Why Sikkim Left Such a Strong Impression on Me

We started our journey on the morning of 27 June, travelling from Delhi to Bagdogra by air. After reaching Bagdogra Airport, we hired an Innova Crysta. Our driver, Mr. Arvind Pradhan, picked us up at approximately 9:50 AM.

From Bagdogra, we began the road journey towards Gangtok. The route was scenic, but the combination of motion sickness, a lunch break, sightseeing and photography made the journey longer. We eventually reached Gangtok at around 6 PM.

Although it was a tiring day, the first views of Sikkim’s mountains, greenery, drifting clouds and fresh surroundings immediately created excitement for the days ahead.

Our Hotel Experience in Gangtok

First Stay: Sumitel Shangrila Gangtok

We stayed for one day at Sumitel Shangrila Gangtok. Overall, the hotel was satisfactory, and the morning balcony view was extremely peaceful. Watching hills and clouds from the balcony was a beautiful way to begin the day.

However, because of the non-availability of air conditioning and some food-related concerns, we decided to move to another hotel the following day.

Moving to Hotel Udaan Gangtok

After leaving Sumitel Shangrila, we transferred our luggage to Hotel Udaan Gangtok. It offered air-conditioned rooms, pure vegetarian food and a pleasant restaurant, which made the stay more comfortable for our family.

The view from the hotel window was another highlight. In the morning, the combination of clouds, hills and cool weather created the peaceful holiday atmosphere we had expected from Sikkim.

The next day, we left Gangtok at around 10 AM for Nathula Pass, travelling via Tsomgo Lake. This route was one of the most scenic parts of our entire Sikkim trip.

Small waterfalls appeared repeatedly along the road. The landscape was green and open, while clouds and rain made the surrounding mountains look fresh and dramatic.

The Beauty of Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo Lake was beautiful. The cold weather, cloudy surroundings, mountain atmosphere and calm water created a distinctive experience. It was one of those places where the surroundings felt more impressive than any photograph could fully capture.

Our Nathula Pass Experience

Nathula Pass was equally memorable. During our visit, we had to begin our return journey early because visitor movement was closing at around 2 PM.

On 29 June, we started our journey towards the Buddha Park of Ravangla, also known as Tathagata Tsal.

The drive itself was beautiful. We stopped to take photographs of mountain landscapes, small waterfalls, local homes and flower decorations. One detail that repeatedly caught my attention was how many homes along the route were decorated with colourful flowers. These small touches made the roads and neighbourhoods look especially charming.

Buddha Park was peaceful, spacious and visually impressive. We visited the temple, enjoyed the surroundings, ate Maggi and momos, and did some shopping for the children.

After Buddha Park, we continued to Chardham, which was another attractive and worthwhile place to visit.

This was an excellent day. After returning to the hotel, we took a shower, had dinner and later walked around the nearby area. The evening felt calm, safe and refreshing.

On 30 June, we planned a day of local sightseeing around Gangtok, including Banjhakri Falls, the zoo, Mall Road and a spa session in the evening.

Banjhakri Falls

Banjhakri Falls is an attractive waterfall and a pleasant family destination. However, because of the extensive development and man-made structures around it, the place did not feel like a completely untouched natural waterfall.

Even so, families and children can enjoy the location. Activities such as ziplining also add an element of adventure.

A Rare Red Panda Moment at Gangtok Zoo

After Banjhakri Falls, we visited the zoo near Gangtok. It felt more natural than a typical crowded city zoo because the surroundings had a forest-like character.

The most special moment was seeing a red panda. It was a rare and beautiful experience, particularly because the animal was sitting naturally among tree branches and green leaves.

On the morning of 1 July, we began our return journey from Gangtok to Bagdogra Airport for our flight to Delhi.

The route remained beautiful, and a major part of the road ran beside the Teesta River. In several stretches, the river view was extraordinary. The flowing water, green slopes, mountains and road running alongside the valley made the return journey memorable.

We reached Bagdogra Airport at approximately 2 PM and arrived back in Delhi at around 7 PM.

After several days of continuous travel, I was understandably tired. However, after reaching home and resting, I felt that the journey had been completely worthwhile.

My Final Feeling After Returning Home

After returning home, I felt relaxed. Home provides real rest, but travel creates lasting memories.

Sikkim gave us beautiful landscapes, peaceful moments, valuable family time, natural sounds, clouds, waterfalls, river views and many small experiences that will remain in our memories for years.