Which place is cheaper, Darjiling or Jammu and Kashmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jammu and Kashmir or Darjiling?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Jammu and Kashmir and Darjiling can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Jammu and Kashmir or Darjiling?
Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir is the northernmost state of India. It is a mountainous region of the northern Himalayas with sweeping valleys, stunning lakes, and snow-capped scenery dotted with temples. While the region has been known for a border dispute with Pakistan, the unrest has been quieting and tourism is beginning to make a comeback. The area typically draws trekkers, those hoping to visit sacred temples, and others looking to experience Himalayan culture.
Darjiling
What began as a cluster of villages grew to prominence in the 19th Century when the British first established a hill station here and eventually realized that the climate was well-suited for tea plantations. Darjeeling (or Darjiling) has since become known for its teas in addition to cultural diversity, stunning views, and trekking opportunities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in India, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in India, and The Best 2-Week Tours in India.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJammu and Kashmir $29Darjiling $35
The average daily cost (per person) in Jammu and Kashmir is $29, while the average daily cost in Darjiling is $35. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Jammu and Kashmir and Darjiling in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJammu and Kashmir $15Darjiling $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJammu and Kashmir $30Darjiling $26
Compare Hotels in Jammu and Kashmir and Darjiling
Looking for a hotel in Jammu and Kashmir or Darjiling? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Darjiling Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jammu and Kashmir $3.63Darjiling $7.48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darjiling
Also for Darjiling, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Darjeeling Hotels To Bagdogra Airport IXB Drop: $49
- Rafting Journey at the Down on Teesta River's White Water with Private Transfer: $197
Is it cheaper to fly into Jammu and Kashmir or Darjiling?
Prices for flights to both Darjiling and Jammu and Kashmir change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayJammu and Kashmir $7.01Darjiling $14
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jammu and Kashmir $15Darjiling $12
Tours and Activities in Darjiling
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Darjiling.
- Heritage & Cultural Walk of Gangtok (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
- Heritage & Cultural Walk of Darjeeling (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
- Discover the Spiritual Trails of Darjeeling (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
- Tiger Hill Darjeeling Nature Walk (3 Hours Guided Trekking Experience): $25
- Colonial Heritage Walking Tour in Darjeeling: $31
- Darjeeling Tea Garden Tour : $31
- Mirik Lake Day tour From Darjeeling: $37
- Private Morning Excursion Tour To Tiger Hill (3 Points) With Pickup and Drop: $61
- Excursion to Tea Estate Tour With Tea Processing Tour with Transportation: $61
- Darjeeling City Tour with Uber: $65
- Gangtok Monastery Tour (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car): $82
- Darjeeling Full-Day Sightseeing Tour with Guide & Transports: $98
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJammu and Kashmir $3.78Darjiling $8.77
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jammu and Kashmir and Darjiling, we can see that Darjiling is more expensive. And not only is Jammu and Kashmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jammu and Kashmir would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jammu and Kashmir and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Darjiling would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Darjiling than you might in Jammu and Kashmir.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jammu and Kashmir Expensive? and Is Darjiling Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Jammu and Kashmir or Darjiling?
Jammu and Kashmir has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Darjiling. When comparing the sizes of Jammu and Kashmir and Darjiling, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.