3 day itinerary for Gangtok, Sikkim Darjeeling

Itinerary

A trip to Gangtok and Darjeeling is a delightful experience filled with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and delicious food. Let’s craft an ideal 3-day itinerary for you, starting from Bagdogra Airport. Buckle up for an adventure!

## Day 1: Arrival in Gangtok

Morning:

• Arrival at Bagdogra Airport: Once you land, you’ll be greeted by the fresh mountain air! Grab a taxi or pre-book a cab to Gangtok (about 4-5 hours drive).
• Scenic Drive: Enjoy the winding roads and lush greenery as you ascend into the hills. You might even catch glimpses of the Kanchenjunga range!

Afternoon:

• Check-in to your hotel: Freshen up and relax a bit. There are plenty of cozy hotels and homestays in Gangtok.
• Lunch: Head out to a local eatery and try some authentic Sikkimese cuisine. Don’t miss out on momos (dumplings) and thukpa (noodle soup)!

Evening:

• MG Road Stroll: After lunch, take a leisurely walk along MG Road, the heart of Gangtok. It’s a vibrant area with shops, cafes, and street vendors. Perfect for some souvenir shopping!
• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try some traditional dishes like gundruk (fermented leafy greens) and sel roti (rice-based doughnut).

## Day 2: Explore Gangtok

Morning:

• Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café.
• Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir: Take a day trip to Tsomgo Lake (also known as Changu Lake), which is about 40 km from Gangtok. The lake is stunning, especially with the snow-capped mountains in the backdrop. You can also visit Baba Mandir, a shrine dedicated to a soldier.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Enjoy a packed lunch or eat at a local eatery near Tsomgo Lake.
• Nathula Pass (Optional): If you’re up for it and have the necessary permits, consider visiting Nathula Pass, which is a border post between India and China. The views are breathtaking!

Evening:

• Return to Gangtok: Head back to the city and relax a bit.
• Visit Enchey Monastery: In the evening, visit this serene monastery, which is a short drive from the city center. It’s a peaceful place to soak in some spirituality.
• Dinner: Try a local restaurant for dinner, perhaps sampling some more Sikkimese dishes.

## Day 3: Gangtok to Darjeeling

Morning:

• Breakfast: Enjoy your last breakfast in Gangtok.
• Check-out and Head to Darjeeling: After checking out, take a taxi to Darjeeling (about 3-4 hours drive). The journey is scenic, with tea gardens lining the roads.

Afternoon:

• Check-in to your hotel in Darjeeling: Settle in and freshen up.
• Lunch: Grab lunch at a local café. Try the famous Darjeeling tea and some local snacks.

Evening:

• Visit the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train): If time permits, take a short ride on the toy train, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a charming experience!
• Explore Chowrasta and Mall Road: Stroll around Chowrasta, the main square, and enjoy the views of the mountains. There are plenty of shops and cafes to explore.
• Dinner: End your day with a nice dinner at a restaurant with a view. Enjoy some local cuisine and perhaps a cup of the world-famous Darjeeling tea!

Bonus Tips:

• Permits: Make sure to check if you need any permits for Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass.
• Weather: The weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and be prepared for rain or shine!
• Local Transport: Consider hiring a local driver for convenience, especially for day trips.

And there you have it! A delightful 3-day itinerary that captures the essence of both Gangtok and Darjeeling. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! 🌄📸