In 2019, we set out on what we thought would be a simple group trip to the mountains—but it slowly turned into one of the most layered journeys of my life. It had friendship, spontaneity, freezing nights, border crossings, Himalayan silence, and even an unexpected solo chapter at the end.
We were a group of nine people by the time the journey began. Initially, we were seven. Then a couple insisted on joining us—convinced that traveling with our group would be more fun, and that this could double as their first honeymoon on an international trip. And honestly? They were right.
From Dhaka to India: The Journey Begins
Our journey began in Dhaka, boarding a bus from Gabtoli and traveling toward the Burimari Border. Crossing the border felt like crossing into a different rhythm—new roads, new food, new excitement.
After entering India, we traveled to Siliguri, where we stayed for a night. Siliguri felt busy and transitional—a place where journeys begin rather than end. We rested, reorganized plans, and prepared for the mountains ahead.
Darjeeling: A Short Stop, Big Anticipation
The next day, we started our journey toward Sikkim, with a short transit stop in Darjeeling—about three hours.
Darjeeling greeted us with misty hills, winding roads, and cool air. It felt like a teaser of what was coming next. We didn’t stay long, but the atmosphere alone made the stop worthwhile.
Into Sikkim: Calm, Clean, and Majestic
Entering Sikkim felt different from anywhere else in India. The roads were clean, the air was crisp, and everything moved at a slower, more peaceful pace.
We visited a few local spots, took in the mountain views, and adjusted ourselves to the altitude and weather. Sikkim wasn’t loud or dramatic—it was quietly impressive.
Lachen & Lachung: The Real Adventure Begins
To explore deeper into the Himalayas, we hired a local 4-wheel-drive SUV, the only practical way to navigate North Sikkim’s terrain.
Our journey took us to Lachen and Lachung—remote, cold, and breathtaking.
The roads were rough, the air thinner, and the silence heavier. Snow-lined landscapes, frozen mornings, and simple village life made these places feel unreal. Nights were extremely cold, but warm conversations, shared food, and laughter inside rooms kept us going.
This was the part of the trip where friendships deepened—when discomfort bonded us more than comfort ever could.
After returning from Lachen and Lachung, we spent one more night in Sikkim, resting and reflecting on what we had just experienced.
Then came another highlight.
Sandakphu: Cold Nights and the Sleeping Buddha
From Darjeeling, we traveled to Sandakphu, one of the highest viewpoints in the region.
Sandakphu was freezing. The cold was sharp, the wind unforgiving—but the reward was immense.
From there, we witnessed the legendary “Sleeping Buddha” formation of Kanchenjunga. Watching the massive peaks stretch across the horizon at sunrise felt humbling—like nature reminding us how small we really are.
We stayed one night there, wrapped in layers, sharing silence, awe, and quiet excitement.
Back to Siliguri: Where Paths Split
After Sandakphu, we returned to Siliguri. I stayed for one day, did some shopping, and prepared for a different kind of journey.
This is where our group trip ended.
My friends stayed back one more day before returning to Dhaka.
I went somewhere else entirely.
A Solo Turn: Delhi and a Different Purpose
From Siliguri, I traveled alone to Delhi—not for tourism alone, but to collect my Estonian e-Residency card.
I spent three days in Delhi, exploring landmarks like:
- Qutub Minar
- Red Fort
- And other historic corners of the city
After days of group travel, Delhi felt fast, loud, and deeply personal. It was a fitting contrast—a reminder that journeys can be shared, but some chapters are meant to be walked alone.
