Gangtok Adventure: Backpacker's Paradise! (Tag Along)
Gangtok Adventure: Backpacker's Paradise! (Tag Along) - A Review That's Seen Some Shit
Okay, so I just stumbled out of "Gangtok Adventure: Backpacker's Paradise!" and I'm still sorting through the layers of yak butter tea and… well, stuff. This place is… an experience. Let's dive in, shall we? And buckle up, because this ain't gonna be a polished travel brochure.
SEO & Metadata (Because, you know, the internet demands it!):
- Title: Gangtok Adventure Backpacker Hotel Review: Paradise or Peril? (Plus, Food & Fun!)
- Keywords: Gangtok, Sikkim, India, Backpacking, Hotel Review, Adventure Travel, Mountain Views, Spa, Food, Accommodation, Accessibility, Cleanliness, WiFi, Restaurant, Travel Tips, Things to Do, Safety, Budget Travel.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Gangtok Adventure, a backpacker's haven in Sikkim. We cover everything: the good, the bad, the incredibly questionable. Think epic views, questionable cleanliness, and enough food to feed a small army (if you're not vegetarian, that is!). Get the real scoop before you book!
A Confession Before We Begin: I didn't actually "backpacker" here. My back's seen enough hostels for one lifetime. I was tagging along with a friend who was determined to live the "authentic" experience - which, let's be honest, often translates to "slightly rough around the edges." And boy, was she right.
Accessibility - Bless Their Hearts… and the Elevator!
Alright, so the good news: they do have an elevator. Thank the heavens. Gangtok itself is a roller coaster of a city (literally!), so any hotel with an elevator deserves immediate respect. Now, the accessibility beyond the elevator… let's just say it's a work in progress. I'm not a wheelchair user, but I noticed a few tight spaces and uneven surfaces. They try, bless them, but it's not exactly a fully compliant experience. More like, “we think we can make it happen!”.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: I honestly didn't see anything specifically labeled as "accessible" in the restaurant. Just the usual jumble of tables and chairs. Maybe you could squeeze a wheelchair in there, maybe not. Again, "bless their hearts" applies here.
Internet - The Eternal Struggle
Wi-Fi? Yeah, they claim "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and "Wi-Fi in public areas." Here's the truth: sometimes, it worked. Sometimes, it was slower than a sloth on valium. Sometimes, it vanished entirely. I swear, I saw one guy just screaming into his laptop about the unreliable connection. We ended up just accepting it as a part of the “adventure”. Internet [LAN] – never saw it. They did have a computer for use, but you had to fight for it. The internet services were, let's just say, ‘variable’.
Things to Do/ Ways to Relax - The Package Deal
- Fitness center: I glanced in. Looked like a collection of rusty weights in a room with a view of a wall. Pass.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom/Massage: Okay, now we're talking! They had a proper spa, and the massage was… amazing. And a great deal! The sauna was a nice touch, but the steam room was a bit… well, steamy. It was like walking into a damp, tropical forest. I felt my skin practically melting off my bones. But hey, a good soak!
- Pool with view: Nope. No pool.
- Body scrub/Body wrap/Foot bath: Available in the spa- all good!
Cleanliness and Safety - Holding My Breath (Sometimes)
Alright, this is where things get a little… complicated. "Professional-grade sanitizing services" and "Rooms sanitized between stays"? Probably. “Anti-viral cleaning products”? I sure hope so.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Okay, they seemed to be doing this. I saw the staff spraying things down with… something.
- Hand sanitizer: Plentiful. At least they’ve got that right.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Probably, but… I’ll be real, sometimes the vibe was less "sterile operating room" and more "lived-in hostel."
- Breakfast in room/Daily housekeeping/Room sanitization opt-out available: The staff were really helpful with these requests, although it often took a couple of tries to get exactly what we wanted.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food, Glorious Food!
This is where Gangtok Adventure really shines. The food was awesome. The restaurant area was usually bustling and a real highlight of the whole trip.
- Asian cuisine: Absolutely fantastic. The momos were to die for. I could probably eat a mountain of them.
- Western cuisine: Less impressive, but still decent. Comfort food when you're craving it.
- Breakfast [buffet]: An absolute feast! Something for everyone, from the adventurous (momos for breakfast!) to the picky eater (yes, they had toast).
- A la carte in restaurant/Buffet in restaurant: both available, to suit all tastes and moods.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant/Coffee shop: Essential. And plentiful. They make a mean cup of coffee.
