Tea Time in Darjeeling

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Darjeeling
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
Price:
from £ 324.- per person (excluding flights)

During this trip, you’ll take the legendary toy train in Darjeeling, nestled in the shadow of Kanchenjunga, one of the highest mountains in the Himalayas. A mostly Tibetan tangle of steep, ramshackle streets and market stalls, it has an atmosphere all of its own. You’ll amble through the Emerald tea fields, watch a scenic sunrise from the tip of Tiger Hill and visit beautiful Buddhist monasteries.

Day 1 – Arrival in Darjeeling

Today, you’ll be collected from Bagdogra airport (or New Jaipalguri, if arriving by train) and transferred to Darjeeling. Nestled between the Himalayan kingdoms of Bhutan and Nepal, surrounded by dramatic peaks, Darjeeling is blessed with a cool climate. The scenic streets are narrow, steep and typically chaotic, lined with dozens of ramshackle stalls. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure to explore Darjeeling on your own; simply relax, or, depending on the time of year, arrange a visit to a tea estate with your driver – it’s up to you.

Days 2-3 – Tiger Hill, Ghoom & toy train

Today, you’ll set off for the top of Tiger Hill before sunrise. As the first beams of sunshine appear between the snow-capped Himalayas and the morning mist disappears from the valley, you’ll be stunned by the beauty that surrounds you. Next, you’ll drive to the oldest Buddhist monastery in Darjeeling before returning to your hotel.

After lunch you’ll be taking a scenic toy train ride past snow-capped peaks and emerald valleys to Ghoom. The journey takes an hour each way. You’ll have time to stretch your legs in Ghoom and take a walk around the railway museum, before heading back to Darjeeling. The rest of the evening is free to spend as you wish, and you’ll check out the following morning.