I went on a trip with my family during the summer of 2023 to Sikkim from Bangalore. My wife, Ahilaa, and our children, Claire and Lohaan, joined me on this adventure. We took a Spice Jet flight from Bangalore to Bagdogra Airport on the 22nd of April 2023.
As soon as we landed, our driver, Rathan Chettri, greeted us and drove us to Gangtok. The journey from Bagdogra to Gangtok was scenic, with stunning views of the mountains, rivers, and forests. We decided to spend the night in Gangtok and explore the city the next day.
The next morning, we left for Lachen, Sikkim. From there, we got to see the majestic Kanchenjunga
mountain from a distance. We also went to Kalapathar, Sikkim, where we enjoyed playing in the snow with our children. The high altitude made it a little difficult to breathe, but the breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks made it all worth it.
Our next stop was Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, located at an altitude of 17,100 ft. The lake is considered sacred by the locals and is said to have miraculous powers. The beauty of the lake is mesmerizing, with crystal clear waters and snow-capped peaks surrounding it.
After exploring Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake, we left for Lachung, where we stayed for a night. The next day, we went to Yumthang Valley, known for its beautiful flowers and yaks. The sight of the colorful flowers and yaks grazing in the valley was a treat for the eyes.
As we came back to Gangtok, we got to explore the beauty of the city and its surroundings. We passed through army settlements, and we learned that roads and bridges in the area are managed by the Indian army, with the Gorkha regiment being mostly deployed in the region. The food in Sikkim is clean and less spicy, with leafy vegetables and momos being the staple food.
The people of Sikkim are diverse and welcoming, with various tribes like Bhujel, Bhutia, Bahun, Chhetri, Dewan (Yakha), Damai, Gurung, Kami, Rai, Lepcha, Limboo, Magars, Newar, Jogi (Sanyasi/Giri), Sarki, Sherpa, Mukhia (Sunuwar), Tamang, and Thami inhabiting the region.
On the 27th of April, we returned to Siliguri and took a flight back to Bangalore. It was a bittersweet moment, leaving behind the beauty and serenity of Sikkim but taking back with us wonderful memories and souvenirs. I bought a Sikkim sword as a memory of the place, while my wife Ahilaa picked up some cups and a kettle.
In conclusion, our travel to Sikkim from Bangalore was a beautiful and unforgettable experience. The scenic beauty, diverse culture, and warm hospitality of the people of Sikkim left a lasting impression on us, and we will always cherish the memories of this trip.
