Aura Homes Gangtok: Unbelievable Views, Unforgettable Stays!
Aura Homes Gangtok: Views That Steal Your Breath (and Maybe Your Wallet - Seriously, Worth It!) - A Brutally Honest Review.
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. I just got back from Aura Homes Gangtok, and I'm still processing it all. They say the Himalayas are breathtaking, and honey, Aura Homes backs that claim up with some serious altitude. Forget the glossy brochures, let's get real. This is going to be a long one, because frankly, this place is a lot to unpack.
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First Impressions & That Damn View… (Accessibility: Mixed Bag - Read Carefully!)
Firstly, the view. Oh. My. God. You’re practically eye-level with the clouds. The Kanchenjunga? Yeah, it’s right there, a majestic, snowy behemoth. Sunrise? Forget your alarm. It’s a free ticket to a daily masterpiece. Seriously, I'm a cynical New Yorker, hardened to pretty much everything, and I wept on the first morning. Pure, unadulterated joy.
Now, the accessibility. This is where things get… complicated. The website will tell you they have facilities for disabled guests, but don't expect 100% ease of access. The terrain in Gangtok is notoriously hilly. While the elevators are present and the lobby seems manageable, navigating the property might be a challenge for some. I’d recommend calling them directly and grilling them thoroughly before booking if accessibility is a major concern. Be prepared for some serious inclines!
The Room (And Why I Almost Didn't Leave) - Available in all rooms:
Let's talk about my room. Actually, my kingdom. It was gorgeous. Air conditioning? Check. (Important, even in the mountains, trust me). Free Wi-Fi? Check. (And it actually worked, a miracle!). A ridiculously comfy bed? Double check! I'm talking sink-into-it, never-wanna-leave kind of bed. Coffee/tea maker? Yep. Crucial for those early mornings. And the slippers, bathrobes, mini bar, and a freaking hair dryer? All there. I am a sucker for those little touches.
What I loved most? The private balcony overlooking… well, you get the idea. The same breathtaking view. Even the mundane things were elevated. I’m talking the complimentary bottled water. Just little details that made me feel very spoiled.
Side note: They do offer interconnecting rooms – perfect if you're traveling with family or a rowdy group. Non-smoking rooms? Yes! THANK GOD. The soundproofing was excellent; I slept like a baby (except for the few times I woke up gasping at the sunrise).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (And the Great Momo Hunt!)
The food was… a rollercoaster. The Asian breakfast was pretty good, but I was expecting more of a wow factor. The breakfast buffet was solid – lots of options. A la carte in restaurant? Yup, and thankfully, because I have a particular issue. The coffee shop was a lifesaver for my caffeine cravings. I found myself there many times.
The restaurants themselves are decent, and the poolside bar is a must. The Happy hour? A delightful touch! The International cuisine was well-executed, but let's be honest, you're in Sikkim! I spent a substantial amount of time on a quest, a mission to find the perfect momo. The restaurants offer them, but I got the impression they had a factory made one, pre-frozen. I went out many, many times to try new momo shops.
They had a Room service [24-hour] and I used it. It kept me from leaving the room, after the view.
The Spa (And How I Accidentally Fell Asleep Mid-Massage)
Okay, the spa. This is where Aura Homes really shines. I had a massage and almost didn't make it. Talk about pure bliss. They had a spa/sauna and Steamroom I wanted to experience, but I was too chill. The whole vibe is incredibly relaxing. They had a Foot bath, too!
I opted for a Body wrap. It left me feeling like a silken god. I can't remember what the hell they used, but it was magic. The Body scrub was another game changer. The Pool with view was insane. The swimming pool and the outdoor pool are the best!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Besides Complaining About Momos)
There are tons of things to do in Gangtok, and Aura Homes is a great base if you want to be in the thick of things. They have a fitness center, not sure I used it. What the hell. They have all the ways to relax.
