Darjeeling, the queen of hills is a hill station in West Bengal nestled in the foothills of Himalayas. It is a dream destination for nature lovers who want to take a break from busy life and enjoy the breathtaking mountain views, scenic tea gardens and rich cultural heritage. In this Darjeeling travel guide, we cover 3 days itinerary through the must-visit places, budget tips, and essential travel information to make your trip to Darjeeling unforgettable.

Itenary- Travel Guide

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Heart of Darjeeling

1. Arrival in Darjeeling

• For arriving Darjeeling you should have to either reach New Jalpaiguri railway station or Bagdogra airpot from your city
• Then take bus or share taxi from Siliguri to reach Darjeeling which costs ₹150-400.
• Rented bike and scooty are also available in Siliguri which costs from ₹500-1000 per day.

2. Check-in and Relax

Darjeeling has a range of accommodations. Budget hotels start around ₹1000-₹2500 per night, while mid-range hotels cost between ₹3000-₹5000 per night. Dormitory are also available in Darjeeling which charge ₹500-₹800 per night.

3. Mall Road and Chowrasta

Darjeeling trip starts with the city center Mall Road and Chowrasta. You can see cultural programs, local shops, souvenirs, street food like momos and enjoy the beautifull views of the Himalayas. There is no any charge to visit mall road and local snacks will cost you around ₹50-₹100.

3. Peace Pagoda

The Japanese Peace Pagoda offers you scenic surrounding and ultimate view of the Kanchenjunga range. This place is best for peace and you can learn Buddhism here.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Time Required: 1-2 hours

5. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Darjeeling Zoo

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute offers many adventure activities like ropeway and it also showcase the history of mountaineering, and the nearby zoo has rare Himalayan animals, including the Red Panda.

• Entry Fee: ₹60 for adults
• Time Required: 1-2 hours

Day 2: Sunrises, Monasteries, and Scenic Spots

1. Tiger Hill for Sunrise

Start your day with a trip to Tiger Hill. Enjoy the sunrise view over Mount Kanchenjunga. To witness the sunrise views, wake up early around 4 A.M. and head towards Tiger Hill by share taxi.

• Taxi Cost: Around ₹200-₹300 per person for a shared taxi

2. Ghoom Monastery

After visiting Tiger Hill, while returning back stop at Ghoom Monastery. It is one of the oldest Tibetan monasteries in Darjeeling. It has 15-foot Maitreya Buddha statue.

• Entry Fee: Free, but donations are welcome
• Time Required: 30-40 minutes

3. Batasia Loop

After visiting Ghool Monastery, head towards Batasia Loop. It is garden with a amazing view of Darjeeling and the surrounding peaks. It also has a memorial for Gorkha soldiers. You can also click photos in local Darjeeling dress here.

• Entry Fee: ₹20
• Time Required: 30 minutes

4. Visit to a Tea Garden

After visiting all the above mentioned places, you have enough time to visit tea gardens. Head towards tea garden and enjoy the iconic tea states like Orange Valley Tea Estate, Happy Valley Tea Estate and also head towards Rock Garden to witness colorful flowers and wonderful waterfall.

• Entry Fee: ₹50
• Time Required: 2-3 hours

Day 3: Toy Train Ride and Departure

1. Toy Train Ride

Darjeeling trip is incomplete without experiencing the majestic Toy Train. This toy train of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is listed on UNESCO World Heritage Site. This short joy ride starts from Darjeeling through breathtaking landscapes, winding through tunnels and over bridges which captures unforgettable memories

• Ticket Price: ₹1,500-₹1,700 for the round-trip joy ride in the steam engine, while diesel engines cost around ₹800

2. Departure

• Check out of the hotel and board bus or a taxi or shared cab to reach NJP Railway Station.
• Return back to home through train or flight.

Budget

The cost of a 3-day trip to Darjeeling can vary depending on your travel style and preferences. But we will share you a rough budget for you Darjeeling trip.

• Accommodation: ₹1000-2500 per night (depending upon the quality of hotel you choose)
• Food: ₹300-800 per day
• Sightseeing and Entry Fees: ₹800-₹1000
• Local Transport: ₹300-₹500 (Shared taxi, local transport, toy train)
• Toy Train: ₹800-₹1700
• Total: ₹6000-10,000 per person (approximately)

Note: This is an estimated budget based on mid-range travel options. Your total expenses may vary depending on your personal travel style and preferences. With careful planning, you could complete the trip for less, or, if you choose premium experiences, the costs may be higher.

Best Time to Visit Darjeeling

• Spring (March to May): Clear skies, ideal for sightseeing, though this is peak tourist season.
• Autumn (September to November): Enjoy vibrant landscape, pleasant weather, and beautiful views of the Himalayas.

Travel Tips for Darjeeling

1. Pack Warm Clothes: Pack warm clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. Even in summer, you may feel cold in morning and evening
2. Advance Booking: If visiting during peak seasons, book hotels and toy train tickets in advance.
3. Respect Local Culture: Darjeeling has a rich cultural heritage. Respect it’s local customs and traditions.
4. Bargain: Don’t hesitate to bargain while shopping in Darjeeling. If you bargaining quality is good then you may get products half of the initial price.
5. Capture the Beauty: Carry a good camera to capture the stunning landscapes and cultural experiences.

This 3-day itinerary to Darjeeling covers its best spots, from scenic viewpoints and historical monasteries to the famous toy train experience. Whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking for a comfortable stay, Darjeeling is best for all traveler. Follow this itinerary to create unforgettable moments on your Darjeeling trip.