Gangtok, Darjeeling, Pelling, and Mirik Family-Friendly Itinerary

Day 1: Friday, September 29, 2023 - Arrival in Gangtok

In the morning, arrive at Bagdogra Airport and transfer to Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. Start your trip by visiting the Enchey Monastery, a serene Buddhist monastery known for its beautiful architecture. In the afternoon, head to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology to learn about Tibetan culture and history. Enjoy a leisurely evening exploring MG Marg, the main street of Gangtok, filled with shops and eateries.

• Enchey Monastery: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: Estimated cost - INR 20 (entry fee), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• MG Marg: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - Flexible

Restaurants

• For breakfast, try Baker's Cafe, a charming bakery and cafe known for its freshly baked goods and delicious coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR (2.8 USD) per person.
• For lunch, visit Kunga Restaurant, a popular Tibetan restaurant serving authentic momos and thukpas. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR (4.2 USD) per person.
• For dinner, indulge in traditional Indian cuisine at The Coffee Shop, a cozy restaurant offering a variety of curries and biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR (7 USD) per person.

Day 2: Saturday, September 30, 2023 - Darjeeling Delights

Early in the morning, embark on a scenic drive from Gangtok to Darjeeling. Arrive in Darjeeling and start your day with a visit to the Tiger Hill viewpoint to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Kanchenjunga mountain range. After breakfast, explore the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, home to various Himalayan wildlife species, including the endangered snow leopard. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Darjeeling Mall Road, lined with shops and cafes.

• Tiger Hill: Estimated cost - INR 40 (entry fee), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Estimated cost - INR 100 (entry fee), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Mall Road: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - Flexible

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Keventers, a popular cafe known for its delicious English breakfast and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
• For lunch, try Glenary's Bakery & Cafe, a charming establishment offering a variety of sandwiches, pastries, and cakes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
• For dinner, visit Revolver, a cozy restaurant serving a mix of Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese cuisines. Indulge in their flavorful momos and thukpa dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.

Day 3: Sunday, October 1, 2023 - Exploring Pelling

After breakfast, drive from Darjeeling to Pelling. Begin your day by visiting the breathtaking Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim. Take a short hike to the nearby Rabdentse Ruins, the capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim. In the evening, enjoy the scenic beauty of Khecheopalri Lake, considered sacred by the locals.

• Pemayangtse Monastery: Estimated cost - INR 20 (entry fee), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Rabdentse Ruins: Estimated cost - INR 50 (entry fee), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Khecheopalri Lake: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to The Melting Point, a cozy cafe known for its delicious pancakes and a variety of breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
• For lunch, try the Royal Plaza Restaurant, which offers a wide range of Indian, Chinese, and Tibetan cuisines. The restaurant has a pleasant ambience and the average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
• For dinner, visit The Angry Cock Bar & Restaurant, a popular spot for its live music, great cocktails, and delectable multi-cuisine dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Day 4: Monday, October 2, 2023 - Mirik's Charm

Leave Pelling and drive to Mirik, a picturesque hill town known for its serene lake and beautiful tea gardens. Start your day with a visit to the Sumendu Lake, where you can enjoy boating and soak in the tranquil surroundings. Explore the beautiful tea gardens and indulge in tea tasting sessions. In the evening, visit the Bokar Monastery, a peaceful Buddhist monastery.

• Sumendu Lake: Estimated cost - Boating charges vary, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Tea Gardens: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Bokar Monastery: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Dolma Amsu Café, known for its cozy ambiance and delicious Tibetan cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
• For lunch, head over to the Gopal's Vegetarian Restaurant, serving a wide variety of vegetarian dishes. The restaurant offers a peaceful atmosphere and friendly service. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
• Experience the vibrant flavors of Nepali cuisine for dinner at the Chaang Kitchen. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a must-visit for food lovers. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.

Day 5: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 - Return to Gangtok

Travel back to Gangtok from Mirik. Once you arrive, head to the Rumtek Monastery, one of the largest and most significant monasteries in Sikkim. Explore the beautifully adorned interiors and admire the stunning views from the monastery. In the afternoon, visit the Himalayan Zoological Park to see various Himalayan fauna. Enjoy the evening exploring the local markets of Gangtok.

• Rumtek Monastery: Estimated cost - INR 10 (entry fee), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Himalayan Zoological Park: Estimated cost - INR 25 (entry fee), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Local Markets: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - Flexible

Restaurants

• The Roll House is a popular breakfast spot in Gangtok, known for its delicious rolls and sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• Taste of Tibet is a great lunch option in Gangtok, offering a variety of Tibetan and Nepali dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
• The Square is a fantastic dinner restaurant in Gangtok, serving a range of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Day 6: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 - Departure

On your last day, check out from your hotel and bid farewell to Gangtok. Transfer to Bagdogra Airport for your return journey home, filled with unforgettable memories of the magnificent Himalayan region.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For an off-the-beaten-path experience, consider visiting the Temi Tea Garden near Ravangla, which offers stunning views of tea plantations and the surrounding mountains. The Tashi Viewpoint in Gangtok is also worth a visit for its panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range. Families with children can enjoy a visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling, where they can learn about mountaineering and explore the fascinating Mountaineering Museum.

For hotel and flight bookings, check here.