Darjeeling and Gangtok 6-Day Family Friendly Itinerary
Sunday, October 15, 2023: Arrival in Darjeeling
Arrive in Darjeeling and check into your hotel. In the morning, take a scenic ride on the UNESCO World Heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Toy Train, to experience the breathtaking views of the surrounding tea gardens and mountains. In the afternoon, visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a refreshing cup of Darjeeling tea. In the evening, explore the Mall Road, a vibrant shopping street dotted with shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Estimated Cost - INR 500 per person, Estimated Time Spent - 2 hours
Happy Valley Tea Estate: Estimated Cost - INR 100 per person, Estimated Time Spent - 1 hour
For breakfast, head to Glenary's Bakery and Cafe, a popular establishment in Darjeeling offering a wide range of freshly baked goods, including croissants, pastries, and sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Sonam's Kitchen, a cozy family-run restaurant known for its delicious homemade vegetarian and vegan dishes. They serve a variety of cuisines, including Tibetan and European. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Keventers, a historic restaurant known for its classic Indian and continental dishes. They also have a great selection of milkshakes and hot beverages. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday, October 16, 2023: Darjeeling Exploration
Start your day with a visit to the Tiger Hill to witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the Kanchenjunga mountain range. Afterward, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Everest Museum to learn about the history of mountaineering and explore exhibits showcasing mountaineering artifacts. In the afternoon, take a peaceful boat ride on the Mirik Lake, surrounded by lush greenery. In the evening, visit the Observatory Hill to enjoy panoramic views of the city and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the Mahakal Temple.
Tiger Hill: Estimated Cost - INR 100 per person, Estimated Time Spent - 2 hours
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Everest Museum: Estimated Cost - INR 100 per person, Estimated Time Spent - 2 hours
Mirik Lake: Estimated Cost - Boating charges INR 50 per person, Estimated Time Spent - 1 hour
Observatory Hill and Mahakal Temple: No entry fee, Estimated Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to Glenary's Bakery and Café, a popular Darjeeling institution known for its freshly baked pastries and bread. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, try Kunga Restaurant, a cozy eatery offering a variety of Tibetan, Indian, and Chinese dishes. Don't miss their momos and thukpa. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit Sonam's Kitchen, a quaint restaurant serving homemade vegetarian and vegan dishes. Their pancakes and sandwiches are highly recommended. Average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
Tuesday, October 17, 2023: Transfer to Gangtok
Leave Darjeeling and embark on a scenic drive to Gangtok. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take some time to relax. In the morning, visit the Enchey Monastery, known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings. Afterward, explore the vibrant markets of Gangtok, such as Lal Bazaar and MG Marg, where you can shop for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.
Enchey Monastery: Estimated Cost - INR 50 per person, Estimated Time Spent - 1 hour
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: Estimated Cost - INR 20 per person, Estimated Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to M.G. Marg and visit Baker's Cafe, a cozy bakery known for its delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
For lunch, try the famous Taste of Tibet Restaurant located near Lal Bazaar, offering authentic Tibetan cuisine with a wide variety of momos and thukpa. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For dinner, visit The Square Restaurant at the MAYFAIR Spa Resort & Casino for a fine dining experience. Indulge in a range of Indian and international dishes amidst elegant decor. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Wednesday, October 18, 2023: Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir
Embark on a full-day excursion to the stunning Tsomgo Lake, located at an altitude of 12,400 feet. Spend the morning enjoying the serene beauty of the lake and take a yak ride around its shores. Afterward, visit Baba Mandir, a holy site dedicated to an Indian Army soldier, Baba Harbhajan Singh. In the evening, return to Gangtok and explore the local eateries to savor delicious Tibetan and Nepalese cuisine.
Tsomgo Lake: Estimated Cost - INR 200 per person (permit fee), Estimated Time Spent - 3-4 hours
Baba Mandir: No entry fee, Estimated Time Spent - 1 hour
Local Eateries: Estimated Cost - Variable, Estimated Time Spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Momo Café: Enjoy a cozy breakfast at Momo Café, known for its delectable Tibetan and Nepalese momos. With an average cost of around 200 INR per person, you can indulge in a variety of steamed or fried momos filled with your choice of vegetables, chicken, or pork.
Roll House: For a satisfying lunch, head to Roll House, a popular spot for mouthwatering Kathi rolls. With an average cost of around 250 INR per person, you can relish in a variety of fillings such as chicken tikka, paneer, or egg wrapped in a warm, flaky paratha.
Thakali: Treat your taste buds to a delightful dinner at Thakali, specializing in authentic Nepalese and Tibetan cuisine. With an average cost of around 500 INR per person, you can devour dishes like Thukpa (noodle soup), Momo set, or Thakali platter, which consists of a variety of flavorful dishes served with rice.
Thursday, October 19, 2023: Gangtok Sightseeing
Start your day by visiting the Rumtek Monastery, one of the largest and most significant monasteries in Sikkim. Explore the beautiful prayer halls and enjoy panoramic views of Gangtok from its premises. Afterward, visit the Flower Exhibition Centre and the Gangtok Ropeway for a thrilling cable car ride offering stunning views of the city. In the evening, relax at the Banjhakri Falls and Park, a tranquil nature park surrounded by lush greenery.
Rumtek Monastery: Estimated Cost - INR 50 per person, Estimated Time Spent - 2 hours
Flower Exhibition Centre: Estimated Cost - INR 20 per person, Estimated Time Spent - 1 hour
Gangtok Ropeway: Estimated Cost - INR 120 per person (round trip), Estimated Time Spent - 1 hour
Banjhakri Falls and Park: Estimated Cost - INR 50 per person, Estimated Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Coffee Shop, a cozy cafe known for its freshly brewed coffee and delicious baked goods. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try The Square Meal, a family-friendly restaurant offering a variety of Indian and international cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at The Taste of Darjeeling, a popular restaurant specializing in authentic Darjeeling cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Friday, October 20, 2023: Departure
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Gangtok, exploring any missed sights or indulging in some last-minute shopping. Bid farewell to the beautiful hill towns of Darjeeling and Gangtok as you depart for your onward journey.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, consider visiting the Himalayan Mountaineering and Adventure Institute in Darjeeling, where you can participate in adventure activities like rock climbing and rappelling under the guidance of experienced instructors. Another off the beaten path attraction is the Tashi Viewpoint in Gangtok, offering panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range and the surrounding mountains. Locals also love visiting the Ganesh Tok, a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh, located atop a hill, providing panoramic views of Gangtok city.