Seldom does it happen, when Alice strays in the Wonderland and then call it Home....
The mystical mountains of Sikkim have their arms wide open for those who seek nothing but bliss. In it's unblemished flora and fauna habit the simplest and most benevolent of hearts, whose spirits could not be deterred by the extreme weather conditions. The humming of hymns floating across placid monasteries not just mellows ones spirit, but also makes one apprehend what we chase for, is it what we need? Do we not have enough already to suffice our needs and do we not filter out what exists, that is a miracle in itself? Maybe...
Sikkim can easily be established as a vivid dream - The land of Lamas, The land of Kanchenjunga, The land of intense waterfalls, The land of panoramic Monasteries, The land of Orchids and Rhododendrons, The only state which has achieved 100% organic produce and the land whose allure stays with you as postcard pictures imprinted on your mind even after you submit yourself to the daily humdrum.
After our direct flight from Bangalore to Bagdogra, we booked a cab to Gangtok which is approximately 4-5 hours drive depending upon the traffic in Siliguri. We booked the same cab for our local sightseeing in Gangtok. Next day, as per our itinerary we visited Ganesh Tok, Tashi View point, Ban Jhakri Falls and Hanuman Tok. We did not get a glimple of Mount Kanchenjunga though, as the clouds were thwarting our view. Nonetheless, the day well spent that was a brilliant mix of nature and city life.
Next day, it was Changu/Psongmo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula Pass on our Schedule. Unfortunately, we could not visit Nathula Pass (Indo China Border) as it was shut for tourists. Baba Mandir is a memorial and temple honoring the great Indian Army soldier Baba Harbhajan Singh. It is strongly believed that the Martyred soldier's spirit wanders in the border vicinity and continues to offer his duties of Indian Army and many a times has alarmed the Army of any foreboding emergencies. Folklore or true?
Our evenings we mostly spent strolling across MG Marg, which is ever pulsating with positive energy. After sunset, this place turns into a Christmas party. People of all ages relish themselves with lip smacking delicacies on offer. Also a great place for souvenir and winter wear shopping at great bargains.
Having soaked in much of Gangtok vibes, we headed for North Sikkim. We took a package from Royal Sikkim tours and travels for 2 Nights and 3 day tour. Small vehicles are not allowed uphill so we got an Innova all for ourselves. Yay!. There are shared cabs too which can be availed at dirt cheap rates if one is willing to accommodate little inconvenience. The drive to North Sikkim is nothing less that a 6 hour long poetry. Innumerable waterfalls and mist layering on each slope with meandering roads leading to changing landscapes are only a prelude to what lies next. Our pitstopp was Lachen where we put up for the night. A cozy hotel serving delicious Ghar ka khaana is all that we needed before we called it a day.
Our driver being punctual as always picked us up at 5AM. We left for Gurudongmar Lake which was the reason we were in Sikkim in the first place. On our way just a few Kms before the spot, to our horror the vehicle started to skid. As fresh ice made it impossible for the vehicle to climb uphill. We being the stubborn ourselves did not budge even though our driver just denied moving forward. Finally, an Army tanker made way for us (quite literally) and the vehicle finally pulled up. Was all this effort worth a glimple of the glacial lake? Totally! Would do this 10 times again for one view. The milky blue lake encircled by snow clad mountains is so wide and so serene that for once you want to just be in silence and acclimatize to the fact, if it is real or VFX :D. The colourful prayer flags flapping unconstrained as if applauding to the revered dance performed by the Wind Gods. Icy cold and yet so alleviating. India, you took me aback this time!
Story to be continued in our next blog...
Till then, relish the pictures :)
Gangtok
Sikkim was named by Lonely Planet as "The best place to visit in 2014" and now we know why.
The mystical mountains of Sikkim have their arms wide open for those who seek nothing but bliss. In it's unblemished flora and fauna habit the simplest and most benevolent of hearts, whose spirits could not be deterred by the extreme weather conditions. The humming of hymns floating across placid monasteries not just mellows ones spirit, but also makes one apprehend what we chase for, is it what we need? Do we not have enough already to suffice our needs and do we not filter out what exists, that is a miracle in itself? Maybe...
Sikkim can easily be established as a vivid dream - The land of Lamas, The land of Kanchenjunga, The land of intense waterfalls, The land of panoramic Monasteries, The land of Orchids and Rhododendrons, The only state which has achieved 100% organic produce and the land whose allure stays with you as postcard pictures imprinted on your mind even after you submit yourself to the daily humdrum.
After our direct flight from Bangalore to Bagdogra, we booked a cab to Gangtok which is approximately 4-5 hours drive depending upon the traffic in Siliguri. We booked the same cab for our local sightseeing in Gangtok. Next day, as per our itinerary we visited Ganesh Tok, Tashi View point, Ban Jhakri Falls and Hanuman Tok. We did not get a glimple of Mount Kanchenjunga though, as the clouds were thwarting our view. Nonetheless, the day well spent that was a brilliant mix of nature and city life.
Next day, it was Changu/Psongmo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula Pass on our Schedule. Unfortunately, we could not visit Nathula Pass (Indo China Border) as it was shut for tourists. Baba Mandir is a memorial and temple honoring the great Indian Army soldier Baba Harbhajan Singh. It is strongly believed that the Martyred soldier's spirit wanders in the border vicinity and continues to offer his duties of Indian Army and many a times has alarmed the Army of any foreboding emergencies. Folklore or true?
Our evenings we mostly spent strolling across MG Marg, which is ever pulsating with positive energy. After sunset, this place turns into a Christmas party. People of all ages relish themselves with lip smacking delicacies on offer. Also a great place for souvenir and winter wear shopping at great bargains.
Having soaked in much of Gangtok vibes, we headed for North Sikkim. We took a package from Royal Sikkim tours and travels for 2 Nights and 3 day tour. Small vehicles are not allowed uphill so we got an Innova all for ourselves. Yay!. There are shared cabs too which can be availed at dirt cheap rates if one is willing to accommodate little inconvenience. The drive to North Sikkim is nothing less that a 6 hour long poetry. Innumerable waterfalls and mist layering on each slope with meandering roads leading to changing landscapes are only a prelude to what lies next. Our pitstopp was Lachen where we put up for the night. A cozy hotel serving delicious Ghar ka khaana is all that we needed before we called it a day.
Our driver being punctual as always picked us up at 5AM. We left for Gurudongmar Lake which was the reason we were in Sikkim in the first place. On our way just a few Kms before the spot, to our horror the vehicle started to skid. As fresh ice made it impossible for the vehicle to climb uphill. We being the stubborn ourselves did not budge even though our driver just denied moving forward. Finally, an Army tanker made way for us (quite literally) and the vehicle finally pulled up. Was all this effort worth a glimple of the glacial lake? Totally! Would do this 10 times again for one view. The milky blue lake encircled by snow clad mountains is so wide and so serene that for once you want to just be in silence and acclimatize to the fact, if it is real or VFX :D. The colourful prayer flags flapping unconstrained as if applauding to the revered dance performed by the Wind Gods. Icy cold and yet so alleviating. India, you took me aback this time!
Story to be continued in our next blog...
Till then, relish the pictures :)
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| The 2nd Highest lake in Asia after Chomalu Lake which is just a few Kms from this place but not open for tourists. |
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| Gurudongmar Lake at 17800 Ft. |
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| Ban Jhakri Falls, Gangtok |
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| Changu Lake |
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| View from ropeway near Nathula Pass |
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| the first rays on the hills |
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| Teesta reservoir |
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| Frozen Lake - Zero Point |
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| Zero Point |
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| Yumthank Valley |
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| Gantok at Night |
