In the morning, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, established in 1954, to learn about the history and culture of mountaineering in the Himalayas. This place also houses a museum that showcases the equipment used by legendary mountaineers. Afternoon can be spent in the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, which is connected to the Institute. The zoo is dedicated to the conservation of Himalayan fauna and has rare animals like the Red Panda. For the evening, head to Glenary's Bakery and enjoy a cup of Darjeeling tea with freshly baked cakes and pastries.
In the morning, visit the Ghum Monastery, which was founded in 1850 and is the largest monastery in the area. The monastery is known for its 15-feet high statue of Maitreya Buddha and also houses rare Tibetan manuscripts. Afternoon can be spent at the Batasia Loop, a railway loop that offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan range. The place also has a war memorial dedicated to Gorkha soldiers. For the evening, head to the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center, which was established in 1959 for the rehabilitation of Tibetan refugees. The center has a handicrafts workshop and a showroom that sells beautiful Tibetan carpets, woolen shawls, and other handicrafts.
If you are interested in tea, then the Happy Valley Tea Estate is a must-visit place. It is located around 3 km from Darjeeling and offers a tour of the tea gardens and factory. Another side trip can be to the nearby town of Kalimpong, which is famous for its flower nurseries and the Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang Monastery. To maximize your fun, try the Darjeeling Ropeway, which offers a bird's eye view of the valley. For food, try the local delicacies like momos, thukpa, and churpee. You can also pack some Darjeeling tea to take back home as a souvenir.
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