If you love mountains, heritage charm, tea gardens, age-old monasteries and mouth-watering food, then Darjeeling, the “Queen of the Hills,” is a must-visit. Whether you have planned 3, 5, or 7 days, here’s your perfect itinerary covering all the important things you need — how to reach, mode of transport, where to stay, what to eat, where to shop, and what locations to explore and all this with cost estimates.
The ideal time to visit Darjeeling is October to February when the weather is cool and pleasant. But if you’re looking to check out the lush green tea plantations, then March to June is the right time. We planned my Darjeeling trip in December and stayed there for a week. It was one of the most beautiful experiences of our life and it feels great to share the same with you all! We have tried to create a concise itinerary for a 3, 5 and 7 days trip. Don’t skip the handy tips at the end — they’ll help you travel smarter. This blog covers the 3-day Darjeeling itinerary in detail. For extended plans, don’t miss our 5-Day and 7-Day Darjeeling itineraries in separate guides.
Please note – The prices will differ depending on the season and availability of hotels/homestays.
How to Reach Darjeeling
| Mode | Route | Approx. Cost (One-way/person) |
| By Air | Fly to Bagdogra Airport (IXB), then drive to Darjeeling | ₹3,000–₹7,000 (flight) + ₹300–₹3,000 (car) |
| By Train | Train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), then drive to Darjeeling | ₹600–₹2,500 (train) + ₹300–₹3,000 (car) |
| Private Cab | Bagdogra/NJP to Darjeeling (3–4 hrs) | ₹2,500–₹3,000 (one-way) |
| Shared Taxi | Available outside NJP/Bagdogra | ₹300–₹500 (per person) |
Where to Stay in Darjeeling
| Category | Suggested Hotels | Price/Night (₹) |
| Budget | Pahadi Ghar Homestay, The Heritage Darjeeling | 800–1,500 |
| Mid-range | Dekeling Hotel, Summit Yashshree, Little Tibet | 2,000–3,500 |
| Premium | Elgin Darjeeling, Mayfair Hill Resort | 5,000–10,000 |
Where to Eat (Tried-and-loved spots)
- Breakfast: Keventer’s (English breakfast), Sonam’s Kitchen
- Lunch/Dinner: Glenary’s (Continental), Penang (Nepali thali)
- Cafés: SuzAm’s Cafe n kitchen, Hot Stimulating Café, Gatty’s Café
- Snacks: Momos, Thukpa, Laphing, Churpi, Darjeeling tea
It’s tough to get a table in Glenary’s if you’re visiting during peak seasons. You might have to wait in line for at least 40 minutes to 1 hour to get a spot. But mornings are usually emptier so we would recommend to plan your breakfast at Glenary’s but if you have time then it’s a must visit for lunch or dinner. Also, don’t miss the world-famous Keventer’s vanilla softy ice cream! We totally loved it!
3-Day Itinerary: Quick Darjeeling Getaway Guide
Day 1 – Arrival & Local Exploration
- Reach Darjeeling by afternoon
- Check into your hotel
- Visit Mall Road, Chowrasta, and nearby cafes
- Shop for local tea from Golden Tips
- Buy souvenirs from local stores at Mall Road and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway station
Day 2 – Sunrise and Heritage Sites
- 4:00 AM: Drive to Tiger Hill for an unadulterated view of Kanchenjunga and a beautiful sunrise
- Visit Ghoom Monastery
- Take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)
- Dinner at Glenary’s
Day 3 – Shopping and Departure
- Quick visit to Bhutia Market or Chowk Bazaar
- Local food sampling
- Depart for NJP/Bagdogra
3-Day Trip Estimated Cost (Per Person)
| Expense | Cost Range (₹) |
| Travel | 5,000–10,000 |
| Hotel (2 nights) | 2,000–6,000 |
| Food | 1,000–2,000 |
| Sightseeing/Entry | 500–1,000 |
| Local Transport | 600–1,200 |
| Shopping (optional) | 1000 |
| Total | ₹10,000–21,000 |
Quick Tips for a 3-Day Darjeeling Trip
- Start early each morning to make the most of your short stay. Book your flight or train tickets accordingly so you reach Darjeeling at least by afternoon.
- Book toy train tickets in advance via IRCTC. The seats fill up quickly. Don’t wait for offline ticket booking; you might not get the tickets on the spot.
- Choose a centrally located hotel near Mall Road to save time and money on local travel.
- Carry cash for local markets and eateries.
- Traveling via private taxi is expensive. You can rent two wheelers, scooty or bike, to explore the city on your own. We got a scooty on rent for ₹1000 per day and ₹500 deposit (refundable). You can also use shared taxis; they’re easily available and reliable.
- Carry jackets and mufflers. Mornings and evenings can be chilly even in summer.
Looking for a longer trip to Darjeeling? We’ve got separate guides for a 5-day itinerary and an extended 7-day plan packed with offbeat places and a more relaxed trip. Check them out next!
