Ropeway

Darjeeling Ropeway (Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car): What Tourists Should Know

Darjeeling Ropeway, also known as the Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car, offers thrilling bird’s-eye views of tea gardens, rolling valleys, meandering rivers, and the majestic Himalayas—including Kanchenjunga on clear days. Established in 1968, it’s one of India’s oldest cable cars and remains a major highlight for travelers in Darjeeling.



Why Ride the Ropeway?

- **Spectacular Vistas:** Glide gently above lush green tea estates, pine forests, waterfalls, and the turquoise Rangeet River, with a sweeping backdrop of snow-clad mountains.

- **Photography:** The ride is perfect for capturing panoramic shots of Darjeeling's landscape, including the legendary tea workers among the gardens below.

- **Adventure with Comfort:** Safe and slow-moving gondolas (up to 6 people per cabin) ensure even families with elders or children enjoy the ride[5][6].


Journey Details


- **Route:** Runs between Singamari (North Point, about 3km from Chowk Bazaar) and Tukvar, with no other current stops for tourists.

- **Distance:** Around 2.5km one way.

- **Duration:** 15–20 minutes one way; expect at least 40 minutes round-trip including waiting and tea-garden visit at the lower station[5][7].

- **Views:** Don’t miss the lovely tea garden stroll at Tukvar station; you can return on a later cable car at your own pace[5][6].


Essential Visitor Information


| Feature | Details |

|---------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------|

| Location | Singamari, Lebong Cart Road, ~15min by taxi from town center[1][3][5] |

| Timings | 10:00am–4:00pm most days (some changes in peak season/monsoon)[4][8][6] |

| Days | Open daily except every 19th of the month (for maintenance)[5] |

| Tickets (as of 2025)| ₹200 per adult, ₹100 per child (aged 3–8); under 3 years free[3][9][4][10] |

| Booking | Tickets are sold at the counter only, no online booking[1] |

| Waiting Time | Can be long during tourist season and weekends—arrive before 9am for the shortest queue[1] |

| Safety | Well-maintained, but ride may be paused in poor weather[2][3][5]|


### How to Reach the Ropeway


- **By Taxi/Jeep:** Easily accessible by private taxi or shared jeep from Chowk Bazaar (the main market) or anywhere in Darjeeling town—about 15 minutes if roads are clear[3][5][11].

- **Nearby Attractions:** Located near Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoo and HMI, making it ideal for a combined day trip[1][11].


Tips for Tourists


- **Weather:** Avoid during heavy rain or fog, as views are obscured and operations may be paused[6].

- **Groups:** Go in a group to maximize fun and reduce waiting stress[6].

- **What to Bring:** Camera, light jacket, and some cash for snacks at the lower station.

- **Best Time:** Clear skies—often October to May—offer the most dramatic views[6].

- **Rules:** No smoking, standing, or pets allowed in the cabins[6].


A ride on the Darjeeling Ropeway is an unforgettable experience, offering the town’s best aerial views and a unique adventure for all ages. Make it a highlight of your Darjeeling itinerary—just arrive early to beat the crowds and savor every moment above the beautiful Himalayan valleys[1][2][3][4][5][6][10][11].


Citations:

[1] Darjeeling Ropeway Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car https://www.darjeeling-tourism.com/darj_00002a.htm

[2] Darjeeling Ropeway https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darjeeling_Ropeway

[3] Darjeeling Ropeway - Timings, Ticket Price, Online Booking https://northbengaltourism.com/darjeeling-ropeway/

[4] Darjeeling Ropeway | Ticket, Timings, How to Reach https://www.indianholiday.com/west-bengal/tourist-attraction/darjeeling/darjeeling-ropeway.html

[5] Darjeeling Ropeway, Darjeeling | Timings, Cost @ ... https://www.holidify.com/places/darjeeling/darjeeling-ropeway-sightseeing-120789.html

[6] Darjeeling Ropeway: All Information, History, Online Booking https://darjeelingoffbeat.com/darjeeling-ropeway-travel-cost-information/

[7] Darjeeling Ropeway | Complete Guide with Details https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRNQS7lsOs8

