Affordable 7-Day Nashik to Darjeeling Budget Itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Siliguri

Nashik to Siliguri, India on May 20, 2025

07:00am

Early Breakfast at Local Eatery

Start your journey with an inexpensive breakfast of Poha and chai at a local Nashik eatery to fuel up for the day.
INR50, 0h30m

08:00am

Train from Nashik Road to Kolkata

Board an affordable train from Nashik Road to Kolkata, a cost-effective way to cover long distance while enjoying Indian railway scenic views.
INR1000, 27h0m

11:00am (next day)

Take Local Bus from Kolkata to Siliguri

From Kolkata, take a budget-friendly bus to Siliguri, the nearest large town to Darjeeling, hours filled with lush landscape views.
INR300, 9h0m

08:00pm

Check-in Budget Hotel in Siliguri

Settle into an affordable guesthouse or hotel for rest after travel with prices suitable for budget travelers.
INR600, overnight

Day 2: Travel to Darjeeling

Siliguri to Darjeeling, India on May 21, 2025

07:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a light and economical breakfast including toast, eggs, and tea at your hotel before departure.
INR100, 0h30m

08:30am

Shared Jeep to Darjeeling

Take a shared jeep from Siliguri to Darjeeling, a cost-efficient and scenic mountain drive lasting about 3 hours.
INR200, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kunga Restaurant

Savor authentic Tibetan momos and thukpa at this local favorite, offering great taste at budget prices.
INR150, 1h0m

01:30pm

Visit Tiger Hill

Must-visit viewpoint for sunset with panoramic views of the Himalayas including Mt. Kanchenjunga; open until 6pm daily.
INR30, 2h30m

04:30pm

Explore Darjeeling Mall Road

Walk the bustling Mall Road for budget shopping and sampling local street food and tea stalls.
Free, 1h30m

06:00pm

Dinner at Glenary's Bakery

Enjoy affordable western-style dinner including sandwiches and pastries in this iconic Darjeeling bakery open until 9pm.
INR200, 1h0m

Day 3: Darjeeling Local Touring

Darjeeling, India on May 22, 2025

07:00am

Breakfast at Kunga Restaurant

Begin with a budget-friendly breakfast of aloo parathas and chai, popular with locals and visitors alike.
INR100, 0h30m

08:00am

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Toy Train Ride

Experience the UNESCO world heritage narrow gauge railway for a scenic and economical ride around Darjeeling; operates 7am–3pm.
INR90, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

See rare Himalayan species such as the red panda and snow leopard in this cool climate zoo, open 9am–4pm.
INR60, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sonam's Kitchen

Enjoy traditional Nepalese and Tibetan dishes in a budget-friendly cozy restaurant near the park.
INR150, 1h0m

02:00pm

Explore Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Learn about mountaineering history and see Himalayan artifacts; open 10am–5pm, closed Tuesdays.
INR40, 1h30m

04:00pm

Relax at Observatory Hill

Enjoy peaceful views of the Kanchenjunga and visit the temple, a free and tranquil spot popular with visitors.
Free, 1h0m

06:00pm

Dinner at Glenary's Bakery

Return to Glenary's for another affordable and satisfying dinner with bakery treats and light meals.
INR200, 1h0m

Day 4: Tea Garden Tour

Darjeeling, India on May 23, 2025

07:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast of bread, butter, and local tea at your budget accommodation to start tea garden day.
INR100, 0h30m

08:30am

Visit Happy Valley Tea Estate

Explore one of Darjeeling’s famous tea gardens; free entry and open throughout the day with tours available to learn tea processing.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Walk through Lloyd's Botanical Garden

Leisurely stroll amid exotic plant collections; open 9am–5pm, entrance fee minimal.
INR20, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Kunga Restaurant

Affordable Tibetan dishes to enjoy after your morning exploration.
INR150, 1h0m

02:00pm

Shopping and Exploring Local Markets

Browse local handicrafts, inexpensive souvenirs, and sample street snacks on Market Road.
Free, 2h0m

06:00pm

Dinner at Local Dhaba

Finish the day with a simple Indian thali meal at a local roadside dhaba for the best budget taste experience.
INR100, 1h0m

Day 5: Day Trip to Mirik

Mirik, near Darjeeling, India on May 24, 2025

07:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a simple breakfast at your accommodation.
INR100, 0h30m

08:00am

Shared Jeep to Mirik

Take an economical shared jeep to Mirik, 49 km away; enjoy the scenic hills and lake.
INR150, 2h0m

10:00am

Lake Sambal and Surrounding Garden Walk

Relax around the beautiful Mirik lake and stroll its garden beat the crowds in this serene setting.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Eatery

Taste local Nepali cuisine at affordable prices in small eateries around Mirik.
INR120, 1h0m

02:00pm

Visit Tea Gardens around Mirik

Explore lesser-known tea gardens in the area to see tea plucking and hear about local tea culture.
Free, 1h30m

04:00pm

Return to Darjeeling by Shared Jeep

Travel back to Darjeeling comfortably and affordably by shared jeep.
INR150, 2h0m

06:30pm

Dinner at Glenary's Bakery

Enjoy another affordable hearty meal with nice desserts at the bakery.
INR200, 1h0m

Day 6: Relax and Free Day

Darjeeling, India on May 25, 2025

08:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Casual morning with breakfast at the hotel for some energy and relaxation.
INR100, 0h30m

10:00am

Visit Peace Pagoda on Jalapahar Hill

Free and open to all, the Peace Pagoda offers stunning 360-degree views of Darjeeling while inspiring calm.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Local Food Stall

Grab street food like chowmein or thukpa from popular stalls for an inexpensive and filling meal.
INR100, 1h0m

01:30pm

Walk through Darjeeling’s Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre

Learn about Tibetan crafts and support local artisans with very low or no entrance fees.
INR20, 1h0m

03:00pm

Relax at Hotel / Explore More

Free time to revisit favorite spots or shop around town at your leisure.
Free, 3h0m

06:30pm

Dinner at Local Dhaba

End your day with a budget-friendly Indian meal at a small local dhaba offering hearty flavors.
INR100, 1h0m

Day 7: Return Journey

Darjeeling to Nashik, India on May 26, 2025

06:00am

Early Breakfast

Grab a quick takeaway breakfast of bread and tea to start your return trip early.
INR50, 0h20m

06:30am

Shared Jeep to Siliguri

Travel back economically to Siliguri from Darjeeling by shared jeep in preparation for train journey.
INR200, 3h0m

10:00am

Train from Siliguri/Kolkata to Nashik Road

Board the train at Siliguri or nearby station towards Nashik Road; enjoy the scenic route back home while on a budget.
INR1000, 33h0m