Drive from Siliguri to Darjeeling (approx. 65 km) through scenic hill roads; expect 3–4 hours depending on traffic and stops. This gets you into Darjeeling early enough to settle and explore the Mall.
Popular bakery-cafe with sandwiches, baked goods and hill-station ambience — great first meal and easy for groups; open broadly in the morning through evening (approx 8:00am–9:00pm).
Leisurely walk along Mall Road and Chowrasta to take in local shops, handicrafts and street snacks; open/accessible all day, best in late afternoon for light and people-watching.
Short visit to the Peace Pagoda for sunset views and quiet atmosphere; generally accessible daytime (typical hours c.9:00am–5:00pm) — check local access at dusk.
Depart pre-dawn for Tiger Hill to watch sunrise over Kanchenjunga and the Himalayan range — sunrise times vary but early departures c.4:00–5:00am are typical. Tiger Hill area is accessible year-round; very early arrival recommended to beat crowds.
Visit Batasia Loop for panoramic rail/valley views and the war memorial, then Ghoom Monastery for its historic Buddha image; monastery visiting hours are usually daytime (approx 8:00am–5:00pm).
HMI showcases climbing history and gear while the zoo (specialized in Himalayan species like snow leopard and red panda) provides wildlife viewing; typical visiting hours HMI 9:00am–4:00pm and Zoo c.9:30am–4:30pm — combined visit ~2–3 hours.
Popular local spot for Tibetan/Nepalese home-style dishes and momos; casual group-friendly options and well-rated for quick, tasty midday meals (opens c.11:00am onward).
Small cultural center showcasing Tibetan handicrafts and social enterprise projects — open during daytime, great for buying authentic hand-made souvenirs and learning about the community.
Take a short joyride (Darjeeling↔Ghoom or local section) to experience the UNESCO heritage railway; trains run on specific schedules and often require advance booking, so confirm times in advance.
Friendly multi-cuisine restaurant serving Indian and local Nepali dishes — relaxed atmosphere good for groups and open into the evening (approx 11:00am–10:00pm).
Guided or self-walk through one of Darjeeling's most accessible tea gardens; see processing, sample teas and photograph terraces — estate tours usually run c.9:00am–4:00pm and take 1.5–2 hours.
Take the ropeway for valley and tea-garden panoramas; typical operational hours are about 9:30am–4:30pm (confirm locally) so plan to ride in the afternoon for clearer views.
Finish the day with a relaxed dinner option away from the usual Tibetan/Indian offerings — Tramonti is a good choice for pizza/pasta and group dining (opens midday to late evening).
Leave early for Mirik (approx 45–90 km depending on route) — travel time ~2–2.5 hours on hilly roads. Mirik is a peaceful lakeside town popular for boating and relaxation.
Scenic boating on Sumendu Lake with mountain reflections and the hanging footbridge (Pashupati Bridge); boating usually available during daytime, per-boat fees apply.
Enjoy local Nepali/Indian dishes at a recommended Mirik restaurant (many lakeside cafes serve North Indian and local recipes); open through lunch hours.
Visit a nearby tea garden or take a short nature walk to enjoy panoramic views and photo spots; most small estates welcome visitors during daylight hours.
Visit Delo Hill (Eagle’s Crag) for panoramic views over the Dooars and plains; pleasant short walks and gardens around the viewpoint are open during daytime (c.9:00am–5:00pm).
If open, tour a local estate (Makaibari or a nearby garden) to see estate operations and tasting sessions — most estate tours run during daylight hours and may require prior notice for groups.
Arrive in Siliguri; conclude the tour or continue onward travel. If your flight/rail is later, you can use Siliguri time for last-minute shopping/eating.