Early start from Bagdogra airport/railway to reach Darjeeling by morning; this is to catch viewpoints or at least a morning stroll. Road ~3h depending on traffic. If you landed the previous evening you can do Tiger Hill sunrise instead (see alternate).
Tiger Hill gives a famous sunrise view over Kanchenjunga (arrive before sunrise); Batasia Loop & Ghoom Monastery are near and quick to visit. Note: Tiger Hill best at dawn — open early; if you could not overnight in Darjeeling, skip sunrise and visit Batasia/tea-garden later.
Simple bread, eggs, tea or local momos at a bakery; quick and filling before the long drive. Glenary's/Keventers are popular; budget options in Chowrasta also good.
Visit Happy Valley Tea Estate viewpoint for a short tea-estate photo stop and quick tasting (estate tours usually 9am–4pm). This is a short fresh-air break before heading to Gangtok.
INR100perPerson (tea/sample) or free if just photographing, 45m
Long scenic drive down via Teesta valley to Gangtok (~4–5h). For comfort and speed, take a direct taxi/jeep; shared options cheaper but slower. Expect mountain roads and a stop for lunch en route.
INR4500total (private vehicle share for 6; ~INR750perPerson), 5h0m
Use evening to confirm/submit permits for Gurudongmar & Nathula (can be done via local travel agent or Sikkim Tourism office); also confirm Sumo hire for next 3 days (highly recommended).
INR0 (planning) + agent service if used INR200–500, 30m
Hire a local 9-seater Sumo for the Lachen route — required for North Sikkim access and for flexibility with permits; expect multiple viewing stops like Seven Sisters Falls and Singhik viewpoint. Drive time ~6–7h with stops.
INR9000totalPerDay (vehicle) — approx INR1500perPerson allocated for the day, 7h0m
Start extremely early to reach Gurudongmar for sunrise and the best visibility; high altitude (17,800 ft) — dress very warm and carry oxygen spray if available.
Vehicle cost included in Sumo hire (allocated INR1500perPerson today), 4h0m
High-altitude glacial lake with breathtaking views; permits mandatory and border/security checks occur. Spend 45–90 minutes for photos and short strolls (stay short because of altitude).
Short drive to Yumthang (Valley of Flowers). The gate is open from early morning; best light and fewer crowds early. Stay only a couple of hours because of time pressure returning to Gangtok.
Flowers, meadows, and high-altitude scenery; if snow/season allows, you can enjoy open fields. Optional Zero Point is further up and takes extra time/permission.
Zero Point optional INR1500perPerson extra (if taken), 2h0m
Tsomgo (Changu) Lake is 1–1.5h from Gangtok; visit early to avoid crowds. Permits are checked at the entry gate (open typically 7am–5pm but vehicles start early).
INR500perPerson (vehicle + local entry estimate), 2h0m
Nathula is on the Indo–China border and requires a separate permit; permits often must be applied 1–2 days earlier through Gangtok office/travel agent and are issued only to Indian nationals on certain days. Confirm availability before planning. Visit is quick (photo point) and subject to military/permit/closure.
Direct transfer to Bagdogra for onward flight/rail. Drive ~5–6 hours (start early to catch evening flights). For a group, a private taxi or tempo traveller is recommended for luggage and timing.
Target this arrival to match evening flights/trains; if your flight is later or next day, overnight in Siliguri is an option (budget PGs/hostels available).