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

Viewed by 61 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Darjeeling

Darjeeling, India on August 20, 2025

7:00am

Drive NJP to Darjeeling

Pickup from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and scenic mountain drive to Darjeeling; good to arrive early to settle and acclimatize.
INR3000, 4h30m.

11:30am

Lunch at Glenary's

Iconic bakery and café on the Mall serving continental and local dishes — perfect for a relaxed first meal in Darjeeling.
INR800, 1h.

1:00pm

Hotel check-in & rest

Settle in and rest to adjust to the hill altitude; recommended before afternoon exploration.
INR0, 1h.

3:00pm

Mahakal Temple (Observatory Hill)

Historic hilltop Shiva temple with panoramic town views and spiritual atmosphere; open throughout the day and easy to visit after check-in.
INR0, 45m.

4:00pm

Batasia Loop (viewpoint & toy-train spiral)

Scenic railway spiral and viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of Darjeeling and the surrounding hills — great for photos and a short walk; generally accessible during daylight hours.
INR20, 45m.

5:00pm

Mall Road stroll & tea tasting

Leisurely stroll along the Mall Road to browse shops, try local tea and soak up evening hill-town life.
INR0, 1h30m.

7:30pm

Dinner at Kunga Restaurant

Popular spot for authentic Tibetan and Nepalese dishes like momos and thukpa — a warming introduction to regional cuisine.
INR600, 1h.

Day 2: Sunrise & Darjeeling

Darjeeling, India on August 21, 2025

4:00am

Jhanda Dori Sunrise Point

Early drive to Jhanda Dori for sunrise over the eastern Himalaya — spectacular on clear mornings and a less-crowded alternative to Tiger Hill; depart pre-dawn as best viewing is at sunrise.
INR1500, 3h.

8:00am

Breakfast at Glenary's

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

9:30am

Happy Valley Tea Estate tour

Guided short tour of one of Darjeeling's oldest tea gardens with tasting; estate visits typically operate 9:00am–4:00pm so mid-morning is ideal.
INR200, 1h30m.

11:30am

Toy Train (short heritage ride Darjeeling–Ghum)

Experience a short heritage ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway to nearby Ghum and back — schedules vary, best to check locally for timings.
INR300, 1h.

1:00pm

Lunch at Kunga's Kitchen

Local favorite for hearty Tibetan and Nepali meals near the Mall Road — convenient and tasty.
INR600, 1h.

2:30pm

Explore Darjeeling markets & Tinchuley/Chowrasta

Browse local handicraft shops and enjoy relaxed walks around Chowrasta; good time for shopping and street food sampling.
INR0, 2h.

6:30pm

Sunset viewpoint (local vantage)

Short late-afternoon visit to a nearby viewpoint for sunset and evening light on the hills; flexible based on visibility.
INR0, 45m.

8:00pm

Dinner at The Park/Local Cafe

Choose a cozy local restaurant for Nepali/Tibetan dishes and relaxed evening — many eateries on the Mall are open late.
INR700, 1h.

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; leaving early gives daylight views along the way.
INR300, 45m.

9:00am

Drive Darjeeling to Gangtok

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

3:00pm

Lunch en route

Stop at a clean roadside restaurant or dhaba for a hot lunch and tea — there are decent stops along the highway.
INR400, 45m.

5:00pm

Hotel check-in & rest in Gangtok

Check in and rest; allow time to acclimatize and prepare for 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.

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

One of Sikkim's largest and most important monasteries, offering calm interiors, traditional ceremonies and striking architecture — typically open 8:00am–5:00pm.
INR100, 2h.

12:00pm

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Museum with Tibetan artifacts, thangkas and a specialist library — check local 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 yak-wool items, 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 to sample local and pan-Indian dishes.
INR800, 1h.

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 Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir; permits for Indian tourists are typically arranged by hotel/agent — lake area visits usually between 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 goes 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.

Day 6: Drive to Pelling

Pelling, India on August 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & check-out

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

8:00am

Drive Gangtok to Pelling via Ravangla

Long scenic drive crossing Sikkim's interior; allow time for short walks and viewpoints in Ravangla.
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

Afternoon visit to Pemayangtse Monastery — one of Sikkim's oldest monasteries with fine murals; normally open 9:00am–5:00pm.
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.

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 the nearby sacred sites.
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; typically open 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.

Day 8: Chapramari & Return

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

4:00am

Early departure from Pelling toward Chapramari

Very early start to reach Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary in time for morning wildlife activity or safari; long driving day ahead so depart before dawn.
INR0, 4h.

8:30am

Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary safari/walk

Morning safari or guided walk in Chapramari to spot gaur, elephants, deer and abundant birdlife — safaris are best early morning (check sanctuary timings and book permit/safari in advance).
INR800, 2h.

11:00am

Tea garden stop / short nature walk

Visit a nearby tea garden or take a short nature walk around the sanctuary area for photos and relaxation before the drive to NJP.
INR200, 45m.

1:00pm

Lunch en route (Sevoke/Teesta Bazaar)

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

2:00pm

Drive Chapramari area to New Jalpaiguri (NJP)

Final leg of the journey back to NJP for train/flight connections; allow 2–3 hours depending on traffic and stops.
INR2500, 3h.

5:00pm

Arrive NJP & trip ends

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