Mansi’s Northeast Escape to the Mountains with Thrillophilia
After months of a relentless work routine, Mansi and her two close friends, Yogeshkumar and Ashish, made a decision to take a trip to Northeast India.
They wanted to have an amazing time and wonderful sightseeing excursions on this trip. But they did not anticipate how the off-season travel could add layers of beauty and adventure to their journey.
Thrillophilia’s Northeast itinerary seemed to offer the perfect balance between comfort and adventure, which was exactly what they were looking for. It included a journey through some of the most scenic and spiritual destinations of the Northeast. So, the group made their bookings with nervous excitement and began crossing the days till their date of departure.
Through Misty Hills to the Heart of Darjeeling
The trio landed in Bagdogra first, where they were greeted with fresh air and courteous smiles. The road moved through forests and quiet hamlets and offered views of the gorgeous Kanchenjunga. As the car drove along the hill roads, the three friends exchanged laughter and travel playlists, which ranged from their childhood favourites to recent trends.
Their driver come guide took them towards Darjeeling, their initial destination, stopping at Mirik to show them the lake and the viewpoint here. It was a calm and reflective experience, which slowed them down before the entering the buzzy ambience of Darjeeling.
Upon reaching Darjeeling, they checked into a cosy hillside hotel and soon went for a walk around Mall Road. There, they bought hand-knitted gloves and sipped steaming thukpa while the fog rolled in around them.
Sunrise, Snow, and Silent Vows at Tiger Hill
The next morning began in complete darkness. At 4 am, they covered themselves in scarves and thermals and went on their way to Tiger Hill. With the stars still visible, a crowd gathered on the ridge, and their breaths were visible in the cold air.
As the first light spread across the sky, it lit Mt. Kanchenjunga in hues of molten gold. No one spoke. Mansi looked over at her friends, all awestruck, and smiled. “Worth every second of sleep we lost,” she whispered.
The day was followed by spiritual and cultural visits to the circular track of Batasia Loop, the peaceful Ghoom Monastery, and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. They ended the day at the Peace Pagoda, where the trio sat in thoughtful silence and watched prayer flags flutter in the wind.
Postcard Views and Quiet Conversations
On the third day, the friends travelled to the timeless place of Pelling. The long drive to this destination was through lush green valleys and dense pine forests that lined the road.
After reaching, they visited Singshore Bridge, Rimbi Waterfall, and Sangachoeling Monastery. The town had fewer tourists, which made every moment feel more intimate. The wind moved through the pines, sawing them in the air, and the sunset covered the hills in a golden glow.
That night in the hotel, Yogesh shared a memory from college over dinner, and Ashish joked about their failed camping trip years ago. Mansi laughed and realised how travel brings you back to old friendships.
A Gentle Shift in Energy
The next day, their journey took them through Ravangla, where they stopped at Buddha Park. The statue towered above them, still and wise, against a canvas of snow-covered peaks. It was a pause that offered ann unique perspective to all of them, it was nothing like they had ever witnessed before.
They then visited Gangtok and found it to have a livelier energy. Their hotel overlooked hills that were dotted with small houses, and prayer flags added colour to the grey skies. The city was a blend of the sacred and the mundane, monks walked past the street vendors and old temples, the cafes buzzed with conversations in languages unknown to them, and the air felt much lighter.
They spent the rest of the day exploring the lanes of Gangtok, buying souvenirs, and tasting local food like laphing and gundruk.
A Final Day Painted with Blessings and Waterfalls
The last day of their journey began at Tashi Viewpoint, after exploring which they visited Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok. Next came the Handicrafts & Handloom Centre, where local artisans poured stories into every weave, mesmerising the three friends with the beauty of the artwork. The Institute of Tibetology also added depth to their understanding of the rich spiritual culture of the region.
But the Dro-Dul Chorten Monastery was the highlight of the trip. The chant of mantras and the fluttering of prayer flags created a calming rhythm. Ban Jhakri Falls and Bakthang Waterfall offered a more playful side to the day, where we took several photos and interacted with the locals who ran their eateries there.
As Ashish posed for a silly picture, Yogesh looked at Mansi and said, “We should do this every year.” She nodded in agreement and added, “If only you promise not to pose like Ashish”
Farewell to the Mountains
On their way back to Bagdogra, the friends did not speak to each other for quite a long time. They were lost in their own memories of sunrises, stories, steaming food, and the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
Thrillophilia had given them a journey that felt deeply personal. Every hiccup caused by the weather was answered with adjustments and smiles. The drivers, the locals, and even the locals were incredibly polite and helpful to them.
On their Thrillophilia review, Mansi added:
“Everything about this trip was smooth and memorable—a perfect 10/10 experience!”
Read More: Thrillophilia Northeast Reviews