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8-Day Sikkim & Darjeeling Loop from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) — Now Including Thambi View Point

Viewed by 184 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Transfer

Darjeeling, India on August 20, 2025

7:00am

Drive NJP to Darjeeling

Pickup from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and a scenic mountain drive to Darjeeling; arriving midday lets you 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 fresh pastries; usually open 8:00am–9:00pm.
INR800, 1h0m

1:00pm

Hotel check-in & rest

Settle in and rest to adjust to the hill altitude so you have energy for afternoon sightseeing.
INR0, 1h0m

2:30pm

Batasia Loop & War Memorial

Scenic viewpoint and railway spiral with a war memorial and panoramic views of Darjeeling and Kanchenjunga; typically open 9:00am–5:00pm.
INR20, 1h0m

4:00pm

Mall Road stroll

Leisurely walk along the Mall Road for souvenir shopping, 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; typically open until late evening.
INR600, 1h0m

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 at dawn).
INR1500, 3h0m

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, 1h0m

9:30am

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

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

11:30am

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Tenzing Norgay Museum

Museum and mountaineering institute chronicling Himalayan climbing history and equipment; typically open 9:00am–4:00pm.
INR60, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kunga's Kitchen

Local favorite for hearty Tibetan and Nepali meals in a cozy setting near Mall Road.
INR600, 1h0m

2:30pm

Happy Valley Tea Estate tour

Guided tour of a historic tea garden 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, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Park/Local Cafe

Choose a cozy local restaurant for Nepali/Tibetan dishes and a relaxed evening; many eateries on the Mall stay open late.
INR700, 1h0m

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; depart early to avoid afternoon traffic and maximize daylight.
INR300, 45m

9:00am

Drive Darjeeling to Gangtok

Mountain drive (approx 5–6 hours) via Teesta valley and lower Sikkim; private car recommended for comfort and photo stops.
INR3500, 6h0m

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.
INR400, 45m

5:00pm

Hotel check-in & rest in Gangtok

Check in and rest; allow time to acclimatize before evening stroll.
INR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

MG Marg stroll & dinner

Gangtok's main pedestrian promenade — lively at night with eateries and shops; dine at Taste of Tibet or similar for local flavors. MG Marg is pedestrianized and open all evening.
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, 1h0m

9:30am

Rumtek Monastery

Largest and one of the most important monasteries in Sikkim, offering calm ceremonies and beautiful architecture — typically open 8:00am–5:00pm.
INR100, 2h0m

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, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Coffee House Gangtok

Comfortable spot for contemporary dishes and local favorites on MG Marg.
INR600, 1h0m

3:30pm

Handicraft shops & Lal Bazaar

Browse Sikkimese handicrafts, traditional garments and souvenirs — ideal for picking up yak wool, thangkas and teas. Shops typically open 9:30am–7:30pm.
INR0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Square (hotel restaurant)

Relaxing dinner in a well-rated hotel restaurant offering multiple cuisines — a good place to sample local and pan-Indian dishes.
INR800, 1h0m

Day 5: Nathula Pass Excursion

Gangtok → Nathula Pass (India-China border) → Tsomgo Lake, India on August 24, 2025

4:00am

Depart for Nathula Pass (via Tsomgo Lake)

Early departure for a full-day excursion to Nathula Pass, Changu/Tsomgo Lake and Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir; permits are mandatory and must be arranged through your hotel/agent in advance.
INR4500, 10h0m

6:30am

Packed breakfast en route

Bring or collect a packed breakfast from the hotel because the trip starts very early and includes long stretches at high altitude.
INR200, 30m

8:30am

Tsomgo (Changu) Lake visit

Scenic glacial lake with prayer flags and photogenic views; visitor facilities are basic and the area is normally open to tourists during daylight hours.
INR300, 1h0m

10:30am

Nathula Pass (border visit)

Visit the historic mountain pass on the India-China border. Note: Nathula requires special permits, is weather- and security-dependent, and may be closed on certain weekdays or to foreign nationals — confirm permit and opening status with your agent/hotel beforehand.
INR800, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch near the route / packed lunch

Lunch at a roadside canteen or packed meal; facilities are basic at high altitude so plan accordingly.
INR400, 45m

4:00pm

Return to Gangtok & rest

Drive back to Gangtok in the late afternoon; rest at hotel to recover from altitude and the long day.
INR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Taste of Tibet

Warm up with Tibetan specialties like momos and thukpa after a chilly day at high altitude.
INR700, 1h0m

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 5–6 hour drive to Pelling with scenic stops en route.
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, 6h0m

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 (usually open 9:00am–5:00pm) — one of Sikkim's oldest monasteries with beautiful murals.
INR50, 1h0m

5:00pm

Rimbi Falls & Pelling Skywalk viewpoint

Short visit to local waterfalls and viewpoints for sunset and Kanchenjunga views on clear days.
INR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ivy Cottage

Cozy restaurant offering local Sikkimese and Indian fare; good atmosphere for an evening meal.
INR600, 1h0m

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, 2h0m

6:30am

Thambi View Point visit

Short drive to Thambi View Point for sweeping vistas of the Himalayan ridgeline and valley — best at sunrise/early morning; typically accessible 6:00am–6:00pm and a popular local viewpoint.
INR20, 45m

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

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

9:30am

Khecheopalri Lake (Yuksom)

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, 3h0m

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 a relaxed atmosphere after a full day of exploration.
INR600, 1h0m

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, 7h0m

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, 0h0m
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