Family-friendly 3-Day Itinerary in Darjeeling

  1. Day 1: Tiger Hill Sunrise
    20 minutes (8.6 km) from Darjeeling Town

    Wake up early to catch a stunning sunrise view from the Tiger Hill. Located at an elevation of 8482 ft, Tiger Hill offers panoramic views of Mount Everest and the Kanchenjunga range. If lucky, you might see the stunning sight of changing colors on the snow-capped peaks. After the sunrise, visit the **Batasia Loop**, which offers splendid views of the surrounding tea gardens and mountains.

  2. Day 2: Pelling Day Trip
    2 hours and 30 minutes (73 km) from Darjeeling Town

    Take a day trip to **Pelling**, a charming town nestled in the Himalayas. Visit the **Pemayangtse Monastery** which dates back to the 17th century. The monastery is known for its intricate architecture and artworks. Make a stop at the **Rabdentse Ruins**, once the second capital of Sikkim, now a UNESCO Heritage Site. Finally, visit the **Khecheopalri Lake**, considered sacred by the locals, and take a boat ride around the serene lake.

  3. Day 3: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and Tea Tour
    10 minutes (2.6 km) from Darjeeling Town

    Start your day by taking a ride on the **Darjeeling Himalayan Railway**, also known as the 'Toy Train'. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this narrow-gauge railway was established in 1881 and offers breathtaking views of the mountain ranges and tea plantations. After the ride, visit the **Happy Valley Tea Estate**, the oldest tea garden in Darjeeling. Take a guided tour and learn how tea is grown, processed and packaged. Savor a cup of premium Darjeeling tea at the estate's tea room before ending your trip.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Tiger Hill Sunrise (2 hours, free)
  • Batasia Loop (30 minutes, free)
  • Pelling Day Trip (8 hours, INR 3000 per person)
  • Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (2 hours, INR 1400 per person)
  • Happy Valley Tea Estate (1 hour, INR 300 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 4700 per person

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, visit other attractions such as the **Japanese Peace Pagoda**, **Rock Garden**, and **Himalayan Mountaineering Institute**. For food, try the local delicacies such as momos, thukpa and churpee cheese. If you have more than 3 days, consider extending your trip to Gangtok or Kalimpong for more Himalayan experiences. However, if you only have 2 days, you can skip the Pelling day trip and spend more time exploring Darjeeling Town or town shopping.

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