Darjeeling , India

A Full Day Tour Of Darjeeling

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About this experience

On this full-day tour, discover the hill-town of Darjeeling situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. Once a summer resort of the British in India, the town has a distinct charm of its own. Drive through narrow sloping streets that offer fabulous views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visit a tea garden and take a ride on a ‘Toy Train’ that takes you past some memorable views.

Highlights
• Sunrise at Tiger Hill
• Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park (Park Remains Closed on Thursday)
• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Institute Remains Closed on Thursday)
• Visit to a Tea Estate
• Tenzing Norgay & Tibetan self-help center -(Remains Closed on Sunday).

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Available options

1-8 Travelers (B'fast & Lunch)

1-8 Travelers: Price per person for 1-8 travelers<br/>Pickup included

1-8 Travelers

Price per person for 1-8 travelers<br/>Private Vehicle <br/>Pickup included

What's included

Train ticket

02 bottles of mineral water per person

Local English speaking guide

Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle

Entrance Fee

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Detailed itinerary

You will be picked up from your hotel very early in the morning and driven to Tiger Hill to witness the spectacular sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain peak in the world. Situated at a height of 8482 feet, Tiger Hill is the highest point in Darjeeling. On a clear day, it offers some great panoramic views of the snow clad Himalayas. After visiting Tiger Hill, enjoy breakfast (own expense) at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, take a ride on the ‘Toy train’ from Darjeeling to Ghoom. The mini coaches of the train are pulled by an old fashioned steam engine that operates on a narrow gauge track. The train takes you up steep mountains through breath-taking landscapes at a snail’s pace making for a truly memorable experience. Operating since 1880, this is an important transport link to the lower plains. The train makes a loop at Batasia, from where you can get unparalleled views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and the town of Darjeeling. The Darjeeling Toy Train has been accorded a UNESCO World Heritage status.

Stop 3

Situated at a height of 7,407 feet above sea level, it is the oldest Buddhist monastery in Darjeeling. The monastery has a 15 feet high statue of the Buddha. It was built in 1850 by a Mongolian monk and astrologer and it belongs to the Yellow Hat sect. Several high ranking Tibetan abbots had taken refuge in this monastery at the time of the Chinese invasion in 1959. After the visit to the monastery, take a pause for lunch (own expense) at a local restaurant.

Stop 4

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute has provided training for some of the leading mountaineers of India. The Institute has memorabilia from several Everest expeditions. It offers training to encourage mountaineering as a sport.

Stop 5

Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park is the highest zoo in India. The zoo is home to the largest captive population of snow leopards. It is well known for its conservation breeding programs for several endangered species like the Red Panda, Snow Leopards and the Tibetan Wolf.

Tenzing Rock is a huge natural rock that is used for training rock climbers. It is named after Tenzing Norgay who along with Edmund Hillary was the first man to climb Mt. Everest. The right face of the rock offers a gentle climb for amateurs.

The mountains of Darjeeling are covered with lush green tea bushes that provide some of the best teas of India. There are around 80 Tea Gardens in Darjeeling that are spread over thousands of acres of mountain slopes. Take a look at how tea is made from the freshly plucked green tea leaves and packaged for sale across the world.

Once your tour will be finished you will be driven back to fixed point / your hotel.

What's not included

Food and drinks, unless specified

Gratuities (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Adult pricing applies to all travelers.

Confirmation will be received within 48 hrs of booking.

Not recommended for pregnant women and people with back problems.

Name and gender as on passport, passport number, and expiry date and country of issuance are required at time of booking. Please carry the passport on the day of the tour.

‘Toy Train’ tickets must be booked 120 days in advance. Train ride may get cancelled without prior notice.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park remain closed on Thursdays. Tea Estate and Tibetan Self-Help Center remain closed on Sundays.

Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

About Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a picturesque hill station in the Indian state of West Bengal, renowned for its stunning Himalayan views, lush tea gardens, and colonial architecture. It offers a unique blend of cultural diversity, natural beauty, and adventure activities, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking tranquility and excitement alike.

Top Attractions

Tiger Hill

Tiger Hill is famous for its breathtaking sunrise views of Mount Everest and the Kanchenjunga range. It is one of the highest points in Darjeeling and a must-visit for nature lovers.

Nature 2-3 hours INR 100 (USD 1.50)

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is a premier training center for mountaineering in India. It houses a museum with exhibits on mountaineering history and equipment.

Cultural 1-2 hours INR 20 (USD 0.30)

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway offers a scenic toy train journey through the picturesque Himalayan landscapes.

Historical Varies by route INR 200 to 500 (USD 3 to 7) depending on the route

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

This zoo is dedicated to the conservation of Himalayan species and is home to red pandas, snow leopards, and other endangered animals.

Nature 2-3 hours INR 50 (USD 0.70)

Japanese Peace Pagoda

The Japanese Peace Pagoda is a beautiful Buddhist stupa offering panoramic views of Darjeeling and the surrounding mountains. It is a place of peace and meditation.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Momos

Steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, served with a spicy chutney.

Snack Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Thukpa

A hearty noodle soup with vegetables, meat, and a flavorful broth.

Main Course Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Sel Roti

A sweet, ring-shaped rice bread, often served during festivals.

Snack/Dessert Vegetarian.

Gundruk

A fermented leafy green vegetable dish, often served as a side or in soups.

Side Dish Vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Trekking Mountaineering Paragliding River rafting Tea tasting Nature walks Boating Spa treatments

Best Time to Visit

March to May and October to December

The best time to visit Darjeeling is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (October to December) when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. The skies are clear, offering stunning views of the Himalayas.

10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) 50°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Nepali, Bengali, English
Widely spoken: Hindi, Tibetan, Linguistic minority languages
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

IST (UTC+5:30)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Darjeeling is generally safe for travelers, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.
• Use reputable tour operators and taxi services.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.

Getting there

By air

Bagdogra Airport • 65 km (40 miles) from Darjeeling

By train

New Jalpaiguri Station

By bus

Siliguri, Kolkata

Getting around

Public transport

Shared jeeps are the most common and affordable mode of public transport in Darjeeling. They operate on fixed routes and can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Ola

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Chowrasta Ghoom Jhandu View

Day trips

Kanchenjunga National Park

30 km (19 miles) from Darjeeling • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kanchenjunga National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. The park offers stunning views of the Himalayas and is a haven for nature lovers and trekkers.

Mirik

50 km (31 miles) from Darjeeling • Full day

A picturesque hill station known for its serene lake, lush tea gardens, and panoramic views of the Himalayas. Mirik is a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Pelling

60 km (37 miles) from Darjeeling • Overnight

A charming town in West Sikkim, Pelling is known for its stunning views of the Himalayas, ancient monasteries, and rich cultural heritage. It is a great destination for those interested in history, culture, and nature.

Festivals

Darjeeling Carnival • February Himalayan Flower Festival • April Losar Festival • February/March (varies by lunar calendar)

Pro tips

Visit Tiger Hill early in the morning for the best sunrise views of the Himalayas.
Try local specialties like momos, thukpa, and Darjeeling tea for an authentic culinary experience.
Hire a local guide for trekking and cultural tours to gain insights into the region's history and culture.
Carry warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly, especially at night and in the early morning.
Purchase a Darjeeling Tourist Pass for discounted entry to major attractions and to support local conservation efforts.