Ghum Festival of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Late Nov–early Dec (2026 edition planned 28 Nov–6 Dec)
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in December 1999. The railway now marks that anniversary with the Ghum Festival, centred on Ghum station at 2,258 metres, the highest on India's railways, with its small museum of old engines, tickets and photographs.
The 2025 edition ran from 2 to 10 December. It included the Iron Sherpa Heritage Run, in which nearly 200 runners raced from Chowrasta to Ghum station, the Kurseong Literature Festival, the DHRUMA music festival and performances on open-roofed trains. The railway has said the next edition will run from 28 November to 6 December 2026.
Events change from year to year, and dates can move, so treat this as a guide and check current status before you travel. Early December is also a fine time for the hills: the air is clear and cold, Kangchenjunga is often visible, and hotel rates fall after the Diwali rush.
How to do it well
- Watch the Northeast Frontier Railway and DHR announcements in November for the final programme.
- Book joyride seats on IRCTC early; festival weekends sell out.
- Dress for 2–8 °C at Ghum, colder after dark and in fog.
Questions people ask
Good to know
When is the Ghum Festival held
It is held around early December to mark the DHR's UNESCO listing in December 1999. The 2025 edition ran 2–10 December, and the railway announced 28 November to 6 December for 2026. Dates and events can change, so check current status before you travel.
What happens at the Ghum Festival
Recent editions have included the Iron Sherpa Heritage Run from Chowrasta to Ghum station, music, literature events in Kurseong and performances on open-roofed trains. The museum at Ghum station is open, and special joyrides often run. The programme changes each year, so look for the final schedule in November.
Is December a good time to visit Darjeeling
Yes, for clear views and lower prices. Days are around 6–12 °C and nights near freezing, but skies are often clean, and Kangchenjunga shows on most mornings. Crowds return around Christmas and New Year, so early December is the sweet spot for value.
How do I reach Ghum station from Darjeeling
Ghum is about 7 km from Darjeeling by road, 20–30 minutes by shared jeep or taxi, or about 40 minutes on the toy train, which also stops at Batasia Loop on joyrides. Shared jeeps towards Ghum and Sukhiapokhri cost around ₹30–60 a seat, indicative 2026.