12-Day Family-Friendly North Bengal Itinerary

  • Day 1: Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling
    2 hours (42 miles) from Bagdogra Airport

    Start your North Bengal adventure by travelling from Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling. This place is famous for its tea plantations, scenic beauty, and historic Toy Train ride.

  • Day 2: Darjeeling
    15 minutes (1 mile) from last destination

    Visit the Tiger Hill viewpoint early in the morning to witness the sunrise. Next, explore the Batasia Loop and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum to learn about the famous Toy Train. Finally, head to the Mahakal Temple to experience peace and spirituality.

  • Day 3: Darjeeling to Gangtok
    4 hours (66 miles) from last destination

    Travel from Darjeeling to Gangtok and explore the scenic beauty of the place. Visit the MG Marg Mall for some shopping, dining, and entertainment.

  • Day 4: Gangtok
    10 minutes (1.5 miles) from last destination

    Visit the Nathu La Pass and Tsomgo Lake for some breathtaking scenery. Explore the Enchey Monastery to learn more about the history and culture of the place. Finally, head to the Ganesh Tok viewpoint for a panoramic view of the city.

  • Day 5: Gangtok to Kalimpong
    2.5 hours (48 miles) from last destination

    Travel from Gangtok to Kalimpong and explore the natural beauty of the place. Visit the Zang Dhok Palri Phodang monastery to witness the magnificent Buddhist art and architecture. Finally, explore the Pine View Nursery to learn about the hundreds of plant species grown there.

  • Day 6: Kalimpong to Dooars
    5 hours (118 miles) from last destination

    Travel from Kalimpong to Dooars and experience the natural beauty of this region. Visit Jaldapara National Park for a safari ride to spot the one-horned rhinoceros and other wildlife.

  • Day 7: Dooars
    20 minutes (6.1 miles) from last destination

    Visit the Buxa Tiger Reserve for some beautiful scenery and trekking experience. Explore the Chilapata Forest to learn about the flora and fauna of the region. Finally, end the day by visiting the Mahakaleshwar Temple to experience the spirituality of the place.

  • Day 8: Dooars to Sikkim
    6 hours (155 miles) from last destination

    Travel from Dooars to Sikkim and visit the Yumthang Valley for a stunning display of natural beauty. Next, visit the Nathu La Pass and Changu Lake for the scenic experience. Finally, end the day by experiencing the nightlife at the Club Mahindra Gangtok Resort for some entertainment and relaxation.

  • Day 9: Sikkim to Lava
    3 hours (48 miles) from last destination

    Travel from Sikkim to Lava and explore the scenic beauty of the place. Visit the Lava Monastery to learn about the cultural and religious aspects of the place. Finally, explore the Neora Valley National Park for some trekking and a scenic overview of the area.

  • Day 10: Lava to Murti
    1.5 hours (33 miles) from last destination

    Travel from Lava to Murti and experience the natural beauty of the place. Visit the Gorumara National Park for a safari ride and to spot wildlife. Finally, explore the Rocky Island for a unique experience of nature and tranquility.

  • Day 11: Murti to Mirik
    2 hours (50 miles) from last destination

    Travel from Murti to Mirik and explore the natural beauty of the place. Visit the Mirik Lake for a boating experience and scenic beauty. Enjoy the local food and shopping around the lake. Finally, head to the Bokar Monastery for some inner peace and spirituality.

  • Day 12: Mirik to Bagdogra Airport
    2 hours (41 miles) from last destination

    End your North Bengal trip by travelling from Mirik to Bagdogra Airport. Spend some time around the airport exploring the local market and food stalls.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Tiger Hill viewpoint (1 hour, INR 100)
  • Batasia Loop (30 minutes, INR 20)
  • Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum (1 hour, INR 100)
  • Mahakal Temple (1 hour, Free entry)
  • Nathu La Pass (3 hours, INR 600)
  • Tsomgo Lake (1 hour, INR 300)
  • Enchey Monastery (1 hour, Free entry)
  • Ganesh Tok viewpoint (30 minutes, Free entry)
  • Zang Dhok Palri Phodang monastery (1 hour, Free entry)
  • Pine View Nursery (1 hour, Free entry)
  • Jaldapara National Park safari ride (3 hours, INR 1500)
  • Buxa Tiger Reserve (2 hours, Free entry)
  • Chilapata Forest (1 hour, Free entry)
  • Mahakaleshwar Temple (1 hour, Free entry)
  • Yumthang Valley (2 hours, Free entry)
  • Changu Lake (1 hour, INR 200)
  • Club Mahindra Gangtok Resort (2 hours, INR 1000)
  • Lava Monastery (1 hour, Free entry)
  • Neora Valley National Park (2 hours, INR 200)
  • Gorumara National Park safari ride (3 hours, INR 2000)
  • Rocky Island (1 hour, Free entry)
  • Mirik Lake boating (1 hour, INR 100)
  • Bokar Monastery (1 hour, Free entry)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 7240

Transportation

North Bengal is well-connected by road, rail and air. The nearest airport to North Bengal is Bagdogra Airport. Travelling by road from one destination to another can range from 1 to 6 hours depending on the distance between them. Public transportation such as buses, taxis, and private cars are widely available. The total cost for transportation during this 12-day trip is approximately INR 8000.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can add a day to explore Darjeeling and experience the Toy Train ride. You can also add a day or two to explore the other parts of Sikkim such as Pelling or Namchi. If you have less time, you can skip Kalimpong and explore Dooars and Mirik instead. Make sure to carry comfortable shoes, light clothing, and sunscreen lotion as you will be doing a lot of walking during this trip.

Airports

Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is the nearest airport to North Bengal, located approximately 41 miles away from Mirik. This airport is well-connected to major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Guwahati.

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