Experience the Beauty of Darjeeling on a Road Trip with a Car Driver on Rent: CarChalak

Here’s a suggested 7-day itinerary for a road trip from Gurgaon to Darjeeling using car driver on rent:

Day 1: Gurgaon to Varanasi

Start your journey early in the morning from Gurgaon to Varanasi, which is approximately 900 km and takes around 14 hours by car. Book a car driver on rent to reach your destination Varanasi, fresh and ready to explore. You can book a car driver on rent using CarChalak in Gurgaon.

Check into your hotel in Varanasi and spend the evening exploring the city’s famous ghats and temples.

Varanasi is known for its ancient temples, ghats, and narrow alleys that are teeming with life. Here are some of the top places to visit in Varanasi using a car driver on rent. 

Kashi Vishwanath Temple: This is one of the most famous temples in Varanasi and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that a visit to this temple can grant salvation or “Moksha.” The temple was originally built in the 11th century but was destroyed and rebuilt many times over the years.

Dashashwamedh Ghat: This is one of the most popular ghats in Varanasi and is located on the banks of the river Ganges. It is believed that Lord Brahma performed a ten-horse sacrifice here, which is why it is called “Dashashwamedh.” It is a great place to witness the Ganga Aarti, a daily ritual of offering prayers to the river.

Sarnath: Near Varanasi is Sarnath, a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site. It is the location of the first sermon that Lord Buddha delivered after becoming enlightened. The site contains many ancient stupas, temples, and monasteries.

Manikarnika Ghat: One of Varanasi’s busiest and oldest ghats is this one. It is believed that Lord Vishnu dug a well here with his Chakra, and the waters of the well are said to have the power to cleanse sins. The ghat is also famous for its cremation ceremonies, which are performed 24/7.

Banaras Hindu University: It is situated in Varanasi and is one of the biggest residential universities in Asia. It was founded in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and is home to several renowned faculties, including the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Science, and the Institute of Technology.

Ramnagar Fort: This is an ancient fort located on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi. It was built in the 18th century by the Maharaja of Banaras and is famous for its architecture and museum, which houses a collection of vintage cars, royal costumes, and weapons.

These are just a few of the top places to visit in Varanasi. The city is full of history and culture, and there is always something new to discover around every corner.

Day 2: Varanasi to Siliguri

Start your day early and head towards Siliguri, which is approximately 700 km from Varanasi and takes around 11 hours by car. You can relax if you have a car driver on rent. Book your car driver on rent using CarChalak for a hassle-free journey towards Darjeeling.

Check into your hotel in Siliguri and explore the night.

Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary: The Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 12 kilometres from Siliguri and covers an area of about 160 square kilometres. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and rare bird species. Visitors can take a guided tour to explore the forest, go bird watching, and enjoy activities such as trekking and camping.

Kali Mandir: The Kali Mandir is a popular Hindu temple located in the heart of Siliguri. It is dedicated to the goddess Kali and is known for its stunning architecture and religious significance. The temple attracts devotees from all over India and is also a popular tourist attraction.

Hong Kong Market: The Hong Kong Market is a popular shopping destination in Siliguri, known for its variety of goods at affordable prices. Visitors can find a wide range of products here, including clothing, electronics, accessories, and souvenirs. The market is known for its vibrant atmosphere and is a great place to experience the local culture.

Salugara Monastery: The Salugara Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located about 6 kilometres from Siliguri. It is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful paintings, and peaceful atmosphere. The monastery also has a meditation centre where visitors can learn about Buddhist philosophy and practice meditation.

Day 3: Siliguri to Darjeeling

Start early and head towards Darjeeling, which is approximately 65 km from Siliguri and takes around 3 hours by car. You can book a car driver on rent and relax on your road trip. A car driver on rent is the best way to enrich your road trip experience.

Check into your hotel in Darjeeling and spend the evening exploring the local markets and trying out local cuisine with a car driver on rent.

Day 4: Darjeeling

Wake up early and head towards Tiger Hill to witness the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga peak, the third highest mountain in the world with a car driver on rent.

Visit the Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop, and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. 

Ghoom Monastery: The Ghoom Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in Ghoom, which is about 8 kilometres from Darjeeling town. It was built in 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyatso, and it is one of the oldest and most famous monasteries in Darjeeling. The monastery houses a 15-foot-high statue of Maitreya Buddha and several other Buddhist artefacts, including ancient manuscripts, thangkas (Buddhist paintings on cloth), and prayer wheels.

Batasia Loop: Batasia Loop is a unique railway track located about 5 kilometres from Darjeeling town. It was built in 1919 to help the Toy Train, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, negotiate the steep gradient of the Himalayas. The loop consists of a spiral track that goes around a garden and a War Memorial. The memorial was built in memory of the Gorkha soldiers who died in various wars after India’s independence.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) is a mountaineering institute located in Darjeeling. It was established in 1954 by Tenzing Norgay, one of the first two people to summit Mount Everest, and the Indian government. The institute offers courses in mountaineering, rock climbing, and adventure sports, and it has a museum that showcases the history of mountaineering in the Himalayas. The museum also has several exhibits related to the first successful Everest expedition in 1953, which was led by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.

