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Things to do in Darjeeling in 2-days: Gangtok to the heart of the Himalayas
Darjeeling should be on your list of places to visit if you’re searching for a quick but memorable getaway. We just had the opportunity to visit this lovely hill station. It was an adventure full of incredible scenery, interesting historical events, and unique local charm. Our Things to Do in Darjeeling blog post is where we’re excited to share our experience.
Day 1: From Gangtok to Darjeeling – A Scenic Journey
We left Gangtok early in the morning, and the drive to Darjeeling was full of incredible scenery. Our first destination was Lover’s Point, a stunning viewpoint where the Teesta and Rangeet rivers merge (Junction). The view from the top was incredible, with lush greenery all around and rivers flowing in perfect harmony. Before moving on, we stopped here for a short while to take in the stunning beauty of the scene. The journey became even more charming as we drove past large tea gardens and pine woods. As we traveled uphill, we could even smell the scent of fresh tea leaves. After a long journey, we finally reached Darjeeling in the evening.
After checking into the Yashshree Hotel and quickly changing, we decided to eat dinner at a local restaurant. To get ready for the following day, we returned to the hotel after finding a well-known cafe, where we enjoyed some local cuisine food.
Day 2: Exploring Darjeeling – A Day Full of Attractions
The next day started early. After a tasty breakfast at the hotel, we set out to explore the local markets and streets. It was cold and crisp, as we imagined a hill station to be. As we walked through the town’s market, taking in the busy ambiance, we couldn’t help but buy some souvenirs and local teas. It’s the ideal location to experience the local way of life, with its lively markets and friendly vendors.
While exploring, we made our way to Mall Road, which is without a doubt the hub of Darjeeling. There are cafes, stores, and stunning old structures all along the route. We visited a few of the area’s well-known coffee shops and enjoyed some tempting Darjeeling tea and snacks. The atmosphere was calm and nostalgic, with a touch of colonial-era charm. It was the ideal location for relaxing and taking in the cool hill air.
We returned to the hotel and prepared for the next day’s activities after visiting all the nearby places.
Day 3: Historic Toy Train Ride & Iconic Sights
We spent our last day in Darjeeling discovering the history and natural beauty of the town.
We woke up early to witness the dawn at Tiger Hill, one of the most visited spots in Darjeeling. Our reward was a stunning view of the sun rising over the Kanchenjunga range, the third-highest peak in the world. Seeing the mountains gradually change color as the sun rose was a lovely sight.
If you’re a morning person, this one’s a must-do!
Following breakfast, we headed to the Toy Train, also called the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. To be honest, our afternoon ride was an incredible experience. During its historic journey, the train passes past scenic tea gardens and makes a short stop at Batasia Loop, a spiral track that provides panoramic views of Darjeeling and the surrounding hills.
We even had the opportunity to spend some time at Ghum Station, one of India’s highest railway stations. The charm of the historic train added to the experience’s magic, and the entire ride felt like a trip back in time.
We decided to visit the Peace Pagoda after the toy train journey. It is located in a peaceful location with a view of Darjeeling. It was wonderful to relax in a peaceful location after all the joy. Then, go to Chourasta Mall Road, where you can easily walk and get a taste of local life in the evening.
We returned to Mall Road before the day was over to get some last-minute souvenirs and have some food at a cafe. Then, after two full days of travel, we returned to our hotel to pack for our early morning departure.
Heading Home: A Perfect Conclusion to a Beautiful Trip
We left early on the fourth day for Bagdogra Airport, with our memories of our Darjeeling stay. Although the trip was short, it was packed with all of Darjeeling’s unique attractions, including stunning scenery, historical sites, and many local vibes.
Best Time to Visit Darjeeling:
While Darjeeling is beautiful year-round, I’d recommend visiting between March and June (spring/summer) or September to December (post-monsoon). These months offer the best weather—pleasantly cool and perfect for sightseeing. The winter months (December to February) are cold, and you might even get a little snowfall, but that’s for those who love the chill!
Darjeeling ultimately left us feeling incredibly sensitive and in awe, and we will return to see even more of this stunning hill station. If you ever find yourself in the region, be sure to set aside some time to discover the history, natural beauty, and relaxed atmosphere that make Darjeeling such a lovely destination.
