is situated on the lower Himalayan ridge, unlike the Queen of hills the climate and temperature are more gentle and comfortable. It lies almost in between Siliguri(N.J.P.) and Darjeeling through scenic tea estates and romantic serpentine mountain trails. Mirik is famous for its tea estates, orange orchards, and cardamom plantations. Along with a beautiful artificial lake, this eastern Himalayas town offers lovely vantage points to witness mesmerizing sunrise and sunset over the lush green valley, tea gardens, monasteries and temples, orange orchards, flower gardens including orchids. Offers outdoor activities like boating, horse riding, hiking and mountain biking. If you are planning for a holiday in the Darjeeling area, you can break the journey for a couple of days to enjoy the beautiful charming ambience and head towards the Queen of Hills or you can also do the reverse. Visitors are offered with the most exquisite vista of emerald green forest and lush tea garden while travelling to Mirik.

Tour packages of Mirik

Things to do in Mirik

Mirik Lake

At a distance of approx 1km from Mirik Bus Stop, there is an artificial lake(around a 1.25 km long lake) known as Lake Samendu, popularly known as the Mirik Lake. Situated, at the heart of the quaint hill town, is approx 1494m(4902 ft) and it is the lowest point. In 1969 the Tourism Department(West Bengal) acquired 335 acres of land intending to make Mirik a tourist spot. Which conceived the beautiful artificial, Sumendu lake or the Mirik Lake. A 3.5-km-long road encircles the lake, you can take around or walk through the beautiful decorative green lustre of Oak, Chestnut, and Maple trees at the backdrop of the enchanting view of Kanchenjunga far at the horizon. There is a garden named Savitri Pushpaudyan (named after Savitri Thapa, a martyr soldier of INA) and on the other side of the Lake, there are pine trees. These two are linked by an arching footbridge(24-m/80ft long footbridge) called Indreni Pool (named after Indreni Thapa, a martyr soldier of INA). The lake is fed by rainwater which remains full throughout the year. The depth of the lake varies from 3 feet to 25 feet. It is considered as Mirik's centre of attraction. The lake is not apt for swimming, but boating is a fun activity here. The view of the entirety of Mirik while boating in this lake is quite astounding. Tourists can also enjoy Horse riding around the lake. Some shops and restaurants are offering normal snacks, tea, coffee, cold drinks etc. A nearby attraction is a temple of Singha Devi or Devi Sthan located on the western bank of the Lake and tourists have to take the bridge over the lake to reach the temple. There are also two viewpoints near the lake namely Rameetya Dara and Deosi Dara that have the best view of the snow-capped Himalayan Range and the valley.

Tingling Viewpoint

Tingling viewpoint is one of the popular tourist attractions and one of the best places to visit in mirik. It got its name from the nearby tea estate which looks like a picturesque green carpeted lawn. Surrounded by beautiful tea gardens, this vantage point is situated at Sourenee Village( Sourenee is also known for its juicy oranges), 9 km away from the centre of the town towards Siliguri route. This vantage point offers an astounding view of the surrounding tea gardens, the Mirik Lake and also the beautiful Mirik Valley and the snow-capped mountains. It is an ideal place for both sunrise and sunset and also one can take some beautiful pictures of the plains as well as the snow-capped hills. The pleasant ambience of this region is quite peaceful to the mind. There are stalls at the base of the viewing gallery where one can buy fresh packaged tea from Sourenee tea estate and a small chophouse where you can take light snacks and some tea.

Rameetay Dara(& Kawley Dara)

An ideal spot to enjoy the beautiful view of sunrise and sunset, Rameetay Dara is considered as one of the best places in Mirik, which is well known for providing a marvellous view of the plains and snow-capped mountains of Kanchenjunga. With the weather remaining pleasant throughout the year, tourists in large numbers arrive at this place. This place is famous for the misty mountains, orange orchards and also for cardamom plantation. From this peak, a person can enjoy the amazing view of the lush green flora of the Himalayan Mountains. Tourists can also enjoy trekking or mountain climbing at these places. A leisure walk can also be enjoyed with family or friends. Many interesting places are located in the vicinity of Kawlay Dara. It is located on the way to Rameetay Dara and is a Buddhist meditation centre. Deosi Dara is another beautiful Vantage point which offers similar majestic view of stunning landscape. And one of the worthy place to visit in Mirik.

Pashupati market

Pashupati Market is a market situated on the Indo-Nepal border, at a distance of 15km from mirik and 6 km away from the Simana viewpoint. The market is about 1 km walk from Darjeeling-Mirik Road and is in the Nepal area. It is a bustling spot aligned with shops and street vendors overflowing with various colourful goods. It is specifically known for cheap imported electronic gadgets, jackets, perfumes, cosmetics and clothes that are imported from Thailand and other countries. You can get a variety of colourful woollen caps, gloves, socks, jackets, other woollen clothing, footwear, artefacts, and household items. Electronic items are also available at reasonable prices. Many items sold here are too cheap to be good. Be careful about the fakes. Visitors are required to show a photo ID card and enter the details in the register at the border Check Post in case you want to cross over the border and visit the shops. Note that only Indians and Nepalese are allowed to cross over the border area. Foreign nationals are not allowed to access the border. Cameras are not allowed inside.

