Departure city

Trips from Patna

From Patna, Darjeeling and Sikkim are an overnight train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and then a few hours by road, which makes the eastern Himalaya the closest mountains to the city. Varanasi and Bodh Gaya are road or train trips.

We can plan trips from Patna to Meghalaya, Goa and Kashmir by flight, direct or with one connection.

Getting the group there: Trains from Patna to New Jalpaiguri are the usual way into Darjeeling and Sikkim, with a cab from NJP for the road leg. Patna's airport connects to Delhi, Kolkata and other major cities for anything further.

Best weekend trips from Patna

Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi

The oldest living city, best seen from a boat at first light

About 5 to 6 hours by road, or a train, best with 1 to 2 nights.

West Bengal

Darjeeling

Tea gardens, toy trains and sunrise over Kangchenjunga

Overnight train to New Jalpaiguri, then about 3 hours by road, best as a 3 to 4 day trip.

Longer trips from Patna

Sikkim

Gangtok & Sikkim

Kangchenjunga, high lakes and the cleanest hill state in India

Overnight train to New Jalpaiguri, then 4 to 5 hours by road, 5 to 6 days with North Sikkim.

Meghalaya

Living root bridges, waterfalls and India's cleanest village

Fly into Guwahati, then about 3 hours by road to Shillong.

Jammu & Kashmir

Kashmir

Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam, the trip that photographs itself

Fly into Srinagar, usually via Delhi, 5 to 7 days for the full circuit.

FAQs for travellers from Patna

Take an overnight train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), then a cab: about 3 hours to Darjeeling and 4 to 5 hours to Gangtok. Flying to Bagdogra is the faster option when fares suit.

Varanasi is a 5 to 6 hour drive or a train ride and suits a 2-night trip. Bodh Gaya and Rajgir are closer and work as day trips or one-night stays.