As the COVID-19 pandemic began to recede, Kaushik and I seized the opportunity to escape the monotony of city life. With a rare window of 20 days to indulge in a getaway of our choice, we opted to work from a home stay that felt more like home. As the trip planner, I took pleasure in curating every detail, from selecting the destination to negotiating bookings.
Kaushik and I are pure chalk and cheese but never when it comes to mountains. No beach holidays for us, please! Our first choice is and always will be crisp mountain air, breathtaking views, and the sense of tranquility that washes over us as we escape the madness of city life. Our shared affinity for mountains made Darjeeling the perfect choice for it’s breathtaking views and tranquil atmosphere.
After meticulous research, I shortlisted several home stays, but one particular property caught my attention. After several unsuccessful attempts to contact Mr. Gurung, I finally reached him, only to discover I had been speaking with a namesake. Fortunately, the new connection led me to a charming homestay, where Mr. Gurung’s warm demeanor and enticing descriptions of his spanking new interiors, farm-to-table offerings, accompanying us on the walks and his guarantee of a wonderful experience sealed the deal. I was half won over anyway but when he sweetly said, “Ma’am aapko bohot accha lagega, main guarantee deta hoon”, I just couldn’t refuse 🙂
The virus shook us up so we wanted to do this in a way that keeps our health in check. We wanted the early morning sun, pure mountain air, freshly prepared meals and the likes. When we arrived, we didn’t really know what we had signed up for. But IMO, it was one of the nicest times of our lives. We were greeted by an idyllic setting that exceeded our expectations. We could faintly see the Kanchenjunga range hidden amidst the clouds.
We would wake up at 6am for our early morning hikes. A big hot water kettle would wait outside our room, quickly freshen up before the water went cold, lace up our boots and we would be out-n-about to explore the scenic trails surrounding us while our breakfast was getting ready back in their kitchen (Bliss!). We would come back after an hour or two, be served a hearty warm breakfast while we basked in the winter sun as long as we wanted (Double the bliss!). The freedom to work was a mere facade, as the scenery proved too distracting. Each day, I’d log around 8,000 steps, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
The culinary experience was a highlight of our stay. Mr. Gurung’s sister and sister in law would lovingly prepare traditional Nepali dishes that showcased the region’s rich culinary heritage. We savored momos, steamed dumplings filled with flavorful meat or vegetables, and dal bhat, a staple Nepali meal consisting of lentil soup, rice, and a variety of vegetables. The aroma of freshly baked selroti, a sweet Nepali bread, wafting from the kitchen, was irresistible.
One of our favourite dishes was the Gorkhali Lamb, a slow-cooked stew made with tender lamb pieces with spices and herbs. The flavour were complex and rich, and the portion was generous enough to share. We also enjoyed the thukpa, a hearty noodle soup that warmed our hearts and bellies on a chilly winter.
The best kinda mountain holidays are spent wandering across the horizon to find serenity in nature with no internet and more importantly, ditching that rat race we all take part in on a daily basis. And so we enjoy hiking, especially against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas in my very own beautiful India. I have always heard that mountain people are statistically happier and I witnessed the same in my trip. The air, the sun, quality of food, purity of their location and the solitude (Chef’s kiss).
In retrospect, I hadn’t anticipated the profound impact this trip would have on us. Yet, the mountains always lend to an unbeatable experience! As they often do, deliver an unparalleled experience that will stay with us forever. The happiness and warmth of the people, the space, the vibes and all the good memories I get to keep!
Today, the place is called Tamu Dhi Homestay run by Mr. Prasun Gurung. He can be contacted on +91 7602221240.
Disclaimer : I believe everyone’s experiences may differ and cannot be alike hence if you happen to go, please know you are entitled completely to your decision.
Some pictures from the trip which don’t even remotely do justice but here it is 🙂
Good times!
Only when you are on a holiday, can you whole heartedly embrace the magic of nature!
Nepali Special Part 1
The kinda food that demands a siesta 🙂
Biophilia!
Everyday views from our walks
The many moods
Everyday views
Nepali Special Part 2
All the yummyness!
Did I cry on my last day? Heck no
Just another beautiful December in Darjeeling
