Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Lava, Rishyap & Siliguri: A Complete Itinerary for Unveiling the Eastern Himalayas

Welcome to the land of rolling hills and endless cups of chai! Well not just yet. The closest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport and from there Darjeeling is a 3-hour drive. The hilly terrain is quite complicated to navigate so it is recommended that you pre-book a ride from a reputed and authorized tour operator. Alternatively, you can talk to your hotel and they might be able to pick you up from the airport. Ok now that you are in Darjeeling, check into your hotel and freshen up. Once you feel recharged, get ready to explore this magical city. Depending on the time of day, you Might have a few hours to go off on your adventures, but it is recommended that you explore the surrounding areas of your hotel on your first day there. You might have travel fatigue and you’ll have plenty of time on your next day.

Darjeeling wakes up early, and you should too! Especially if you want to catch the sunrise at Tiger Hill. Bare witness as the glorious Kanchenjunga peak paints the sky with hues of orange and pink. Its hard to sell how beautiful the view truly is with just words. It's something you just have to see to understand. But one thing is for certain, it's a sight you won't forget. Oh, and a cup of tea, fits right in with the experience, so grab one if you get the chance. On your way back, stop by the Ghoom Monastery and the Batasia Loop to learn of Darjeeling's rich Buddhist influence and stunning railway engineering.

The afternoon is all about exploring the town's charm. You can visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute where you can learn about mountaineering. People can take various courses about trekking, rock climbing, search and rescue and even some advanced courses here. Sadly, you won't be staying long enough to actually take part in any courses but you can still learn a lot here. You should also consider visiting the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park. Why? Two words, Red Pandas, need i say more?. But if somehow, Red Pandas are not your thing you can just unwind at the Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda. And again, Don't forget to have some Darjeeling tea. Head back to your hotel, get yourself some good food and go to sleep, tomorrow you will leave Darjeeling and be on your way to Kalimpong.

Well it's time to trade in the bustling city life of Darjeeling for the quieter hill station. So it's time for Kalimpong Travel! Wake up early and check out of your hotel. Take a cab straight to Kalimpong. The drive is lovely, and the sights are beautiful so keep your camera handy! It should take roughly 2 hours to get there and the first thing to do upon arrival, is to check in at the hotel or resort you've already booked for yourself. If you are worried about where to stay, don't be. There are plenty of Hotels and Resorts at varying price points. Our personal recommendation is a home stay, it's cheaper and provides a more intimate experience. Done with the check in? Good, let's explore Kalimpong's unique sights. There is a lot to see here but first you should visit the Zang Dhok Palri Monastery. Afterwards soak in the views from Delo park, or wander through the Kalimpong Science Centre. Optionally you can visit the Cactus nursery in Kalimpong as well. In the evening, explore the local bazaars and find some unique handcrafted souvenirs to take back home. Return to your hotel and prepare yourself for a natural adventure the following day. You have relatively less time in Kalimpong so make the most of what you have. Try to visit all the places mentioned here. Think of it like a Kalimpong one day tour.

On day four, This tour plan will have you embark on a scenic journey through the Himalayas! But first, wake up, grab a cup of tea and enjoy the picturesque morning of Kalimpong. Take your breakfast and Head out. The drive takes us through Lava, no not actual Lava, but a charming little hamlet nested within lush greenery. Take some time to stop by the Lava Monastery for a moment of peace. The monastery is one of the reasons you will be taking this route, so there's really no point in leaving it out of your checklist. Finally, we reach Rishop, a hidden gem known for its breathtaking views and serene atmosphere. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and unwind in the beauty of nature. Check in at your hotel as usual, and spend the night dreaming about your next adventure.

Sadly, we are nearing the end of the tour plan. On your 5th day you will be descending to Siliguri, which is the gateway to the whole region. The ride is just 3 hours long so you do have a bit of time to explore Rishop. Spend your remaining hours in Rishop by either strolling through the peaceful village or discovering the many hamlets. The most wonderful thing about Rishop, aside from the glorious view of the Kanchenjunga, is the weather. The only time you should avoid Rishop is the monsoon, other than that, it is the place to be, be it summer or winter. Objectively speaking, if you want to have the best time, you should visit during Spring and Autumn. But I digress, at this point take in one last look at the majestic mountains of Rishop before hitting the plains. Once you reach Siliguri, Check in at the hotel and head out. You will probably be doing the bulk of your Shopping in Siliguri. Head out to local markets and bazaars and hunt down some souvenirs to take back home. Enjoy some local delicacies before heading back to your hotel.

Siliguri Certainly has its own charm! And you will have the whole day to explore every inch of it. There's lots you can do here, so let's just go though some of the more popular sights and the time it usually takes to explore them.

Hong Kong Market- A street marketplace with merchants selling largely Chinese-made goods, including watches, gadgets, footwear, and clothes.(2 hours)

ISKCON Temple- A temple in Siliguri, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is the largest in northeastern India. It houses a Radha Madhav idol and a depiction of Lord Krishna and Radha.(1-2 hours)

Bengal Safari- a zoological and wildlife park that showcases the region's biodiversity, including tigers, leopards, crocodiles, an aviary, and medicinal and bonsai gardens, among other attractions.(2-3 hours)

Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary- The 159-square-kilometer woodland reserve in the Himalayan foothills was established in 1959 to safeguard the Indian bison and Bengal tiger.(3 hours)

or simply relax at a local cafe and embrace the atmosphere.  In the evening, hit the bustling markets (Perhaps the Hong Kong Market) and find some unique local crafts to take home as mementos.

Its your 7th day, and with that your tour is officially over. It's time to say goodbye to this beautiful region. Hopefully, your bags are overflowing with souvenirs and you've made some good memories.  Catch your flight or train from Siliguri, and carry a piece of the Himalayas with you!