7-Day Scenic Journey from Darjeeling to Gangtok: Himalayan Exploration

Day 1: Explore Darjeeling

Darjeeling, India on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Glenary's

Enjoy a delicious breakfast in the colonial-style bakery Glenary's, renowned for its fresh pastries and Himalayan views. Open from 7am onward.
INR500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Tiger Hill

Experience sunrise views over Mt. Kanchenjunga; best visited early morning for spectacular Himalayan vistas. Open 4:00am-7:30am.
INR100, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kunga Restaurant

Sample authentic Tibetan cuisine including momos and thukpa in a cozy setting open until 3pm.
INR350, 1h

1:30pm

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Ride the iconic toy train for a glimpse of Darjeeling’s colonial heritage and scenic landscapes. Operates 9am-4pm.
INR150, 1h 30m

4:00pm

Explore Batasia Loop

Enjoy panoramic views of the railway loop and the surrounding mountains in this beautifully landscaped garden.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sonam’s Kitchen

A must-visit for hearty Tibetan and Nepali dishes with excellent local hospitality. Open till 10pm.
INR400, 1h
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Day 2: Mirik Day Trip

Mirik, India on June 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Darjeeling hotel

Start early with a wholesome breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the trip ahead.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Mirik

Drive approximately 2 hours south to the serene town of Mirik, famous for its lake and natural beauty.
INR600 (taxi), 2h

11:00am

Sumendu Lake

Relax by the picturesque Sumendu Lake, enjoy boating and visit the nearby orange orchards.
INR100 boat ride, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at local guesthouse

Taste local dishes featuring fresh vegetables and Himalayan herbs in a charming guesthouse by the lake.
INR350, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Bokar Monastery

Explore this important Tibetan Buddhist monastery with colorful murals and peaceful ambience. Open until 5pm.
Free, 1h 30m

4:30pm

Return to Darjeeling

Drive back to Darjeeling to rest and refresh for the next day’s journey.
Included, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Kunga Restaurant

Enjoy another round of Tibetan delicacies to end your day comfortably.
INR400, 1h
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Day 3: Kalimpong Sights

Kalimpong, India on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast

Fuel up early at your hotel with a continental or local breakfast before departing for Kalimpong.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Kalimpong

Travel around 2 hours to Kalimpong, known for its vibrant flower markets and monasteries.
INR800 (taxi), 2h

10:30am

Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery

Visit this beautiful monastery housing rare Buddhist scriptures, open 9am-5pm.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Durga Restaurant

Dine on authentic Sikkimese cuisine with stunning views of the surrounding hills.
INR400, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Kalimpong Flower Market

Wander through colourful stalls selling exotic flowers particular to the Himalayan region.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Pine View Nursery

Visit this famous garden nursery boasting a wide variety of orchids and plants; ideal for a relaxed stroll.
INR50, 1h

4:30pm

Return to Darjeeling or overnight in Kalimpong

Option to return to Darjeeling or stay in Kalimpong depending on preference; rest well for the trip ahead.
Taxi fare as above, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel

Enjoy a relaxing dinner featuring local favourites and continental options, preparing for onward travel.
INR400, 1h
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Day 4: To Pelling

Pelling, India on June 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast

Have a nutritious breakfast at the hotel before the drive to Pelling.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Pelling

This approximately 4-5 hour journey takes you deeper into the Himalayas with beautiful views en route.
INR1200 (taxi), 5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Nyama Restaurant

Enjoy local Sikkimese, Nepali and Tibetan dishes in a friendly mountain village setting.
INR450, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Pemayangtse Monastery

One of Sikkim’s oldest and most important monasteries, open 9am-5pm, noted for its magnificent architecture and artifacts.
INR50, 1h 30m

4:30pm

Kanchenjunga Viewpoint

Catch a breathtaking sunset view of Mt. Kanchenjunga over the Himalayan ranges from this iconic viewpoint.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Café Live & Loud

Savour contemporary dishes with a local twist in a vibrant atmosphere, open until 10pm.
INR500, 1h
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Day 5: Yuksom and Trails

Yuksom, India on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before exploring Yuksom.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Yuksom

Short 45-minute drive to the historic town of Yuksom, the original capital of Sikkim.
INR400, 45m

9:30am

Dubdi Monastery

Visit the oldest monastery in Sikkim, reputed for its peaceful setting and spiritual significance, open until 5pm.
INR30, 1h

11:00am

Khecheopalri Lake

Sacred lake surrounded by thick forest; a tranquil place ideal for reflection and bird watching.
INR50, 1h 30m

1:00pm

Lunch at local eatery

Enjoy traditional Sikkimese dishes served fresh by local families.
INR350, 1h

2:30pm

Hiking and leisure

Explore nearby trails or relax in the serene surroundings of Yuksom village.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Return to Pelling

Drive back to Pelling for a restful evening and dinner.
Included, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at The New Corona

Try a selection of Nepalese and Sikkimese dishes in this cosy, locally-frequented restaurant.
INR400, 1h
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Day 6: Gangtok City

Gangtok, India on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast

Enjoy the hotel’s breakfast before traveling to Gangtok.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Gangtok

Drive around 4-5 hours to Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim.
INR1200 (taxi), 5h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Square

Contemporary restaurant serving diverse cuisine including local delicacies in a modern setting.
INR500, 1h

2:30pm

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Explore the extensive collection of Tibetan artefacts, manuscripts, and artefacts. Open 9am-5pm.
INR50, 1h 30m

4:15pm

Enchey Monastery

Visit this 200-year-old monastery, renowned for its peaceful setting and beautiful architecture. Open until 5:30pm.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Evening stroll on MG Road

Explore the lively MG Road with shops, cafes, and street snacks, perfect for a relaxing evening.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Taste of Tibet

Experience authentic Tibetan cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere, open until 10pm.
INR450, 1h
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Day 7: Tsongmo Lake & Nathula Pass

Gangtok, India on June 6, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast

Start early with breakfast in preparation for a full day of sightseeing.
Included, 45m

7:00am

Drive to Tsongmo Lake

Travel about 40 minutes to the glacial Tsongmo Lake, famous for its stunning blue waters and natural beauty.
INR100 entrance fee, 1h 30m

10:00am

Nathula Pass

Visit Nathula Pass, a high mountain pass on the Indo-China border, requiring special permits arranged in advance. Open 9am-4pm except Tuesdays.
INR150 permit, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at local dhaba on way back

Enjoy simple and delicious hill food at a roadside eatery during the return journey.
INR250, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Gangtok

Relax and freshen up back in Gangtok after your adventurous day.
Included, 1h

6:30pm

Farewell dinner at The Coffee Shop

Conclude your trip with a meal of local and fusion dishes in a peaceful café on MG Road.
INR500, 1h
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