9-Day Budget Family Road Trip: Pelling, Gangtok, Sikkim and Darjeeling

Day 1: Arrival in Pelling

Pelling, India

12:00PM

Check-In

Arrive in Pelling and check into a budget-friendly homestay, offering beautiful mountain views.
Reserve in advance online for best rates.
INR1500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at the Local Diner

Enjoy local delicacies at a nearby diner, offering momos and chowmein.
Take a short walk from the homestay.
INR300, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Pelling Skywalk

Explore the breathtaking Pelling Skywalk, where stunning views await.
A 10-minute drive from the diner.
INR50, 2 hours

5:00PM

Evening at Sangachoeling Monastery

Visit the peaceful Sangachoeling Monastery for a tranquil evening.
15-minute drive required.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Dine at a cozy eatery serving thukpa and other Tibetan fare.
A short ride from the monastery.
INR400, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Exploring Pelling

Pelling, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Homestay

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of parathas and chai.
Enjoy the homely vibe.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Khecheopalri Lake

Take a family trip to Khecheopalri Lake, a revered and serene spot.
30-minute drive from Pelling.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Khecheopalri

Have a packed lunch by the lake to enjoy nature's tranquility.
Bring lunch from your homestay.
Free, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Rabdentse Ruins

Discover the ancient ruins of Rabdentse having a breathtaking view.
20-minute drive back to Pelling.
INR30, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Homestay

Relax at the homestay before dinner.
Short drive from Rabdentse.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy a simple meal of vegetable curry and rice.
Walk to a nearby local restaurant.
INR350, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Journey to Gangtok

Gangtok, India

8:00AM

Breakfast in Pelling

Enjoy a traditional breakfast of idli and sambhar at the homestay.
Breakfast at your homestay.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Gangtok

Drive to Gangtok, taking in the scenic views of the mountains.
Approximately 4-5 hours; make sure to take a shared jeep for cost savings.
INR300 per person, 5 hours

3:00PM

Check-In at Gangtok Hotel

Settle into a budget hotel in Gangtok, exploring the local area during your stay.
Book a family-friendly hotel near the mall.
INR2000, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Enchey Monastery

Spend a peaceful afternoon at the historic Enchey Monastery.
A short drive from the hotel.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Knife Restaurant

Savor local Nepali food with delectable fish curry at Knife Restaurant.
Just a short distance from the monastery.
INR500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Exploring Gangtok

Gangtok, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Indulge in a simple breakfast of toast and fruit.
Served at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Ride on the Ropeway

Experience an exciting cable car ride with fantastic views of the mountains.
Visited near the main market.
INR100, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore MG Road

Stroll along MG Road, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy local street food.
A short walk from the ropeway station.
Free (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Roll House

Relish a local favorite, the vegetable roll, at Roll House.
Near MG Road.
INR200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Tashi View Point

Drive to Tashi View Point for panoramic views of Kanchenjunga.
A 25-minute drive from the city center.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Coffee Shop

Unwind with a casual dinner of pasta and garlic bread in a cozy setting.
Drive back to the city center.
INR400, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Adventure in Gangtok

Gangtok, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up with a breakfast of omelette and toast.
Enjoy at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Nathula Pass

Take a family trip to the stunning Nathula Pass, famous for its breathtaking scenery.
Pre-book a shared jeep for affordability.
INR500 per person, 6 hours

4:00PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to your hotel, basking in the memories of the day.
Same route as the morning.
Included in jeep fare, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Hotel

Spend some downtime at the hotel, perhaps enjoy board games with the family.
Unwind at your accommodation.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Kebab and Curries

Enjoy a hearty meal featuring chicken kebabs and curry.
Short drive or walk from your hotel.
INR600, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Travel to Darjeeling

Darjeeling, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Delight in a simple breakfast of cereals and fruits.
Offered at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Darjeeling

Depart for Darjeeling and savor the scenic mountain roads.
Shared jeep transport recommended.
INR300 per person, 3 hours

1:00PM

Check-In at Darjeeling Hotel

Check into a budget-friendly hotel and recharge for the day ahead.
Book in advance for better rates.
INR1800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Lunch at Glenary's

Enjoy lunch at this charming café known for its pastries and sandwiches.
A 5-minute walk from the hotel.
INR500, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Batasia Loop

Explore the scenic Batasia Loop, famous for its view of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
Short drive from town center.
INR20, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Kunga Restaurant

Dine on delicious Tibetan dishes such as thukpa and momos.
A short turn from Batasia Loop.
INR400, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Exploring Darjeeling

Darjeeling, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start your day with toast, butter, and jam.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Tiger Hill

Rise early and head to Tiger Hill for an unforgettable sunrise view.
Book a shared vehicle to Tiger Hill.
INR250 per person, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Park Restaurant

After the morning's adventure, enjoy a light lunch of salads and sandwiches.
Back in Darjeeling town.
INR400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Darjeeling Tea Estates

Visit one of the famous tea estates for a tour and tasting.
Available through local tours.
INR150, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Enjoy a scenic ride on the toy train, offering beautiful views.
Must book tickets in advance.
INR600 per person, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The BelleView Restaurant

Wrap up the day with a special dinner enjoying the local cuisine.
Short drive or walk from the train station.
INR500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Last Day in Darjeeling

Darjeeling, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start off with a cup of local tea and rusk.
Indulge in breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Explore the park and see rare animal species found in the Himalayas.
Short drive from the town center.
INR50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Keventers

Savor the delicious breakfast options and famous milkshakes at Keventers.
Located in the heart of Darjeeling.
INR400, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Peace Pagoda

Discover the stunning Peace Pagoda and enjoy its serenity.
15-minute drive from Keventers.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Local Market

Wander through local markets, shop for souvenirs, and snack on street food.
Easy walking distance from the pagoda.
Free (shopping costs may vary), 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Sonam's Kitchen

Dine on comforting Tibetan dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
Short walk from the market.
INR500, 1 hour
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Day 9: Departure from Darjeeling

Darjeeling, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy one last breakfast of local bread and jam.
Have it at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Pack Up and Check Out

Prepare for your journey back, packing all items.
Check out of the hotel.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Departure to Siliguri

Head towards Siliguri to catch your departure transport.
Shared jeep to Siliguri.
INR300 per person, 3 hours
View Hotel Availability