7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Gangtok- Pelling- Darjeeling- Tinchule
Friday, November 24: Arrival in Gangtok
Welcome to Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. Start your trip by exploring the Enchey Monastery in the morning, a serene Buddhist temple known for its beautiful architecture. In the afternoon, visit the Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park, where you can enjoy the picturesque waterfall and learn about traditional folklore. Spend the evening strolling along MG Marg, the main street filled with shops, restaurants, and local vendors.
Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
MG Marg: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - Flexible
Restaurants
The Breakfast Club: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Breakfast Club. This cozy cafe offers a wide variety of breakfast options including eggs, pancakes, and sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Cafe Fiction: For lunch, head to Cafe Fiction, a popular eatery known for its cozy ambiance and delicious food. Try their fusion dishes and enjoy the beautiful views from the outdoor seating area. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Taste of Tibet: Indulge in a dinner at Taste of Tibet, a charming restaurant that serves authentic Tibetan cuisine. Try their momos, thukpa, and butter tea for a taste of the local flavors. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Saturday, November 25: Exploring Gangtok
Start your day by visiting the Rumtek Monastery, one of the most important monasteries in Sikkim. In the afternoon, take a cable car ride to the Tashi Viewpoint for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. End your day with a visit to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, a museum that showcases Tibetan art and culture.
Rumtek Monastery: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Tashi Viewpoint: Estimated cost - INR 170 per person (cable car ride), Time spent - 1-2 hours
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Gangtok is Baker's Café, known for its freshly baked pastries and delicious sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 200 rupees per person.
For lunch, try The Coffee Shop which offers a variety of tasty burgers and sizzlers. Average cost for a meal is about 300 rupees per person.
For dinner, head to The Square, a rooftop restaurant with a stunning view of the city. They serve a range of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. Average cost for a meal is about 500 rupees per person.
Sunday, November 26: Journey to Pelling
Leave Gangtok and head towards Pelling. On the way, stop at the Khecheopalri Lake, a sacred lake known for its crystal clear waters. In the afternoon, visit the Pemayangtse Monastery, a charming Buddhist monastery with stunning views of the Himalayas. Spend the evening exploring the quaint town of Pelling and enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery.
Khecheopalri Lake: Estimated cost - INR 30 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Pemayangtse Monastery: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Exploring Pelling: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - Flexible
Restaurants
For breakfast, try the charming Cafe Shillong in Pelling, known for its delicious pancakes and refreshing coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, visit Melting Point Restaurant, a popular spot offering a variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Tibetan. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, head to The Refuel Restaurant and Bar, known for its cozy atmosphere and mouth-watering dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Monday, November 27: Discovering Darjeeling
Travel from Pelling to Darjeeling. In the morning, visit the Tiger Hill viewpoint to witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the snow-capped Kanchenjunga Mountains. Afterward, explore the famous Ghoom Monastery and the Batasia Loop, a spiral railway track offering panoramic views. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the Mall Road, where you can shop for souvenirs and taste local delicacies.
Tiger Hill: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Mall Road: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - Flexible
Restaurants
Café Coffee Day: A popular chain of cafes offering a variety of breakfast options including sandwiches, omelettes, and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Glenary's Bakery & Café: A charming bakery and café known for its delicious sandwiches and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Kunga Restaurant: A Tibetan restaurant serving mouthwatering momos, thukpa, and other Tibetan delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Tuesday, November 28: Tea Gardens and Toy Train
Start your day with a visit to the Happy Valley Tea Estate, where you can learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a refreshing cup of Darjeeling tea. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Toy Train. The train journey will take you through picturesque landscapes and charming hillside villages. Spend the evening exploring the vibrant local markets.
Happy Valley Tea Estate: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Estimated cost - INR 500 per person (joyride ticket), Time spent - 2-3 hours
Exploring Local Markets: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - Flexible
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Coffee Day. This cozy cafe offers a wide range of breakfast items, such as sandwiches, pastries, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Glenary's Restaurant, a popular eatery known for its scrumptious continental and Indian dishes. Don't miss their mouthwatering momos and delectable desserts. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Indulge in a fine dining experience for dinner at Keventers. This elegant restaurant offers a mix of international and Indian cuisines, with a focus on flavorsome tandoori dishes and aromatic biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Wednesday, November 29: Excursion to Mirik
Take a day trip to Mirik, a picturesque hill station near Darjeeling. In the morning, visit the Sumendu Lake and take a boat ride surrounded by lush greenery. Explore the beautiful gardens of Mirik, such as the Bokar Monastery and the Tea Gardens. Enjoy a picnic by the lake and indulge in local snacks. Return to Darjeeling in the evening.
Sumendu Lake: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person (boat ride), Time spent - 2-3 hours
Picnic by the Lake: Estimated cost - Personal expense, Time spent - Flexible
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Mirik is Cafe Shangri-La, famous for their delicious breakfast options including pancakes, omelettes, and fresh fruit juices. The average cost for a meal here is about $5 per person.
For lunch, head to Hotel Jagjeet that offers a wide variety of Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese cuisines. Their momos and thukpa are a must-try. The average cost for a meal here is about $7 per person.
In the evening, dine at the cozy Glenary's Restaurant in Darjeeling that offers a charming ambiance and a range of continental dishes. Don't miss their signature shepherd's pie. The average cost for a meal here is about $10 per person.
Thursday, November 30: Tinchule and Departure
On your last day, visit the Tinchuley viewpoint near Darjeeling to admire the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and tea gardens. Take a guided nature walk to explore the local flora and fauna. Bid farewell to the enchanting hills of Sikkim and depart for your onward journey.
Guided Nature Walk: Estimated cost - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Coffee Day in Darjeeling, a popular chain known for its coffee and pastries. The average cost for a meal here is about 150 rupees per person.
For lunch, try the Royal Plaza Restaurant in Pelling, known for its delicious Indian and Chinese cuisine. The average cost for a meal here is about 300 rupees per person.
For dinner, visit 9'INE Restaurant and Bar in Gangtok, offering a diverse menu of Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 rupees per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a truly off the beaten path experience, consider visiting the Aritar Lake in Sikkim. This serene lake is surrounded by lush forests and offers boating facilities. Another local favorite is the Rock Garden in Darjeeling, a peaceful garden adorned with unique rock sculptures. Families with children may enjoy a visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling, where they can learn about mountaineering history and see a collection of mountaineering artifacts.
Before finalizing your travel plans, you can check hotel and flight prices on Kayak.