Take an early morning flight from Patna (PAT) to Bagdogra (IXB) to save time; flights are ~1h20m. Book a 06:00–08:30 slot to arrive in the morning and maximize the day.
Head to Hong Kong Market food area or a well-reviewed local restaurant for a hearty Bengali thali or North Indian meal — good way to try regional flavors and fuel up before sightseeing.
Short scenic visit to Coronation Bridge and nearby viewpoints for river and Teesta valley views; great quick stop en route to or from Siliguri (best during daylight).
Browse Siliguri's busy markets for tea, sweets, woolens and local handicrafts; ideal for quick souvenir shopping while the shops are open until early evening.
Choose a well-rated restaurant in Siliguri for dinner (many hotels have good in-house restaurants or try a local Chinese/Bengali eatery) — aim for something light and early if you plan a long drive next day.
Start early by private taxi or shared jeep to Darjeeling (approx. 3–4 hours, 65–75 km) to avoid traffic and enjoy mountain light; roads are winding, so travel time varies.
Glenary's (Bhutia Busty Road) is iconic for breakfast pastries, eggs, and continental fare; opens early (approx. 7:30–8:00) and offers great views from the courtyard.
Visit the zoo (opens ~9:30–16:00) to see red pandas and high-altitude species, then adjacent HMI museum for Himalayan climbing history (HMI hours ~9:00–16:30).
Short drive to Batasia Loop (opens daylight hours) for the spiral railway loop and landscaped viewpoint with panoramic mountain views; best in clear weather for sunset colors.
Visit Ghoom Monastery and the nearby Ghoom station; you can watch the historic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (toy train) pass — short toy train joyrides (Darjeeling–Ghoom) run at select times, check schedules in advance.
Try local Nepali/Tibetan dishes or continental at Glenary's; Sonam's Kitchen is popular for authentic local food — check current opening times (generally open for dinner).
Depart around 4:00–4:30am for Tiger Hill to catch sunrise over Kanchenjunga (if weather is clear); viewpoint is busiest at dawn — local taxis and tour operators run early pickups. (Note: open pre-dawn; expect cold temperatures).
Tour a tea estate (Happy Valley opens ~9:00–17:00; confirm in advance) to learn about tea picking, processing, and enjoy tastings — a Darjeeling highlight.
Check Ropeway timetable (typically ~9:00–16:00 but often closed for maintenance in shoulder seasons) for aerial views; if closed, visit the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway museum or Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre instead.
Have a relaxed breakfast at the hotel or nearby café, do any last-minute shopping on Mall Road, and check out by 8:00–9:00 depending on your transfer time.
Private taxi back to Siliguri/Bagdogra airport (3–4 hours). Allow extra time for road delays; arrive at Bagdogra at least 1.5–2 hours before your flight.