Touch down at Bagdogra (IXB). Meet your pre-booked driver, complete permit checks if needed, and begin the scenic drive to Gangtok through the Teesta Valley; the drive gives a first look at Himalayan foothills.
Check in, freshen up and relax; most hotels offer hot lunch or can recommend nearby cafés. Use this time to acclimatise—Gangtok is ~1,650m above sea level.
MG Marg is Gangtok’s pedestrian heart — good for a relaxed walk, souvenir shopping and soaking up the mountain-town atmosphere as evening lights come on.
Casual, popular spot for Tibetan and continental dishes near MG Marg; try momos or thukpa while enjoying people-watching. Café open from early morning to late evening, ideal for a first-night meal.
Start with a hearty breakfast—hot porridge, local spices and freshly brewed tea help acclimatise. Many hotels offer buffet breakfasts; cafés on MG Marg open from 8:00.
One of Sikkim’s largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries (open roughly 7:00–17:00). The monastery provides cultural insight and fine views of the valley.
Short visit to the white stupa Do Drul Chorten and nearby Enchey Monastery for local religious life and prayer-flag views; both are open during the day and are close to Gangtok town.
Visit the Institute to see Buddhist artefacts and the Handicraft Centre for Sikkimese handicrafts and local silk/wool items—good for authentic souvenirs.
Choose a cosy multi-cuisine restaurant in Gangtok for warm comfort food; many places feature local Sikkimese specialties and warm tea—check closing times (usually 22:00).
Leave early (permit checks required) for the high-altitude glacial lake; the road is scenic and the morning light is best for photos. Permit and vehicle restrictions apply—arrange permits through your hotel/agent.
A sacred high-altitude lake surrounded by mountains; walk the lakeshore (weather dependent), admire reflections and local yak rides if wanted. Lake area typically accessible 08:00–15:00; cold weather gear required.
Use the afternoon for rest or to pick up hand-woven scarves, thangkas and tea from the Handicraft Centre and MG Marg; many shops close by early evening.
Drive from Gangtok to Darjeeling (approx 4–5 hours via Teesta Valley/Sevoke); this is a scenic cross-regional transfer moving west/southwest toward Darjeeling.
Stroll the flat Mall area, visit small shops and cafés; a relaxed introduction to Darjeeling with mountain views and colonial charm as sunset approaches.
Glenary’s is a landmark bakery/restaurant with continental and Indian dishes plus excellent desserts—great for a first-night treat in Darjeeling (open early morning to late evening).
Leave very early (about 4:00) to reach Tiger Hill for sunrise over Kanchenjunga — the classic Himalayan sunrise viewpoint. Tiger Hill area is accessible pre-dawn and popular; expect crowds.
On the return from Tiger Hill stop at Batasia Loop (scenic railway loop and memorial gardens) and Ghoom Monastery — both are close together and open early.
Take the heritage narrow-gauge toy train from Darjeeling to Ghoom (short joy-ride) if operating — schedules vary, so confirm at the station (trips often in the morning).
Visit the high-altitude zoo (red pandas) and the mountaineering institute with its small museum — both open roughly 9:30–16:00 and excellent for understanding Himalayan fauna and climbers' history.
Tour one of Darjeeling’s famous tea estates (Happy Valley), learn about tea processing and enjoy a tasting; tours typically run 9:00–16:00 and last ~45–60 minutes.
Enjoy Nepali/Darjeeling specialities or international comfort food; Sonam’s Kitchen is a popular home-style option — most restaurants open until 21:30–22:00.
Drive down to Bagdogra (approx 3–4 hours depending on traffic and stops). En route you can stop for photos at Teesta river viewpoints or quick roadside refreshments.
If time allows, a quick lunch in Siliguri before heading to Bagdogra; otherwise proceed directly to the airport for check-in. Aim to arrive at Bagdogra 2 hours before domestic flights.