Tea Trails in Darjeeling

Tiger Hill Sunrise and Tea Plantation Tour

Early morning (4:00 AM) drive to Tiger Hill to witness the spectacular sunrise over Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak. On clear days, you can also see Mount Everest. Visit Ghoom Monastery, one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling, and the scenic Batasia Loop, where the Toy Train makes a complete loop. After breakfast, embark on a comprehensive tour of a working tea plantation and factory. Learn about the entire tea-making process from plucking to processing. Understand the difference between black, green, white, and oolong teas. Participate in a professional tea tasting session to distinguish between different varieties and grades of Darjeeling tea, often called the "Champagne of Teas."

• Accommodation: Tea Estate Bungalow
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Activities: Tiger Hill sunrise, Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop, tea plantation tour, tea tasting

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and Cultural Sites

Experience the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train), a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1881. Enjoy a scenic ride on this narrow-gauge railway through picturesque landscapes. Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which has trained many famous mountaineers including Tenzing Norgay, and see exhibits of mountaineering equipment and history. Explore the adjacent Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, home to rare species like red pandas, snow leopards, and Himalayan wolves. Visit the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center to see traditional handicrafts being made and learn about Tibetan culture. End the day at the Japanese Peace Pagoda, offering stunning views of Darjeeling and the mountains. Evening at leisure to explore local markets.

• Accommodation: Tea Estate Bungalow
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Activities: Toy Train ride, Mountaineering Institute, Zoo, Tibetan Center, Peace Pagoda

Kalimpong Excursion - Flowers and Monasteries

Full day excursion to Kalimpong (approximately 2 hours drive), a charming hill station known for its flower nurseries and Buddhist monasteries. Visit famous flower nurseries specializing in orchids, cacti, and other exotic plants - Kalimpong is renowned for its horticulture. Explore Zang Dhok Palri Phodang monastery, which houses rare Buddhist manuscripts and beautiful murals. Visit Durpin Monastery (Zang Dhok Palri Monastery) for panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range and the Teesta River valley. Stop at the Delo viewpoint for breathtaking Himalayan vistas. Visit local handicraft centers to see traditional Lepcha and Bhutia crafts. Return to Darjeeling for overnight stay.

• Accommodation: Tea Estate Bungalow
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Activities: Kalimpong excursion, flower nurseries, monasteries, Delo viewpoint

Tea Garden Walk and Departure

Early morning guided walk through the tea gardens with a tea expert. Learn about different tea varieties (first flush, second flush, autumn flush) and the art of tea plucking - only the "two leaves and a bud" are selected for premium tea. Understand how altitude, climate, and soil contribute to Darjeeling tea's unique muscatel flavor. After breakfast, visit local markets for last-minute shopping of Darjeeling tea (bring home some first flush or second flush tea), traditional handicrafts, woolen items, and Tibetan artifacts. Visit the Darjeeling Tea Board shop for authentic certified Darjeeling tea. Check out from your bungalow and transfer to Bagdogra airport (3-4 hours drive) for your onward journey, carrying aromatic memories of tea country and the Himalayas.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Activities: Tea garden walk, shopping, airport transfer