5-Day Itinerary for Darjeeling on Shoestring Budget in June 2023

1. Day 1: Tiger Hill Sunrise
   20 minutes (8.6 km) from Darjeeling

   Get up early and head to Tiger Hill to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas. On your way back, stop by Batasia Loop and Ghoom Monastery.

2. Day 2: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and Tea Gardens
   15 minutes (5.3 km) from Tiger Hill

   Take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy scenic views of the tea gardens. Visit Happy Valley Tea Estate for a tour and tea tasting.

3. Day 3: Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park
   30 minutes (15.5 km) from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station

   Visit the Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park for a peaceful escape from the city. Enjoy the waterfall, nature trails, and boating in the lake.

4. Day 4: Mahakal Temple and Observatory Hill
   10 minutes (2.4 km) from Ganga Maya Park

   Start your day with a visit to the Mahakal Temple, a popular pilgrimage site. Head up to Observatory Hill for panoramic views of Darjeeling.

5. Day 5: Japanese Peace Pagoda and Chowrasta Mall
   15 minutes (3.5 km) from Mahakal Temple

   Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda, a symbol of peace and harmony. Stroll around Chowrasta Mall, the heart of Darjeeling, and pick up souvenirs from local shops.

Recommendations

Don't miss out on trying momos, a popular dumpling dish in Darjeeling. For a side trip, visit Kalimpong, a charming hill station with beautiful gardens and monasteries. To maximize your fun, consider taking a trek to Sandakphu, the highest point of West Bengal, for breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Tiger Hill Sunrise (3 hours, free)
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (2 hours, INR 400)
• Happy Valley Tea Estate (1 hour, INR 100)
• Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park (2 hours, INR 40)
• Mahakal Temple and Observatory Hill (2 hours, free)
• Japanese Peace Pagoda and Chowrasta Mall (2 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 540 (excluding food and transportation)