North‑East India Highlights: Gangtok, Pelling, Darjeeling & Shillong (6‑Day Itinerary)

Day 1: Arrival in Gangtok & Evening Stroll

Morning: Fly into Bagdogra Airport and transfer to Gangtok (≈4 h drive). Check into your hotel and freshen up.

Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, then explore the vibrant MG Road with its shops and cafés.

Evening: Walk along the illuminated promenade, sampling street foods and soaking up the mountain atmosphere.

Day 2: Gangtok Sightseeing

Morning: Visit the sacred Rumtek Monastery and the nearby Namgyal Institute of Tibetology for a cultural immersion.

Afternoon: Head to Tsomgo Lake (35 km) for stunning glacial waters, followed by a quick stop at Baba Mandir for panoramic views.

Evening: Return to town for dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the valley.

Day 3: Day Trip to Pelling

Morning: Drive to Pelling (≈2 h) and start with the breathtaking Pelling Sky Walk, a glass‑bottomed bridge over the Teesta River.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Pemayangtse Monastery and then visit the majestic Khecheopalri Lake, a wish‑fulfilling lake.

Evening: Return to Gangtok, enjoying a sunset view of the Himalayas from the hotel terrace.

Day 4: Transfer to Darjeeling

Morning: Depart early for Darjeeling (≈5 h drive through scenic mountain roads), stopping at Jalpaiguri for a quick tea break.

Afternoon: Arrive in Darjeeling, check‑in, and stroll along the charming Darjeeling Mall Road for shopping and colonial architecture.

Evening: Savor a cup of world‑renowned Darjeeling tea at a local tea house while watching the sunset over the tea gardens.

Day 5: Darjeeling Highlights

Morning: Rise before dawn to climb up to Tiger Hill for a spectacular sunrise over Kanchenjunga, then visit the historic Ghoom Monastery.

Afternoon: Ride the UNESCO‑listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway to Batasia Loop, admiring the panoramic garden and war memorial.

Evening: Explore the lively Chowrasta square, sampling local street food and enjoying live music.

Day 6: Shillong Exploration & Departure

Morning: Fly from Bagdogra to Shillong (via Guwahati) and check into your hotel.

Afternoon: Visit the bustling Police Bazaar for handicrafts, then head to the serene Umiam Lake for a boat ride.

Evening: Conclude the trip with a dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the hills, before departing the next day.

Time and Cost Estimates

• MG Road (Gangtok) – 2 hrs – $10
• Rumtek Monastery – 1.5 hrs – $8
• Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir – 3 hrs – $12
• Pelling Sky Walk – 1 hr – $7
• Pemayangtse Monastery – 1 hr – $5
• Khecheopalri Lake – 1 hr – $6
• Darjeeling Mall Road – 2 hrs – $0 (shopping optional)
• Tiger Hill Sunrise – 2 hrs – $4 (guide)
• Ghoom Monastery – 1 hr – $5
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Batasia Loop) – 2 hrs – $10
• Police Bazaar (Shillong) – 2 hrs – $0 (shopping optional)
• Umiam Lake Boat Ride – 1.5 hrs – $12
• Meals & Local Transport (average per day) – 6 hrs – $30
Total Estimated Cost: $119

Tips

If you have an extra day, consider extending your stay in Darjeeling to explore the nearby tea plantations or add a trek to the nearby Singalila National Park. Conversely, you can condense the itinerary to five days by skipping the day trip to Pelling and allocating that time to a quicker transfer from Gangtok to Darjeeling. Always keep a flexible buffer for weather‑related delays in the mountains.