Mountains, Memories, and Magic: Ranipa's Review for a Trip to Sikkim
'The best adventures often come wrapped in raindrops.'
A quote I never thought I would ever relate to..until our trip to Sikkim happened, more importantly, the way it did.
It was just another morning in July when my partner and I were enjoying a cup of tea on our balcony. Suddenly, dark grey clouds appeared out of nowhere and covered the sky. It started drizzling before we could even realise it.
"Do you know almost every morning looks like this in Sikkim?" my partner said.
"Really? Then let's go for a trip to Sikkim!" I responded.
He smiled thinking I was joking, but soon realised that I wasn't. I asked him to make some more tea, as I went in full research mode online, to find the best tour package.
As I scrolled through the photos of lush green landscapes and beautiful waterfalls on my phone, my excitement grew. The rain outside felt as if it was trying to echo my enthusiasm, turning a regular morning into a canvas of possibilities.
As soon as my partner brought us another cup of tea, we sat down together and mapped out our journey to Sikkim.
The Start of Something Special
'The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn’t even think to ask.'
Before the trip, I couldn’t help but wonder: does a place with such breathtaking natural beauty truly exist? Our journey to Sikkim answered that question spectacularly. It truly is a charmer!
After landing in Bagdogra, our adventure began with a scenic drive to Gangtok. On our way, we made a stop at Kalimpong, a hill town in the region. We enjoyed taking a relaxing walk across the charming streets and took in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This was when we felt the first hints of Sikkim's magical ambiance. The option to try rafting was available, but we stuck with our plan for leisurely walks instead.
Upon our arrival in Gangtok, we were greeted by the towering lush green hills. As soon as we checked into our hotel, I felt a wave of relaxation wash over me. It was amazing how we could both feel the cozy ambiance settling in as the sun went down. We sat together, sipping tea, this time in the lap of Sikkim, anticipating the adventures that awaited us.
Embracing Nature’s Wonders
Wherever You Go Becomes a Part of You Somehow
I was reminded of this quote when we headed out for a sightseeing tour in Gangtok. We had just begun exploring the place, but it felt like I was home already. Our second day of the tour began with a sense of excitement as we were headed for a visit to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir.
The drive in itself was super scenic, with landscapes that transformed from lush green hills to stunning fields. My partner loved visiting Tsomgo Lake and found the reflection of the sky in its clear waters to be magical.
Later, we visited the famous Baba Mandir, which is located near the Indo-China border. Our guide told us about how its importance goes beyond that of a temple since it's considered a symbol of sacrifices made by the soldiers. The ambiance of the temple was divine, and I felt a sudden sense of peace and safety. After offering prayers at the temple, we headed back to our hotel.
If time had allowed, we would have loved to visit Nathula Pass, but even without it, the day was full of amazing experiences.
Where Beauty Meets Peace
Both of us being nature enthusiasts, were thrilled to visit Pelling, located in the western region of Sikkim. We started our exploration with a visit to the Khecheopalri Lake, which is known for fulfilling the wishes of visitors. I was stunned by the peaceful waters and the surrounding lush vegetation in the area.
"Each new place we explore seems to outshine the one before," my partner remarked.
I guess he was right because when we explored Rimbi and Kanchenjunga waterfalls, it got really difficult to decide which one we liked the most. We also visited Khecheopalri Monastery and Pemayangtse Monastery, where we found ourselves enveloped in the spiritual atmosphere.
Each attraction revealed a different aspect of Pelling’s charm, leaving us awe-struck by its natural and spiritual beauty.
Tea, Trees, and Tranquility
Next on our itinerary was Darjeeling.
Passing by the lush green tea plantations felt as if we had stepped into a scene from a storybook. Upon our arrival in Darjeeling, we spent our time at leisure, exploring some of the nearby attractions like Mahakal Mandir and St. Andrew's Church on our own. I found the vibrant atmosphere of the town to be infectious, and we both felt such a warm sense of belonging.
"Doesn't it feel like we've always lived here?" I asked my partner. He nodded in agreement, smiling.
The next day, our driver for the trip took us for a sightseeing tour of Darjeeling. My favorite part of the tour was the sunrise at Tiger Hill, where the golden light covered the landscapes like a blanket. Our city tour continued with a visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, where we got a chance to explore the history of mountaineering in India.
My partner found the exhibits on iconic climbs to be fascinating, as they showcased the world of high-altitude adventures.
A Heart Full of Memories
Our trip to Sikkim was a memorable journey that helped us switch from a mundane routine to a magical experience. Each destination revealed exciting new wonders, deepening our connection with nature and one another, and leaving us with life-long memories.
Read More: Thrillophilia Sikkim Reviews