Spend the morning at the Peace Pagoda, a serene Buddhist temple perched on a hill. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of Darjeeling. Next, head to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, founded by Tenzing Norgay, the first man to climb Mount Everest. Explore the museum displays, see the stuffed specimens of Himalayan wildlife and visit the Everest Museum.
Wake up early and head to Tiger Hill to catch the stunning sunrise over the Himalayas. Afterwards, visit the nearby Ghoom Monastery. In the afternoon, take a ride on the UNESCO recognised Toy Train from Darjeeling to Ghum. Enjoy the picturesque views of tea gardens, precipitous hills and small settlements on the way.
Visit the iconic and historical Darjeeling Tea Estate and learn about the production of tea. Enjoy a guided tour of the factory and indulge in a cup of fresh tea. Later in the afternoon, visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, a unique zoo famous for its conservation breeding activities. Observe rare and endangered animals like snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan wolves and Tibetan yak.
Visit the stunning Mirik Lake, a natural water body surrounded by green hills. Take a break and relax by the lake or enjoy boating. In the afternoon, explore the Pashupati Nagar Market in the Nepal-India border. Shop for cheap traditional handicrafts, clothes and jewellery. Bargain hard and enjoy the local food and culture.
If you have more time, you can explore the nearby monasteries and churches like Yiga Choling Gompa, Chamunda Devi Temple and St. Andrew's Church. Visit the vibrant local markets like Darjeeling Mall, Batasia Loop Market, Chowk Bazaar or Laden La Road. If you have less time, you could skip the market or tea estate. Keep in mind that due to weather conditions, your plans may be altered slightly and it is best to check with your tour guide to ensure on-time arrival to each destination.