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8-Day Sikkim & Darjeeling Loop from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) — Darjeeling, Gangtok, Pelling & Yuksom Highlights

Viewed by 127 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Transfer

Darjeeling, India on August 20, 2025

7:00am

Drive NJP to Darjeeling

Pickup from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and scenic mountain drive to Darjeeling; recommended because it places you in town with time to acclimatize and explore the Mall in the evening.
INR3000, 4h30m.

11:30am

Lunch at Glenary's

Iconic bakery and café on the Mall serving continental and local dishes — great for first taste of Darjeeling and pastries.
INR800, 1h.

1:00pm

Hotel check-in & rest

Settle in and rest to adjust to the hill altitude; helps ensure energy for afternoon sightseeing.
INR0, 1h.

2:30pm

Batasia Loop & War Memorial

Scenic viewpoint and railway spiral with a war memorial and panoramic views of Darjeeling and Kanchenjunga; open generally 9:00am–5:00pm.
INR20, 1h.

4:00pm

Mall Road stroll

Leisurely walk along the Mall Road for souvenir shops, tea stalls and local life — ideal for evening people-watching.
INR0, 1h30m.

7:30pm

Dinner at Kunga Restaurant

Popular spot for authentic Tibetan and Nepalese dishes like momos and thukpa — perfect introduction to regional cuisine.
INR600, 1h.
Find Hotels in Darjeeling

Day 2: Darjeeling Highlights

Darjeeling, India on August 21, 2025

4:00am

Tiger Hill sunrise

Drive early to Tiger Hill for sunrise and spectacular views of Mount Kanchenjunga; many hotels arrange taxis (viewing best around dawn).
INR1500, 3h.

8:00am

Breakfast at Glenary's

Return for a hearty breakfast and freshly baked goods at the original Glenary's bakery on the Mall.
INR500, 1h.

9:30am

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

High-altitude zoo specializing in Himalayan species (red panda, snow leopard); useful for understanding conservation — open roughly 8:30am–4:30pm.
INR100, 1h30m.

11:30am

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Tenzing Norgay Museum

Museum and mountaineering institute chronicling Himalayan climbing history and equipment; open about 9:00am–4:00pm.
INR60, 1h.

1:00pm

Lunch at Kunga's Kitchen

Local favorite for hearty Tibetan and Nepali meals in a cozy setting near Mall Road.
INR600, 1h.

2:30pm

Happy Valley Tea Estate tour

Short guided tour of one of Darjeeling's oldest tea gardens with tasting; estate visits typically run 9:00am–4:00pm so schedule midday.
INR200, 1h30m.

5:00pm

Toy Train short ride (Darjeeling–Ghum)

Experience a short heritage ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway to nearby Ghum and back — check daily schedules as times vary.
INR300, 1h.

7:30pm

Dinner at The Park/Local Cafe

Choose a cozy local restaurant for Nepali/Tibetan dishes and relaxed evening; many eateries on the Mall remain open into the night.
INR700, 1h.
Find Hotels in Darjeeling

Day 3: Transfer to Gangtok

Gangtok, India on August 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast & check-out

Breakfast in Darjeeling and prepare for the scenic drive east toward Gangtok; leave reasonably early to avoid afternoon traffic and get daylight views.
INR300, 45m.

9:00am

Drive Darjeeling to Gangtok

Mountain drive (approx 5–6 hours) via Teesta valley and lower Sikkim; comfortable private car recommended for stops and views.
INR3500, 6h.

3:00pm

Lunch en route

Stop at a clean roadside restaurant or dhaba for a simple hot lunch and tea — the drive has a few decent stops for food.
INR400, 45m.

5:00pm

Hotel check-in & rest in Gangtok

Check in and rest; allow time to acclimatize before evening stroll.
INR0, 1h.

7:00pm

MG Marg stroll & dinner

Gangtok's main pedestrian promenade — lively at night with eateries and shops; dine at a recommended place like Taste of Tibet for local flavors.
INR700, 1h30m.
Find Hotels in Gangtok

Day 4: Gangtok Sightseeing

Gangtok, India on August 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker's Cafe (Gangtok)

Popular café for international breakfast options and coffee before a day of sightseeing.
INR400, 1h.

9:30am

Rumtek Monastery

Largest and one of the most important monasteries in Sikkim, offering calm, colorful ceremonies and beautiful architecture — open roughly 8:00am–5:00pm.
INR100, 2h.

12:00pm

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Specialist museum with Tibetan artifacts, thangkas, and a small library; check opening hours (often 10:00am–4:00pm).
INR50, 1h.

1:30pm

Lunch at The Coffee House Gangtok

Comfortable spot for contemporary dishes and local favorites on MG Marg.
INR600, 1h.

