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Summary

This travel guide offers a compact yet enchanting journey through Darjeeling, covering major attractions like Tiger Hill, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Designed for travelers seeking an affordable yet memorable experience, this itinerary ensures a blend of natural beauty, cultural insights, and leisure.

🌄 Day 1: Arrival and Leisure in Darjeeling

Begin your journey in Darjeeling with a leisurely evening exploring tea gardens, Mall Road, and local markets after checking into your hotel.

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🏨 Hotel in Darjeeling

Your comfortable and budget-friendly accommodation in the heart of Darjeeling offers a cozy retreat amidst the stunning landscapes.

Tips

Complete check-in formalities and relax in the serene ambiance of the hotel.

🛍️ Mall Road

A bustling street known for shopping and dining, perfect for evening strolls. The vibrant atmosphere and array of local shops make it an ideal place to immerse yourself in the local culture.

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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Darjeeling Mall Road | Darjeeling markets | the maps", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcySO_pJIdQ", "channel": { "name": "the maps"}, "published_date": "Sep 20, 2022", "length": "7:37" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "A Walk down the Mall Darjeeling", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kILTg_aMX-8", "channel": { "name": "My Ammachi's Kitchen"}, "published_date": "Apr 26, 2022", "length": "5:22" }</div>

Tips

Ideal for buying souvenirs and enjoying local cuisine while soaking in the charming surroundings.

🌄 Day 2: Exploring Darjeeling's Gems

A day filled with visits to Tiger Hill, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Tenzing Rock, Ghoom Monastery, and Batasia Loop, ending with a transfer to NJP/IXB/SILIGURI.

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🌄 Tiger Hill

Witness a breathtaking sunrise with panoramic views of the Himalayas. Tiger Hill stands at an altitude of 2,590 m overlooking the spur of the snow-capped mountain ranges of the Eastern Himalayas. It is one of the two points in India from where you can capture the entire panorama between Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga on a sunny morning. The first rays of the sun shoot ahead and shed light upon the twin peaks of Kanchenjunga painting it pink, and then bathing it in a beautiful orange color, which is an amazing thing to experience.

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Tiger hill | A Magical Sunrise Point (English) | Darjeeling", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eztdSYRj0Y", "channel": { "name": "Chinmay Nath"}, "published_date": "May 24, 2018", "length": "7:53" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Tiger Hill Darjeeling - A Spectacular Sunrise View of ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkQu-nBoCgk", "channel": { "name": "Trekking Desi"}, "published_date": "Jan 9, 2024", "length": "6:10" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Sunrise from Tiger hill Darjeeling | Amazing sunrise from tiger ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-wxtJZF0oU", "channel": { "name": "Bangali Babu"}, "published_date": "Feb 10, 2018", "length": "10:35" }</div>

Tips

Arrive early to catch the sunrise.

🦜 Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Home to a variety of high-altitude animals and birds, offering an insightful experience. The zoo was formerly known as Himalayan Zoological Park and was established in 1958 as a joint venture of the Government of India and the Government of West Bengal. The park was renamed in 1975 when Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India, visited the park and dedicated it to the memory of Padmaja Naidu, who was also a poet and daughter of the famous freedom fighter Sarojini Naidu. Situated at an altitude of 7,000 feet, this is the largest high-altitude zoo in India.

Tips

Closed on Thursdays.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +91 354 225 3709
🕒   Hours: See hours
⏳   Typical duration: 25 min to 1.5 hr
📍   Address: Padmaja naidu, Himalayan zoological park, Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734104, India

⛰️ Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

A prestigious institute offering stunning views and rich mountaineering history. Located in Darjeeling, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is recognized as one of the best mountaineering institutes in the world. Established on 4th November 1954, the primary purpose of this initiative was to encourage, enhance and support the interest of the people in the sport of mountaineering, and to channel the abundant energy of the youth into a productive and self-awarding sport. Aspiring mountaineers from all over the world come to this institute to develop their skills.

Tips

Explore the museum and training areas.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +91 76022 15312
🌐   Website: http://hmidarjeeling.com/
📍   Address: 3753+C7Q, Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101, India
🔗   Profiles:

🕌 Ghoom Monastery

An ancient monastery offering spiritual solace and magnificent views. At a grand elevation of 8,000 feet, the Yiga Choeling, or old Ghoom Monastery is the oldest Tibetan Buddhist Monastery of Darjeeling. Established in 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyatso, this shrine is part of the Yellow Hat sect known as Gelupka who worship the ‘Coming Buddha’ or ‘Maitreyi Buddha’. A 15-foot-high statue of Maitreyi Buddha is seen in the central hall, made entirely of clay brought from Tibet.

Tips

Observe the prayer sessions for a serene experience.

🚂 Batasia Loop

A unique railway loop offering splendid views of the lush landscape. Perhaps one of the most picturesque train routes in all of Darjeeling, the Batasia Loop is a lush green toy train pathway that is meant to minimize the elevation of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The unique design of this magnificent attraction allows the track to wrap around itself through a hilltop tunnel. One of the most enchanting aspects of the Batasia Loop is its unmatched natural beauty which is a wonderful sight to behold.

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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Batasia Loop Darjeeling | Batasia Loop Darjeeling Toy Train ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMxgw_OWUhQ", "channel": { "name": "We are CREATIVE THOUGHTS"}, "published_date": "Sep 10, 2023", "length": "3:04" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Batasia Loop Darjeeling | Darjeeling Himalayan Railway ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBwvB9UEV8Y", "channel": { "name": "Walk Another Mile"}, "published_date": "Sep 13, 2020", "length": "7:31" }</div>

Tips

Take a toy train ride for the full experience.