Magical Gangtok and Darjeeling: A 5-Day Northeast India Itinerary

Day 1: Gangtok City Tour

Gangtok, Sikkim, India

9:00AM

Visit Rumtek Monastery

Begin your trip at Rumtek Monastery, the largest monastery in Sikkim, showcasing Tibetan Buddhist culture and beautiful architecture.
INR 50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Taste of Tibet

Savor authentic Tibetan cuisine, including momos and thukpa, at this popular Gangtok restaurant.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore MG Road

Stroll along MG Road, Gangtok’s main shopping and dining street filled with colorful shops and eateries.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Enchey Monastery

Explore the peaceful Enchey Monastery, an important religious site with stunning mountain views.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Square

Enjoy a mix of Indian and local dishes at The Square, a well-reviewed restaurant in Gangtok.
INR 800, 1 hour
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Day 2: Gangtok Sightseeing

Gangtok, Sikkim, India

6:00AM

Tsomgo Lake Excursion

Early morning trip to the pristine Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake at 3,753 m altitude surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
INR 1500, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Cafe Live & Loud

Relax at this cozy cafe offering continental and Indian dishes with great coffee.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Visit this renowned research institute showcasing Tibetan culture, history, and manuscripts.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Ganesh Tok viewpoint

Watch sunset views over Gangtok and the Himalayas from this serene hilltop spot.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Baker’s Cafe

End your day with fresh bakery treats and a relaxed meal at this popular cafe.
INR 700, 1 hour
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Day 3: Travel to Darjeeling

Darjeeling, West Bengal, India

8:00AM

Depart Gangtok for Darjeeling

Enjoy a scenic 4 to 5-hour drive from Gangtok to Darjeeling, passing through lush hills and quaint villages.
INR 2500 (taxi fare approx.), 5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Sonam’s Kitchen

After arrival and check-in, enjoy fresh momos and thukpa at this highly rated local Darjeeling eatery.
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Darjeeling Mall (Chowrasta)

Walk around the bustling Chowrasta Mall, a popular hangout spot with mountain views and local shops.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station

See the iconic UNESCO heritage narrow-gauge railway station and take photos of the toy train plying through the hills.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Glenary’s

Enjoy continental fare and pastries at Glenary’s with lovely views of the hills.
INR 800, 1 hour
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Day 4: Darjeeling Scenic Views & Tea

Darjeeling, West Bengal, India

4:00AM

Sunrise at Tiger Hill

Witness the spectacular sunrise over the snow-capped Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest peaks at Tiger Hill.
INR 50, 2 hours

7:00AM

Breakfast at Keventer’s

Relish a classic English breakfast with mountain views at the historic Keventer’s cafe.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Happy Valley Tea Estate

Take a guided tour through Darjeeling’s oldest tea garden and sample premium Darjeeling tea.
INR 200, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Glenary’s

Return to Glenary’s for a well-rounded lunch featuring local and continental options.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Batasia Loop and War Memorial

Visit this unique railway spiral and enjoy breathtaking views overlooking Darjeeling with a historic memorial nearby.
INR 20, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping on Nehru Road

Shop for local handicrafts, tea, woolens, and souvenirs along Darjeeling’s commercial street.
Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sonam’s Kitchen

Savor authentic Nepali and Tibetan dishes at Sonam’s Kitchen for dinner.
INR 600, 1 hour
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Day 5: Darjeeling Monasteries & Museums

Darjeeling, West Bengal, India

8:00AM

Visit Ghoom Monastery

Explore the serene 19th-century Buddhist Ghoom Monastery with its large golden Buddha statue.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Darjeeling Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Discover mountaineering history and gear; see exhibits about the Himalayas and famous climbers.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Kunga Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Tibetan cuisine including thukpa and momos at this cozy restaurant.
INR 700, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Observatory Hill and Peace Pagoda

Visit the holy site offering panoramic views and the Japanese Peace Pagoda symbolizing unity.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Tea and snacks at Glenary’s

Spend late afternoon relaxing at Glenary’s cafe with tea and bakery treats.
INR 300, 1 hour

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Mayfair Darjeeling’s The Salon

Celebrate your trip with a fine dining experience offering multi-cuisine dishes and a cozy ambiance.
INR 1200, 2 hours
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