3:30pm

Handicraft shops & Lal Bazaar

Browse Sikkimese handicrafts, traditional garments and souvenirs — ideal for picking up yak wool, thangkas and teas.
INR0, 2h.

7:30pm

Dinner at The Square (hotel restaurant)

Relaxing dinner inside a well-rated hotel restaurant offering multiple cuisine choices — good final stop to sample local and pan-Indian dishes.
INR800, 1h.
Find Hotels in Gangtok

Day 5: Tsomgo Lake Day Trip

Gangtok, India on August 24, 2025

5:30am

Depart for Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir (Changu Lake)

Full-day excursion to the glacial Tsomgo (Changu) Lake and nearby Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir; Indian tourists need permits arranged by hotel/agent — lake area typically accessible 8:00am–3:00pm.
INR3500, 10h.

8:30am

Packed breakfast en route

Bring or get a packed breakfast from hotel as the day trip departs early and requires heavy driving to high altitudes.
INR200, 30m.

12:30pm

Lunch near Tsomgo Lake

Simple local canteen or packed lunch near the lake; facilities are basic at high altitude so plan accordingly.
INR300, 45m.

5:00pm

Return to Gangtok & rest

Drive back to Gangtok in the late afternoon; rest at hotel to recover from altitude and the long day.
INR0, 1h.

7:30pm

Dinner at Taste of Tibet

Enjoy warming Tibetan food after a chilly lake visit; good choice for momos, thukpa or stews.
INR700, 1h.
Find Hotels in Gangtok

Day 6: Drive to Pelling

Pelling, India on August 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & check-out

Early breakfast and departure from Gangtok — best to get an early start for the 5–6 hour drive to Pelling with scenic stops.
INR400, 45m.

8:00am

Drive Gangtok to Pelling via Ravangla

Long scenic drive crossing Sikkim's interior; allow time for photo stops and short walks in Ravangla or other viewpoints.
INR4000, 6h.

1:30pm

Lunch en route (river/view restaurant)

Stop at a recommended roadside restaurant with views for a relaxed lunch before reaching Pelling.
INR500, 45m.

3:30pm

Check-in & Pemayangtse Monastery visit

Late afternoon visit to Pemayangtse Monastery (typically open 9:00am–5:00pm) — one of Sikkim's oldest and most important monasteries with fine murals.
INR50, 1h.

5:00pm

Rimbi Falls & Pelling Skywalk viewpoint

Short visit to local waterfalls and viewpoints for sunset and Kanchenjunga views on clear days.
INR0, 1h.

7:30pm

Dinner at Ivy Cottage

Cozy restaurant offering local Sikkimese and Indian fare; good atmosphere for evening meal.
INR600, 1h.
Find Hotels in Pelling

Day 7: Pelling & Yuksom

Pelling / Yuksom, India on August 26, 2025

4:30am

Sunrise at Kanchenjunga viewpoint (Pelling)

Early-wake for sunrise over the Kanchenjunga range from nearby viewpoints — best on a clear morning for iconic photos.
INR200, 2h.

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Hearty breakfast to power a day of exploring Yuksom and Khecheopalri.
INR300, 45m.

9:30am

Khecheopalri Lake (day trip to Yuksom area)

Sacred lake near Yuksom known for its serene setting and legend that birds keep the water clean; open typically 8:00am–5:00pm and ideal for easy walks and photos.
INR300, 3h.

1:00pm

Lunch in Yuksom village

Simple local restaurant in Yuksom for traditional Sikkimese/Nepali fare; good chance to sample local hospitality.
INR400, 45m.

3:00pm

Rabdentse Ruins visit

Historic ruins and viewpoints near Pelling offering insight into Sikkim's former capital and great vistas — usually open 9:00am–5:00pm.
INR50, 1h30m.

7:00pm

Dinner at Norling Restaurant

Local favorite in Pelling for fresh food and relaxed atmosphere after a full day of exploration.
INR600, 1h.
Find Hotels in Pelling / Yuksom

Day 8: Return to NJP

New Jalpaiguri (NJP), India on August 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & check-out

Early breakfast and final packing before the long drive back to the plains and NJP.
INR300, 30m.

7:30am

Drive Pelling/Yuksom to New Jalpaiguri (NJP)

Full-day transfer back to NJP (approx 6–8 hours depending on traffic and stops); drop-off at NJP for train/flight connections.
INR4500, 7h.

1:30pm

Lunch en route (Sevoke/Teesta Bazaar)

Stop at a good roadside restaurant near Sevoke or Teesta for a relaxed lunch before reaching NJP.
INR400, 45m.

4:30pm

Arrive NJP & trip ends

Arrival and drop-off at New Jalpaiguri; time to catch onward trains or transfers — itinerary concludes here.
INR0, 0h.
Find Hotels in New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
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