10-Day Comprehensive Himalayan Journey: Darjeeling, Mirik, Pelling, Lachen, Luchang, and Gangtok

Day 1: Arrival and Darjeeling

Darjeeling, India on April 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Kunga Restaurant

Start your journey with traditional Tibetan momos and thukpa at Kunga Restaurant, a Darjeeling favorite. Open from 7:30am to 10:30pm.
INR200, 1h0m

10:00am

Darjeeling Mall and Chowrasta

Stroll around the lively Darjeeling Mall and Chowrasta, ideal for shopping local handicrafts and soaking in the mountain town vibe.
INR0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Glenary's Bakery and Cafe

Enjoy continental and Himalayan cuisine with beautiful Himalayan views at this colonial-era cafe. Open 8am to 8pm.
INR450, 1h30m

2:30pm

Toy Train Ride on Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Take a charming ride on the historic narrow-gauge toy train, a UNESCO World Heritage experience. Runs 9am to 5pm; advance booking recommended.
INR500, 2h0m

5:00pm

Peace Pagoda Visit

Visit the serene Peace Pagoda offering panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. Open till sunset.
INR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sonam's Kitchen

Savor authentic Nepali and Tibetan cuisine in a warm setting, with dishes like thukpa and momos. Open 12pm to 9pm.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 2: Darjeeling and Mirik

Darjeeling to Mirik, India on April 28, 2025

5:00am

Sunrise at Tiger Hill

Catch dawn breaking over Kanchenjunga from the famous Tiger Hill viewpoint. Best accessible early morning by jeep. Approx 45 minutes from Darjeeling.
INR150 (transport), 3h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at Kunga Restaurant

Enjoy a tasty breakfast of momos and Himalayan tea before heading out.
INR200, 1h0m

10:30am

Drive to Mirik

Begin a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Mirik, a peaceful hill town with a lovely lake and gardens.
INR1000 (taxi hire), 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Blue Pine Resort, Mirik

Enjoy local Sikkimese and Indian dishes near the serene Sumendu Lake. Open 12pm to 8pm.
INR350, 1h30m

2:30pm

Sumendu Lake and Garden Walk

Relax with a walk or boat ride on the calm waters of this picturesque Himalayan lake surrounded by cozy gardens.
INR50, 2h0m

5:00pm

Explore local markets

Browse around Mirik's small market for handicrafts and snacks before dinner.
INR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mirik Dining Hall

Taste appetizing thukpa and steamed momos made with fresh local ingredients in a local joint. Open till 9pm.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 3: Mirik to Darjeeling

Mirik to Darjeeling, India on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast with fresh fruits and local specialties.
INR200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Buddhist Monasteries Mirik

Visit local monasteries like the Ani Gompa to appreciate Tibetan Buddhist culture and architecture.
INR0, 1h30m

11:00am

Scenic drive back to Darjeeling

Drive back to Darjeeling through mountain roads with tea gardens and forested slopes.
INR1000, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Reynolds Restaurant, Darjeeling

Famous for its authentic local cuisine and pleasant ambiance; try local Himalayan dishes. Open 12pm to 9pm.
INR400, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Zoo

Learn about mountaineering history and see endangered Himalayan species like the red panda.
INR70, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Revolver

Enjoy a blend of western and Asian fusion dishes in a lively cafe setting. Open till 9pm.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 4: Darjeeling to Pelling

Darjeeling to Pelling, India on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

A quick hearty breakfast before departure to prepare for the scenic 5-hour drive.
INR150, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Pelling

Travel through beautiful mountain roads and tea gardens en route to Pelling, a beautiful hill station in Sikkim.
INR2200 (taxi hire), 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Pemayangtse or nearby restaurant

Enjoy traditional Sikkimese and Indian dishes while settling in at your hotel.
INR400, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Pemayangtse Monastery

Explore one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in Sikkim with stunning views. Open till 5pm.
INR50, 1h0m

4:30pm

Kanchenjunga Falls and Rabdentse Ruins

Visit the scenic waterfall and nearby historical ruins of the ancient Sikkim kingdom.
INR30, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Norbu Ghang

Dine on delicious local and Indian cuisine in a cozy setting with Himalayan views.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 5: Pelling to Lachen

