8-Day Cultural and Nature Exploration in Darjeeling and Sikkim

Day 1: Arrival and Local Sights

Darjeeling, India on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Glenary's Bakery

Start your day with freshly baked pastries and strong Darjeeling tea in this iconic colonial bakery that's been a favorite for decades.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Tiger Hill Sunrise Point

Catch the spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas including views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Best to start early; opens at 4:00am.
INR30, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kunga Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Tibetan cuisine like momos and thukpa in a cozy local setting.
INR400, 1h

1:30pm

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage toy train history and exhibits about its construction and operation.
INR50, 1h

3:00pm

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Visit one of the highest altitude zoos, home to rare species including the red panda and snow leopard.
INR60, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Park Restaurant

Savor a mix of Indian and continental dishes with great views of Darjeeling town at dusk.
INR700, 1.5h
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Day 2: Tea Gardens and Monasteries

Darjeeling, India on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sonam's Kitchen

Relish delicious local breakfast items and freshly brewed Darjeeling tea.
INR250, 1h

9:30am

Batasia Loop and War Memorial

Visit this famous mountain railway loop with panoramic views and a peaceful war memorial garden.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Happy Valley Tea Estate Tour

Take a guided tour of one of Darjeeling's oldest tea estates, learn processing, and sample fresh tea.
INR150, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Glenary's Restaurant

Enjoy a mix of Indian, Tibetan, and continental dishes in this popular hill station eatery.
INR500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Peace Pagoda, Japanese Temple

Explore this serene Buddhist pagoda with impressive white architecture and sweeping views over Darjeeling.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Tenzing and Gombu Rock

See the rock where the legendary Sherpas Tenzing Norgay and Gombu rested en route to Mt. Everest.
Free, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kunga Restaurant

Savor more Tibetan delicacies in a warm ambiance to end the day.
INR400, 1h
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Day 3: Adventure and Sightseeing

Darjeeling, India on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Coffee Cabin

Delicious coffee-based drinks and light bites to energize before adventure.
INR250, 1h

9:00am

Rock Climbing or Ropeway Ride

Enjoy outdoor thrills with the local rock climbing spots or take the scenic ropeway (cable car) for spectacular views.
INR200-400, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sonam's Kitchen

Tasty local cuisine with friendly service to relax after morning adventure.
INR350, 1h

1:30pm

Darjeeling Mall Road and Chowrasta

Stroll through the town's bustling market area, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy street snacks.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Tea Tasting at Makaibari Tea Estate (optional afternoon trip)

Take a short trip to one of the region’s most famous tea plantations with a tasting session and guided tour.
INR300, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Glenary's Restaurant

Delight in a hearty meal of local and international favorites in an iconic setting.
INR700, 1.5h
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Day 4: Travel to Gangtok and City Tour

Gangtok, Sikkim, India on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Darjeeling

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before departing for Gangtok.
Included in hotel, 1h

9:00am

Drive from Darjeeling to Gangtok

Travel approximately 4 hours via scenic roads crossing the border into Sikkim.
INR1500 (taxi), 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Taste of Tibet Restaurant

Sample delicious Tibetan and Sikkimese dishes in the heart of Gangtok.
INR400, 1h

3:30pm

Gangtok Ropeway Ride

Take the cable car for panoramic city and mountain views. Open 10:00am-5:30pm.
INR150, 1h

5:00pm

Visit Enchey Monastery

Explore this 200-year-old monastery set in peaceful surroundings near Gangtok.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Square, Hotel Radisson

Upscale dining with diverse menu options including local Sikkimese specialties.
INR800, 1.5h
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Day 5: Gangtok and Surrounds

Gangtok, Sikkim, India on May 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Baker’s Cafe

Famous for Western-style breakfast dishes and fresh coffee.
INR300, 1h

9:00am

Visit Rumtek Monastery

Largest monastery in Sikkim and a key center of Tibetan Buddhism, open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
INR50, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Morgan’s House

Enjoy fusion cuisine combining local flavors with international dishes in a beautiful setting.
INR600, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Hanuman Tok and Ganesh Tok

Enjoy peaceful hilltop views and local temples with stunning vistas over Gangtok valley.
Free, 1.5h

4:00pm

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Explore this important museum and research center on Tibetan culture and Buddhism, open 10:00am - 5:00pm.
INR30, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Taste of Tibet Restaurant

Relax with authentic Tibetan cuisine to end the day.
INR400, 1h
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Day 6: Excursion to Tsongmo Lake and Baba Mandir

Near Gangtok, Sikkim, India on May 27, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Get an early start with a quick breakfast before your full-day excursion.
Included, 30m

7:00am

Drive to Tsongmo (Changu) Lake

Enjoy a scenic drive (about 2 hours each way) to this beautiful glacial lake at 3780m altitude.
INR500 (taxi), 2h

9:00am

Explore Tsongmo Lake

Take in the stunning views, and if visiting in spring, enjoy the blooming rhododendrons around the lake. Open all day.
INR20, 1h

10:30am

Visit Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir

Pay respects at this unique shrine dedicated to an Indian army soldier, located near the lake.
Free, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch picnic or at local eatery on return

Enjoy packed lunch or local snacks available en route back to Gangtok.
INR300, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Gangtok, rest and stroll Mall Road

Relax after the excursion and enjoy evening shopping and street food at Mall Road.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Square, Hotel Radisson

Indulge in a refined meal with local specialties and international cuisine options.
INR800, 1.5h
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Day 7: Day Trip to Pelling

Pelling, Sikkim, India on May 28, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Gangtok hotel

Light but energizing breakfast for travel day.
Included, 30m

7:00am

Drive from Gangtok to Pelling

Travel 4-5 hours through scenic mountain roads to Pelling, known for views of Kanchenjunga.
INR2000 (taxi), 5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Norling

Enjoy local Sikkimese dishes and fresh vegetable preparations in a charming café setting.
INR400, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Pemayangtse Monastery

One of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim, full of rich Buddhist art.
INR50, 1h

3:30pm

Rabdentse Ruins

Explore the ancient ruins of the former Sikkimese capital offering spectacular views.
INR20, 1h

5:00pm

Drive back to Gangtok

Return journey to Gangtok to arrive in the evening.
Included in taxi fare, 5h

8:30pm

Dinner at hotel or nearby restaurant

Enjoy a relaxing dinner after a long day of sightseeing.
INR600, 1h
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Day 8: Relax and Departure

Gangtok, Sikkim, India on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker’s Cafe

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your departure day.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Visit Flower Exhibition Centre and Do-Drul Chorten

Explore beautiful mountain flowers and the large stupa representing peace and prosperity.
Free, 1.5h

11:30am

Last-minute shopping and stroll at MG Road

Pick up souvenirs and gifts at the bustling market street.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Taste of Tibet Restaurant

Final meal with delicious Himalayan flavors before travel.
INR400, 1h

2:30pm

Check out and transfer to Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station

Arrange transport to either Bagdogra Airport (approx 4 hours) or NJP station for onward travel.
INR2000+, 4h
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