Simana Viewpoint

Simana, which means Border, is a viewpoint situated at Simana Basti, which means Border Village(as it is situated on Indo-Nepal border). Located 20 km away(on Darjeeling - Mirik Road) from the centre of Mirik. It is one of the popular viewpoints in Mirik. It is situated at an altitude of 7500 feet, Simana Viewpoint is 60 feet by 40 feet plateau which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding plains, snow-capped peaks of Mount Kanchenjunga and the tiny hamlets of Nepal. Simana Viewpoint is famous for offering a splendid view of Maneybhanjang, Sandakphu trail and the lofty mountainous valley with the backdrop of Mount Kanchenjunga. The viewpoint has become a pit stop while travelling to Darjeeling from Mirik or vice versa. They are all mostly Nepalese. At Simana, you will find several small stalls - some selling tea, snacks, and chocolates.

Bokar Monastery

Bokar Monastery or Boker Monastery – The Bokar Ngedon Chokhor Ling Monastery is commonly referred to as Mirik monastery or simply as “Gomba” or “Gumfa” by the locals. It is an ancient Buddhist monastery situated on the top of a hill in Mirik(1 km from Mirik Lake and 2 km from the centre of the town). Located at the highest point of this town, the Bokar Monastery stands as a quaint little structure, which can be spotted easily from the lakeside. It is one of the biggest monasteries and was founded by Kyabje Bokar Rinpoche in 1984. The monastery belongs to the Kagyud order and was the seat of the Venerable Kyabje Bokar Rinpoche. The original intent was to create a small retreat centre, but on the request of disciples and lay people Rinpoche began to accept monks for training and the centre was transformed into a monastery and continues to be guided by his close disciple Venerable Khenpo Lodro Donyo Rinpoche. Presently, this monastery is the home of around 500 monks who participate in practising and sustaining the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. The monastery also has a monastic college named Shedra. From the monastery, the view of Mirik is astonishing. With the gilded statue of the Buddha in its heart, the Bokar Monastery takes pride in being one of the most sought after monasteries for Buddhists in India. Close to the monastery are sunset and sunrise points that can be visited to watch the brilliant sunrays dance over the town of Mirik. The colourful yet peaceful and serene environment of the monastery makes it a prime attraction among tourists. The monastery also attracts tourists because it is one of the best viewpoints in the area.

Don Bosco Church

Don Bosco Church is a Roman Catholic Church situated right beside Don Bosco School in Mirik town. Located at a distance of 1.5 km from the centre of the town, It is one of the most attractive churches and one of the most visited tourist places in Mirik. This gorgeous, Roman Catholic church is a rather eye-catching edifice. The architecture of this church is quite attractive and can be spotted from anywhere in the town. The beautifully carved shrine is a haven for devotees, and tourists enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the church area. It maintained well.

Helipad and Swiss Cottage

Parched on top of the hill, Mirik helipad is more of an attraction for tourists and locals than being an actual spot for Helicopter landing which offers a panoramic view of the town. Located about 2kms away from the lake area and can be reached by 15 mins walk. You can see Kanchenjunga, Mirik lake and the entire Mirik town from here. Locals also flock here for the great view. There are Swiss cottages nearby which previously used to be known as Orange country retreat. This used to be the best place to stay in Mirik, but unfortunately, the accommodation is not operational for several years now.

Mirik Bazar

Since most of the tourist activities are centred around the south side of the lake, many tourists miss the Mirik Bazar. If you are interested in the local people to experience their culture, a visit to the non-touristic bazaar is a must. The market is a hub of activity as locals from the tea gardens and villages all around Mirik flock here from dawn to dusk. It is the main shopping area with numerous stores selling clothes, shoes, bags, curios, gifts & souvenirs, there are also few nice stores in Krishnanagar area selling mainly local pottery items, curios, woollens and packaged Darjeeling tea. In 2018, the Mirik Floating Market was inaugurated (and remodelled in February 2020) which offers various types of handcrafted items.

Mirik Orange Village

From Mirik Bazar a small village road goes east towards the Pahilo gaon area. This area is famous for producing oranges, cardamom etc. You may take a walk in the village among the gardens for an authentic experience of non-touristic Mirik. Most experiential travellers also prefer to stay in this area where some homestays have developed with good infrastructure.

Rang Bhang River

Another interesting point to visit near Mirik is Tama Koshi besides Rang Bhang river. It is about 7 km from Mirik town. Drive about 2 km from Mirik towards Darjeeling and you will reach the Thurbo tea estate factory. From here take a downhill drive on your right and 5 km ahead is the Rang Bhang riverbed. You can visit the two temples here and spend some good time picnicking around Rang Bhang river. If you are a little adventurous, you may try a trek from Mirik down here. The trek is an ideal for bird enthusiasts.

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Why

Mirik

Mirik:

Tour packages of Mirik

Things to do in Mirik

Mirik Lake

Tingling Viewpoint

Rameetay Dara(& Kawley Dara)

Pashupati market

Simana Viewpoint

Bokar Monastery

Don Bosco Church

Helipad and Swiss Cottage

Mirik Bazar

Mirik Orange Village

Rang Bhang River

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