Lost In The Mountains, Found In Friendship: A Blissful Trip To Sikkim & Darjeeling

A glimpse of a group of friends dwelling in the natural beauty of Sikkim and Darjeeling.

Anne Lamott has rightly said, “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” In the whirlwind of our daily lives, we often sideline the simple yet powerful act of taking a break — a break that can help us rest, recharge, and realign with ourselves. Like many of us, Chithra, Dinesh, Jovina, and Kirija, a group of four friends, were also seeking an escape from chaotic city life. And, they were in luck as they got a chance to witness the unparalleled charm of Sikkim and Darjeeling.
Two of India’s most sought-after hill stations, these scenic places are adorned with pristine lakes, rugged hills, emerald-green valleys, and cultural heritage. The group was left in awe as they experienced it all and surrendered themselves to the wilderness of nature. From the adventures awaiting at Nathula Pass to warm hospitality by the humble locals, read on to know how this trip to Sikkim Darjeeling turned out to be a saga of serenity, adventure, and countless memories.

Quick Trip Details

Destination: Sikkim & Darjeeling
Trip Type: Friends’ Trip
Duration: 5 Days & 4 Nights
Package Cost: INR 45,393
Inclusion: Sightseeing, Accommodation, Breakfast, Guide & Driver, GST
Travel Dates: 14th August to 18th August, 2025

Our Itinerary Overview

A scenic view of the Peace Pagoda, Darjeeling, surrounded by lush green vegetation.

Day 1: Reached Bagdogra Station and proceeded to Gangtok. En route, enjoyed the scenic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and orchid farms. Reached the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 2: Explored Gangtok’s cultural attractions, including Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, and Nathula Pass (not included in the package).

Day 3: Travelled to Darjeeling, visited Ganesh Tok, Flower Plantation, Lasa Waterfalls,
Tashi View Point, Gunjan Monastery, Bhakthang Waterfalls on the way. Reached the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Explored the major attractions of Darjeeling, including Tiger Hill, Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Zoological Park, Tibetan Self Help Refugee Centre, Japanese Temple, Peace Pagoda, Rangit Tea Garden, and Tenzing Rock.

Day 5: Departed from Darjeeling to Bagdogra for the journey back home.

Our Travel Highlight

A front-view of the ancient Gonjang Monastery, a major attraction in Gangtok.

Sikkim’s breathtaking natural beauty and peace will be forever etched in our hearts. From the tranquil Tsomgo Lake to the ancient Gonjang Monastery and the glistening Lasa Waterfalls, every attraction brought us a step closer to nature. What stunned us the most were the snow-covered peaks of Nathula Pass and the majestic Tiger Hill; it felt like stepping into a postcard. Also, we were amazed by the city’s cleanliness and the warm hospitality of the locals, which made us feel at home, away from home.

Most Memorable Moment

A mesmerising view of the snow-capped mountains of Nathula Pass in Sikkim.

The most memorable moment was witnessing the Nathula Pass, especially the route from the Tsomgo Lake to Nathula Pass, which was filled with snow-shrouded mountains and scenic views. As we hiked through the challenging trails, we knew something magical was awaiting us, and Nathula Pass turned out to be just that and so much more.

Travel Tips For Future Travellers

A group of friends posing in front of the revered Peace Pagoda, Darjeeling.
  • Plan your trip with enough time at each destination so you can explore every attraction without feeling rushed.
  • Some of the places require special permits, so carry a valid ID proof and passport-sized photos.
  • Carry layers as the weather can turn quite chilly. Also wear comfortable shoes if you wish to indulge in trekking.

Your Takeaway From Sikkim Darjeeling Trip

A serene view of the shimmering waters of Tsomgo Lake surrounded by majestic peaks.

Our trip to Sikkim Darjeeling was simply magnificent, but what made it more special were the little moments of joy and lessons. The route from the Tsomgo Lake to Nathula Pass was challenging, but as we hiked through the rugged terrains to reach the top, we were mesmerised by the scenic beauty of the towering mountains laden with snow. It was a reminder that sometimes the best views come after the toughest climbs, both on the road and in life.

Our Experience With TripXL

A friend’s group posing and taking in the scenic beauty of Sikkim and Darjeeling.

We came across TripXL while searching for Sikkim Darjeeling packages on Google. The itinerary was well-curated and the trip was well-organised. However, it would have been better if Nathula Pass had been included, but it was just a bump in the road. We had an amazing travel experience with TripXL and would happily choose them again for future trips.

Disclaimer: This first-hand travel account has been published with the express and mutual consent of the traveller. All rights, including but not limited to copyright and attribution, for the photographs and other media content (including images, videos, etc.) remain solely and exclusively with the traveller. TripXL does not claim any ownership or credit for any such media and disclaims all responsibility for its visual content.

Sudeshna Patra

Sudeshna Patra

If sewing words into beautiful tales that transcend readers is an art, then Sudeshna Patra is an artist. She brings the vigour to transform plain words into a symphony of magic. A traveller at heart and fashionista at spirit, she loves to play with words, which is both her passion and profession. Her belief in delivering engaging, research-driven narratives is reflected in her work. When not writing, you can find her exploring cafes, watching crime thrillers, or reading books.

Sudeshna’s Top Travel Highlights:

Sudeshna focuses on authentic experiences and uncovers the not-so-mainstream aspects of travel because for her, travel is about humbling herself and staying connected to her roots.

Offbeat Trekking
Completed treks like Tungnath, Kheerganga, Tosh, Chalal, Malana — each brought her closer to nature’s serenity with dramatic landscapes, deeper challenges, and blissful mountain stories.

A Peaceful Escape To McLeodganj
From postcard-perfect views of Bhagsu Waterfall to quiet moments at the Dalai Lama Temple, she found herself again in the peace, resilience, and breathtaking beauty of McLeodganj.

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