Cleanliness and Safety (In the COVID Era)
Alright, let's talk COVID. Aura Homes is taking things seriously. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Staff trained in safety protocol. They take your temperature regularly. The really good thing the provide is Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and all the Individual-wrapped food options. They have Room sanitization opt-out available. What is the best thing? Breakfast is provided in your room. The things I don't know is the usage of Professional-grade sanitizing services
Services and Conveniences (Because You'll Need Them!)
They offer a lot. Concierge, Luggage storage, Laundry service, Doorman, Daily housekeeping and Elevator. The Car park [free of charge] is a bonus. They even have Cash withdrawal and Currency exchange.
Getting Around (Because You're Going to Need to!)
Airport transfer is available. Taxi service is easy to find. Valet parking is nice if you have a car.
The Little Annoyances (Because No Place is Perfect)
Okay, I have to be honest. The Wi-Fi wasn't always rock solid. And the service, while generally excellent, could sometimes be a bit… slow. There were moments when I felt like I was waiting forever for my food. But hey, you're on mountain time! Just relax, drink your tea, and soak up the view. It's all about perspective, right?
Overall Impression (The Verdict)
Aura Homes Gangtok? Worth it. Absolutely, undeniably worth it. The view alone is worth the price of admission. The rooms are comfortable, the spa is heavenly, and the staff is genuinely friendly. The accessibility situation requires careful consideration, but if you're able to navigate the slight challenges, you're in for a treat.
My advice? Book it. Now. Just… pack your patience and get ready to be amazed. And for the love of all that is holy, hunt down some good momos while you're there. You won't regret it.
Final Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. (Minus half a star for occasional Wi-Fi woes and the momo disappointment.)
Ibis Chur Hotel: Your Swiss Alpine Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because here's a travel itinerary for Aura Homes in Gangtok, Sikkim, that's less Michelin star and more… well, exactly what you’d expect from a frazzled human. Prepare for a bumpy ride, both literally and figuratively.
Aura Homes & Gangtok: Operation "Altitude Adjustment and Existential Dread" (Okay, maybe just the altitude part)
(Day 1: Arrival & Altitude Anxiety - Or, "Why Did I Think This Was a Good Idea?")
- Morning (ish): Touchdown in Bagdogra. The airport? Small. The heat? Intense. Already regretting my decision to wear a denim jacket. The pre-booked car, bless its rusty soul, almost didn't make it up the ridiculously winding roads to Gangtok. The driver, a chap named Passang, kept muttering something about "the mountains" and "unforgiving curves." Sounded ominous, to say the least.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Aura Homes. Beautiful, right? Wrong. First, I got lost. Twice. The "easy walk" from the main road turned into a death-defying hike up a steep incline, gasping for air like a beached whale. Finally found the place, and it was lovely – quaint, with a view that could actually make me forget I’m perpetually single. Check in, and the front desk guy (Sonam I think) gave me a weirdly judgmental look when he saw me sweating profusely in the lobby.
- Late Afternoon: Unpack. Try to breathe. Realize that I'm at 5,500 feet and everything feels about 10 times harder. This altitude thing? Annoying. Headache setting in. Consider lying down. Probably should have chosen a beach vacation.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, "Taste of Tibet." Momos! Wonderful, soft, delicious momos! But the chili sauce? My god, the chili sauce. I'm fairly certain I could feel my face melting. Washed it down with a local beer (probably not the best idea at this altitude, but, you know… choices.) Walk back to Aura Homes and nearly trip over a stray dog. My clumsy nature is a real problem sometimes. Collapse in bed.
(Day 2: City Exploration & Spiritual Crisis - Or, "Is This My Mid-Life Awakening, or Just a Bad Cold?")
- Morning: Breakfast: The Aura Homes's owner provides a simple, fantastic breakfast.
- Late Morning: Visit the Rumtek Monastery. Wow. Just wow. The colors, the chanting, the sheer scale of it all. I'm not religious, per se, but even I felt a tiny flicker of something… spiritual? Or maybe it was just the lack of oxygen making me loopy.
