Budget-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary from Nashik to Darjeeling via Flight

Day 1: Travel & Arrival

Nashik, India to Darjeeling, India on May 20, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Coffee Day Nashik

Start your day with an affordable and filling breakfast at Cafe Coffee Day, known for its coffee and light meals, open from 7:00am but plan accordingly for nearby options if you leave earlier.
INR150, 0h30m

7:00am

Flight from Nashik to Bagdogra

Catch a connecting flight from Nashik Airport to Bagdogra Airport near Darjeeling. This might include a layover, so book budget airlines like IndiGo or SpiceJet for the best prices. Expect travel to take around 5-7 hours including layovers.
INR3500, 7h0m

2:00pm

Drive from Bagdogra to Darjeeling

After arrival, take a shared jeep or budget taxi from Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling; the 3-hour scenic drive offers beautiful views and costs about INR300-400.
INR400, 3h0m

5:30pm

Check-in and Rest at Budget Hotel in Darjeeling

Stay at budget accommodations like Hotel Mingalar or similar guesthouses offering clean, comfortable rooms around INR800-1000 per night.
INR900, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Glenary’s Bakery and Cafe

Enjoy affordable local and continental dishes with great views in this famed cafe open till 10:00pm.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 2: Darjeeling Local Tour

Darjeeling, India on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Kunga Restaurant

Have traditional Tibetan breakfast dishes like momos and thukpa at an affordable cost. Opens at 7:00am.
INR150, 0h30m

8:00am

Visit Tiger Hill for Sunrise

Depart early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas including views of Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga. Very popular, start here to avoid crowds. Entry is free.
INR0, 2h0m

10:30am

Batasia Loop

Visit the iconic railway loop and the war memorial nearby, offering panoramic views of Darjeeling valley. Open all day, free entry.
INR0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kunga Restaurant

Return for a budget-friendly lunch featuring local delicacies and fresh vegetables.
INR200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum

Explore this UNESCO Heritage train museum showcasing the Bengal Himalayan Railway's history. Open 9:00am-4:30pm.
INR30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Chowrasta and Mall Road

Leisurely stroll, shop local handicrafts, and enjoy street snacks around the popular Darjeeling town center.
INR0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sonam’s Kitchen

Try inexpensive and tasty Tibetan food, including momos and noodle dishes, popular among travelers.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 3: Tea Gardens and Monasteries

Darjeeling, India on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hasty Tasty Darjeeling

Enjoy freshly made breakfast including eggs, toast, and local tea at a budget-friendly cafe.
INR150, 0h45m

8:30am

Visit Happy Valley Tea Estate

Take a budget tour around the tea gardens, learn about tea processing, and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Open all day, small guided fee INR50.
INR50, 2h0m

11:00am

Tour Ghoom Monastery

Explore one of Darjeeling’s oldest and most famous Buddhist monasteries, open daily, free entry.
INR0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Glenary’s Bakery

Savor budget-friendly sandwiches and pastries here, offering good meals and scenic views.
INR250, 1h0m

2:00pm

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Visit the high-altitude zoo that houses red pandas and snow leopards. Opens 9:00am to 4:30pm. Entry INR60.
INR60, 2h0m

4:30pm

Peace Pagoda at Japanese Temple

Enjoy calming views and beautiful architecture, free and open all day.
INR0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Kunga Restaurant

Return for a budget-friendly Tibetan meal to end the day.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 4: Local Cultural Experience

Darjeeling, India on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a simple, budget breakfast at your hotel, including local tea and toast.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Visit Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre

Learn about Tibetan culture and handicrafts, open from 9:00am to 4:00pm, free entry but donations welcome.
INR0, 2h0m

11:00am

Explore local bazaars and shopping

Shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts at affordable prices on Darjeeling’s market streets.
INR0, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sonam’s Kitchen

Affordable and authentic Tibetan and Nepali cuisine with a cozy ambiance.
INR250, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax in Darjeeling’s Coffee Shops

Enjoy coffee or tea and light snacks while absorbing the mountain town atmosphere.
INR100, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Observatory Hill and Chowrasta Park

Perfect to unwind in the evening with panoramic views, open all day, free entry.
INR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Town View Restaurant

Affordable dining with good local Indian and Tibetan dishes, budget-minded travelers welcome.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 5: Day Trip to Mirik

Darjeeling to Mirik, India on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Healthy and simple meal to prepare for the day trip.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Mirik by Shared Taxi

Take a budget shared taxi or bus to the scenic hill station Mirik, approximately 2-hour drive, costing around INR150-200.
INR200, 2h0m

10:30am

Visit Sumendu Lake

Relax by this picturesque lake, go boating for a nominal fee and enjoy local snacks, open all day.
INR50, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Dhaba in Mirik

Taste authentic local Nepali and Indian dishes at an affordable price, serving from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
INR200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Mirik Market and Surroundings

Walk through local markets and enjoy nature trails near the tea gardens.
INR0, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return Drive to Darjeeling

Shared taxi back to Darjeeling for a cost-effective trip.
INR200, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kunga Restaurant

Comfortable and well-known place for budget-friendly Tibetan and local meals.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 6: Relax and Souvenir Shopping

Darjeeling, India on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Glenary’s Bakery

Enjoy fresh bakery items and tea to start your day.
INR200, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Local Tea Shops for Souvenirs

Shop for Darjeeling tea at wholesale prices from local stores, perfect for gifts and souvenirs.
Variable, 2h0m

11:30am

Relax at Hotel or Walk Around Darjeeling Town

Leisure time to relax, enjoy cafes or take a stroll.
INR0, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Town View Restaurant

Affordable lunch with local and Indian cuisines, popular with travelers.
INR250, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit the Darjeeling Ropeway

Cable car ride offering stunning views of tea gardens and valleys, open 10:00am-5:30pm. Entry approx. INR150.
INR150, 1h0m

5:00pm

Evening Tea and Snack

Try local snacks at a street vendor or cafe, perfect end to the day.
INR100, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Glenary’s or Kunga

Choose your favorite from earlier visits for a final nice meal in Darjeeling.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 7: Departure

Darjeeling to Nashik, India on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Simple and quick breakfast to start your return trip.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive from Darjeeling to Bagdogra Airport

Take a shared taxi for the 3-hour ride back to the airport, cost-effective and comfortable.
INR400, 3h0m

11:30am

Flight from Bagdogra to Nashik

Catch a return flight to Nashik via a connecting city, using budget airlines for affordability. Duration will be similar to arrival trip.
INR3500, 7h0m

6:30pm

Arrival in Nashik

End of trip with memories and photos from Darjeeling’s beautiful hills on a budget.
N/A, N/A