Gangtok and Darjeeling 6-Day Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Explore Gangtok
    0 minutes from Gangtok

    Visit the Enchey Monastery for a spiritual experience and to learn about Tibetan Buddhism. Then, visit the Rumtek Monastery, which is the largest in Sikkim and has stunning architecture including a golden stupa. Finish the day by indulging in the local cuisine, specifically momos, at Taste of Tibet Restaurant.

  2. Day 2: Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake
    1 hour 10 minutes (38.4 km) from Gangtok

    Take a day trip to Tsomgo Lake. This glacial lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is a sacred site for the local Sikkimese people. After spending a few hours there, make your way back to Gangtok and visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology to learn about the rich cultural history of Tibet and its people.

  3. Day 3: Gangtok to Darjeeling
    3 hours 50 minutes (98.5 km) from Gangtok

    Travel to Darjeeling, a beautiful hill town famous for its tea gardens and stunning views of the Himalayan mountains. Visit the Tiger Hill at sunrise to see the breathtaking panoramic view of the mountain range. Then, explore the charming town and its markets, and take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the "Toy Train".

  4. Day 4: Darjeeling to Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
    25 minutes (3.2 km) from Darjeeling

    Spend the day exploring the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, home to the rare and endangered red panda and snow leopard. Afterward, visit the Ghoom Monastery, a beautiful Buddhist monastery with intricate artwork and a serene atmosphere.

  5. Day 5: Darjeeling to Peace Pagoda and Tea Gardens
    30 minutes (11.5 km) from Darjeeling

    Visit the Peace Pagoda for a peaceful and serene experience. This beautiful structure was built to promote world peace and has stunning views of the mountains and surrounding area. Afterward, take a tour of the Happy Valley Tea Estate to learn about tea production and taste some of the best tea in the world.

  6. Day 6: Departure from Darjeeling
    0 minutes from Darjeeling

    Depart from Darjeeling and head back home.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Enchey Monastery (1 hour, free)
  • Rumtek Monastery (2-3 hours, INR 20)
  • Taste of Tibet Restaurant (1 hour, INR 300)
  • Tsomgo Lake (5-6 hours, INR 3,000)
  • Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (1-2 hours, INR 20)
  • Tiger Hill (1-2 hours, INR 400)
  • Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (2 hours, INR 800)
  • Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (2-3 hours, INR 100)
  • Ghoom Monastery (1 hour, free)
  • Peace Pagoda (2 hours, free)
  • Happy Valley Tea Estate (2-3 hours, INR 100-200)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 4,640-5,040

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Batasia Loop and the Mahakal Temple in Darjeeling. If you have less time, skip the visit to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in Gangtok, and the Happy Valley Tea Estate in Darjeeling. Keep in mind that some areas might be closed during the winter season due to heavy snowfall, so plan accordingly.

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