Karn and His Mother’s Beautiful Trip to North East: A Thrillophilia Review
Have you ever had that one dream trip which you always wanted to take with a loved one? For me, that moment finally arrived this March—my birthday—when I got to escape to the mountains with my mother.
Darjeeling and Gangtok had been on our minds for the longest time. And, my birthday was a chance to relive memories and make new ones with my mother, who had always spoken about visiting these places.
And with Thrillophilia handling every detail, I knew we were in good hands.
The Darjeeling Expedition
We touched down at Bagdogra Airport, greeted warmly by Thrillophilia’s team. You know that feeling of being taken care of right from the start? That's exactly how it felt.
I had heard stories about the challenging roads and tricky terrains, and I was skeptical about how smoothly everything would go. But they made it seem like a walk in the park.
Our first stop was Darjeeling, and as we went our way up the hills, flanked by sprawling tea gardens and the crisp mountain air, I could feel the stress of daily life melting away.
Upon arriving at the hotel, there was this unexpected call from Surbhi from Thrillophilia.
“Just checking in,” she said. Ensuring we were comfortable and happy with our room. It wasn’t just a one-off; this became a daily ritual. It was as if they had this invisible hand guiding us through our journey, making sure everything was just right.
After settling in, we went straight to the Mall Road. It was a bustling street filled with shops selling everything from quirky souvenirs to Tibetan handicrafts. And, obviously, we couldn't leave without picking up a few treasures.
Anyways, day 2 started quite early for us. A 4 AM wake-up call had us questioning our sanity for a split second, but Tiger Hill made it all worthwhile.
Have you ever seen the first rays of sunlight kiss the snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga? If not, you are definitely missing out on something incredible. Watching the mountains change hues as the sun rose—it was like nature’s own light show. My mother stood beside me, her face illuminated by the morning glow, and in that moment, everything felt right.
Next up came the Batasia Loop. Now, this is not just a railway loop. It is a panoramic spectacle of the entire Himalayan range. I remember us standing there, utterly captivated by the sight. And the Zoo! I never thought I would be this excited to see a red panda, but there it was, snoozing away in all its glory.
Darjeeling has this serene side too, best experienced at the Peace Pagoda. A place where time seemed to stand still. We walked around in silence, soaking in the calmness, the views, and the sheer beauty of it all.
And let’s not forget a trip through nostalgia—Glenary's, Keventers, and Ghum station - places my mother had spoken about for years. Being able to take her there, to see her face light up with each familiar sight, was everything I hoped it would be.
Discovering Gangtok’s Secrets
I must say, our journey to Gangtok was nothing short of breathtaking. The road seemed to weave in and out of the mountains, each turn revealing a view more stunning than the last. Gangtok itself welcomed us with open arms.
MG Road was our first stop. The energy, the colours, the aroma of freshly cooked food—it was too good. Our driver, now a trusted companion, recommended us to a local cafe where we had the most amazing bowl of Thukpa. Simple, warm, and soul-soothing.
Sightseeing in Gangtok had us on our toes. Tashi Viewpoint was the first on the list. The Kanchenjunga range sprawled out before us, majestic and awe-inspiring. And then there was Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok—each with its own unique charm and breathtaking views of the city below.
One of the more fascinating stops was the Institute of Tibetology. We got a glimpse into Tibetan culture, the intricate art forms, and the rich heritage. The Flower Exhibition Centre was also a riot of colours. Orchids of every shade and hue imaginable—it was like stepping into a botanical wonderland.
And then came the waterfalls: Ban Jhakri Falls, Lhasa Waterfalls, Bakthang Waterfalls—they all had their own magic. The way the water cascaded down, surrounded by lush greenery, it felt like a scene straight out of a fairy tale.
The Spiritual Journey
Our final day in Gangtok took us to the ethereal Tsomgo Lake. This lake is more than just a body of water: it is also a spiritual haven. Locals believe its colours change with the seasons, predicting the future.
Riding a Yak here, a first for us, was an experience unto itself. We then visited the Baba Mandir as well. The story of Baba Harbhajan Singh and his undying spirit, believed to protect the soldiers in these harsh terrains, left us both moved and inspired.
And then came Nathula Pass! It wasn’t on the original itinerary, but sometimes the best moments are the unplanned ones. Snowball fights, laughter echoing in the cold mountain air, and the sight of the Indo-China border—it was an experience that words can't quite capture.
As we packed our bags, ready to leave this little slice of heaven, I felt a pang of nostalgia. This trip was more of an experience. An experience of reconnecting, of fulfilling a wish, of creating memories that will linger in our hearts for years to come.
Read More: Thrillophilia North East Reviews