Sikkim & Darjeeling Family Friendly Itinerary

Wednesday, November 15: Arrival in Bagdogra

Welcome to Bagdogra! Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Darjeeling and spend the rest of the day at leisure, recovering from your journey. Enjoy the beautiful views of the tea estates surrounding the town and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere.

• Estimated Cost: Varies
• Estimated Time Spent: Rest of the day

Restaurants

• A popular breakfast spot in Darjeeling is Keventer's. They serve a variety of breakfast options including sandwiches, pancakes, and eggs. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 300 per person.
• For lunch, a great option is Glenary's. This restaurant offers a diverse menu with continental, Indian, and Chinese dishes. The average cost for a meal at Glenary's is around Rs. 600 per person.
• When it comes to dinner, the Pahari Soul restaurant is worth a visit. It specializes in local Sikkimese and Nepalese cuisine, with dishes like momos and thukpa. The average cost for a meal at Pahari Soul is approximately Rs. 400 per person.

Thursday, November 16: Exploring Darjeeling

Start your day early with a visit to Tiger Hill to catch a breathtaking sunrise over the Kanchenjunga mountain range. Afterward, visit the famous Ghoom Monastery and the Batasia Loop, a spiral railway track offering panoramic views. In the afternoon, explore the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre. Wrap up your day with a visit to the vibrant Mall Road for shopping and dining.

• Tiger Hill: Estimated Cost - Varies, Estimated Time Spent - 2 hours
• Ghoom Monastery: Estimated Cost - Donations, Estimated Time Spent - 1 hour
• Batasia Loop: Estimated Cost - Varies, Estimated Time Spent - 1 hour
• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: Estimated Cost - ₹40 per person, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Estimated Cost - ₹30 per person, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre: Estimated Cost - Donations, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Mall Road: Estimated Cost - Varies, Estimated Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Friday, November 17: Excursion to Mirik Lake

Embark on a day trip to Mirik Lake, a picturesque lake surrounded by lush gardens and hills. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the lake and take in the scenic beauty. Visit the Bokar Monastery and Pashupati Market, known for its inexpensive goods. Return to Darjeeling in the evening.

• Mirik Lake: Estimated Cost - Varies, Estimated Time Spent - 4-5 hours
• Bokar Monastery: Estimated Cost - Donations, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Pashupati Market: Estimated Cost - Varies, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Saturday, November 18: Transfer to Gangtok

Check out from your hotel in Darjeeling and transfer to Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. Upon arrival, visit the Enchey Monastery, known for its beautiful architecture and serene environment. Spend the evening exploring the bustling MG Marg, a pedestrian-only street with shops, cafes, and eateries.

• Enchey Monastery: Estimated Cost - Donations, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• MG Marg: Estimated Cost - Varies, Estimated Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Sunday, November 19: Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir

Embark on an excursion to Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake located at an altitude of 12,313 feet. Enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and take a yak ride if desired. Visit the nearby Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, dedicated to an Indian Army soldier. Return to Gangtok and spend the evening at leisure.

• Tsomgo Lake: Estimated Cost - Varies, Estimated Time Spent - 4-5 hours
• Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir: Estimated Cost - Varies, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Monday, November 20: Exploring Gangtok

Start your day with a visit to Rumtek Monastery, one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim. Explore the beautifully designed interiors and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Afterward, visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, which houses a vast collection of Tibetan artifacts and Buddhist manuscripts. In the evening, take a cable car ride to the Tashi Viewpoint for panoramic views of the city.

• Rumtek Monastery: Estimated Cost - ₹10 per person, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: Estimated Cost - ₹20 per person, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Tashi Viewpoint: Estimated Cost - Varies, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Tuesday, November 21: Departure from Bagdogra

Check out from your hotel in Gangtok and transfer to Bagdogra for your departure. Bid farewell to the beautiful landscapes of Sikkim and Darjeeling as you journey back home.

• Estimated Cost: Varies
• Estimated Time Spent: Until departure

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

In Darjeeling, make sure to visit the Peace Pagoda, a serene Buddhist monument offering panoramic views of the town. Another hidden gem is the Rock Garden, a beautifully landscaped garden adorned with waterfalls and sculptures. In Gangtok, don't miss the Flower Exhibition Centre, where you can admire a wide variety of exotic flowers. Locals also love exploring the Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park, a peaceful natural park with waterfalls, sculptures, and an energy-generating system.

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