Sikkim

 

Puttu’s First Flight – A Magical Journey!

With hearts full of excitement and a box of pulao lovingly packed, we reached Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru at 7:30 AM. It was Puttu’s first-ever flight, and he was bouncing with joy! Along with Thudhakajja and Theethajji, we boarded the flight—our little boy was glowing with happiness. We settled in, opened his book, and began reading, but he just couldn’t wait for the flight to take off!

As the plane soared into the sky, he felt the butterflies in his tummy and clung to us for a bit, but soon his curiosity won over. He peeked out of the window, eyes wide with wonder, and eventually drifted into a peaceful sleep.

Now, cheese-pairers like us don’t usually buy airplane food, so we asked for some hot water and waited. When our little explorer woke up, the first thing he asked for was his beloved pulao. He devoured what was left, and we shared the rest, smiling at how special this moment already was.

We landed at Bagdogra and hit the road to Siliguri, making a pit stop at Laddu Gopal. It felt like a mini South India reunion—Tamil, Tulu, and more filled the air! The food? Just okay. But the journey ahead was long… the roads tested our patience, and we reached our destination 2 hours late. Dinner at the hotel made up for it—warm and comforting.

Nathula Pass Adventures

Next morning, bright and early by 8 AM, we started our trip to Nathula Pass after a tasty breakfast. Our driver was a gem! When we hit a roadblock, he immediately found an alternate route. We passed by sweet little schoolkids waiting for their bus and sang along to his beautiful playlist. It was such a vibe!

Initially, we weren’t sure if we’d get snow, but as we climbed higher, magic unfolded. The driver stopped for us to rent warm coats and gumboots. We sipped chai, thinking it wouldn't be that cold. Oh, but it was! The snow, the icy breeze, the dreamy white landscape—it was straight out of a fairytale.

Puttu, however, wasn't so thrilled at first. He cried out loud, “Let’s go back, let’s go back!” But we climbed anyway—and it was pure magic. -2°C, and we were grateful for those warm clothes. We played in the snow, laughed like kids, and soaked in the snowy mountain bliss.

From Baba Mandir to Tshangu Lake

Our hearts were full after visiting Baba Mandir—a place that felt sacred and warm. We returned our snow gear and had a pricey (but tasty) roti-sabzi meal. Then came Tshangu Lake—a wonder wrapped in silence and snow. Puttu got to sit on a yak with his Appa, and the kind yak handler even let us click lots of photos. ₹100 well spent!

Next, we visited Ganesh Tok—so serene. Then Mall Road, where we shopped, sipped chai, and soaked in the buzzing yet beautiful atmosphere. The food there wasn’t great, but the miniature displays near the entrance were a visual treat. Dinner at Marwari Bhojanalay with Ajja and Ajji was okay, and the famous rolls at Roll House? Overhyped!

Back at the hotel, Puttu had a jacuzzi waiting for him, and we joined him for a warm splash after our snowy adventure. A perfect end to a magical day.

Lachung Love & Katao Kindness

The next morning, we headed to Lachung—up, up, up the hills! On the way, we saw the Butterfly Waterfall, lush green valleys, and dreamy curves. After a small road deviation and a delay to help a stuck vehicle, we found a tiny place for Maggi and black tea—flavourful and satisfying.

Lachung welcomed us with freezing winds and cozy vibes. It’s a plastic-free zone, so we had to be mindful. At night, we had a king-size feast made with warmth and love. Puttu was hopping around joyfully.

Next day at 6 AM, we set off to Katao—hill after hill, twist after turn. Then came Yumthang Valley. On the way, we trekked to a hot spring through the Rhododendron Sanctuary—what a peaceful walk. Wild flowers in every color, lazy yaks, and gurgling water streams—it was a paradise untouched!

We also saw Bhinnala Waterfalls—dreamy and delicate.

Sweet Pit Stops & Flower-Filled Views

On our way back, we stopped at a small pahadi thattukada, run by a sweet chubby girl and her mom. They made Maggi just the way we liked it, served hot aloo parathas with tangy pickle, and gave us tea infused with clove and mountain air. The view? Snow-capped peaks, bamboo pillars, and a garden full of flowers. Heaven!

Back in Gangtok, we rested, although the food was meh. Then off to Buddha Park in Ravangla—peaceful and grand. We visited Char Dham, an absolute must-see! Puttu loved every part of it. We even got free lunch and water as part of a celebration—felt so blessed!

Darjeeling Dreams

After a slightly chaotic stay at Palm Bliss (geyser troubles!), we explored Pemayangtse Monastery, the Skywalk, Rabdentse Ruins, and Rimbi Waterfalls—all full of history and soul.

At Mall Road, Darjeeling, we shopped in the cold breeze and visited Glenary’s Bakery, Café, and our favorite—Lunnar Pure Veg. Clean, fresh, warm food!

Next morning, we braved the chill to visit Tiger Hills—breathtaking! Then came Batasia Loop, Ghum Monastery, Peace Pagoda, and the Darjeeling Zoo, where Puttu was the happiest! Dancing bears, jumping monkeys—he loved it all!

Into Nepal & Final Goodbyes

The foggy road to Nepal felt like entering a dream—lined with flowers and mystery. We returned to the hotel, had one last meal at Lunnar (forever our favorite!), and prepped for the return.

At Bagdogra Airport, Puttu was super excited for the flight again. This time, we were wiser—we packed food!

A journey filled with snowflakes, schoolchildren, warm Maggi, and lots of cuddles. A story of giggles, goosebumps, and gratitude. And most of all—a celebration of Puttu’s first flight and many more magical milestones ahead.