- Where
- Mirik town, Darjeeling district
- Distance
- About 45–50 km from Darjeeling and from Siliguri, 2–2.5 hours
- Timings
- Lake open all day; boating roughly 8 am–5 pm
- Entry fee
- Free; boating roughly ₹50–150 per person
- Permit
- None
- Best time
- October–May
- Time needed
- Half a day, or a stop between Darjeeling and Siliguri
Mirik Lake, also called Sumendu Lake, is a long lake about 1.25 km round in the hill town of Mirik, between Darjeeling and Siliguri. Pine and cryptomeria forest rises on one side, gardens on the other, and the Rainbow Bridge, a long footbridge, crosses the water.
What to do
Walk the path around the lake, take a rowboat or paddle boat (roughly ₹50–150 per person for 30 minutes), and climb to the Bokar monastery or the viewpoints above town. Tea gardens and orange orchards line the roads around Mirik.
How to reach
Mirik is about 45–50 km from both Darjeeling and Siliguri, 2 to 2.5 hours by road. It makes a good stop on the drive between NJP or Bagdogra and Darjeeling, or a half-day trip from either.
Mirik Lake: questions travellers ask
How far is Mirik Lake from Darjeeling?
About 45–50 km, roughly 2 to 2.5 hours by road.
How far is Mirik from Siliguri and NJP?
About 50 km, roughly 2 hours by road.
What does boating at Mirik Lake cost?
Roughly ₹50–150 per person for about 30 minutes. Entry to the lake is free.
Is Mirik worth visiting?
Yes, as a half-day stop: a calm lake, pine forest and tea gardens, and it fits on the drive between Siliguri and Darjeeling.
Sources
Timings and fees change. Check on the day, or ask us when you book.
