Exploring Darjeeling and Sikkim with Family in June 2023

1. Day 1: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
   10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Darjeeling Mall Road

   Enjoy a scenic train ride through tea gardens on the UNESCO-listed narrow gauge railway.

2. Day 2: Tiger Hill
   45 minutes (10 miles) from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

   Get up early for the sunrise view of Kanchenjunga Peak with a steaming cup of Darjeeling tea.

3. Day 3: Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Zoological Park
   25 minutes (3.5 miles) from Tiger Hill

   Learn about mountain climbing pioneers and visit endangered species like Snow Leopards and Red Pandas.

4. Day 4: Gangtok
   3 hours (72 miles) from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

   Visit the capital of Sikkim, explore monasteries, and try a bowl of piping hot momos (dumplings).

5. Day 5: Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Flower Exhibition Centre
   15 minutes (1 mile) from MG Marg, Gangtok

   Discover ancient Tibetan culture and admire seasonal blooms in the beautifully landscaped park.

6. Day 6: Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir
   1.5 hours (24 miles) from Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

   Take a scenic road trip up to the glacial lake and pay respects at the holy site dedicated to Indian army martyr.

7. Day 7: Rumtek Monastery
   25 minutes (7 miles) from Tsomgo Lake

   Visit the largest Buddhist monastery in Sikkim with intricate murals, golden pagoda and a serene mountain location.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (2 hours, INR 800)
• Tiger Hill (2 hours, INR 200)
• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Zoological Park (3 hours, INR 500)
• Gangtok (Full day, INR 3000 including transport and food)
• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Flower Exhibition Centre (2 hours, INR 250)
• Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir (Half day, INR 2000 per car)
• Rumtek Monastery (2 hours, INR 100)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 7250 per person

Useful Tips

You can explore Darjeeling and Sikkim with less time by skipping a few activities like the Flower Exhibition Centre and Gangtok. For a longer trip, add excursions like a visit to Pelling or Yuksom in West Sikkim or a stay at a tea garden resort in Darjeeling Hills.