Family Friendly Itinerary: Darjeeling and Sikkim

Day 1: Darjeeling Sunrise

Darjeeling, India

5:00PM

Arrival at Bagdogra Airport

Upon landing, proceed to hire a private car to Darjeeling to start your adventure.
Travel by road from Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling, approximately 3 hours.
Variable, 3 hours

8:00AM

Visit Tiger Hill

Start with a mesmerising sunrise at Tiger Hill, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Tiger Hill is about 11 km from Darjeeling town centre, easily accessible by car.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Batasia Loop

Visit the famous spiral railway created to lower the gradient of ascent of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
Batasia Loop is a short drive from Tiger Hill.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Glenary's

Indulge in delicious local and international cuisine at this iconic Darjeeling restaurant.
Head back to the town centre for lunch at Glenary's.
£10 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Explore this high-altitude zoo known for its conservation breeding programmes of endangered Himalayan species.
The zoo is a short drive from the town centre.
£5 per person, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Keventer's

Enjoy a hearty meal and stunning views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range at this iconic eatery.
Head to Keventer's for dinner in the Mall area.
£15 per person, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Tea Estates and Toy Train

Darjeeling, India

9:00AM

Visit Happy Valley Tea Estate

Take a tour of the tea estate to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy some fresh Darjeeling tea.
Happy Valley Tea Estate is a short drive from the town centre.
£7 per person, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Glenmorgan Restaurant & Bar

Relish a meal amidst the lush tea gardens with a stunning view of the valleys.
Enjoy lunch at Glenmorgan Restaurant & Bar nearby.
£12 per person, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Joyride

Experience a ride on the UNESCO-listed toy train, a charming journey through the picturesque landscapes.
The train station is in the town centre. Tickets can be purchased at the station.
£8 per person, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Glenary's

End your day with another delightful meal at Glenary's, soaking in the Darjeeling charm.
Head back to Glenary's in the town centre for dinner.
£10 per person, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cultural Immersion in Darjeeling

Darjeeling, India

10:00AM

Visit Himalayan Tibet Museum

Explore the rich Tibetan heritage and history through artefacts and exhibits at this museum.
The museum is located in the town centre, easily accessible by foot.
£3 per person, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sonam's Kitchen

Enjoy a cosy meal at this popular eatery known for its homely atmosphere and delicious food.
Lunch at Sonam's Kitchen located nearby.
£8 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shop at Nehru Road

Browse through the vibrant markets on Nehru Road for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Explore the bustling Nehru Road for shopping.
Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kunga Restaurant

Treat your taste buds to authentic Tibetan and Nepali cuisine at this renowned restaurant.
Head to Kunga Restaurant in the main market area for dinner.
£12 per person, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Exploring Gangtok

Gangtok, India

9:00AM

Visit Enchey Monastery

Begin your day with a visit to this serene monastery known for its stunning architecture and religious significance.
Enchey Monastery is a short drive from the city centre.
£2 per person, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Taste of Tibet

Enjoy a flavoursome Tibetan meal at this popular restaurant in Gangtok.
Have lunch at Taste of Tibet in the heart of the city.
£10 per person, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Delve into the history and culture of Tibet at this institute housing rare collections of artefacts and manuscripts.
Visit the institute a short distance from the city centre.
£4 per person, 2 hours

5:00PM

Stroll at MG Marg

Take a leisurely walk along the bustling MG Marg, a popular shopping and dining street in Gangtok.
Enjoy a stroll at MG Marg in the city centre.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Roll House

Savour delicious rolls and local street food at this famous eatery on MG Marg.
Dine at Roll House on MG Marg.
£6 per person, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Nature and Tranquility in Gangtok

Gangtok, India

9:00AM

Visit Banjhakri Falls

Explore the picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and enjoy a peaceful time in nature.
Head to Banjhakri Falls, a short drive from the city centre.
£3 per person, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Baker's Cafe

Relish delectable bakery items and refreshing beverages at this cosy cafe in Gangtok.
Lunch at Baker's Cafe located near the falls.
£8 per person, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Tashi View Point

Enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas and the Gangtok cityscape from this viewpoint.
Tashi View Point is a short drive from the cafe.
£2 per person, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at MG Marg

Spend a leisurely evening shopping or trying local snacks at MG Marg.
Head back to MG Marg for a relaxed evening.
Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Thakali

Indulge in traditional Nepali and Tibetan cuisine at this authentic restaurant in Gangtok.
Dine at Thakali near MG Marg.
£15 per person, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Serenity in Pelling

Pelling, India

9:00AM

Visit Pemayangtse Monastery

Explore the ancient monastery known for its intricate woodwork and serene ambience.
Head to Pemayangtse Monastery, a short drive from the town centre.
£3 per person, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Melting Point Restaurant

Enjoy a meal with a view at this restaurant offering a panoramic vista of the Himalayan ranges.
Lunch at Melting Point Restaurant near the monastery.
£10 per person, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Rabdentse Ruins

Discover the ancient ruins of the Rabdentse Palace, once the capital of the former kingdom of Sikkim.
Rabdentse Ruins are a short drive from the monastery.
£4 per person, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Singshore Bridge

Unwind at the iconic Singshore Bridge, the highest bridge in Sikkim, offering breathtaking views of the valley below.
Singshore Bridge is a scenic drive from the ruins.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Elgin Mount Pandim

Dine at this luxury heritage hotel restaurant, savouring delicious cuisine amidst a charming ambience.
Dine at The Elgin Mount Pandim in the town centre.
£20 per person, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Adventure and Nature in Pelling

Pelling, India

9:00AM

Trek to Khecheopalri Lake

Embark on a trek through the forests to the sacred Khecheopalri Lake, known for its crystal-clear waters and serene surroundings.
Start the trek to Khecheopalri Lake from the town centre.
£8 per person for guide, 4 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch at the Lake

Enjoy a peaceful picnic by the lake, surrounded by the tranquillity of nature.
Relax and have lunch by the lakeside.
£10 per person, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Rimbi Waterfall

Explore the beautiful Rimbi Waterfall and the nearby rock garden, perfect for some serene moments amidst nature.
Rimbi Waterfall is a short drive from the lake.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit Sanga Choeling Monastery

End your day with a visit to this historic monastery offering panoramic views of the Himalayas and the surrounding hills.
Explore Sanga Choeling Monastery, a short drive from the waterfall.
£3 per person, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Sky Walk

Dine under the starlit sky at this rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of Pelling town and the mountains.
Have dinner at The Sky Walk in the town centre.
£15 per person, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability