Darjeeling in May 2023 - 5 Day Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Tiger Hill
    20 minutes (5.9 km) from Darjeeling town

    Wake up early to catch the sunrise at Tiger Hill. Located at an altitude of 2590 meters, you can witness the first rays of the sun striking the Kanchenjunga peak, creating a dramatic effect. This vantage point also offers stunning views of Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks.

  2. Day 2: Happy Valley Tea Estate
    15 minutes (2.1 km) from Darjeeling town

    Visit the iconic Happy Valley Tea Estate, established in 1854. Take a guided tour where you can see the process of tea making from plucking to packaging. Sip on the aromatic tea and buy some as souvenirs.

  3. Day 3: Batasia Loop
    10 minutes (3.7 km) from Darjeeling town

    Batasia Loop is a spiral railway created to lower the gradient of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. It offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Darjeeling town, including snow-covered peaks of Himalayas. Enjoy a ride on the heritage railway and capture memorable photos for your Instagram stories.

  4. Day 4: Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
    5 minutes (1.2 km) from Darjeeling town

    This institute was established in honour of Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to scale Mount Everest. The museum showcases the equipment and photographs used in various mountaineering expeditions. You can also try rock-climbing, rappelling and other adventure activities here.

  5. Day 5: Mirik Lake
    1 hour and 15 minutes (31.1 km) from Darjeeling town

    Mirik lake is a natural reservoir surrounded by a stunning forest and hills on all sides. You can indulge in boating, horse riding and refuel your hunger at the nearby eateries. Suitable for a picnic with family and friends.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Tiger Hill Sunrise (3 hours): INR 200
  • Happy Valley Tea Estate Tour (1 hour): INR 100
  • Batasia Loop Ride (1 hour): INR 50
  • Himalayan Mountaineering Institute Visit and Activities (2 hours): INR 300
  • Mirik Lake Day Trip (5 hours): INR 1000
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 1650

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, explore the toy train journey to Ghum or try local Tibetan cuisine in the small eateries around the Mall road. If you are short of time, you can skip Mirik Lake and opt for Japanese Temple or Rangit valley instead. Early morning visits are recommended to avoid traffic and tourist rush.

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