7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Gangtok, Lachen, Lachung and Darjeeling in June 2023

1. Day 1: Gangtok
   34 minutes (20.7 km) from Bagdogra Airport

   Visit the Enchey Monastery and take a cable car ride to the highest point of Gangtok for panoramic views. Enjoy shopping at MG Road and try local cuisine for dinner.

2. Day 2: Lachen
   <
   6 hours (107 km) from Gangtok

   Take a scenic drive to Lachen. Visit the Lachen Monastery and enjoy a walk around the village. Have dinner and rest early for an early morning start to Gurudongmar Lake.

3. Day 3: Lachung
   2 hours (47 km) from Lachen

   Head to the stunning Yumthang Valley and take a dip in the natural hot springs. Visit the Zero Point and witness the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Enjoy dinner with a cultural show in the evening at your hotel in Lachung.

4. Day 4: Gangtok
   6 hours (105 km) from Lachung

   Return to Gangtok and explore the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and the Hanuman Tok temple. Take a stroll around the beautiful Banjhakri Falls and get some souvenirs at the local markets.

5. Day 5: Darjeeling
   3 hours (99 km) from Gangtok

   Visit the Tiger Hill for a stunning sunrise view of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. Take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway "Toy Train". Visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Enjoy dinner at Keventer's rooftop restaurant.

6. Day 6: Darjeeling
   In and around Darjeeling

   Explore the Japanese Peace Pagoda and take a walk around the tea gardens. Visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate and the Ghoom Monastery. End the day with a visit to the Batasia Loop and the Dali Monastery.

7. Day 7: Darjeeling
   End of Itinerary

   Spend the morning at the local markets and take a souvenir back home. Have lunch at Glenary's Bakery and Cafe before heading back home.

Recommendations

Don't miss the opportunity to try out the local momos and thukpas. Take a day trip to Kalimpong for a peaceful day away from the hustle and bustle. Don't forget to pack enough warm clothing for the trip.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Enchey Monastery (2 hours, free)
• Cable Car Ride (1 hour, INR 110 per person)
• Lachen Monastery (1 hour, free)
• Gurudongmar Lake (5 hours, INR 4,000 per car)
• Yumthang Valley (2 hours, INR 3,000 per car)
• Zero Point (2 hours, INR 3,000 per car)
• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (2 hours, INR 20 per person)
• Banjhakri Falls (2 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Tiger Hill (2 hours, INR 1,200 per car)
• Toy Train Ride (2 hours, INR 1,300 per person)
• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (2 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (2 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Japanese Peace Pagoda (1 hour, free)
• Happy Valley Tea Estate (2 hours, INR 100 per person)
• Ghoom Monastery (1 hour, free)
• Batasia Loop (1 hour, INR 15 per person)
• Dali Monastery (1 hour, free)
• Glenary's Bakery and Cafe (1 hour, INR 500 for two people)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 12,100 per person