Perched at 6,700 feet in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, Darjeeling is often called the “Queen of the Hills.” With its breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks, lush tea gardens, and colonial charm, Darjeeling is an ideal retreat for travelers seeking a short yet memorable getaway. Whether you're a nature lover, a tea enthusiast, or a culture seeker, three days in Darjeeling can offer a fulfilling experience of serenity and discovery.

Day 1: Welcome to the Queen of the Hills

Morning: Arrival and Local Flavor

  • Arrive via Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station, followed by a scenic 3–4 hour drive to Darjeeling.

  • Check into a heritage hotel or hill-view homestay and freshen up.

Afternoon: Mall Road & Chowrasta

  • Take a leisurely walk along The Mall and Chowrasta, Darjeeling’s central square.

  • Browse local shops for Tibetan handicrafts, woollens, and curios.

  • Stop for coffee or hot chocolate at Glenary’s or Keventer’s, old colonial cafés with lovely views.

Evening: Peace Pagoda & Sunset

  • Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda for panoramic views and a quiet spiritual ambiance.

  • Catch the sunset from Observatory Hill or Tiger Hill Road viewpoint.

🚂 Day 2: Toy Train, Tea, and Himalayan Vistas

Early Morning: Tiger Hill Sunrise

  • Rise early for a drive to Tiger Hill (around 4:00 AM) to witness the sun rising over Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak.

  • On clear days, you may even glimpse Mount Everest in the distance.

Morning: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

  • Ride the iconic Darjeeling Toy Train (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) from Darjeeling to Ghum and back.

  • Stop at Batasia Loop, a spiral railway with spectacular mountain views and a war memorial.

Afternoon: Tea Garden Tour

  • Visit a working tea estate like Happy Valley Tea Estate or Glenburn, where you can learn about the tea-making process and sample fresh Darjeeling tea.

Evening: Tibetan Refugee Center or Cultural Show

  • Visit the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre to see handicraft production and learn about Tibetan heritage.

  • Optional: Attend a local folk dance or cultural performance at select hotels or cultural centers.

🐾 Day 3: Himalayan Wildlife & Local Life

Morning: Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Zoo

  • Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), established in honor of Tenzing Norgay, and explore its museum on mountain climbing history.

  • Next door is the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, home to red pandas, snow leopards, and Himalayan wolves.

Afternoon: Rock Garden & Ganga Maya Park

  • Drive down to the Rock Garden, a landscaped terraced garden with waterfalls, bridges, and picnic spots.

  • Enjoy lunch amid nature or pack a meal from town.

Evening: Last Walk & Farewell Dinner

  • Return to town for a final stroll along The Mall, enjoy some last-minute shopping.

  • Savor a traditional Nepali or Tibetan dinner at a local restaurant like Sonam’s Kitchen, Penang, or The Park.