Darjeeling

Day 01

Stay at Taj Chia Kutir, Kurseong (Makaibari Tea Estate)

Day 02

Arrival & Relaxation

• 01Arrive at Taj Chia Kutir.
• 02Settle in and take a walk around the tea gardens.
• 03Evening: Tea tasting session with an expert at the resort.
• 04Enjoy dinner at Chia Verandah, the in-house restaurant offering vegetarian and multi-cuisine options.

Day 03

Sunrise, Culture & Tea Walk

• 01Early morning drive to Tiger Hill for sunrise views over Kanchenjunga.
• 02Stop at Batasia Loop and visit Yiga Choeling (Old Ghoom) Monastery on the way back.
• 03Return for breakfast.
• 04Afternoon: guided valley walk or forest trail around Makaibari.
• 05Optional: yoga session or spa therapy.
• 06Dinner: with seasonal vegetarian options.

Day 04

Tea Factory Tour & Picnic

• 01Visit Makaibari Tea Factory, one of the oldest in the region.
• 02Enjoy a curated forest picnic or visit Chimney Village for a cultural experience.
• 03Return for an afternoon cooking class or low-key activity like stargazing.
• 04Dinner: and rest.

Day 05

Stay at Glenburn Tea Estate

Day 06

Transfer & Heritage Exploration

• 01Scenic 1.5-hour drive to Glenburn.
• 02En route stop again at Ghoom Monastery (if missed).
• 03Settle into your suite overlooking the Himalayas.
• 04Visit the Lamha Hatta orchard, explore the tea estate on foot.
• 05Evening: Tea tasting or sunset by the verandah.
• 06Dinner: is custom-cooked (plenty of vegetarian options from organic estate-grown produce).

Day 07

River Picnic & Monastery Visit

• 01Morning: hike or jeep ride down to the River Rungeet – fishing, forest bathing, and riverside picnic.
• 02Visit Glenburn’s private Buddhist monastery and the local Sai Baba Temple.
• 03Optional massage or aromatherapy session in the afternoon.
• 04Farm-to-table vegetarian dinner under the stars or in the dining room.

Day 08

Leisure Day or Optional Day Trip

• 01Morning: walk to local villages and birdwatching.
• 02Optional half-day trip to Mirik Lake or Takdah Monastery.
• 03Return to Glenburn, unwind and prepare for departure.
• 04Monasteries to Visit
• 051. Yiga Choeling (Ghoom Monastery) – Oldest in Darjeeling with a massive Maitreya Buddha statue.
• 062. Bhutia Busty Monastery – Overlooking Darjeeling, known for its peaceful ambiance and ancient texts.
• 073. Dali Monastery (Druk Sangag Choling) – Beautiful architecture, home to 200 monks.
• 084. Takdah Monastery – Lesser known, serene, and ideal for a meditative stop.
• 09Best Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants in and around Darjeeling
• 10Glenary’s – European café offering great veg options and desserts.
• 11Sonam’s Kitchen – Famous for fresh, home-style vegetarian food.
• 12Kunga Restaurant – Tibetan vegetarian options including thukpa and momos.
• 13Dekevas & Gatty’s Café – Cozy, traveler-friendly with veg dishes and good coffee.
• 14Kurseong Diaries (near Taj) – Known for wholesome, local vegetarian food.