Darjeeling and Sikkim Itinerary for December 2023

1. Day 1: Darjeeling
   1 hour 40 minutes (40 miles) from Bagdogra Airport

   In the morning, witness the sunrise from Tiger Hill. In the afternoon, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and see the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. In the evening, explore the local markets and try out some Darjeeling tea.

2. Day 2: Gangtok
   2 hours 30 minutes (66 miles) from Darjeeling

   Start your day by visiting the Rumtek Monastery and then head to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. In the afternoon, visit the Flower Exhibition Centre and then explore the MG Marg. In the evening, try some local momos and thukpa.

3. Day 3: Nathula Pass
   3 hours (43 miles) from Gangtok

   Take a day trip to Nathula Pass, the border between India and China. Enjoy the scenic beauty on the way and take a stroll through the Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple. Spend the evening at leisure in Gangtok.

4. Day 4: Pelling
   4 hours 30 minutes (75 miles) from Gangtok

   Visit the Pemayangtse Monastery and then head to the Khecheopalri Lake, also known as the "Wish Fulfilling Lake". In the afternoon, visit the Rabdentse Ruins and the Sangachoeling Monastery. Spend the evening at leisure in Pelling.

5. Day 5: Ravangla
   1 hour 45 minutes (39 miles) from Pelling

   Visit the Buddha Park and the Tathagata Tsal Monastery. In the afternoon, visit the Ralong Monastery and then head to the Rayong Sunrise View Point. Spend the evening at leisure in Ravangla.

6. Day 6: Kalimpong
   5 hours 30 minutes (86 miles) from Ravangla

   Visit the Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang Monastery and then head to the Deolo Hill. In the afternoon, visit the Morgan House and the Pine View Nursery. Spend the evening at leisure in Kalimpong.

7. Day 7: Teesta River
   1 hour 30 minutes (31 miles) from Kalimpong

   Take a day trip to the Teesta River and enjoy the scenic views. Take a rafting tour or just sit by the river and relax. Spend the evening at leisure in Kalimpong.

Recommendations

In Darjeeling, do not miss out on visiting the Batasia Loop and the Peace Pagoda. You can also take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (also known as the Toy Train). If you have extra time, consider visiting the Sandakphu trek or the Singalila National Park.

In Gangtok, you can take a day trip to the Tsomgo Lake or the Banjhakri Falls. You can also visit the Saramsa Garden or the Ganesh Tok viewpoint. For adventure enthusiasts, try paragliding or cable car rides.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Tiger Hill (2 hours, INR 1200)
• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (1 hour, INR 150)
• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (1 hour, INR 100)
• Rumtek Monastery (1 hour, INR 100)
• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (1 hour, INR 50)
• Flower Exhibition Centre (1 hour, INR 20)
• Pemayangtse Monastery (1 hour, INR 50)
• Khecheopalri Lake (1 hour, INR 50)
• Rabdentse Ruins (1 hour, INR 50)
• Sangachoeling Monastery (1 hour, INR 50)
• Buddha Park (1 hour, INR 100)
• Tathagata Tsal Monastery (1 hour, INR 50)
• Ralong Monastery (1 hour, INR 50)
• Rayong Sunrise View Point (1 hour, INR 20)
• Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang Monastery (1 hour, INR 50)
• Deolo Hill (1 hour, INR 20)
• Morgan House (1 hour, INR 50)
• Pine View Nursery (1 hour, INR 50)
• Teesta River (4 hours, INR 1000)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 3110

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