Darjeeling & Gangtok Adventure – August 14‑19, 2025

Day 1: Arrival in Bagdogra & Transfer to Darjeeling

Morning: Arrive at Bagdogra Airport, meet your driver and enjoy a scenic drive to Darjeeling (≈3 hours). Settle into your hotel and freshen up.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk along the Mall Road, exploring local shops and tasting fresh Darjeeling tea at a cozy café.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner with a view of the Himalayas and get an early night to adjust to the altitude.

Day 2: Darjeeling Highlights

Morning: Drive up to Tiger Hill for a sunrise panorama of Kanchenjunga, then descend to the Ghoom Monastery for a brief cultural visit.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) for a short ride to Glen Canyon and enjoy a tea tasting at the Happy Valley Tea Estate.

Evening: Return to town for a stroll along the Darjeeling Mall and dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3: Darjeeling Nature & Culture

Morning: Explore the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park and the nearby Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, spotting rare wildlife.

Afternoon: Head to the scenic Peace Pagoda and the adjoining Japanese Buddhist Temple for tranquil views.

Evening: Relax with a cup of tea at a rooftop café overlooking the hills, followed by a cultural music performance.

Day 4: Transfer to Gangtok

Morning: Check out of Darjeeling and embark on a scenic drive to Gangtok, crossing the iconic Teesta River Bridge.

Afternoon: Arrive in Gangtok, check into the hotel and take a short rest.

Evening: Stroll along MG Road, shop for local handicrafts, and enjoy dinner at a restaurant featuring Sikkimese cuisine.

Day 5: Gangtok Exploration

Morning: Visit the revered Rum Kum Monastery, then head to the stunning Tsongmo Lake for a boat ride and scenic photography.

Afternoon: Explore the Namchi Monastery and the vibrant Namchi Flower Garden, enjoying local flora.

Evening: Return to the city for a leisurely walk, tasting local delicacies at the night market.

Day 6: Departure

Morning: Pack and enjoy a final breakfast with a view of the hills.

Afternoon: Transfer to Bagdogra Airport for your departure flight.

Evening: Reflect on the memorable experiences from Darjeeling and Gangtok.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Tiger Hill – 2 hrs – ₹300
• Ghoom Monastery – 1 hr – ₹50
• Darjeeling Railway (Toy Train) – 1.5 hrs – ₹400
• Happy Valley Tea Estate – 2 hrs – ₹250 (tea tasting)
• Padmaja Naidu Zoo – 2 hrs – ₹200
• Peace Pagoda – 1 hr – Free
• Teesta River Bridge – 0.5 hr – Free (scenic view)
• Rum Kum Monastery – 1 hr – ₹100
• Tsongmo Lake – 2 hrs – ₹200 (boat)
• Namchi Monastery – 1 hr – ₹100
• Namchi Flower Garden – 1 hr – ₹150
• Meals & Misc. – – – ₹3,000
• Total Estimated Cost: ₹5,850

Tips

To extend your trip, add an extra day in Darjeeling to explore the nearby Rooftop Tea Gardens or take a trek to Lava and Yumthang Valley. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip the Namchi day and focus on the core attractions of Darjeeling and Gangtok, saving travel time and reducing costs.