Your journey begins with your arrival at either Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. From here, you’ll be driven to Darjeeling, a scenic hill town nestled in the Himalayan foothills. The drive takes around three to four hours, winding through lush tea gardens, pine forests, and small hill villages. Upon arrival in Darjeeling, check in to your hotel and take some time to rest after the journey. In the late afternoon or evening, you can take a relaxed walk around the Chowrasta Mall, the heart of the town, which offers views of the mountains and is surrounded by charming colonial-era buildings, cafés, and shops. Sip a hot cup of Darjeeling tea and enjoy the crisp mountain air before returning to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Start the day early, around 4:00 AM, with a drive to Tiger Hill, one of the highest points in the region, to witness the spectacular sunrise over the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas, including the majestic Kanchenjunga. On clear days, you may even catch a distant glimpse of Mount Everest. After sunrise, stop by the Batasia Loop on the way back, a beautifully landscaped area with a war memorial and panoramic views of the town and surrounding hills. Also visit the Ghoom Monastery, one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling, known for its massive Maitreya Buddha statue and peaceful ambiance. Return to your hotel for breakfast, then proceed for a half-day sightseeing tour of Darjeeling. This typically includes a visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which houses a museum dedicated to mountaineering legends like Tenzing Norgay, as well as the adjacent Darjeeling Zoo, known for its conservation efforts for red pandas and snow leopards. Continue on to the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre to see local handicrafts and handwoven woolen items. Later in the afternoon, visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate to witness tea processing and stroll through tea gardens. Return to the hotel in the evening and enjoy a relaxed dinner before settling in for the night.
After breakfast, head to the Darjeeling Railway Station for a joy ride on the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The vintage steam engine train takes you on a scenic round trip to Ghoom and back, offering nostalgic views of the hills and valleys. After the train ride, you have the option to either relax at your hotel or explore Darjeeling at your own pace. You might want to revisit the Mall Road for some souvenir shopping or try out a traditional Nepali thali at a local eatery. If you’re interested in nature, a visit to the Lloyd’s Botanical Garden or a short hike to Observatory Hill, which offers panoramic views and is a spiritual site for both Hindus and Buddhists, can be added to your day. Enjoy your final evening in Darjeeling with a quiet dinner or a cozy time at a tea lounge, soaking in the peaceful mountain vibe.
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast while taking in the views one last time. After checking out from your hotel, begin your drive back to Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. The return journey offers another chance to admire the rolling tea gardens and mountain scenery as you descend from the hills. Arrive at your departure point with memories of misty mornings, vibrant monasteries, historic railways, and the gentle charm of Darjeeling, bringing your 4-day Himalayan escape to a fulfilling end.