queen of hills 4 days

Queen of hills

Queen of hills (4 days)

This 4-day itinerary will give you a rich experience of Darjeeling's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and iconic attractions.

Arrival and Explore Darjeeling

Arrival:
- Location: Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP).
- Transfer to Darjeeling:
  - Travel Time: Approx. 3-4 hours (70 km).
  - Route: The drive offers beautiful views of tea gardens and rolling hills.
Check-In: Arrive at your hotel in Darjeeling and check in.
Afternoon:
- Mall Road: Take a leisurely stroll along Mall Road, visit Chowrasta, and explore the local shops.
Evening:
- Peace Pagoda: Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda for a serene environment and panoramic views of the town.
- Dinner: Dine at "Keventer’s" or "Glenary’s" for a mix of Indian and Continental dishes.
Overnight: Stay in Darjeeling.

Darjeeling Sightseeing

Early Morning:
- Tiger Hill: Depart early (around 4:00 AM) to catch the sunrise over Kanchenjunga.
- On the Way Back: Visit Batasia Loop, a war memorial with a beautiful garden, and Ghoom Monastery, one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling.
Breakfast: Return to your hotel for breakfast.
Morning:
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train): Experience the Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Advance booking is recommended.
Afternoon:
- Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Explore mountaineering history and see rare animals like the Red Panda.
Evening:
- Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre: Visit to learn about the Tibetan culture and buy handmade crafts.
Dinner: Enjoy a meal at "The Park" for Chinese and Indian cuisine.
Overnight: Stay in Darjeeling.

Tea Gardens and Local Culture

Morning:
- Happy Valley Tea Estate: Visit this iconic tea estate, where you can learn about tea processing and enjoy a tea-tasting session.
Afternoon:
- Rock Garden & Ganga Maya Park: Visit these beautifully landscaped gardens, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant or pack a picnic.
Evening:
- Darjeeling Observatory Hill: Visit this sacred hill that offers stunning views of the surrounding area and explore Mahakal Temple.
- Shopping: Spend the evening shopping for souvenirs at local markets.
Dinner: Try "Sonam’s Kitchen" for a cozy, homemade-style dinner.
Overnight: Stay in Darjeeling.

Departure

Morning:
- Check-Out: Depending on your flight/train time, you may have a leisurely breakfast.
- Last-Minute Shopping: Pick up some Darjeeling tea or other local handicrafts before you leave.
- Transfer: Drive to Bagdogra Airport or NJP (approx. 3-4 hours) for your departure.

Altitude: Darjeeling is at a moderate altitude, so you should acclimatize easily.
Weather: Carry warm clothing, especially for early mornings and evenings.
Permits: No special permits are needed for Darjeeling, but it’s good to carry identification at all times.