Mother-Daughter Adventure: Shreya's Sikkim & Darjeeling Trip Review

Mother-Daughter Adventure: Shreya's Sikkim & Darjeeling  Trip Review

“In the end, it’s not the destination, but the journey that counts.”
And what a journey it was for Shreya and her mother. From the winding roads of Sikkim to the misty tea gardens of Darjeeling, their trip was a beautiful blend of nature, culture, and some good old mother-daughter bonding moments.

Thanks to Thrillophilia, they didn’t just explore places—they created memories, laughed at little adventures, and discovered the magic of the Himalayas together.

The Mountain Roads & Unspoken Tales

When Shreya signed up for a trip to Sikkim and Darjeeling with her mother, little did she know that the mountain roads would have so many stories to tell. The journey from Bagdogra to Gangtok was filled with—teal rivers, thick forests, and the towering peaks of the Himalayas looming in the background.

“Our driver, who looked like he had seen a hundred such journeys, had his own tales to share,” Shreya recalled. “We learned about the whimsical stories of the Teesta River and how some locals believed the river changes colours with the seasons.”

As they drove further, the conversations grew deeper. Shreya and her mom, who hardly got any alone time back home, found themselves laughing, reminiscing, and talking about everything under the sun.

The serenity of the journey made them open up in ways they hadn’t expected. They stopped at quaint tea stalls, sipped on piping hot chai, and felt the cool mountain breeze on their faces.

“There’s something about being in the mountains,” Shreya mused, “It strips away all the chaos of everyday life, leaving you with only the essentials—good company and a quiet mind.”

Lakes, Legends & the Magic

Shreya couldn’t wait to visit the famed Tsomgo Lake, more commonly known as Changu Lake. This wasn’t just any lake—this was a lake that locals said could predict the future.

“Can you believe that, Ma?” Shreya had giggled as their guide told them the story of Buddhist monks interpreting the lake’s colours to foretell events. “I wish I could dip my toes in and know if my boss will approve my leave next month!”

But jokes aside, the lake had a calming aura that left them speechless. The way the sunlight danced on the water’s surface, the snowy peaks standing guard in the distance—it was like nature’s poetry.

The duo spent hours by the lake, taking in its beauty. Shreya’s mom, a fan of photography, couldn’t stop clicking pictures. “The reflection of the mountains in the lake? Pure magic,” she exclaimed.

But there was more to the day than just scenic beauty. They made a stop at Baba Mandir, a shrine dedicated to a soldier whose spirit is said to still protect the borders. The story touched Shreya deeply. “It’s funny how you come to these places for the views, but it’s the stories and legends that stay with you,” she reflected.

Snow, Waterfalls, and More

Lachen was like stepping into a postcard. With snow-covered mountains, frozen streams, and a peaceful vibe, Shreya felt like she was living a scene from a movie. And while the beauty of the place was undeniable, it was their visit to Gurudongmar Lake that left them awestruck.

“I’ve never felt so small and so alive at the same time,” Shreya said, her voice tinged with awe. “The lake was this shimmering jewel surrounded by snow. It was so quiet, you could hear your own heartbeat.”

Their journey didn’t stop there. As they made their way to Lachung, they passed Bhim Nala waterfalls—one of the tallest in Sikkim. “The roar of the water, the mist on our faces—it was invigorating,” Shreya’s mother recalled, a twinkle in her eye. “We stood there, soaking it all in. It wasn’t just a waterfall, it was nature reminding us of its power.”

Lachung brought more than just beauty. It brought warmth. The locals welcomed them with open arms, offering warm bowls of Thukpa (a local noodle soup) and stories of life in the mountains.

Of Sunrises and Tea Leaves

After the rugged beauty of Sikkim, Darjeeling felt like a warm hug. The smell of fresh tea, the bustling markets, and the cool breeze were the perfect ending to their journey. Shreya’s favourite moment? The sunrise at Tiger Hill.

“I’m not a morning person,” she confessed with a laugh, “but watching the first rays of the sun hit Mt. Kanchenjunga? That’s something I’ll wake up for, any day.” The view was breathtaking, with the golden hues spreading across the sky, painting the snow-covered peaks in soft orange and pink.

But Darjeeling had more to offer than just scenic beauty. Shreya and her mother explored the tea gardens, learning how their beloved chai was made. “We even tried plucking some leaves,” Shreya laughed. “Let’s just say, I’ll stick to drinking tea and not making it.”

Their trip ended with a quiet walk through the Japanese Peace Pagoda, where they reflected on the journey they had just been through. “This trip wasn’t just about the places we visited,” Shreya said softly. “It was about spending time with Ma, laughing at our silly mistakes, and learning that the best trips are the ones that leave you with stories to tell.”

Memories Made & Lessons Learned

As they packed their bags to leave, Shreya’s mother looked at her and said, “I think we’ve both changed a little on this trip. Don’t you?”

And Shreya couldn’t help but agree. They had come to explore the mountains but had ended up discovering so much more about each other. The long drives, the quiet moments by the lakes, the shared laughter—they had all stitched together to create a tapestry of memories that would last a lifetime.

Travel, after all, isn’t just about seeing new places. It’s about the connections you make along the way.

And for Shreya and her mother, this trip was a reminder that no matter where you go, the best journeys are always the ones taken together.

Read more: Thrillophilia Sikkim Reviews