9-Day Family Adventure in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Gangtok on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Travel to Darjeeling

Pune, India

06:00AM

Departure from Pune

Board a train from Pune to New Jalpaiguri, looking forward to the adventure ahead.
Catch an early morning train from Pune station.
INR 800, 12 hours

06:00PM

Arrival in New Jalpaiguri

Upon arrival, take a shared jeep to Darjeeling, enjoying views of lush tea gardens along the way.
Board a shared jeep from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling.
INR 300, 3 hours

09:00PM

Check-in and Dinner

Settle into a budget family guest house and enjoy a simple dinner of local flavors, like Thukpa (noodle soup).
Stay at a budget-friendly guest house in Darjeeling.
INR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Explore Darjeeling

Darjeeling, India

07:00AM

Breakfast

Start the day with piping hot Aloo Parathas at a local eatery.
Head to a nearby eatery.
INR 150, 1 hour

08:30AM

Visit Tiger Hill

Wake early to witness a mesmerizing sunrise over Kangchenjunga from Tiger Hill.
Take a shared taxi to Tiger Hill.
INR 500, 2 hours

10:30AM

Batasia Loop

Enjoy the scenic beauty and the War Memorial at Batasia Loop, a beautiful spiraling railway track.
Short taxi ride from Tiger Hill.
INR 50, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Kunga Restaurant

Savor a meal of traditional Tibetan Momos and Cha with family.
Head to Kunga Restaurant nearby.
INR 400, 1 hour

01:30PM

Visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Learn about the history of climbing and the heroes of mountaineering.
Walk to the institute which is nearby.
INR 30, 1.5 hours

03:30PM

Darjeeling Tea Gardens

Explore the enchanting tea gardens and learn how tea is made.
Visit a nearby tea garden.
Free, 2 hours

06:00PM

Dinner at Glenary's

Enjoy a delightful dinner with views, trying local dishes like Chhurpi.
Walk to Glenary's in the town center.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Darjeeling to Kalimpong

Darjeeling to Kalimpong, India

07:00AM

Breakfast

Indulge in a breakfast of boiled eggs and toast.
Enjoy breakfast at the guest house.
INR 100, 1 hour

08:30AM

Travel to Kalimpong

Catch a shared taxi to Kalimpong, enjoying scenic views along the way.
Board a shared taxi from Darjeeling.
INR 200, 2 hours

10:30AM

Check-in and Explore

Check into the guest house and start exploring the charming Kalimpong.
Check-in at a budget guest house.
INR 700, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Magpie Restaurant

Try a delicious Thukpa and some local rice.
Walk to Magpie Restaurant.
INR 300, 1 hour

01:30PM

Visit Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery

Enjoy the serene environment and stunning architecture of this monastery.
Take a local taxi to the monastery.
Free, 1.5 hours

03:30PM

Explore Deolo Hill

Take a stroll through the beautiful parks and panoramic views of the region.
Hire a local taxi to Deolo Hill.
INR 200, 2 hours

06:00PM

Dinner at a Local Eatery

Treat your family to local flavors like Dhokla and Chhole.
Dine at a local eatery in Kalimpong.
INR 400, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Kalimpong Exploration

Kalimpong, India

07:00AM

Breakfast

Enjoy local bread with butter and jam along with tea.
At your guest house.
INR 100, 1 hour

08:30AM

Visit Flower Nurseries

Discover the colorful flower nurseries Kalimpong is famous for, especially the orchids.
Visit nearby nurseries by foot.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kalimpong Cactus Nursery

Explore the unique collection of cacti, a delightful experience for the family.
Walk to the nearby nursery.
Free, 1.5 hours

01:00PM

Lunch at The Royal Bengal

Try their vegetable curry with chapati, a budget-friendly meal for families.
Dine at The Royal Bengal.
INR 300, 1 hour

02:30PM

Visit Durpin Hill

Enjoy a hike up Durpin Hill for stunning views of the town and valleys.
Hire a local taxi for Durpin Hill.
INR 200, 2 hours

05:00PM

Shopping at Kalimpong Market

Explore the local market for handmade items and souvenirs.
Walk to the local market.
Free, 1.5 hours

07:00PM

Dinner at a Local Dhaba

Enjoy a hearty meal of paneer curry with rice at a local dhaba.
Dine at a nearby dhaba.
INR 400, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Travel to Gangtok

Kalimpong to Gangtok, India

07:00AM

Breakfast

Have a light breakfast of toast and omelette.
At your guest house.
INR 100, 1 hour

09:00AM

Travel to Gangtok

Board a share taxi to Gangtok, enjoying magnificent views of the valleys.
Catch a local taxi to Gangtok.
INR 300, 2 hours

