Vistas & Villages: Darjeeling, Tinchuley & Sittong
Overview
This journey is a beautifully balanced exploration of the Himalayas. It begins in the heart of Darjeeling, the iconic "Queen of the Hills," where you'll spend two days soaking in its colonial charm and visiting all its famous sights. The adventure then transitions to the quiet life, taking you to the tranquil, pine-clad hamlet of Tinchuley and the rustic orange valley of Sittong. This trip is perfectly designed for the traveler who wants to experience the must-see attractions and then escape into the peaceful, authentic soul of the mountains.
Trip Highlights
- A comprehensive sightseeing tour covering all major attractions of Darjeeling.
- Witness a breathtaking sunrise over Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill.
- Experience the profound peace and panoramic views of the eco-village, Tinchuley.
- Enjoy the warm hospitality and rustic charm of homestays in Tinchuley and Sittong.
- Get a stunning 360-degree Himalayan view from Ahaldara View Point.
Itinerary
Morning/Afternoon: Your Himalayan story begins! We’ll be there to greet you with a warm welcome upon your arrival at Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or NJP Station. Settle in for the iconic, winding drive up to Darjeeling. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take a moment to breathe in the crisp mountain air.
Evening: The evening is yours to explore the vibrant heart of Darjeeling, the Chowrasta (The Mall Road). Enjoy a leisurely stroll, browse the shops, and soak in the lively atmosphere.
Trip Memories Tip: On your first evening, grab a hot chocolate from Keventer's or a perfect cup of tea from Nathmull's Tea Room to truly feel the classic Darjeeling vibe.
Meals: Not Included
Includes: Private Transfer, Accommodation in Darjeeling
Early Morning (4:00 AM): The most iconic Darjeeling experience awaits. We'll drive to Tiger Hill to witness the spectacular sunrise over the majestic Kanchenjunga range. On the way back, we'll visit the historic Ghoom Monastery and the Batasia Loop, a key part of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
Morning: Return to the hotel for breakfast. After eating, we'll visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (home to the Red Panda) and the adjoining Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
Afternoon: After lunch, our tour continues. We'll visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate to learn about tea making, the serene Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda, the beautiful Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park, and finally, the Darjeeling Ropeway for stunning valley views.
Trip Memories Tip: Today is a full day of sightseeing! Wear comfortable shoes and keep your camera ready. Starting early ensures you can cover all these amazing points without feeling too rushed.
Meals: Breakfast
Includes: Full-day Sightseeing, Accommodation in Darjeeling
Morning: After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a final stroll through Darjeeling. Later, we check out and embark on a scenic drive to the quiet, picturesque village of Tinchuley. The name means "Three Ovens," referring to the three prominent hills that surround it.
Afternoon: Check into your cozy homestay and enjoy a warm, home-cooked lunch. Spend the rest of the day walking through the pine and oak forests, visiting the local monastery, and enjoying the stunning panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range from the Tinchuley Viewpoint.
Trip Memories Tip: Tinchuley is an eco-tourism destination. Chat with your homestay hosts about their efforts in organic farming and vermicomposting; it's a fascinating part of the local culture.
Meals: Breakfast (in Darjeeling), Lunch, Snacks, Dinner in Tinchuley
Includes: Transfer, Accommodation in Tinchuley
Morning: After breakfast, we drive from one beautiful village to another. The journey from Tinchuley to Sittong is short and scenic, taking you through lush green landscapes.
Afternoon: Check into your homestay in Sittong and enjoy another delicious home-cooked meal. Spend the afternoon exploring the village, walking through the famous orange orchards (seasonal), and visiting the old church and monastery.
Trip Memories Tip: Sittong is famous for its delicious homemade pickles and preserves. Ask your homestay host if they have any for sale—they make for a wonderful and authentic souvenir.
Meals: Breakfast (in Tinchuley), Lunch, Snacks, Dinner in Sittong
Includes: Transfer, Accommodation in Sittong
Morning: Wake up to the gentle sounds of the village. After a delicious, home-cooked breakfast, we'll visit the stunning Ahaldara View Point for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding hills and the Kanchenjunga range. Take one last walk to capture the beauty of Sittong in your memory (and your camera!).
Late Morning: With a heart full of wonderful memories, you will be driven back to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or NJP Station for your journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
Includes: Transfer to Airport/Station
Includes/Excludes
- Accommodation: 2 Nights in Darjeeling, 1 Night in Tinchuley, 1 Night in Sittong.
- All transfers and sightseeing in a comfortable, private vehicle.
- Meals as specified in the day-wise plan.
- All necessary permits and taxes.
- 24/7 on-trip support from the Trip Memories team.
- Airfare / Train fare.
- Lunches and Dinners in Darjeeling.
- Additional Services (Entry fees for parks, monuments, or activities).
- Insurance
- Personal expenses.
FAQs
Tinchuley is famous for its stunning, 180-degree panoramic view of the entire Eastern Himalayan range, including the Kanchenjunga massif. It is also known for its focus on eco-tourism, quiet village life, lush pine forests, and beautiful tea gardens.
This itinerary is designed to cover many highlights. The two-night stay in Darjeeling allows us to spread the sightseeing over two days for a more comfortable pace compared to a single-night stay.
No, this trip is not physically demanding. It mainly involves car travel between destinations and gentle walks to explore the local sights, making it suitable for most fitness levels.
Yes, this trip can be suitable. The pace is manageable, and we ensure our vehicles are comfortable and our drivers prioritize safety. We can also customize the itinerary to include more rest time if needed.
Yes, this trip is great for families. The two-night stay in Darjeeling allows for relaxed sightseeing, and the village stays in Teenchuley and Sittong offer a wonderful, safe environment for children to experience nature.
In Darjeeling, we provide comfortable 3-star (and above) hotels. In Tinchuley and Sittong, you will experience authentic local culture with stays in clean, cozy, and welcoming homestays hosted by local families.
We provide comfortable and well-maintained private vehicles like a sedan for smaller groups or an Innova/Xylo for larger groups, ensuring a safe and pleasant journey on the mountain roads.
All our tours include a comfortable private vehicle exclusively for you and your group. This ensures you can travel at your own pace, stop for photos whenever you like, and have a more personal and flexible experience.
Meals are included as specified in the day-wise plan. All meals are included during your homestay in Tinchuley and Sittong. In Darjeeling, only breakfast is included to give you the flexibility to explore the town's famous cafes.
Absolutely! We can customize the pace, add extra days, or change the accommodation to suit your preferences. Just let us know what you have in mind.
The best time to visit is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and the skies are generally clear. For orange blossoms or fruits in Sittong, the best time is from late October to January.