7-Day Ultimate Darjeeling and Nearby Places Itinerary for Nature and Culture Lovers

Day 1: Arrival and Local Exploration

Darjeeling, India on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Glenary's

Enjoy a classic breakfast at Glenary's café, known for its pastries and beautiful views of Darjeeling town. It opens at 7:30 AM, perfect for an early start.
INR150, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Chowrasta and Mall Road

Take a leisurely stroll around Chowrasta and Mall Road, the heart of Darjeeling, featuring local shops, tea stalls, and colonial architecture.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kunga Restaurant

Savor authentic Tibetan and local cuisine at Kunga Restaurant located near Chowrasta, open till evening.
INR300, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum

Discover the history of the UNESCO-listed toy train and its significance to the region. The museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
INR50, 1h0m

3:00pm

Tea Garden Visit - Happy Valley Tea Estate

Tour one of Darjeeling’s oldest tea gardens to see tea plucking and processing, open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM.
INR100, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Sonam's Kitchen

Enjoy a cozy dinner with authentic momos and thukpa, highly rated for its local flavors and ambiance.
INR250, 1h0m
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Day 2: Sunrise and Scenic Views

Darjeeling, India on May 6, 2025

4:00am

Sunrise at Tiger Hill

Witness the spectacular sunrise over the Kanchenjunga peak at Tiger Hill. It’s best to start early as it opens before dawn.
INR20, 2h0m

7:00am

Breakfast at Keventers

Have a hearty breakfast at Keventers, famous for its milkshakes and sandwiches, open from 7 AM.
INR150, 1h0m

9:00am

Batasia Loop

Visit the scenic Batasia Loop, a unique railway loop offering panoramic views and the war memorial, best seen in the morning.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Peace Pagoda

Explore the serene Peace Pagoda showcasing Buddhist culture with great views and peaceful ambiance.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Glenary’s Bakery

Enjoy western and local dishes at Glenary’s Bakery, a Darjeeling institution famed for its fresh bread and cakes.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Darjeeling Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre

Learn about the Tibetan community and see traditional handicrafts, open all day.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at The Park Restaurant

Dine on a variety of Indian and Continental dishes in a relaxed setting, open until 10 PM.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 3: Wildlife and Adventure

Darjeeling, India on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a light breakfast at your hotel before venturing out.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Visit this famous zoo that specializes in Himalayan high-altitude animals including the Red Panda, open 9 AM to 4:30 PM.
INR60, 2h0m

12:00pm

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Explore the climbing museum and learn about Mount Everest expeditions, open 9 AM to 4 PM.
INR60, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Kunga Restaurant

Refuel with Tibetan delicacies and traditional thukpa in nearby Kunga, open till evening.
INR300, 1h0m

3:00pm

Trekking short trail to Observatory Hill

Visit the religiously significant Observatory Hill known for its colorful prayer flags and views.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Nectar

Enjoy a blend of continental and Indian dishes at Nectar, with a cozy ambiance.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 4: Mirik Day Trip

Mirik, India on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before departing for Mirik, a scenic 2-hour drive from Darjeeling.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Mirik

Drive 49 km to the beautiful hill town of Mirik, known for its lake and orange orchards.
INR600 (taxi), 2h0m

11:00am

Sumendu Lake boating

Relax by boating on Sumendu Lake and enjoy the scenic hill views. Boating available 9 AM to 5 PM.
INR50, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Neora Restaurant

Taste local north-eastern and Bengali dishes at this popular eatery in Mirik.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Bokar Monastery

Explore the serene Buddhist monastery highlighting Tibetan architecture and spiritual atmosphere.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Darjeeling

Drive back to Darjeeling to rest after a refreshing day.
Included in taxi fare, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Glenary’s

Enjoy a relaxing dinner with a variety of dishes offered in this boutique bakery and restaurant.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 5: Kurseong and Tea Estates

Kurseong, India on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a day trip to Kurseong, 30 km from Darjeeling.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Kurseong

Drive to Kurseong, known as the 'Land of White Orchids' and tea gardens, about 1.5 hours journey.
INR500 (taxi), 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Makaibari Tea Estate

Tour this renowned organic tea estate to understand traditional tea processing and sample fresh teas.
INR150, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pine Camp Restaurant

Enjoy local Nepali and Sikkimese cuisine at this well-known spot in Kurseong.
INR350, 1h0m

1:30pm

Dreamland Tea Estate

Visit this scenic tea garden with views of the valley and traditional tea-making methods, ideal for photography lovers.
INR100, 1h0m

3:30pm

Dowhill Monastery

Explore this peaceful Buddhist monastery with impressive architecture, history, and surrounding natural beauty.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Darjeeling

Drive back to Darjeeling, relax for the evening.
Included in taxi fare, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Sonam's Kitchen

Have a final hearty dinner with Himalayan specialities like momos and steamed dumplings.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 6: Lava and Lolegaon Exploration

Lava and Lolegaon, India on May 10, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before a full-day trip to Lava and Lolegaon, about 2.5-3 hours drive from Darjeeling.
Included, 1h0m

7:30am

Travel to Lava

Drive to the scenic mountain village of Lava through beautiful forest landscapes.
INR700 (taxi), 3h0m

10:30am

Visit Rimbik and Neora Valley National Park

Explore the entrance to Neora Valley National Park, a biodiversity hotspot with walking trails. Start with a short guided nature walk.
INR200, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Lava

Have lunch at a local guesthouse offering traditional Gorkha dishes and fresh mountain ingredients.
INR300, 1h0m

1:30pm

Travel to Lolegaon

Short drive or walk to Lolegaon, enjoy peaceful village views and tea gardens.
Free, 30m

2:00pm

Birdwatching and Nature Walk in Lolegaon

Spend the afternoon birdwatching and exploring trails near Lolegaon, popular among nature lovers.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Return to Darjeeling

Drive back to Darjeeling to rest after a full day in nature.
Included in taxi fare, 3h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Glenary's

Celebrate your last night with a varied international menu and desserts at Glenary's.
INR450, 1h0m
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Day 7: Departure Day

Darjeeling, India on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast at your hotel before last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Shopping for local souvenirs

Visit local markets for Darjeeling teas, handicrafts, and woolens before departure.
Varies, 1h30m

11:00am

Check-out and Travel to your next destination

Prepare for your onward journey from Darjeeling after an enriching week of Himalayan adventure and culture.
Varies, Varies
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