Darjeeling Sikkim 7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary

  1. Saturday July 22: Arrive in Darjeeling
    Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri (35 miles, 2 hours drive)

    Enjoy a morning ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Toy Train, to experience breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains. In the afternoon, visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate for a guided tour of the tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process.

    • Darjeeling Toy Train Ride: Estimated Cost: INR 800 ($11), Estimated Time: 2 hours
    • Happy Valley Tea Estate Tour: Estimated Cost: INR 100 ($1.50), Estimated Time: 1 hour
  2. Sunday July 23: Darjeeling Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
    10 minutes (2 miles) from Darjeeling

    Start your morning with a visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute to learn about mountaineering history and see the museum's collection of artifacts. In the afternoon, explore the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park to see rare Himalayan wildlife.

    • Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: Estimated Cost: INR 100 ($1.50), Estimated Time: 2 hours
    • Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Estimated Cost: INR 100 ($1.50), Estimated Time: 2 hours
  3. Monday July 24: Tiger Hill and Peace Pagoda
    1 hour (8 miles) from Darjeeling

    Wake up early to catch the sunrise from Tiger Hill, where you can witness the majestic view of Mount Kanchenjunga. Afterward, visit the Peace Pagoda to experience tranquility and enjoy panoramic views of Darjeeling. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the Mall Road and explore the local markets.

    • Tiger Hill Sunrise: Estimated Cost: INR 50 ($0.75), Estimated Time: 2 hours
    • Peace Pagoda: Free entry, Estimated Time: 1 hour
  4. Tuesday July 25: Pelling
    3 hours (73 miles) from Darjeeling

    Embark on a scenic drive to Pelling, a charming hill station in Sikkim. Visit the Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in the region. Explore the Rabdentse Ruins, the capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner at a local restaurant.

    • Pemayangtse Monastery: Estimated Cost: INR 20 ($0.30), Estimated Time: 2 hours
    • Rabdentse Ruins: Estimated Cost: INR 50 ($0.75), Estimated Time: 1 hour
    • Nepali Dinner: Estimated Cost: INR 500 ($7), Estimated Time: 1 hour
  5. Wednesday July 26: Gangtok
    3 hours (66 miles) from Pelling

    Head to Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. Visit the Rumtek Monastery, a center of Tibetan Buddhism, and explore its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. Enjoy a cable car ride to the Tashi Viewpoint for panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas. In the evening, stroll through the bustling MG Marg and indulge in local street food.

    • Rumtek Monastery: Estimated Cost: INR 50 ($0.75), Estimated Time: 2 hours
    • Tashi Viewpoint: Estimated Cost: INR 100 ($1.50), Estimated Time: 1 hour
  6. Thursday July 27: Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La Pass
    2 hours (40 miles) from Gangtok

    Embark on a full-day excursion to Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake located at an altitude of 12,400 feet. Enjoy the scenic beauty and take a yak ride around the lake. If Nathu La Pass is open for visitors, continue your journey to witness the Indo-China border and experience the breathtaking mountain views. Return to Gangtok in the evening.

    • Tsomgo Lake: Estimated Cost: INR 200 ($3), Estimated Time: 4 hours
    • Nathu La Pass: Subject to availability, Estimated Cost: INR 400 ($6) for permit, Estimated Time: 4 hours
  7. Friday July 28: Departure from Bagdogra Airport
    4 hours (76 miles) from Gangtok

    It's time to say goodbye to the beautiful region of Darjeeling and Sikkim. Depart from Gangtok and head back to Bagdogra Airport for your flight home, cherishing the memories of your family-friendly adventure in the Himalayas.

Recommendations

If you have more time, consider visiting the famous Ghoom Monastery in Darjeeling or taking a day trip to the picturesque town of Kalimpong. For a unique experience, try paragliding in Pelling or indulge in a relaxing spa treatment in Gangtok. To make the most of your money, book your accommodations and flights in advance through this link to find the best deals.

0