Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 75 travelers

5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Darjeeling in September 2023

  1. Day 1: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
    12 minutes (3.5 km) from Darjeeling Mall Road

    In the morning, take a joyride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit attraction for families. Enjoy the scenic view of the Himalayan range on the toy train. Have lunch at Keventer's, a popular restaurant for over a century, and try their signature dish, English breakfast. Walk to Observatory Hill in the afternoon, a sacred spot for both Hindu and Buddhist communities. In the evening, explore the Mall Road and try some local delicacies like momos and thukpa.

  2. Day 2: Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
    10 minutes (2.6 km) from Darjeeling Mall Road

    Visit Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park to see rare Himalayan animals like red pandas and snow leopards. In the afternoon, explore Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Tenzing Rock, named after Tenzing Norgay, the first man to climb Mount Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary. Try rock climbing at Tenzing Rock and learn about mountaineering history at the museum. In the evening, visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda to witness a breathtaking sunset over the Kanchenjunga range.

  3. Day 3: Happy Valley Tea Estate and Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre
    16 minutes (4.5 km) from Darjeeling Mall Road

    Start the day with a guided tour of Happy Valley Tea Estate, one of the oldest tea estates in Darjeeling. Learn about tea processing and enjoy a cup of fresh tea. In the afternoon, visit Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre, a non-profit organization that supports Tibetan refugees. Shop for handmade carpets, jackets, and other souvenirs. In the evening, attend a cultural show at the Tibetan Dance and Drama Centre and enjoy traditional Tibetan music and dance performances.

  4. Day 4: Mahakal Temple and Batasia Loop
    11 minutes (3.7 km) from Darjeeling Mall Road

    Start the day with a visit to Mahakal Temple, a revered Hindu temple on a hilltop overlooking Darjeeling. Afterward, head to Batasia Loop, a spiral railway track with a scenic garden in the center. Enjoy a 360-degree view of Darjeeling town and the surrounding hills. In the afternoon, visit Lloyd Botanical Garden, a beautiful garden with rare Himalayan plants and flowers. In the evening, stroll along the Darjeeling Chowrasta and enjoy street performances and local cuisine.

  5. Day 5: Tiger Hill and Ghum Monastery
    1 hour (12 km) from Darjeeling Mall Road

    Wake up early and drive to Tiger Hill to witness a spectacular sunrise over the Kanchenjunga range. Afterward, visit Ghum Monastery, one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling. Admire the beautiful thangkas and statues and attend a prayer ceremony. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to Mirik Lake, a picturesque lake surrounded by hills. Enjoy boating and horse riding and shop for souvenirs. In the evening, return to Darjeeling and have a farewell dinner at Glenary's, a century-old bakery and restaurant.

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider visiting the Darjeeling Peace Pagoda, a popular spot for meditation and yoga. You can also take a day trip to Kalimpong, a charming hill station known for its flower market and handicrafts. For adventure seekers, try paragliding at Kalimpong or rock climbing at Tenzing Rock. To maximize your fun, book your accommodation near Darjeeling Mall Road, the town center, to be close to all the attractions. Don't forget to try Darjeeling tea and go souvenir shopping at local markets.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version