- Bar/Happy hour/Poolside bar: Drinks available, but don't expect a fancy cocktail bar. This ain't a fancy place.
A Personal Anecdote About the Soup – Don't Judge
I swear, I'll never forget the soup. One night, after a particularly strenuous hike, I ordered the soup. It was a murky, vaguely brown liquid, and I wasn't entirely sure what was in it. There was a whole family of people in the restaurant at the time. And the waitress was struggling to keep up. Turns out, it was a hearty, delicious vegetable soup– with a hint of… well, I still don't know what. But it was incredible. And it saved me. I ate three bowls. Don’t judge me. I was cold and tired and it was the best damn soup I've ever had. And those were the best moments I had, to be honest. It was a warm experience and it was all that I needed.
Services and Conveniences - The Good, the Bad, and the "We Tried!"
This section will be a mixed bag.
- Cash withdrawal/Currency exchange: Convenient, but the exchange rate wasn't particularly favorable.
- Doorman/Concierge: These guys were fantastic! Always helpful, always smiling. They made the stay better.
- Facilities for disabled guests: See "Accessibility" above.
- Daily housekeeping: Spot on!
- Laundry service/Ironing service/Dry cleaning: Available, but plan ahead. Turnaround times can vary.
- Luggage storage: Yes, and it seemed pretty secure.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Small, but with some interesting local crafts. Good for last-minute souvenirs.
For the Kids - Family Stuff
- Babysitting service/Family/child friendly/Kids meal/Kids facilities: I didn't see much that would suggest this is a super kid-focused place. Maybe not the best choice if you have small children,.
Getting Around - Transportation Logistics
- Airport transfer/Taxi service: They arranged transfers without any problems. Pretty easy to get a taxi as well.
Available in all rooms - The Essentials (And the Not-So-Essential)
- Air conditioning: Thankfully!
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential.
- Free bottled water: Always a welcome touch.
- Hair dryer: Yup.
- Private bathroom: A definite plus.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Let’s hope it’s working!
- Desk/Laptop workspace: If you can find a spot that does.
The Bottom Line - Would I Go Back?
Look, "Gangtok Adventure: Backpacker's Paradise!" is a mixed bag. It’s not perfect. It has its flaws (mostly around internet reliability and the slightly questionable cleanliness).
It’s a place where the momos are heaven, the views are breathtaking, and the staff genuinely try to make your stay comfortable. It’s an adventure. It's a bit rough around the edges, but in a good way. It's real.
Would I recommend it? If you're up for a bit of a (mild) gamble, if you love good food, if you like the idea of a slightly unpredictable adventure, then absolutely. If you need pristine perfection and constant connectivity, maybe look elsewhere. But for a true (and very tasty) Gangtok experience? Go for it. Just pack some extra patience and definitely try the soup. You won’t regret it. And if you do go… tell me what was in that soup!
Unbelievable Furano Luxury: Orika Resort's Hidden Paradise!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is my trip to Tag Along Backpackers in Gangtok, and trust me, it's gonna be a wild ride. Prepare for some SERIOUS emotional whiplash.
Day 1: Arrival & Altitude Agony (aka "Why Did I Think This Was a Good Idea?")
- Morning (ish): Flight to Bagdogra. Okay, smooth sailing. I even managed to snag a window seat and felt like an eagle soaring (until the turbulence hit and I nearly swallowed my own tongue). Then the real fun begins. The bumpy, winding uphill drive to Gangtok. I swear, my stomach did a 180 at least five times.
- Afternoon: Arrived at Tag Along. OMG, the view! (Actually, it was initially a slightly blurry view from the window due to my near-constant nausea. Altitude sickness is a BITCH.) The hostel itself? Cozy, chaotic, and smelling vaguely of incense and teenage angst. The staff? Super friendly, a bit disheveled, and clearly used to dealing with slightly green-faced travelers.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Found my dorm bed (top bunk, naturally. Because apparently, I hate myself.) Spent the rest of the day lying down, trying not to throw up, and questioning every life choice that led me here. Ate a sad packet of biscuits. Considered writing a strongly worded letter to the Himalayas.
An Unexpected Detour: The Momo Debacle.
Ugh. I'd heard tales of the holy grail of Himalayan cuisine: Momos. Steamed dumplings of pure, delicious joy. Naturally, I HAD to try them.
