9‑Day Delhi → Meghalaya → Darjeeling → Sikkim Road‑Trip Itinerary (Nov 29 – Dec 7, 2025)

Day 1: Delhi → Guwahati Flight & Shillong Drive

Morning: Catch an early morning flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Guwahati (≈2 h). Pick up your pre‑booked self‑drive car at the airport and head north toward the scenic hill town of Shillong (≈4 h drive).

Afternoon: Arrive in Shillong, check into a budget guesthouse and enjoy a leisurely lunch featuring local Khasi cuisine. Stroll around Umiam Lake for panoramic views and a short boat ride.

Evening: Explore the bustling Police Bazaar, sample street food, and unwind at Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures for a quick cultural immersion.

Day 2: Shillong & Offbeat Mawlynnong

Morning: Depart early for Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village (≈2 h drive). Walk through the pristine streets, visit the Living Root Bridge and the butterfly garden.

Afternoon: Head back to Shillong for lunch, then drive to the nearby Elephant Falls, a hidden cascade tucked in the forest.

Evening: Return to Shillong, enjoy a quiet dinner at a local eatery, and relax at your guesthouse.

Day 3: Cherrapunjee Waterfalls & Guwahati Night

Morning: Drive to Cherrapunjee (Sohra) (≈3 h). Explore the spectacular Nohkalikai Falls and the lush Mawsmai Cave.

Afternoon: Visit the Seven Sisters Falls and enjoy a packed lunch with a view of the mist‑covered valleys.

Evening: Return to Guwahati (≈2 h) for an overnight stay; take a brief walk along the Brahmaputra River promenade before resting.

Day 4: Guwahati → Bagdogra Flight & Darjeeling Transfer

Morning: Catch a morning flight from Guwahati to Bagdogra (≈1 h). Pick up a compact self‑drive car at Bagdogra Airport.

Afternoon: Drive up the winding roads to Darjeeling (≈3 h). Stop at the scenic Ghum Monastery for tea and a view of the Kanchenjunga range.

Evening: Check into a cozy homestay, stroll along the famous Mall Road, and enjoy a hearty dinner of momos and thukpa.

Day 5: Darjeeling Highlights

Morning: Rise before dawn for the iconic Sunrise at Tiger Hill with Kanchenjunga in the backdrop. Follow with a visit to the historic Ghoom Railway Station.

Afternoon: Ride the UNESCO‑listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway to Batasia Loop, then explore the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.

Evening: Relax at a local tea garden, sipping world‑renowned Darjeeling tea while watching the sunset over the tea‑plantation terraces.

Day 6: Darjeeling → Kalimpong → Gangtok

Morning: Drive to the off‑beat town of Kalimpong (≈2 h). Wander the charming Zang Dhok Palri Monastery and the vibrant local market.

Afternoon: Continue the scenic drive to Gangtok (≈3 h), crossing the spectacular Ravangla Viewpoint en route.

Evening: Arrive in Gangtok, check into a budget hotel, and enjoy a leisurely walk along MG Road with dinner at a local eatery.

Day 7: Gangtok City & Cultural Sites

Morning: Visit the sacred Enchey Monastery and the nearby Namgyal Institute of Tibetology for insight into Buddhist heritage.

Afternoon: Explore the bustling Gangtok Market, then head to Ranka Monastery for panoramic valley views.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Sikkimese dinner at a rooftop restaurant, sampling dishes like gundruk and thukpa.

Day 8: North Sikkim – Lachung & Yumthang Valley

Morning: Early departure for Lachung (≈4 h drive). Stop at the serene Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary on the way.

Afternoon: Continue to the famed Yumthang Valley (≈30 min). Walk among blooming rhododendrons (seasonal) and visit the nearby Hot Springs at Yumthang.

Evening: Return to Lachung, enjoy a bonfire dinner at your guesthouse, and soak in the crisp mountain air.

Day 9: Return to Delhi

Morning: Drive back to Bagdogra Airport (≈5 h) and return the rental car.

Afternoon: Catch an afternoon flight from Bagdogra to Delhi (≈2 h). Arrive in Delhi by evening.

Evening: Conclude the trip with a relaxing night at home, reminiscing about the Himalayan adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Delhi–Guwahati Flight (round‑trip): 2 h total travel, ₹8,000 per person
• Self‑drive car (Guwahati → Shillong → Cherrapunjee → Guwahati): 500 km, 12 h driving, ₹12,000 total
• Shillong (Umiam Lake, Police Bazaar): 4 h, ₹500 entry/activities
• Mawlynnong & Living Root Bridge: 6 h, ₹300 guide fee
• Cherrapunjee (Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave): 5 h, ₹400 entry
• Guwahati–Bagdogra Flight: 1 h, ₹4,000 per person
• Self‑drive car (Bagdogra → Darjeeling → Kalimpong → Gangtok → Lachung): 900 km, 20 h driving, ₹22,000 total
• Darjeeling (Tiger Hill, Toy Train, Tea Garden): 6 h, ₹600 activities
• Kalimpong (Zang Dhok Palri Monastery): 2 h, ₹200 entry
• Gangtok (Enchey Monastery, Tibetology Museum, MG Road): 5 h, ₹500 entry
• Lachung & Yumthang Valley: 8 h, ₹800 permits & guide
• Accommodation (8 nights, budget hotels/guesthouses): 8 nights, ₹2,500 per night = ₹20,000
• Food & Miscellaneous: 9 days, ₹1,200 per day = ₹10,800
• Total Estimated Cost (per person): ₹92,300

Tips

If you wish to extend the adventure, add a day in Phuentsholing (Bhutan border) from Gangtok or explore the lesser‑known Kalpa (West Sikkim). To shorten the trip, you can skip the North Sikkim leg and spend an extra day in Darjeeling for a relaxed tea‑garden experience, which will also reduce fuel and accommodation costs.