Pelling to Lachen, India on May 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

A wholesome start with local and continental options before heading towards the mountains.
INR250, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Lachen

A scenic 4-5 hour mountain drive with breathtaking views leads you to the high-altitude village of Lachen.
INR2500 (taxi hire), 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Lachen local guesthouse or lodge

Enjoy fresh mountain cuisine typical to the region in a warm and rustic setting.
INR350, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Lachen Monastery

Explore the local Buddhist monastery integral to the culture and spirituality of this village. Open till sunset.
INR0, 1h0m

4:30pm

Walk around Lachen village

Stroll through this quaint mountain village to enjoy local life and panoramic views.
INR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at your guesthouse

Experience home-cooked traditional Sikkimese dishes with fresh local produce.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 6: Lachen and Luchang

Lachen and Luchang, India on May 2, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at guesthouse

Fuel up early for the day’s exploration of high-altitude natural beauty.
INR200, 0h30m

6:30am

Drive to Luchang Lakes

Visit the pristine Luchang Lakes, located at high altitude near Lachen, known for their sparkling waters and spectacular mountain views.
INR0 (entry free), 4h0m

11:00am

Return to Lachen for lunch

Refuel with local Sikkimese dishes after the morning adventure.
INR350, 1h30m

1:00pm

Optional Visit to Chopta Valley

Take a jeep ride to scenic Chopta Valley nearby for bird watching and natural vistas. Best travel in daylight hours.
INR500 (transport), 3h0m

5:00pm

Return and relax in Lachen

Relax at your guesthouse preparing for the journey back lowlands tomorrow.
INR0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at guesthouse

Enjoy a warm dinner with home-style preparations of local ingredients.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 7: Lachen to Gangtok

Lachen to Gangtok, India on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

A wholesome meal before a scenic descent to Gangtok by road.
INR250, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Gangtok

Travel a picturesque 6-hour mountain road drive to the vibrant capital of Sikkim, passing through forests and small villages.
INR3000 (taxi hire), 6h0m

2:30pm

Check in and lunch at Gangtok hotel

Relax and enjoy fresh local and Indian cuisine upon arrival.
INR400, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk MG Marg

Explore Gangtok’s vibrant pedestrian street with shops, cafes, and local crafts. Open all day.
INR0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Taste of Tibet

Enjoy authentic Tibetan and Sikkimese dishes like momos and thukpa in a warm setting.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 8: Gangtok Cultural Tour

Gangtok, India on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

A hearty breakfast of local fruits, eggs, and baked goods to prepare for sightseeing.
INR250, 1h0m

9:30am

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Visit this famous research institution and museum to learn about Tibetan culture. Open 9am–5pm.
INR100, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Baker's Cafe

Enjoy delicious international cuisine and fresh bakery items in a relaxed ambiance.
INR350, 1h0m

1:30pm

Gangtok Ropeway Ride

Get panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills on this cable car ride. Operates 9am to 5pm.
INR250, 1h0m

3:00pm

Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park

Visit these lovely waterfalls set within a well-kept park themed on traditional Sikkimese folklore. Open 9am–6pm.
INR20, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Coffee Shop

Relax with coffees, teas, and light meals in a cozy and scenic cafe environment.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 9: Day Trip from Gangtok

Gangtok, India on May 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Get an early start with a nourishing breakfast at the hotel.
INR250, 1h0m

8:30am

Day trip to Tsongmo Lake and Baba Mandir

Explore these serene high-altitude attractions about 40km from Gangtok with stunning natural beauty and spiritual significance.
INR1500 (transport & permits), 7h0m

4:00pm

Return and Rest

Relax at your hotel after a full day trip.
INR0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Taste of Tibet

Enjoy comforting Tibetan dishes in a friendly atmosphere.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 10: Departure

Gangtok, India on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a relaxing breakfast reflecting on your Himalayan adventure.
INR250, 1h0m

9:30am

Last-minute shopping at MG Marg

Pick up local handicrafts, teas, and souvenirs before heading home.
INR0, 1h30m

11:00am

Check out and transfer to onward journey

Prepare for your departure, concluding your scenic Himalayan trip.
INR0, 0h30m