These three attractions offer a glimpse into the unique culture and history of Darjeeling. The Ghoom Monastery provides insight into the Buddhist religion, the Batasia Loop showcases the engineering marvels of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute highlights the adventure sports and mountaineering culture of the Himalayas. Hire a car driver on rent for visiting multiple locations safely and without facing the traffic of the locals.

Day 5: Darjeeling

Visit the picturesque Darjeeling Tea Gardens and learn about the process of tea making. Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda and the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre with a car driver on rent from CarChalak.

Darjeeling Tea Gardens: Darjeeling is famous for its tea plantations, and visiting the picturesque tea gardens is a must-do activity for visitors to the region. The tea gardens are spread across the slopes of the Himalayas, and the tea produced here is highly valued for its distinctive flavour and aroma.

Visitors to the tea gardens can take a guided tour to learn about the process of tea making, from the picking of tea leaves to the processing and packaging of tea. The tour usually includes a visit to the tea factory, where visitors can see how the tea is sorted, fermented, and dried. The tea gardens also offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making them a great place to relax and unwind.

Japanese Peace Pagoda: The Japanese Peace Pagoda is a beautiful Buddhist stupa located in Darjeeling. It was built in 1972 by the Japanese monk, Nichidatsu Fujii, as a symbol of world peace. The stupa is made of pure white marble and features four golden statues of the Buddha. Visitors to the Peace Pagoda can take a guided tour of the stupa and learn about its history and significance. The stupa also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. You can relax and enjoy the view of the valley with a car driver on rent.

Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre: The Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre is a non-profit organization located in Darjeeling. It was established in 1959 to provide support and assistance to Tibetan refugees who had fled their homeland after the Chinese occupation. The centre includes a workshop where traditional Tibetan handicrafts such as carpets, woollen garments, and handicrafts are made by the refugees. Visitors to the centre can take a guided tour to learn about the Tibetan culture and their struggle for freedom. The centre also has a museum that showcases the history of Tibet and the life of Tibetan refugees in India.

Day 6: Darjeeling to Gangtok

Head towards Gangtok, which is approximately 98 km from Darjeeling and takes around 4 hours by car. Check into your hotel in Gangtok and spend the evening exploring the local markets and trying out local cuisine with a car driver on rent.

Hotels in Gangtok: Gangtok has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. The city has several hotels that offer comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Many hotels also offer local cuisine, cultural shows, and outdoor activities such as trekking, rafting, and paragliding.

Local Markets: Gangtok is famous for its bustling markets, which offer a variety of products ranging from traditional handicrafts to fresh produce. The main market in Gangtok is the Lal Bazaar, which is known for its colourful stalls selling traditional Sikkimese clothes, jewellery, and souvenirs. The market also has several street food vendors selling delicious local snacks such as momos, thukpa, and chowmein.

Local Cuisine: Sikkimese cuisine is a blend of Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian flavours and is known for its rich spices, herbs, and fresh ingredients. Some popular Sikkimese dishes include momos (steamed dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), phagshapa (pork cooked with radishes and chillies), and gundruk (fermented vegetable soup). Visitors to Gangtok can try these dishes at local restaurants, street food stalls, or food festivals that are held throughout the year.

Day 7: Gangtok

Visit the Rumtek Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in Sikkim. Take a cable car ride to see the panoramic views of the city and the Himalayas. Visit Tsomgo Lake, a beautiful glacial lake located at an altitude of 3,780 meters. Rumtek Monastery: The Rumtek Monastery is one of the largest and most important monasteries in Sikkim. It is located about 23 kilometres from Gangtok and was built in the 16th century.

The monastery is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful paintings, and impressive collection of Buddhist artefacts. Visitors to the Rumtek Monastery can take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of the monastery and witness the daily prayer ceremonies performed by the monks.

Cable Car Ride: The Gangtok ropeway is a popular attraction that offers breathtaking views of the city and the Himalayas. The ride takes visitors from Deorali in Gangtok to Tashiling in Sikkim, covering a distance of about 1 kilometre. The cable car ride lasts for about 15 minutes, and visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and forests.

Tsomgo Lake: The Tsomgo Lake is a beautiful glacial lake located at an altitude of 3,780 meters, about 38 kilometres from Gangtok. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is considered to be a sacred lake by the locals. Visitors to the lake can take a guided tour to learn about the history and ecology of the lake and enjoy activities such as boating, horse riding, and yak riding with a car driver on rent to look out for your car.

Day 8: Gangtok to Siliguri to Gurgaon

Start your journey back towards Gurgaon, stopping in Siliguri for a rest.

Reach Gurgaon by night.

This itinerary allows you to experience the best of Darjeeling and the neighbouring regions within a week. You can adjust it as per your interests and preferences. Do keep in mind that travel times may vary based on traffic and road conditions.

Hire a car driver on rent on an hourly basis with a cost as low as Rs 49 from Gurgaon to Darjeeling. CarChalak car driver on rent is available at Google Play and APP Store. CarChalak has a 5-star rating from its customers on Google. Car driver on rent for outstation is made cost-effective with CarChalak.

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