So, after hours of battling altitude sickness, I found a place in an alleyway that had a line. It was so long, I thought: "Hmm, must be good!"
I ordered a plate. The first bite… amazing. The second… still amazing. The third… oh god. My stomach started churning with the intensity of a hurricane. I barely made it back to the hostel before the great Momo Disaster of 2024 struck. I was a complete, utter mess for the afternoon.
Day 2: Exploring (or, "Me vs. The Monasteries")
- Morning: Attempted a trek, but it ended at a viewpoint. The sun was beating down, the air thinner than a supermodel, and every step felt like I was climbing Mount Everest. The views, though? STUNNING. Seriously. Made the pain almost worth it. Almost. (My lungs were screaming)
- Afternoon: Visited Rumtek Monastery. Majestic! Golden! And I felt overwhelmingly small and slightly awestruck. The chanting was mesmerizing, and I almost got lost in the labyrinthine corridors. It was peaceful. And then this kid, probably no older than 8, comes up to me and just goes "Give me money!". And I was like, what even is this?!
- Evening: Dinner with a group of fellow travelers. The usual hostel chatter: travel stories, slightly embarrassing confessions, and the desperate search for a decent cup of coffee. I think I bonded with a guy from Finland over our shared hatred for extreme sports and our love of chocolate.
Day 3: The Tsomgo Lake Odyssey & The Yak That Didn't Want to Pose
- Morning: The infamous Tsomgo Lake. The drive there? Even more hair-raising than the journey to Gangtok. We shared a taxi, the driver had a need for speed and a death wish. The lake itself? Magical. Absolutely stunning. Turquoise water shimmering in the sunshine. I even saw a yak!
- Afternoon: My grand plan was to take a picture of me with a yak. Surely, I told myself, this would be a great memory. I thought I'd look cool and edgy. And the yak would look majestically happy. The reality? I tried to pet the yak. It sneezed on me. I tried to take a picture. The yak turned its back on me and started munching on some grass, which was, I guessed, fair enough. I got a picture of its butt instead. It's now framed and hangs in my living room.
- Evening: Back at the hostel. Regretting that extra beer I had. Watching a movie with the others. Trying to figure out how to wash my yak-sneeze-stained jacket.
Day 4: The Farewell and the Existential Dread
- Morning: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Realized I'd blown my budget on yak-related expenses. Panic.
- Afternoon: Packed my bag. Said goodbye to a handful of people I’d bonded with over bad bathroom experiences and lukewarm chai. Felt strangely sad to leave. (Maybe I wasn't entirely hating this chaos).
- Evening: The winding, bumpy road back to Bagdogra. Watched the mountains fade away as the sun set. A profound sense of exhaustion mingled with a bittersweet feeling. I had survived. I had seen the Himalayas. I had been sneezed on by a yak. And I wouldn't have traded it for anything.
Final Ramblings:
This trip wasn't perfect. It was messy, challenging, and at times, downright unpleasant. But it was real. It was filled with highs and lows, moments of awe and moments of abject misery. It taught me a lot about myself, about travel, and about the enduring power of a good cup of coffee (and maybe next time, I'll skip the momos). So, would I recommend Tag Along Backpackers in Gangtok? Absolutely. Just be prepared for the adventure of a lifetime – and maybe pack some extra stomach medicine. You'll need it.
Villa 33: Delhi NCR's Most Luxurious Escape Awaits!
Gangtok Adventure: Backpacker's Paradise! (Tag Along) - Let's Get Messy!
Okay, So... Gangtok? What's Actually The Hype? (Besides the Postcard Views)
Alright, picture this: you're scrolling through Insta, and BAM! Gangtok. Mountains, monasteries, cute little cafes... it screams "wanderlust." But the REAL hype? It's not just the scenery. It's the vibe. Think clean air (a HUGE plus for a city slicker like me), incredibly friendly people (I swear, everyone smiles!), and a complete escape from the usual chaos. Honestly, I went expecting stunning views – and I got them, don’t get me wrong, it's breathtaking – but I didn’t anticipate the overwhelming peace. Sounds cheesy, I know. But there's something about waking up to the sound of the prayer flags flapping in the wind, the smell of incense wafting from the gompas... it's soul-cleansing. The views? Dude, they're a bonus. Though, a slight downside: the altitude. I spent my first few hours feeling like I was breathing through a straw. Embarrassing.