[8] Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway - Darjeeling - Kiomoi Travel https://www.kiomoi.com/attractions/darjeeling-ropeway-in-darjeeling-538

[9] Darjeeling Ropeway: Ticket Price, Timings, Travel Tips https://www.japjitravel.com/blog/darjeeling-ropeway-ticket-price-timings-travel-tips/

[10] Entry Fee for Cable Car Ride in Darjeeling https://traveltriangle.com/west-bengal-tourism/darjeeling/things-to-do/cable-car-ride/entry-fees

[11] Darjeeling Ropeway https://darjeelingadventuretourism.com/ropeway-darjeeling

[12] PASSENGER ROPEWAY (2025) All You Need to Know ... https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g304557-d3731061-Reviews-Passenger_Ropeway-Darjeeling_Darjeeling_District_West_Bengal.html

[13] The Darjeeling Ropeway or Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Passenger ... https://northbengalguide.com/darjeeling-ropeway

[14] Ticket Price in Darjeeling Ropeway https://www.kiomoi.com/attractions/darjeeling-ropeway-in-darjeeling/ticket-price-538

[15] Thrilling Cable Car in Rangeet Valley Darjeeling | Incredible India https://www.incredibleindia.gov.in/en/west-bengal/darjeeling/rangeet-valley-cable-car

[16] Riding the Darjeeling Ropeway - MakeMyTrip https://www.makemytrip.com/tripideas/darjeeling/riding-the-darjeeling-ropeway


Popular posts from this blog

A Comprehensive Study of the Colonial Cemeteries of Darjeeling

Image
 Necropolis in the Clouds: A Comprehensive Study of the Colonial Cemeteries of Darjeeling Part I: The Genesis of a Colonial Enclave - Darjeeling's Foundation The colonial cemeteries of Darjeeling are not merely repositories of the dead; they are profound historical documents, etched in stone and soil, that narrate the story of the British Empire's expansion into the Himalayas. To comprehend their significance, one must first understand the genesis of Darjeeling itself—a meticulously planned colonial project designed to serve the strategic, medical, and economic interests of the British Raj. The establishment of these burial grounds was an inevitable consequence of this enterprise, marking the transition of a remote mountain ridge into a permanent European settlement. The initial impetus for the British presence was twofold: health and military strategy. In the early 19th century, the British in India were grappling with the debilitating effects of tropical diseases....
Read more

Planning a Trip to Darjeeling Despite Teesta Flooding? Here's What You Need to Know

Image
If you're planning to head to Darjeeling right now , here's some reassuring news: the main routes to Darjeeling remain open and accessible despite the recent heavy rains and disruptions caused by the Teesta flooding and landslides on neighboring highways. While National Highway 10 (NH-10)—which connects Sikkim and Kalimpong—experienced closure and diversions due to flooding and landslides, the Darjeeling routes themselves have seen rapid restoration . As of late July 29, single-lane traffic has resumed in partly affected areas**, especially on the Darjeeling–Kalimpong corridor, with road crews actively working to keep access clear. For travelers coming from Siliguri, the **Rohini–Kurseong route remains open and is currently the best route** to Darjeeling. Alternative roads through Sukna and Pankhabari are also operational. While the Hill Cart Road (NH-110) may still face occasional delays due to minor slides or weather conditions, there have been no complete closure...
Read more

A Darjeeling Driver's Guide: Why You MUST Visit in Autumn 2025

Image
Hello and Namaste from the driver's seat! ​My name is Shiwath Rai and for over 3 years, my team and I have had the pleasure of navigating these beautiful, winding roads. We're the ones who get you to the sunrise on time and know the best spots for momos.  Every year, we see Darjeeling change with the seasons, and if you ask any local driver, they'll tell you a little secret: right now, in late September and early October, is the most magical time to be here. ​The monsoon has washed the dust away, the big crowds haven't arrived yet, and the mountains... well, the mountains are putting on a show. As your local travel partners, we want to share why this is the perfect time to book your trip and how we can help you see the very best of our hometown. ​ Pic : I am standing infront of my Car in Tumling. ​The View from Our Windshield: Clear Skies & Happy Tourists ​Every morning, when we pick up our first guests, the excitement is real. Why? Because t...
Read more