Darjeeling guide
Packing List
What to pack for Darjeeling
In May, Darjeeling is typically mild, expect showers (14 to 20°C). This list adapts to those conditions; adjust for your exact travel dates.
Darjeeling essentials
- Warm layers. Casual.
Documents
- Photo ID
- Travel tickets (print + digital)
- Hotel booking confirmations
- Photocopies / phone photos of passport and tickets, stored separately
Clothing
- Casual day outfits
- One smart-casual outfit for dinners
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A light jacket for evenings
- Light rain jacket or poncho
- Compact umbrella
- Undergarments and sleepwear
- Enough outfits for 7 days (6 sets)
Toiletries & health
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and toiletries
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Personal medication with prescription
- Basic first-aid: band-aids, painkillers, ORS
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Insect / mosquito repellent
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Power bank
- Camera (optional)
Money
- Debit / credit cards
- Some cash for incidentals
Local know-how
- Local SIM: Good 4G in town centre and Mall Road. Jio and Airtel. Signal weak in tea garden plantation roads and on...
- Toy Train touts selling overpriced tickets — always book at New Jalpaiguri or Darjeeling railway counter directly
- Peak season in May: keep bags zipped and don't flash jewellery