Archive · 6 Dec 2025
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Celebrates UNESCO Heritage Anniversary
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) celebrated its 26th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a special event called the 'Iron Sherpa Heritage Run'.
This was a fun race where about 200 people ran from Chowrasta to Ghoom Station, which is the highest railway station in India.
Along the way, they enjoyed a unique cultural show on a toy train with music, dance, and traditional art.
The event was part of the Ghum Winter Festival and included more celebrations like music and poetry at the Kurseong railway station.
The DHR plans to make this race an annual event to keep the rich culture of the Darjeeling hills alive.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) organized the first 'Iron Sherpa Heritage Run' to celebrate its 26th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The 8-kilometer race started at Chowrasta and ended at Ghoom Station, the highest railway station in India.
Around 200 runners participated in the event, which was part of the ongoing Ghum Winter Festival.
Participants enjoyed a special open-roof cultural performance on a toy train between Darjeeling and Ghoom, featuring music, dance, and traditional hill art.
DHR also organized a 'Station Mahotsav' at Kurseong railway station from December 2 to December 4, showcasing music, poetry, and diverse cultural performances.
- Who
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) and local community
- What
- Iron Sherpa Heritage Run and cultural performances
- When
- December 1, 2023 (26th anniversary of UNESCO recognition)
- Where
- Darjeeling, West Bengal, India
- Why
- To celebrate the 26th anniversary of DHR's UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition and preserve local cultural heritage
- Event Name
- Iron Sherpa Heritage Run
- Date
- December 1, 2023
- Route
- Chowrasta to Ghoom Station
- Participants
- 200 runners
- UNESCO Recognition Year
- 1999
- Festival
- Ghum Winter Festival
- Special Feature
- Open-roof cultural performance on toy train