**Day 1: Arrival in Darjeeling**
- **Morning:**
Arrive at Siliguri by train from Kolkata. From there, begin your scenic road journey to Darjeeling which will be around 3-4 hours.
- **En Route: Stop at Ghoom Monastery**
One of the oldest Tibetan monasteries in the region, for a brief visit.
- **Afternoon:**
Check-in to your hotel and take some rest.
- **Evening:** Head out for a leisurely stroll on **Mall Road**, enjoy the cool mountain breeze, and explore the local shops and cafes.
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**Day 2: Exploring Darjeeling**
- **Morning:** Begin the day with a visit to **Batasia Loop**, a unique railway loop offering panoramic views of the mountains and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
- **Next Stop:** Explore the **Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park**, home to rare species such as the red panda and snow leopard.
- **Lunch:** Head to the scenic **Rungneet Tea Garden** and take a walk through the lush tea plantations.
- **Evening:**
Return to Mall Road for another stroll and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
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**Day 3: Sunrise and Departure**
- ** Early Morning:** Leave the hotel at 3:30 AM to witness the breathtaking **sunrise at Tiger Hill**. The view of the sun rising over the Kanchenjunga mountains is truly mesmerizing.
*Note: A permit is required for vehicles to access Tiger Hill, so make sure to discuss this with your cab driver in advance to secure the necessary permissions.*
- **Return to Hotel:**
After sunrise, head back to the hotel to rest, have breakfast and check out.
- **Mid-Morning:** Start your day’s journey with a visit to **Lepchajagat Pine Forest**—a serene and quiet spot perfect for nature lovers.
- **Next Stop:** Head to **Simana Viewpoint** for more stunning views of the Himalayas and neighbouring areas - 📍 Nepal
- **Pashupati Market:** Explore the lively Pashupati Market near the Nepal border. You’ll need to show a government ID (like Aadhar card) to enter. You can hire a Nepali taxi here which costs around INR 300, as Indian Vehicles aren't allowed here.
- **Afternoon:** Visit the serene **Mirik Lake**, a picturesque spot ideal for a relaxed boat ride.
- **Final Stop:** End your day with a trip to **Tingling Viewpoint** to catch one last breathtaking view of the valley before heading back.
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I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Darjeeling! Enjoy your journey to the Queen of Hills.
