Ghum Winter Festival 2026: Can You Ride Darjeeling's Toy Train During The Fest?
The nine-day DHR Ghum Winter Festival 2026 will be held from November 28 to “highlight the rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring legacy of the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage mountain railway,” as per officials.
Darjeeling district's Mirik town | Credits: Pexels
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) has announced a nine-day DHR Ghum Winter Festival 2026. The festival is set to start from November 28 onwards, bringing together various aspects related to the heritage railway, the local traditions, as well as AI-driven innovation. In 2026, the celebration will be extra special as it will mark 27 years since the DHR’s UNESCO World Heritage inscription. However, many visitors planning their trip during this time must be wondering whether one can ride Darjeeling’s iconic Toy Train during the fest.
9-Day Ghum Winter Festival To Celebrate 27 Years Of UNESCO Inscription
When & Where Will Ghum Winter Festival 2026 Take Place?
The nine-day DHR Ghum Winter Festival 2026 will be held from November 28 to “highlight the rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring legacy of the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage mountain railway,” as per officials.
The festival will take place at India’s highest railway station, Ghum Railway Station, will honor community leaders, feature various cultural programs, and include a DHR heritage segment of the Darjeeling International Film Festival. The festival will also include a three-day robotics workshop at Sukna station as well as feature AI-powered solution-building activities by students.
What To Expect At The Ghum Winter Festival 2026?
The festivities of the Ghum Winter Festival 2026 will be held inside a moving heritage toy train from Kurseong to Darjeeling, via Ghum. It will bring the festival experience onto the railway itself and highlight the iconic route and the magnanimous engineering behind it. This means that during the Ghum Winter Festival, you can enjoy a scenic train ride in the iconic DHR toy train.
A scenic view of Darjeeling | Credits: Pexels
The festival will also celebrate 27 years of the iconic DHR Mountain Railway being declared as part of the Mountain Railways of India UNESCO World Heritage property back in 1999.
However, that’s not it! There will be a literature festival as well as a heritage run alongside a historic steam engine. For visitors, special open-air wagon rides will also be organized. A three-day robotics workshop will also be held at Sukna station where students will take part in AI-powered solution-building activities, introducing technology-based learning and creative problem-solving into a festival centered on the local and cultural heritage of the place. The second edition of the Spirit of the Hill Awards is also scheduled as part of the festival and an award ceremony is planned at Ghum railway station on November 29, 2026. The closing ceremony will take place in Darjeeling.
Also Read: 5 Destinations In South India When You Want Cool Weather & Green Views
Why The Ghum Winter Festival 2026 Matters
DHR is an important part of the cultural heritage of Indian Railways. The Ghum Winter Festival and other such events give visitors, residents, and students to bring its history closer to those who aren’t fully aware of it. The traditional program, literature festival, and more encourage visitors from all over India to visit the place and soak in its history and culture. The festival, apart from the events mentioned above, will also connect with the railway’s wider efforts to recognize local contributions.
A Darjeeling Toy Train running on its track | Credits: Pexels
While the festival is usually free and open to the public, specialized activities like the toy train rides, film screenings, and open-air wagon rides might require registration and / or booking a ticket. Kindly check with local authorities for the same.
Also Read: 10 Best Hill Stations To Visit In India During Winter
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Adds Extra Joyrides From October 1
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or DHR recently added special joyrides from October 1 for Durga Puja. Recently making it to Lonely Planet’s Best In Travel 2027 List, the DHR had introduced four one-way services operating between Darjeeling and Ghum along with two round-trip services between Kurseong and Mahanadi. This was to cater to the increased tourist footfall during the Durga Puja festive season.
Also Read: 5 New Sites Added To India’s UNESCO Tentative List In 2026
Note: All information used in the article has been taken from verified online sources
Summing Up
The Ghum Winter Festival 2026 is set to commence from November 28 onwards for nine days. Promising cultural programs and events across literature, local culture, and technology, including AI, the festival will bring tourists, visitors, and students closer together. If you’re planning to visit the festival, it is recommended to book your stay and transport as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is The Ghum Festival In 2026?
The Ghum Festival will commence from November 28, 2026.
Will Visitors Be Allowed To Ride The Darjeeling Toy Train During Ghum Winter Festival 2026?
Yes, entry into the Darjeeling Toy Train will most likely be open as many events would also be hosted within the train. It is recommended to check with local authorities and station officers for more information.
How Many Years Passed Since DHR Was Declared A UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The DHR, along with a few other railway systems in India, was declared part of the Mountain Railways of India UNESCO World Heritage property back in 1999.
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About the author
Mithilesh Chougule
Content Writer
Mithilesh Chougule is the content writer for unstumbled. He has previously worked as a digital media intern at ELLE India, covering fashion and pop culture. He has also briefly worked at Not Your Idea as a Content Writer. Mithilesh holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from K. J. Somaiya College, Mumbai University. Apart from writing about travel and food, Mithilesh has newly begun solo traveling and enjoys cafe hopping, singing, documenting content, and writing on Substack. Trust...
