4-Day Itinerary for North Bengal in Late October

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction to Siliguri

Morning: Arrive in Siliguri and settle into your accommodation. Begin your day with a visit to the bustling Hong Kong Market for local shopping and snacks.

Afternoon: Head to the Salugara Monastery, known for its beautiful stupa and peaceful surroundings. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant serving North Bengali cuisine.

Evening: Relax in the serene Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary for a gentle nature walk and bird watching as daylight fades.

Day 2: Darjeeling – The Queen of the Hills

Morning: Depart early for Darjeeling and visit the iconic Tiger Hill to witness a stunning sunrise over the Himalayas. Later, explore the Ghoom Monastery.

Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train). Afterward, visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park to see rare Himalayan species.

Evening: Stroll along the Chowrasta Square and enjoy local tea at a café while soaking in the hillside atmosphere.

Day 3: Exploring Tea Gardens and Scenic Spots

Morning: Visit the sprawling Happy Valley Tea Estate for a guided tour of tea processing and sampling some fresh Darjeeling tea.

Afternoon: Explore the tranquil Japanese Peace Pagoda followed by a visit to the Rock Garden and nearby Ganga Maya Park for picturesque waterfalls and landscaped gardens.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant featuring authentic Nepali and Bengali dishes, enjoying the cool mountain air and peaceful surroundings.

Day 4: Gangtok and Departure

Morning: Travel to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Visit the Enchey Monastery and enjoy the panoramic views from Hanuman Tok.

Afternoon: Explore the vibrant MG Marg for shopping and lunch. Optionally, visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology if time permits.

Evening: Prepare for departure from Gangtok or return to Siliguri depending on your onward travel plans. Enjoy a relaxing evening reflecting on your trip.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Hong Kong Market: 1.5 hours, free entry, shopping budget approx. ₹500
• Salugara Monastery: 1 hour, free entry
• Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary: 2 hours, entry approx. ₹50
• Tiger Hill: 3 hours (including travel), free entry
• Ghoom Monastery: 1 hour, free entry
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: 2 hours, ticket approx. ₹200
• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: 2 hours, entry approx. ₹60
• Happy Valley Tea Estate: 1.5 hours, guided tour approx. ₹150
• Japanese Peace Pagoda: 1 hour, free entry
• Rock Garden & Ganga Maya Park: 2 hours, entry approx. ₹40
• Enchey Monastery: 1 hour, free entry
• Hanuman Tok: 1 hour, free entry
• MG Marg Shopping and Dining: 2 hours, shopping and food approx. ₹700

Total Estimated Cost: ₹1,750 (excluding accommodation and transportation)

Tips

For a longer trip, consider adding a visit to Kalimpong or exploring more of Sikkim’s natural beauty like Tsongmo Lake. If you prefer a shorter itinerary, focus on Darjeeling and Siliguri only, skipping Gangtok to reduce travel time while still experiencing the highlights of North Bengal.