- Afternoon: A Rambling Session in the Heart of Gangtok's Bazaar & a Failed Attempt at Shopping Wandered through the MG Marg. A pedestrian's dream! But a shopaholic's nightmare (or maybe a blessing, considering my bank balance). Tried haggling for a yak wool scarf. Utterly, miserably failed. The vendor saw right through me. "Tourist prices," he chuckled. Defeated, I retreated and wandered past the Tibetan market. The smells! The vibrant textiles! Started to buy some turquoise earrings, thought "why not?" and then quickly changed my mind. Still can't shake the feeling that I'll get ripped off.
- Late Afternoon: Tea at a cute little café with a view of the Himalayas. Ordered a "special" tea. It tasted a bit like… pine needles and regret. But the view! Unbelievable. The mountains. They’re there! Actually, I have to lie down, this altitude is affecting me.
- Evening: Dinner at an Italian restaurant, "Loafing Around." Pasta! Delicious, if a bit overpriced. Thought I saw a ghost, but I think it was just the exhaustion starting to kick in.
(Day 3: Tsomgo Lake & the Yak Encounter - Or, "I May Have Almost Died From Exposure AND Fear")
- Morning: Day trip to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir. The drive? Terrifying. The roads were just… gone at some points. Passang (bless his heart) was clearly used to this, but I kept picturing a plummet into the ravine.
- Mid-Morning: Arrive at Tsomgo Lake. The lake itself? Magical. Frozen! Stunning. And freezing. The wind's a beast! Seriously, I'd never been so cold in my life.
- Midday - The Yak Incident That Haunts My Dreams Okay, the yak. I thought a picture with a yak would be a good idea. I was wrong. So very, very wrong. I approached this massive, hairy beast with a smile and, stupidly, a piece of candy. The yak, it didn't want the candy. It wanted to eat my face. I screamed. I ran. I may have wet myself a little. A kid nearby found the whole thing hilarious. I still wake up in a cold sweat.
- Afternoon: Baba Mandir. A poignant memorial to a fallen soldier. A little bit emotional (the near-death experience with the yak probably didn't help). It took some deep breaths to compose myself and get back to the car.
- Evening: Back at Aura Homes. Hot shower. Warm blanket. Food. Regret. Did I mention I regret ever thinking this trip was a good idea?
(Day 4: Departure - Or, "Goodbye, Oxygen-Starved Mountains, Hello, Sea-Level Sanity!")
- Morning: Last breakfast at Aura Homes. Say goodbye to Sonam, who, it turns out, is actually quite nice.
- Mid-Morning: Drive back to Bagdogra. Passang takes me (and everyone else in the car) the scenic route. The "scenic route" means more terrifying curves and more altitude drops. This time, I just closed my eyes and tried not to think about yaks.
- Afternoon: Fly home. Land. Breathe. Realize that while I complained every minute, I actually really enjoyed the trip. The mountains, the people, the crazy yak…it was all worth it. Maybe. Actually, I’m not sure I’ll ever recover from the yak incident, but there you have it, a crazy, complicated, and very human trip. Booked.
- Evening: At home, and now I am looking for pictures. And planning the next trip.
Aura Homes Gangtok: Prepare for Your Mind to be Blown (and Maybe a Little Bit Stressed) - A Frank FAQ
So, what's this "Unbelievable Views" thing actually *mean* at Aura Homes? Is it just marketing hype? Because I've seen some "views"… let’s just say, they were mostly of the back of a building.
Okay, REAL TALK. The views? They're… well, they're a problem. A GOOD problem. Like, you'll be standing on your balcony, sipping your morning coffee (provided the geyser cooperates, more on that later!), and BAM! Kanchenjunga. Just… towering. Majestic. Makes you question all your life choices (in a good way, mostly). I spent a solid hour the first morning just staring. My jaw literally ached. My phone was practically begging to be used for a photo, but I was like, "Nope. Gonna *feel* this. Gonna let this overwhelm me." (Okay, I took a *few* pictures. Like, a *lot*.) But seriously, pack extra batteries for your camera. And tissues, because you might just… weep a little. Wept. Definitely wept.
