Route: Bagdogra - Darjeeling - Kalimpong - Gangtok - Bagdogra
Places covered: Darjeeling, Toy Train, Darjeeling zoo, Kalimpong, Gangtok, Rumtek Monastery
This plan is designed for families, so it keeps drives short, uses three bases below 2,100 metres and builds in activities that children enjoy. It leaves out Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La and North Sikkim by default, and we explain why.
Who it suits
Families with children from about six years, and multi-generational groups. It works best from March to May and October to early December. School holidays in May and June, and Puja holidays, are busy, so book early. We do not recommend the monsoon.
How the days flow
You arrive at Bagdogra and drive to Darjeeling for two nights. The second day includes the Toy Train, the zoo and a gentle walk, with Tiger Hill optional. You then drive two hours to Kalimpong for two nights, with monasteries, nurseries and Deolo Hill. On day five, you drive to Gangtok, spending two nights there with the ropeway, Rumtek and MG Marg. Day seven is the drive back to Bagdogra.
Family notes
- Altitude. Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Gangtok are all below 2,100 metres, so altitude sickness is unlikely. Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La are above 3,700 metres and are hard on young children and elders.
- Early starts. Tiger Hill means a start before dawn and cold air. We make it optional, and suggest a later viewpoint for small children.
- Food. Mild, vegetarian-friendly meals are easy to arrange, and cafes serve familiar food.
- Motion sickness. Hill roads wind a lot. Carry tablets, a plastic bag and snacks, and choose front seats.
- Medical. Carry basic medicines. Pharmacies exist in towns but not between them.
What children usually enjoy
The Toy Train's whistle, red pandas at the zoo, the colourful prayer wheels, cheese and momos in Kalimpong, and the ropeway in Gangtok. We aim for one main activity a day, with long breaks.
A note on pacing
With children, the pace matters more than the number of sights. We keep drives to three or four hours, avoid late nights and change plans without fuss if anyone is tired or the weather turns.
Packing for a family trip
Pack layers, a rain jacket, comfortable shoes, motion-sickness tablets, basic medicines, snacks and a change of clothes for each child in a day bag. Hill roads are slow, so keep the bag within reach.
Customising
Add a night in Pelling, include Tsomgo if everyone is well and permitted, or drop Kalimpong for a longer Gangtok stay. Share the ages of your travellers and we will adapt the plan.
