Amey’s Romantic Getaway to the Heart of the Himalayas in Darjeeling and Sikkim
Choosing the perfect destination for couples was not an easy task for Amey, a software engineer from New Delhi.
He wanted to take her wife to a serene yet attractive place, where he and his partner could unwind and connect with nature. When Sikkim and Darjeeling came up as options, they immediately knew they found the answer.
“We wanted somewhere peaceful but not too far from home, where we could just relax and take in the beauty around us,” Amey shared.
Their 8-day romantic trip, which began on 19th December, 2023 turned out to be exactly what they had hoped for. From the luscious gardens of Darjeeling to the peaceful monasteries of Gangtok, every moment was like a postcard setting.
Far From the Hustle
After arriving at Bagdogra Airport, Amey and his wife began their journey to Gangtok. They drove through rolling hills and the sparkling Teesta River to reach their hotel. Though they could have stopped for some adventure activities, the couple chose to continue to Gangtok, eager to start their romantic journey together.
Later that evening, they strolled hand-in-hand along MG Marg. The fresh mountain air, the colourful lights, and the warm smiles of the locals instantly set the tone for the trip.
“It felt like we are in a different world altogether, far from the chaos of everyday life,” Amey recalled.
The couple spent hours window shopping, sipping on local tea, and simply enjoying the relaxed vibe of the town.
Exploring Gangtok’s Famous Viewpoint
The next day was dedicated to exploring Gangtok’s many attractions, and Amey quickly realised that the city had much more to offer than just scenic views. They drove through winding roads and glimpses of the distant peaks teasing what was to come. As they approached the Tashi Viewpoint, Amey and his wife could feel the anticipation building.
When they reached there, they were greeted by the mighty Kanchenjunga with snow-capped peaks gleaming under the sun. The panoramic view stretched endlessly, with layers of hill fading into the horizon.
Amey, usually one for words, was speechless. “We just stood there, soaking it all in,” he later said. “It felt like time had stopped, and it was just us and the mountains. No words could capture the moment.”
Later, the view seemed to shift as clouds moved across the peaks while changing the colours of the snow and the sky.
We sat down at a small cafe nearby with a cup of hot tea, and the warmth of the drink contrasted beautifully with the cold air. The simple act of sipping tea with that view before them was extraordinary.
Everything had slowed down to let them truly savour the experience. Amey’s wife pulled out her phone to capture the entire scenery, but they knew that no photo could ever do it justice.
A Journey to the Sacred Tsomgo Lake
After exploring the natural and cultural treasures of the hill station, what attracted Amey and his wife the most was their trip to Tsomgo Lake.
Since it is located at an altitude of 3,753 metres, the couple braved the chilly winds to admire the serene beauty of the glacial lake, which was surrounded by snow-covered peaks.
Amey shared, “It was absolutely magical. The lake looked like something out of a fairytale, and we even saw Brahminy ducks swimming on the icy water.”
Not far from the lake was the Baba Mandir, a temple dedicated to an Indian soldier named Baba Harbhajan Singh. Amey and his wife were intrigued by the temple’s history and the stories that local people shared about the soldier's protective spirit.
Amey’s wife commented, “It is amazing how folklore and faith come together here. It is unlike anything we have ever experienced!”
Spiritual Escape to Pelling and Ravangla
As the journey continued, the couple left Gangtok and made their way to Pelling. But before reaching Pelling, they made a stop at Ravangla, where they visited the majestic Buddha Park and saw the 130-foot statue of Shakyamuni Buddha.
Amey described the experience as “surreal” while standing in the shadow of the giant Buddha with the majestic mountains behind them.
There was a stillness in the air, almost like the world had paused just for them. It was the kind of peace one does not get in everyday life.
In Pelling, the couple had the chance to visit the sacred Khecheopalri Lake, also known as the wish-fulfilling lake. Amey admitted that even though they were not particularly superstitious, they both made a wish as they stood by the calm waters, surrounded by fluttering prayer flags.
Tea Gardens and Snow-Capped Peaks
After a few days in Sikkim, it was time for the final leg of their romantic trip - DARJEELING.
Early one morning, they visited Tiger Hill just before dawn.
And, as soon as the sun rose and cast its glow on Mt. Kanchenjunga, Amey and his wife's eyes glistened in surprise. They felt absolutely speechless!
“We were freezing, but none of that mattered when we saw that sunrise”. The snow-capped peaks seemed to come alive in the morning light.
The couple then set out to explore its famous tea gardens. They visited the Batasia Loop which offered panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
The lush green tea plantations stretched as far as their eyes could see. Walking through the tea gardens was a sensory experience - the soft rustling of the leaves in the breeze and the cool and damp earth beneath the feet.
As a tea lover, Amey’s wife leaned in close to the bushes while gently running her fingers along the glossy leaves.
They sat on a small bench overlooking the fields and sipped their tea in silence. The tea was unlike anything they had ever tasted before — delicate, fragrant, with a hint of sweetness that lingered on their tongues.
It felt almost like a love letter from the mountains themselves.
Farewell to the Hills
“This trip was everything we wanted it to be - relaxing, romantic, and full of beautiful memories. We could not have asked for a better restart to our life together.”
For Amey, the mountains, the serenity, and the culture had left an indelible mark on his heart.
As they left the hills behind and returned to New Delhi, he knew one thing for certain: It was just the beginning!
Read more: Thrillophilia North East Reviews