Tuesday, November 28: Arrival and Local Exploration
Start your girls trip in Darjeeling by arriving at Bagdogra Airport. From there, take a taxi or shared cab to your pre-booked affordable hotel or home stay with good security measures. After checking in and freshening up, head to the popular Chowrasta Mall. Enjoy a relaxing morning sipping tea at the numerous cafes while taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains. In the afternoon, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute to learn about mountaineering and explore the Museum of Everest. End your day with a stroll through the bustling local market, where you can shop for souvenirs and experience the local culture.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Keventer's. This popular cafe offers a range of options, from English breakfasts to Indian delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Glenary's, a charming bakery and restaurant known for its delectable European cuisine. Enjoy a leisurely meal while admiring the panoramic views of the mountains. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
In the evening, indulge in a fine dining experience at Kunga Restaurant. This Tibetan restaurant serves delicious momos, thukpa, and other authentic dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Wednesday, November 29: Sunrise at Tiger Hill and Exploring Darjeeling
Wake up early to catch the mesmerizing sunrise over the majestic Kanchenjunga mountain range from Tiger Hill. Arrange a taxi or join a guided tour to reach the viewpoint. After witnessing the beautiful sunrise, visit the Ghoom Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the region. In the afternoon, satisfy your taste buds by exploring the local food scene. Try momos (steamed dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and traditional Darjeeling tea at popular food stalls and cafes. For a cultural experience, visit the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center, where you can shop for handicrafts made by the local Tibetan community.
Tiger Hill: INR 800-1000 (approx.) for taxi, 4-5 hours
Ghoom Monastery: Free, 1-2 hours
Local Food Exploration: Price varies, 2-3 hours
Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Glenary's, a popular bakery and cafe known for its freshly baked pastries and breads. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Keventer's, a local favorite known for its mouthwatering burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
Indulge in a delectable dinner at Sonam's Kitchen, a cozy restaurant serving a variety of international cuisines including Tibetan, Israeli, and Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 400 per person.
Thursday, November 30: Darjeeling Toy Train and Tea Gardens
Embark on a nostalgic ride aboard the Darjeeling Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the scenic journey as the small steam engine chugs through the picturesque landscapes and charming hillside villages. After the train ride, visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate, situated amidst lush green hills. Take a guided tour of the tea factory to understand the tea-making process and indulge in a flavorful tea tasting session. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful gardens of Darjeeling, such as the Rock Garden, Botanical Garden, and Peace Pagoda. Capture stunning photographs and relax in the serene surroundings.
Toy Train: INR 800-1000 (approx.) for a joyride, 3-4 hours
Happy Valley Tea Estate: INR 100 (approx.), 2-3 hours
Rock Garden: INR 50 (approx.), 1-2 hours
Botanical Garden: INR 20 (approx.), 1-2 hours
Peace Pagoda: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in the area is Cafe Coffee Day, known for its variety of freshly brewed coffee and delicious breakfast sandwiches. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹150 per person.
For lunch, head to Glenary's Restaurant and Bakery, a charming eatery offering a diverse menu of Indian, Tibetan, and Continental cuisines. Don't miss their delectable pastries and baked goods. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹300 per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Keventers, a well-known restaurant serving mouthwatering Indian and Chinese dishes. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly service, this place is perfect for a relaxing dinner. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹500 per person.
Friday, December 1: Excursion to Mirik Lake and Pashupati Market
Take a day trip to the beautiful Mirik Lake, located just a couple of hours away from Darjeeling. Explore the scenic surroundings of the lake, enjoy a boat ride, and indulge in delicious food at the lakeside cafes. On your way back, make a stop at the nearby Pashupati Market, situated in Nepal. Experience a cross-border shopping adventure with a variety of affordable clothes, accessories, and handicrafts available. In the evening, return to Darjeeling and spend some leisure time exploring the local markets or unwinding at your hotel.
Mirik Lake: Taxi fare varies, 5-6 hours
Pashupati Market: Price varies, 1-2 hours
Leisure Time: Free, flexible
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near Mirik Lake is Cafe de la Paix, known for its delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a breakfast meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to Shyam's Restaurant, a local favorite that offers a wide range of Indian and Tibetan dishes. The average cost for a lunch meal is about ₹300 per person.
In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at Kunga Restaurant, where you can savor authentic Tibetan cuisine including momos and thukpa. The average cost for a dinner meal is about ₹400 per person.
Saturday, December 2: Buddhist Monasteries and Departure
On your last day in Darjeeling, visit some of the picturesque Buddhist monasteries in the area. Start with the Dali Monastery, known for its stunning architecture and tranquil atmosphere. Then, head to the Bhutia Busty Monastery, located amidst beautiful surroundings. Immerse yourself in the spiritual vibes and take some peaceful moments to meditate or simply absorb the serenity. Finally, bid farewell to Darjeeling as you check out of your hotel and depart for Bagdogra Airport, carrying unforgettable memories of your girls trip in Darjeeling.
Dali Monastery: Free, 1-2 hours
Bhutia Busty Monastery: Free, 1-2 hours
Departure to Bagdogra Airport: Taxi fare varies, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Keventer's, a popular restaurant offering a variety of options such as pancakes, sandwiches, and Tibetan fare. A meal here costs around 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Glenary's, a charming bakery and cafe known for its delectable pastries, sandwiches, and Continental dishes. Expect to spend around 400 INR per person for a meal.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Kunga Restaurant, a local favorite serving authentic Tibetan and Chinese cuisine. With its cozy atmosphere and tasty food, a meal here will cost you approximately 500 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Darjeeling, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Observatory Hill, located near the Mahakal Temple. This hidden gem offers breathtaking panoramic views of Darjeeling, along with the chance to witness a beautiful sunset. Additionally, consider taking a leisurely walk through the Happy Valley Tea Estate to admire the lush tea gardens up close and learn more about the tea-making process. These off the beaten path attractions and experiences will provide a unique perspective on Darjeeling and allow you to connect with the local culture and natural beauty of the region.