Thursday, November 23: Arrival and Local Exploration
Start your trip by arriving in Darjeeling and checking into your hotel. In the morning, head to Chowrasta Mall, the heart of the town, and enjoy a cup of Darjeeling tea while taking in the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Afterward, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which houses a fascinating mountaineering museum. In the evening, explore the vibrant nightlife at Glenary's, a popular pub and restaurant offering delicious food and a wide selection of drinks.
Glenary's: Cost - INR 1,500 ($20) for food and drinks, Time spent - Evening
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Keventers, a famous cafe known for its mouthwatering pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Glenary's Bakery and Cafe, located near Chowrasta Mall. This iconic eatery offers a wide variety of sandwiches, pastries, and cakes, perfect for a quick lunch. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Dine at the iconic Kunga Restaurant in the evening, which serves authentic Tibetan and Chinese cuisine. Indulge in their flavorful momos and thukpa while enjoying the cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Friday, November 24: Sunrise at Tiger Hill and Tea Gardens
Wake up early in the morning and take a jeep ride to Tiger Hill to witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the Kanchenjunga mountain range. After experiencing this breathtaking view, visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate, one of the oldest and most famous tea gardens in Darjeeling. Take a guided tour to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a tea tasting session. In the afternoon, explore the scenic Batasia Loop and the War Memorial. End the day with a visit to the Darjeeling Ropeway, offering panoramic views of the valley.
For breakfast, head to Glenary's Bakery and Café, a charming establishment known for its freshly baked goods and delicious breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, try Keventer's, a legendary eatery that has been serving up mouthwatering burgers and milkshakes since 1911. With its vintage charm and panoramic views of the mountains, this is a must-visit spot. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, indulge in a culinary experience at The Park Restaurant, known for its fine dining and multi-cuisine menu. Enjoy a variety of dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients, and soak in the elegant ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 INR per person.
Saturday, November 25: Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Embark on an adventurous day by starting with a thrilling trek to Sandakphu, the highest peak in West Bengal. Enjoy the scenic beauty and panoramic views of four of the world's highest mountains. After the trek, relax and rejuvenate with a visit to the famous Mirik Lake. Take a boat ride on the lake and indulge in some leisurely activities like horse riding and shopping at the local markets. In the evening, unwind at a bonfire party arranged at your hotel.
Trek to Sandakphu: Cost - INR 2,000 ($27), Time spent - Full day
Bonfire Party: Cost - Included in hotel package, Time spent - Evening
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Keventer's Darjeeling, a popular eatery known for its delicious breakfast options like English breakfast, pancakes, and sandwiches. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 300 per person.
For lunch, check out Glenary's Bakery & Cafe, a charming restaurant famous for its bakery items and continental cuisine. Enjoy their hearty sandwiches, pasta dishes, and delectable desserts. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 500 per person.
For dinner, don't miss Sonam's Kitchen, a cozy restaurant known for its mouthwatering Tibetan and Continental dishes. Try their momos, thukpa, veggie burgers, and pancakes. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 400 per person.
Sunday, November 26: Darjeeling Toy Train and Local Cuisine
Experience the charm of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Toy Train, by taking a joyride from Darjeeling to Ghoom. Enjoy the scenic journey as the train chugs through the picturesque landscapes and passes through the famous Batasia Loop. Afterward, visit the Ghoom Monastery, one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling. In the afternoon, indulge in a food tour, trying out local delicacies like momos, thukpa, and Darjeeling tea-infused dishes. Spend the evening exploring the local markets for souvenirs and handicrafts.
Darjeeling Toy Train: Cost - INR 1,000 ($14), Time spent - 2-3 hours
Monday, November 27: Monasteries and Cultural Immersion
Start the day by visiting the iconic Japanese Peace Pagoda, a symbol of peace and tranquility. Enjoy the serene surroundings and panoramic views of the mountains. Afterward, explore the Ghum Monastery, which houses a large collection of Buddhist scriptures and artifacts. In the afternoon, visit the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center to witness the traditional handicrafts being made by Tibetan refugees. End your trip with a visit to the Observatory Hill, an important religious site with temples and shrines.
Japanese Peace Pagoda: Cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Ghum Monastery: Cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center: Cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Observatory Hill: Cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While in Darjeeling, don't miss the opportunity to explore the quaint streets of Keventer's Lane. This hidden gem is known for its charming cafes and eateries serving mouthwatering breakfast options. For adventure enthusiasts, Tinchuley is a lesser-known destination near Darjeeling that offers breathtaking views, homestay experiences, and trekking opportunities. Another local favorite is the Singalila Ridge Trek, a multi-day trek that takes you through picturesque landscapes and offers stunning views of the Himalayas.
For hotel and flight bookings, you can check prices on Kayak.com.