Travelling as a couple is always fun, but travelling as two couples together is a completely different kind of adventure. My wife and I, along with our close friends, decided to plan a trip to Sikkim earlier this year. It had been on our minds for a while because we wanted to experience the mountains but in a more cultural and peaceful way, unlike the rushed hill trips we had done before. The idea was to enjoy a mix of monasteries, mountain passes, and some relaxed evenings over local food.
Since none of us wanted the hassle of dealing with hotel bookings, permits, and travel arrangements, we left everything to Thrillophilia. We had seen Thrillophilia Sikkim Reviews online, and most people had spoken positively about the way they handled even complicated itineraries, so we trusted them with our holiday. And honestly, it turned out to be one of the smoothest trips we have ever had.
We landed in Bagdogra, where a driver was already waiting to take us to Gangtok. The journey itself felt like the trip had begun. The road twisted through lush greenery, rivers flowed alongside, and by the time we reached Gangtok, the city lights on the hillside looked magical. Our hotel was well located, just a short walk away from MG Marg, and had cosy rooms with mountain views. That first evening, the four of us just strolled around the main street, sipping hot coffee, trying momos, and soaking in the vibe of the place.
The next day was dedicated to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir. The drive was thrilling, with snow walls along the road and winding curves that made the journey itself memorable. When we reached Tsomgo Lake, it felt like stepping into a postcard. The water was half frozen, with yaks lined up along the banks, and the air was so crisp that it instantly woke us up. We clicked a hundred photos there, laughing as we tried to pose with prayer flags fluttering in the background. Baba Mandir added a touch of history and reverence to the day, and the stories attached to the place fascinated us all.
On another day, we visited Nathula Pass. Standing there at the border, looking at the Chinese side across the fence, gave us goosebumps. The altitude made us short of breath, but the pride of seeing soldiers posted in such extreme conditions was humbling. It was one of those experiences you remember for life.
After Gangtok, we headed to North Sikkim, which was the highlight of our trip. The drive itself was long, but the changing landscapes kept us hooked. Waterfalls crashed down the cliffs, villages dotted the valley, and the road was lined with rhododendrons in full bloom. Our first stop was Lachen, where we stayed overnight before heading to Gurudongmar Lake.
Reaching Gurudongmar was a challenge, with the high altitude making every step heavier, but when the lake came into view, all of us went silent. The turquoise water surrounded by snow peaks looked surreal. It is hard to describe the calmness you feel standing there. We sat by the shore for a while, letting the place sink into us.
From Lachen, we moved to Lachung, which became our base for visiting Yumthang Valley. If I had to pick my favourite spot in the whole trip, this would be it. The valley was carpeted with flowers, with mountains rising on both sides and a river cutting through the middle. We spent hours just walking around, taking in the beauty, and even dipped our feet in the icy river water for fun. It felt untouched and pure, something you do not get to see often in popular hill stations.
After North Sikkim, we made our way to Pelling. This part of the trip felt more relaxed. Our hotel had balconies opening to views of Kanchenjunga, and we would sit there with cups of tea, just watching the peaks turn golden during sunrise. In Pelling, we visited Pemayangtse Monastery, which had a peaceful atmosphere that instantly calmed us down. We also saw the Skywalk near the Chenrezig statue, which gave us a thrilling view of the valley below.
One evening in Pelling, the four of us decided to just take a walk through the town. We ended up at a small local restaurant where we tried thukpa and a homemade millet beer recommended by the owner. That turned into one of the most memorable nights, full of stories, laughter, and a sense of how travel brings people closer.
Looking back, what made this trip so special was not just Sikkim’s beauty but also how well everything was organised. The driver who accompanied us throughout the trip was more like a guide, sharing stories and suggesting small stops that were not even in our itinerary. The hotels were comfortable and perfectly located, and the itinerary allowed a balance of adventure and relaxation.
Of course, travelling with friends meant endless laughter and inside jokes. Whether it was running out of breath while climbing a short stretch in Yumthang Valley or arguing over who got the best window seat during long drives, every moment became a story we now keep retelling.
By the time we returned home, we were already discussing when the four of us could travel again. Sikkim left a mark on us with its mix of spirituality, nature, and warmth of people. And Thrillophilia made sure the journey was hassle-free so we could just focus on enjoying ourselves, making me write this Thrillophilia review.
If I had to sum it up, this trip was the perfect balance of adventure, peace, and friendship. Sikkim is truly a gem of the northeast, and experiencing it with people you love makes it even more special.
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