Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 69 travelers

Exploring Sikkim Darjeeling: A Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary

Friday, November 10: Arrival in Bagdogra and Transfer to Darjeeling

Start your journey by landing at Bagdogra Airport and then travel to Darjeeling, a charming hill town known for its tea gardens and panoramic views of the Himalayas. In the morning, enjoy a scenic drive through the winding roads, surrounded by lush greenery. In the afternoon, visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate to learn about tea production and savor a cup of freshly brewed Darjeeling tea. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the Mall Road and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the mountains.

  • Happy Valley Tea Estate: Estimated cost: INR 200 per person, Estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Mall Road: Free, Estimated time spent: 1-2 hours

For hotel and flight bookings, check here.

Saturday, November 11: Darjeeling Sightseeing

Embark on a full day of sightseeing in Darjeeling. In the morning, visit the Tiger Hill viewpoint to witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. After breakfast, explore the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the adjacent Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, home to rare Himalayan species like the snow leopard and red panda. In the evening, take a joy ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Toy Train, and soak in the enchanting landscapes.

  • Tiger Hill: Estimated cost: INR 50 per person, Estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Estimated cost: INR 200 per person, Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Estimated cost: INR 300 per person, Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Sunday, November 12: Gangtok Exploration

Leave Darjeeling and head towards Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. In the morning, visit the enchanting Rumtek Monastery, a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site. Afterward, explore the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology to learn about Tibetan culture and history. In the evening, take a stroll along the MG Marg, the main street lined with shops, restaurants, and vibrant atmosphere.

  • Rumtek Monastery: Estimated cost: INR 50 per person, Estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: Estimated cost: INR 50 per person, Estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • MG Marg: Free, Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Monday, November 13: Excursion to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir

Embark on an exciting day trip to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir. In the morning, drive through scenic landscapes to reach Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Enjoy the breathtaking views and have some fun with Yak rides. Afterward, visit Baba Mandir, a temple dedicated to an Indian soldier who lost his life in the Indo-China war. Return to Gangtok in the evening and spend some time exploring the local markets.

  • Tsomgo Lake: Estimated cost: INR 200 per person, Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Baba Mandir: Free, Estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Tuesday, November 14: Pelling Exploration

Leave Gangtok and travel to Pelling, a picturesque town known for its stunning views of the Himalayas and ancient monasteries. In the morning, visit the Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim. Afterward, explore the Rabdentse Ruins, the remnants of the second capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim. In the evening, take a nature walk to the beautiful Khecheopalri Lake, considered sacred by Buddhists.

  • Pemayangtse Monastery: Estimated cost: INR 100 per person, Estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Rabdentse Ruins: Estimated cost: INR 50 per person, Estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Khecheopalri Lake: Estimated cost: INR 50 per person, Estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Wednesday, November 15: Visit Yuksom and Dubdi Monastery

Embark on a day trip to Yuksom, the first capital of Sikkim and a gateway to several treks in the region. In the morning, visit the Dubdi Monastery, also known as the Hermit's Cell, perched on a hilltop surrounded by dense forests. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and panoramic views. Afterward, explore the Norbugang Park, where the first Chogyal (religious king) of Sikkim was coronated. Return to Pelling in the evening and enjoy a traditional Sikkimese dinner.

  • Dubdi Monastery: Estimated cost: INR 50 per person, Estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Norbugang Park: Free, Estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Thursday, November 16: Departure from Bagdogra

On your last day, bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes of Sikkim Darjeeling. Depart from Pelling and travel back to Bagdogra for your return flight, cherishing the memories of this wonderful family-friendly trip.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Sikkim Darjeeling, don't miss out on visiting the Tashi Viewpoint near Gangtok, which offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. Another hidden gem is the Rock Garden in Darjeeling, a beautiful terraced garden adorned with flowers, waterfalls, and sculptures. Locals also love visiting the Ghoom Monastery, located near Darjeeling, which houses a 15-feet tall statue of Maitreya Buddha.

For accommodation and flight bookings, check here.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version