11:00AM

Check-in and Lunch

Settle into your budget stay and have a traditional lunch of rice and curry.
Check-in at a budget guest house in Gangtok.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

01:00PM

Visit MG Marg

Stroll along MG Marg, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Gangtok’s main street.
Walk to MG Marg.
Free, 2 hours

03:00PM

Visit Enchey Monastery

Explore the beautiful and peaceful Enchey Monastery, a perfect place for reflection.
Take a shared taxi to the monastery.
Free, 1.5 hours

05:00PM

Café Break at Baker's Café

Enjoy some pastries and coffee at Baker's Café overlooking the town.
Walking distance from Enchey Monastery.
INR 250, 1 hour

06:30PM

Dinner at Taste of Sikkim

Try a mix of local and Indian cuisine in a comfortable setting.
Walking distance from MG Marg.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Gangtok Exploration

Gangtok, India

07:00AM

Breakfast

Savor a traditional Sikkimese breakfast of Gya thuk (rice soup).
Enjoy at your guest house.
INR 150, 1 hour

08:30AM

Visit Tashi View Point

Enjoy breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga and surrounding peaks.
Take a shared taxi to Tashi View Point.
INR 300, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Ganesh Tok

Explore the serene Ganesh Tok temple with its spectacular views.
Short taxi ride from Tashi View Point.
INR 100, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Punjabi Rasoi

Grab some tandoori roti and dal at this popular eatery.
Walking distance from Ganesh Tok.
INR 300, 1 hour

01:30PM

Botanical Garden

Stroll through the botanical garden, enjoying the rare flora and fauna.
Short taxi ride to the garden.
Free, 2 hours

04:00PM

Visit Institute of Tibetology

Dive into Tibet's rich culture and art at this remarkable institute.
Take a local taxi to the institute.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

06:30PM

Dinner at The Roll House

Delight in delicious Tibetan rolls or momos for dinner.
Walk to The Roll House.
INR 300, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Gangtok Adventure

Gangtok, India

07:00AM

Breakfast

Feast on pancakes and honey at your guest house.
At your stay in Gangtok.
INR 150, 1 hour

08:30AM

Cable Car Ride

Take the cable car for stunning views of Gangtok from above.
Board the cable car at Deorali Bazar.
INR 300, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Rumtek Monastery

Discover the largest monastery in Sikkim, exploring its rich cultural heritage.
Take a taxi from Gangtok to Rumtek.
INR 300, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Karma's Restaurant

Sample local dishes and comfort food at Karma's.
Dine at a nearby eatery.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

02:00PM

Explore Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Further delve into Tibetan history and culture at the institute.
Nearby to the lunch place.
Free, 1.5 hours

04:00PM

Shopping at M G Marg

Find some souvenirs and enjoy the bustling atmosphere at the market.
Walk back to MG Marg.
Free, 2 hours

06:30PM

Dinner at The Noodle House

Indulge in some delicious noodles with family.
Head to The Noodle House.
INR 300, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Return to Darjeeling

Gangtok to Darjeeling, India

07:00AM

Breakfast

Have a simple breakfast of poha at the guest house.
Enjoy at your guest house.
INR 100, 1 hour

08:30AM

Head back to Darjeeling

Catch a shared taxi back to Darjeeling, enjoying the last glimpses of Sikkim.
Board a shared taxi.
INR 300, 2 hours

10:30AM

Check-in and Explore

Check into the guest house and take the day to relax or visit nearby shops.
Regain your room at a guest house.
INR 700, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Kunga Restaurant

Enjoy another round of delectable momos and noodles.
Visit Kunga Restaurant again.
INR 400, 1 hour

01:30PM

Leisure at Mall Road

Stroll along Mall Road, soaking in the vibe of Darjeeling.
Walk towards Mall Road.
Free, 1.5 hours

03:00PM

Visit Peace Pagoda

Experience tranquility at the Peace Pagoda, a beautiful spot for reflection.
Take a taxi to the Peace Pagoda.
Free, 1.5 hours

06:00PM

Dinner at Glenary's

Enjoy your final dinner in Darjeeling, accompanied by stunning views.
Back to Glenary's.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Return to Pune

Darjeeling to Pune, India

07:00AM

Breakfast

Indulge in one last local breakfast of steamed rice and curry.
At the guest house.
INR 150, 1 hour

09:00AM

Departure to New Jalpaiguri

Take a shared taxi to New Jalpaiguri train station.
Catch a local taxi.
INR 250, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at New Jalpaiguri

Grab a quick meal at a local outlet.
Have lunch at a diner near the station.
INR 300, 1 hour

01:00PM

Board Train to Pune

Prepare for the journey back home filled with wonderful memories.
Board your reserved train at New Jalpaiguri.
INR 800, 12 hours
View Hotel Availability