Morning: Board the Kanchanjunga Express from New Delhi Railway Station, enjoying scenic views as the train winds through the plains and foothills. The journey takes approximately 24 hours, offering comfortable sleeper berths and onboard meals.
Afternoon: Arrive at New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and meet the pre‑arranged shared taxi that will whisk the group to Darjeeling (≈3 hours). The road climb provides early glimpses of the mist‑clad hills.
Evening: Check into a budget‑friendly guesthouse near the Mall Road, unwind with a welcome tea, and take a leisurely stroll to the Darjeeling Mall for sunset views over the valley.
Find HotelsMorning: Rise before dawn for a sunrise trek to Tiger Hill, where the first light illuminates the Kanchenjunga peaks. Afterwards, visit the historic Batasia Loop, a spiral railway marvel with a war memorial.
Afternoon: Descend to the quaint Ghoom Monastery and explore its ancient statues and prayer hall. Lunch at a local eatery featuring momos and thukpa, then wander through the vibrant Chowrasta square.
Evening: Return to the town for a relaxed dinner at a rooftop café, followed by a gentle walk along the Darjeeling Ropeway (operating for night views on select days) to soak in the illuminated townscape.
Find HotelsMorning: Tour the lush Happy Valley Tea Estate, where you’ll learn about tea plucking, processing, and enjoy a fresh brew overlooking terraced slopes.
Afternoon: Visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park and the adjoining Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, home to rare snow leopards and mountaineering memorabilia.
Evening: Explore the bustling Darjeeling Bazaar for souvenirs, then savor a traditional Nepali dinner at a local dhaba, complete with a cultural dance performance.
Find HotelsMorning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast on the porch, followed by a short hike to the tranquil Glenary Hill for panoramic photo opportunities.
Afternoon: Check out of the guesthouse, store luggage at the hotel lobby, and spend free time sipping tea at the historic Kangra Coffee House while reflecting on the trip.
Evening: Board the evening Kanchanjunga Express back to New Delhi, arriving the next morning with cherished memories of the hills.
Find HotelsFor a more relaxed pace, add an extra day to explore nearby attractions such as the Namchi Monastery or a day‑trip to Mirik lake, increasing the budget by roughly ₹2,500 per person. If you need to shorten the trip, omit the tea‑garden visit and the zoo; this trims a day and reduces total costs by about ₹2,000 per person while still covering the iconic sights.