10-Day Nature Itinerary for Mirik, Darjeeling

1. Day 1: Mirik Lake
   10 minutes (2.5 km) from Mirik Bazaar

   Walk around the lake and paddleboat on the serene waters of Mirik.

2. Day 2: Sandakphu Trek
   99 km (4-5 hours) from Mirik Lake

   Embark on an adventurous trek which offers spectacular views of the peaks of Mount Everest and Kangchenjunga.

3. Day 3: Singalila National Park
   37 km (1 hour) from Sandakphu Trek

   Explore the pristine forests and spot endangered species like Red Panda and Himalayan Black Bear.

4. Day 4: Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
   64 km (2 hours) from Singalila National Park

   Visit the museum dedicated to mountaineering and get inspired by the stories of great mountaineers.

5. Day 5: Botanical Garden
   2 km (10 minutes) from Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

   Stroll through the lush gardens and admire the wide variety of flora and fauna.

6. Day 6: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
   3 km (15 minutes) from Botanical Garden

   Ride the iconic "Toy Train" that runs on a UNESCO World Heritage route through the picturesque hills and valleys of Darjeeling.

7. Day 7: Peace Pagoda
   9 km (30 minutes) from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

   Seek solace in the tranquil surroundings of the pagoda and enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas.

8. Day 8: Neora Valley National Park
   78 km (2-3 hours) from Peace Pagoda

   Trek through dense forests and see rare animal species like Clouded Leopard and Red Panda in their natural habitat.

9. Day 9: Rock Garden
   25 km (1 hour) from Neora Valley National Park

   Marvel at the unique rock formations and man-made waterfalls at this picturesque garden.

10. Day 10: Tea Gardens
    50 km (2 hours) from Rock Garden

    Visit the famed tea plantations and learn about the history and making of Darjeeling tea. Enjoy a tea tasting session too!

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mirik Lake (1-2 hours, free)
• Sandakphu Trek (2-3 days, INR 5,000 - 10,000)
• Singalila National Park (4-5 hours, INR 100 - 200 per person)
• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (1-2 hours, INR 50 - 100 per person)
• Botanical Garden (1-2 hours, INR 20 - 50 per person)
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (1-2 hours, INR 500 - 1,000 per person)
• Peace Pagoda (1-2 hours, free)
• Neora Valley National Park (2-3 days, INR 1,000 - 2,000 per person)
• Rock Garden (1-2 hours, INR 10 - 50 per person)
• Tea Gardens (1-2 hours, INR 100 - 200 per person)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 6,880 - 13,650 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, add a visit to the majestic Tiger Hill for a stunning sunrise view of the mountains. If you have less time, skip Neora Valley National Park or the Sandakphu Trek.