Akhil’s Sikkim & Darjeeling Review: Seven Days Across the Eastern Himalayas with Thrillophilia

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PNR: BKDOVJNUJM1
Rating: ★★★★★
Traveller: Akhil Padmakumar
Duration: 7 Days
Destination: Sikkim, Darjeeling & Pelling

“I recently embarked on an adventure-packed tour organised by Thrillophilia, and it was nothing short of exceptional.”

The Eastern Himalayas have a way of making a journey feel larger than the map suggests. A single road can move from river valleys to snow-covered peaks, from bustling hill towns to quiet monasteries, with each turn revealing another side of the mountains.

For Akhil Padmakumar, seven days across Sikkim, Darjeeling and Pelling became a journey through some of the region's most striking landscapes and cultural landmarks. The route brought together high-altitude lakes, Himalayan viewpoints, Buddhist monasteries, tea gardens, wildlife, mountaineering history and ancient ruins, with long mountain drives connecting one experience to the next.

There was plenty to discover along the way, but the journey also left room for the quieter pleasures of travelling through the hills: watching the landscape change outside the window, stopping at viewpoints, exploring unfamiliar places and taking in the atmosphere of the mountains. This was Akhil's seven-day adventure through the Eastern Himalayas.

Gangtok Took Him Higher Into the Himalayas

Akhil's journey began with the drive from NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok, following the Teesta River into the mountains. Once in the Sikkimese capital, he had time to explore MG Marg, Gangtok's lively pedestrian boulevard, before heading deeper into the Himalayas the following morning.

The excursion took him to Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, a glacial lake sitting at around 3,753 metres above sea level. Surrounded by steep mountain slopes, the lake changes character with the seasons and holds an important place in local traditions. From there, the journey continued to Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, associated with the enduring legend of the Indian soldier believed to protect troops stationed in the high-altitude terrain. He then travelled onwards to Nathula Pass, one of the historic mountain passes along the India-China border.

Darjeeling Began Before Sunrise

The road from Gangtok to Darjeeling brought another change in scenery, with Himalayan valleys gradually giving way to the tea-covered slopes of West Bengal. The following morning began around 4 AM, when Akhil headed towards Tiger Hill to watch sunrise over the mountains.

At roughly 2,590 metres, Tiger Hill is one of Darjeeling's most famous viewpoints, particularly for its panoramic views of Kanchenjunga. The early start was followed by Batasia Loop, where the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway makes its distinctive spiral through the hills. The site also houses the Gorkha War Memorial, connecting the sweeping mountain views with the history of the Gorkha soldiers.

The day continued through Ghoom Monastery, home to a 15-foot-high statue of Maitreya Buddha, before moving into Darjeeling's mountaineering and wildlife heritage. At the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Tenzing Rock, Akhil could trace the region's connection to Himalayan climbing, while the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park offered a chance to see the endangered red panda. The experience continued through Darjeeling's tea estates, the Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda, and the Tibetan Refugee Centre.

Ravangla Put a Giant Buddha Against the Mountains

The journey then moved towards Pelling via Ravangla, bringing another dramatic change in the landscape. The stop at Buddha Park in Ravangla was particularly striking, with the 130-foot Shakyamuni Buddha statue rising against the Himalayan backdrop.

From Ravangla, the road continued towards Pelling, with views of Kanchenjunga accompanying the journey. Unlike the busier sightseeing atmosphere of Darjeeling, the route towards Pelling felt more immersed in Sikkim's mountain landscape, with winding roads, forested slopes and distant snow-covered peaks shaping the drive.

Pelling Revealed Sikkim’s Spiritual and Historical Side

Pelling's sightseeing brought together some of the region's most significant natural and cultural landmarks. Khecheopalri Lake, regarded as sacred in both Buddhist and Hindu traditions, was one of the highlights. Surrounded by dense forest, the lake is locally associated with wishes and pilgrimage.

The journey then continued to Khecheopalri Monastery and Pemayangtse Monastery, bringing the focus back to Sikkim's Buddhist heritage. Nature returned to the itinerary at Rimbi Waterfall and Kanchenjunga Waterfall, before history took centre stage at the Rabdentse Ruins, the remains of Sikkim's second capital.

The day also included the Skywalk, adding another elevated perspective to Pelling's mountain scenery. Depending on time, the itinerary could extend to places such as Darap Valley, Rimbi Orange Garden, the Bird Sanctuary and Helipad Ground, giving Akhil several ways to explore the quieter side of the region.

Why Akhil Chose Thrillophilia

Akhil's review places as much emphasis on the people behind the trip as the destinations themselves. He specifically appreciated Himanshu and Saloni, whose assistance, recommendations and prompt responses helped keep the journey smooth. He also credited Ankit from Green Island Tours, whose knowledge of the destinations and warm hospitality added another layer to the experience.

Behind the journey was Saloni Gangwal, Thrillophilia's Northeast Destination Expert, along with the wider team responsible for the itinerary, transfers and accommodation. Akhil appreciated the attention to detail, seamless logistics and quality of the hotels arranged for the trip. The itinerary also offered enough variety to move between adventure, culture, nature and history without making the seven days feel repetitive.

For Akhil, the result went beyond a standard holiday. As he put it, the journey became an “unforgettable odyssey filled with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.”

Also Read: Pradeepkumar’s Darjeeling & Kalimpong Travel Review with Thrillophilia