4-Day Nature Itinerary in Darjeeling

  1. Day 1: Tiger Hill Sunrise
    30 minutes (14 kilometers) from Darjeeling Town

    Witness the breathtaking sunrise from Tiger Hill. The panoramic view of the snow-covered Himalayan range and the shadow of the sunrise on Kanchenjunga Peak is a must-see. After sunrise, visit the Ghoom Monastery, which is the oldest monastery in the region.

  2. Day 2: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and Tea Plantation
    20 minutes (7 kilometers) from Ghoom Monastery

    Experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Enjoy a scenic ride through tea plantations, lush forests, and waterfalls on the Toy Train. After the ride, visit Happy Valley Tea Estate, one of Darjeeling's oldest tea plantations. Take a guided tour to learn about the tea-making process.

  3. Day 3: Singalila National Park and Sandakphu
    3 hours (62 kilometers) from Happy Valley Tea Estate

    Explore the natural beauty of Singalila National Park, which is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including the red panda. Take a trek to Sandakphu, which is the highest peak in the region and offers a stunning view of the Himalayas.

  4. Day 4: Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary and Mirik Lake
    1 hour 20 minutes (30 kilometers) from Singalila National Park

    Visit Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, which is located on the outskirts of Darjeeling and is home to various species of birds and animals, including the rare Himalayan Salamander. After the visit, head to Mirik Lake, which is a beautiful natural lake surrounded by lush greenery.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Tiger Hill Sunrise (2 hours, free)
  • Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (2 hours, INR 610 for first-class tickets)
  • Happy Valley Tea Estate (1.5 hours, INR 100 for guided tour)
  • Singalila National Park and Sandakphu Trek (8-10 hours, INR 500 for entry fee)
  • Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary and Mirik Lake (4-5 hours, INR 100 for entry fee)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 810 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can add a visit to the Peace Pagoda, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, or the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre. If you have less time, you can skip the trek to Sandakphu or the visit to Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary. Make sure to check the opening and closing times of the places before visiting.

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