Mirik Lake is one of the most attractive and captivating tourist destinations followed by Darjeeling in West Bengal. It is nestled beautifully in the lap of looming hills. Mirik is also regarded as one of the hottest favorite destinations for holiday making. It’s not always important to stay at Mirik Lake. You can visit the place by staying at Darjeeling. Even you can visit Mirik Lake on the way from Bagdogra to Darjeeling without spending an additional day.
Sitting atop 4905 ft. high, Mirik is well regarded for its Bokar Monastery and its pleasant climate. It has a lot of other tourist attractions and sightseeing places that you can visit with a local taxi. Taxi drivers and local tour operators recommend 6 attractions to the tourists visiting Mirik – Bokar Monastery, Mirik Lake, Don Bosco Church, Devistan, Swiss Cottages, and Helipad. Read more…
Activities in Mirik Lake (Sumendu Lake)
Mirik Lake is also known as Sumendu Lake which stretches over 1.25 km. The lake is naturally fed by spring and rainwater and it almost remains full all year round. The depth of water here varies from 3ft to 25ft. On The western bank there are tall Dhupia trees and forests which have walking tracks going through it. There used to be a nice garden on the eastern bank where locals and tourists can enjoy the natural settings.
You can witness the mountains by the lake and, sometimes, captivating views of snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga on a clear day. It also has 80ft arch footbridge across the lake which combines the western bank to eastern bank. There are also 3.5km long walking treks by the lake. The trail goes uneven at the western bank in the forest.
Paddle Boating at Mirik Lake
It is truly a relaxing and amazing activity in Mirik Lake. You can find a lot of boats on the lake almost any time in the day. Some boats are even in a shape of swan.
Lakeside Trekking
If you love to do some nature walks, be sure to visit Mirik Lake early in the morning so you can have better odds to have a view of snowy Kanchenjunga peaks. You can easily reach the western bank of the lake by walking along the arched footbridge. Walkthrough the Dhupi forest or take a trail on the eastern side to visit Mirik Bazaar with pine trees at the backdrop.
Horse Riding
It is another popular and most favorite activity, especially for children. Horses are mostly available at the western bank to cross the arched footbridge. Horses have different circuits to move along the lake.
Fish Feeding at Mirik Lake
You can join other tourists and enjoy this activity just around the southern bank. You can find a lot of fish when you look below the waters on the bridge. Both locals and tourists throw bread and hundreds of fish jump up to catch food.
Floating Market
This handicraft market opens at 10am till 4 pm by the lakeside selling handmade items and souvenirs to tourists who visit here for boat rides. Besides the garden complex and the kids’ park, there is one more market that opens. Here, rural women offer souvenirs, knitted sweaters, scarves, caps, shoes for kids, toys, etc. at affordable prices. These shops open till 5 pm. There are food vendors beside the street & around the park’s entrance and the lake is open till 6.30 pm.
Nearby Attractions in Mirik Lake
Bokar Monastery
Bokar Monastery, located near Mirik Lake, is an important center for Buddhist learning. The monastery follows the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The peaceful environment and the chanting of monks create a spiritual atmosphere.
Tea Gardens
Mirik is surrounded by lush tea estates. The Thurbo Tea Estate is one of the most famous ones. Visitors can walk through the tea gardens, watch the tea-picking process, and taste freshly brewed Darjeeling tea. The aroma of tea leaves and the sight of green hills are refreshing.
Orange Orchards
Mirik is known for its orange cultivation. During the harvest season (November to February), the orchards are full of ripe, juicy oranges. Tourists can visit the orchards and buy fresh oranges directly from the farmers.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mirik Lake is between March and June, and from September to December. During spring and summer, the weather remains pleasant with clear skies. The flowers around the lake bloom, adding color to the landscape. Autumn brings cool and crisp weather, making it ideal for boating and sightseeing.
Monsoon months (July to August) bring heavy rainfall, which can disrupt outdoor activities. However, the rain also makes the hills and tea gardens look greener and more vibrant. Winter months (December to February) are chilly, but the view of snow-capped peaks from the lake is worth the visit.
How to Reach Mirik Lake
Mirik is well-connected by road from Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Kurseong.
- From Darjeeling: Mirik is about 49 km away. It takes around 2 hours by car.
- From Siliguri: Mirik is about 42 km away. It takes around 1.5 hours by car.
- From Kurseong: Mirik is about 46 km away. It takes around 1.5 hours by car.
Taxis and shared jeeps are available from these locations. The drive to Mirik passes through scenic tea gardens and pine forests, making the journey enjoyable.
Mirik Lake combines natural beauty, peace, and simple pleasures. It’s a place where you can relax, enjoy nature, and experience the charm of the hills. The sight of boats gliding on calm waters, the sound of birds in the pine trees, and the cool mountain air create a refreshing escape from daily life.
Whether you want to take a boat ride, walk along the lake, or just sit and enjoy the view, Mirik Lake offers something for everyone. Its quiet beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect destination for a short getaway or a relaxing stop on a Darjeeling trip.