Is This REALLY a Backpacker's Paradise? Like, Actually? (And What About My Budget?)
Yes! Mostly. Compared to, say, Goa (a gorgeous, but budget-crushing tourist trap), Gangtok is super backpacker-friendly. Hostels are plentiful and cheap (I stayed in a place called "Trekker's Den" – it was basic, but clean and had an amazing rooftop view), food is ridiculously affordable, and transportation is easier on the wallet than the main cities. My entire stay, flights excluded, cost less than I spend on groceries in a month back home. The trick is to embrace the local life and ditch the fancy hotels. And the food? Momos, thukpa, and the *best* chai you'll ever taste. Seriously, I may have OD'd on chai. No regrets. The only slight snag? Getting around. Taxis are plentiful, but negotiate the price *before* you get in. Tourist prices are a thing, unfortunately. Learn a few basic Nepali phrases; it opens a lot of doors (and gets you better deals!).
Okay, Spill The Tea: What Are The MUST-DO's? Don't Hold Back!
Okay, here's the messy truth: everyone tells you to go to the monasteries, and YES, do. Rumtek Monastery is stunning (the golden statue of Buddha nearly knocked me off my feet!), but honestly?... I’m kinda monastery-d out after a week. Do them, but don't prioritize them *entirely*. My MUST-DO's?
- Trekking to the Teesta River. That river is a gorgeous, emerald green jewel in the heart of the valley. Hire a guide, pack plenty of water, and prepare to be humbled by the sheer vastness of the Himalayas. The views... beyond words. Be prepared to be humbled by the sheer vastness of the mountains – they'll make you feel incredibly insignificant (in a good way!).
- Ropeway ride to the view point. The views are stunning from the cable car while you go up, but I can strongly suggest it for a quick look rather than a full viewing experience.
- Lachung and Yumthang Valley. The place has a charm and appeal of its own. The place is filled with rhododendron flowers. You should visit the valley with a tour guide.
And What About the Food? (Because, Priorities!)
Oh. My. God. The food. Okay, so momos are a must. Steamed, fried, veggie, chicken… I experimented. I'm not ashamed to admit I ate momos for like, every meal. But beyond that? Thukpa (noodle soup) is the perfect comfort food after a long day of trekking. Try the *phagshapa* – it's a pork dish that's seriously divine. And the chaaaai! Seriously, I’m craving it right now. Some cafes offer a "fusion" of Indian and Western food. Avoid them! Embrace the local cuisine. It’s cheap and delicious, and you'll get a better taste of the culture. Seriously, I might move there just for the food. Though, the altitude might be a problem in that case...more chai?
Tell me about the people! Are the locals friendly? (Because travel is mostly about people, right?)
Absolutely. And this is one of the BIGGEST reasons I fell in love with Gangtok. People were incredibly welcoming. Seriously chill & friendly. I met this super old woman while I was trying to figure out how to use an ATM. She didn't speak English, and I didn't speak Nepali, but she took me under her wing, helped us, and even shared some of her lunch with me. It's experiences like that that stick with you. The locals are generally very respectful and eager to share their culture with you. They're used to tourists, but they don't treat you like a walking wallet. Learn a few basic phrases. “Namaste” goes a long way. And be respectful of their customs! It’s not like you walk in somewhere and start doing your “I’m a tourist!” dance – just be chill and everything is fine. They are incredibly hospitable.
What's The Worst Part? (Don't sugarcoat it - I can handle the truth!)
Okay, the brutally honest truth? The roads can be... challenging. Think winding mountain passes and potentially bumpy rides. Motion sickness is a real possibility (thank god for Dramamine!). And getting around outside of Gangtok itself can take time. Also, the constant buzz of motorbikes... after a while it can get to you. Also, some of the more remote areas are just plain cold. Bring layers! And the altitude. Did I mention the altitude? I'm talking about feeling breathless while brushing your teeth. It takes a few days to adjust. Also, a slight downer - the tourist traps exist. They are not so prominent but you might definitely encounter them. If you are smart enough, you can get rid of them. Otherwise, the trip is pretty close to perfection.
Okay, Let's Get Specific: Any Advice for a Solo Traveler?
YES! Go for it! Gangtok is incredibly safe. I spent a good portion of my trip alone, and I felt completely comfortable. Hostels are your friend! They're a great way to meet otherAround The World Hotels