What's the deal with the rooms themselves? Are they, like, actually nice? Or just, you know… "clean-ish"?
Okay, the rooms. They *are* nice. Like, genuinely. They're not trying to be a soulless, identikit hotel room. They have character. Think cozy mountain lodge meets… maybe a slightly eccentric aunt’s guest room. In a good way! There's proper furniture, not those cheap IKEA things that fall apart after three uses. And the beds? Heaven. I swear I slept so soundly, I almost missed breakfast. Almost. (Food. See Section 6.) One tiny, *tiny* thing though… sometimes the hot water is a little… temperamental. I’m not going to lie. One morning, I had a moment of pure, ice-cold terror. Didn't last long, but it was memorable. Keep the pressure on the taps, people, and pray.
Is it easy to get to Aura Homes? Are the roads manageable? I'm a terrible driver. Will I die?
Okay, let's be real. Gangtok is in the mountains. The roads are... well, they're an experience. If you're a nervous driver, hire a local driver. Trust me. Don't try to be a hero. Even *I* almost went over a cliff (metaphorically, thankfully) because I was admiring the view instead of, you know, *steering*. The roads are windy. They're dusty. Sometimes they're narrow. And yeah, sometimes there are landslides. Embrace it. It's part of the *adventure*. Just breathe. And maybe bring a travel sickness remedy. You'll be fine. Probably. Just don't stare off into the Kanchenjunga without paying attention to where you're going! That's how you end up in a ditch (potentially).
What about the food? Is it authentic? Delicious? Or just… "tourist-ized"?
Oh, the food. This is where Aura Homes *really* shines. We're talking momos that will change your life. Thukpa that warms you from the inside out (essential given the altitude). And the *chai*… forget Starbucks. This is proper, mountain-grown, brewed-with-love tea. The breakfast buffet is a delightful chaos of Tibetan and Indian delights. The butter-tea can be an acquired taste (I'm still working on it!), But honestly, I spent days fueled by momos. Days. I may, or may not, have tried to sneak a few extra out of the breakfast hall. (Don't tell anyone.) And here's a pro-tip: ask them about the local restaurants. They know all the hidden gems. Places you'd *never* find on TripAdvisor. And those places? Pure, unadulterated deliciousness.
Will there be WiFi? Because if there isn't, I'm going to lose my mind (and my job!).
Okay, WiFi. This is where things get a little… *mountainy*. Yes, there's WiFi. Mostly. Sometimes. Think of it as a fickle mountain spirit. It’s there when it feels like it. It can be strong, it can be weak. It can occasionally vanish into thin air. Embrace the digital detox. Seriously. Leave the work emails for a bit. Look at the *actual* view. You'll thank me. (Or maybe I'll lose my job because I can't get online to deliver this report. Ugh.) Mostly, it works, but temper expectations. You're in the mountains, not a corporate office. Breathe.
Anything else I should know *before* I go? Any hidden gotchas? Any secrets?
Okay, secrets. Yes. Bring layers. The weather is… unpredictable. You can be sweating one minute, shivering the next. Pack comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Altitude sickness is a real possibility. Take it easy on your first day. And *drink water*. Loads of it. Also, and this is a big one: the staff. They're amazing. Seriously, some of the friendliest, most helpful people you'll ever meet. They'll bend over backwards to help you. Be nice to them. Tip them well. They deserve it. And finally, embrace the chaos. Things might not always go perfectly to plan. But that's part of the magic. It's why it's unforgettable. Now, go have an adventure!
Oh, and one more thing: the sun. Be prepared for the sun. It's intense. Pack sunscreen. Dark glasses. A hat. Because even after all the wonderful views, you don't want to come back with an unintentional sunburn and a blurry memory. One final thing: book as soon as possible! Finding a place with views like that is like finding a golden ticket.
