Enthralling North Sikkim...

Enthralling North Sikkim...

Hope everybody is doing good….
Today I thought of sharing my experience on Enthralling North Sikkim.

As you might have understood by now that I have a passion to Travel (since childhood) but due to the tedious lifestyle which includes nothing but home to office and office to home, I wasn’t able to make any travel plans for a long time.

My husband on the other hand is a Photographer both by passion and profession, so he was fetching for an idea to get some relaxation out from his hectic calendar of different shoots and wedding events throughout the year.

As I have a keen interest on Travelling, I have associated myself with quite a few Travel Groups/Committees in the social websites from where my urge to travel increases and even if I am not able to Travel, It helps in boosting my mind when I go through the different pictures and experiences shared by others. I have a desire to visit all places in India in my lifetime, I don’t know whether I will be able to accomplish my dream but yes, I do try to squeeze out some time from my busy schedule in order to fulfill my wish.

My experience on Enthralling North Sikkim

Let me start sharing my experience on Enthralling North Sikkim – a trip that I have been to in the month of November, 2019. I owe the picture courtesies to my husband. Had he not been by my side, I wouldn’t get the motivation to pen down my thoughts today. Hope you will like reading it…

Although India has many heavenly places to visit, North Sikkim is still regarded as the real slice of heaven, among many others.The Lepchas, the original inhabitants called it Nye-mae-el or ‘paradise’. Thus, many people commonly refer Sikkim as "A Paradise on Earth".

Enthralling North Sikkim

To give a very brief introduction to Sikkim, I should say Sikkim is a Pollution-Free Organic Indian State that lies in the Lap of Mt. Khangchendzonga, 3rd highest mountain in the world.

The state is bordered by Nepal to the west, China's Tibet Autonomous Region to the north and east, and Bhutan to the east. The Indian state of West Bengal lies to the south.

Well, I will not spend much time on the geographical description as you will easily find it in the web.

Without further adieu, let me start sharing my magical experience.....

After enough surfing of the internet, my husband and myself decided to visit North Sikkim but the core group with whom we generally travel and do outings were not ready to plan a trip then, So we had to travel all by ourselves.

As we all know that booking train tickets to NJP in the peak season is a matter of fate, but we somehow managed to book the onward and return tickets from Sealdah to New Jalpaiguri and vice versa for the 08^th of November and 13^th of November respectively.

After our long wait, Finally the day arrived and we boarded the Uttar Banga Express at 19:35 Hrs. The night was the night before the full moon night – the scenic beauty of rural India beneath the sparkling sky is worth mentioning here. I enjoyed the beauty for some time and then went off to sleep.

My amusement greatly rose when the first beam of sun rays seemed to kiss my face and say Good Morning in my ears and the menacing speed of the train brought me with the first glimpse of the snow caped mountain range. Yes, I was among the very lucky ones who get to see the snow covered mountains from the train while it is about to reach NJP.

I got down from the train, it was 06:55 am the next morning – the pleasant winds, the first rays of the sun, the chirping of the birds, the magic of the morning seemed to lit the lamp of energy in my heart for the beautiful week ahead.

We sipped the beautiful cardamom tea in a local tea stall by the station. It was a huge rush here as this was the place where you get the shared jeeps for going to different places like Lava, Gangtok, Kalimpong, Pelling and many more of the sort. They generally have fixed rate, so very less chances of being scammed if you keep your eyes and ears open. One can also get private cars, it costs little higher but is more comfortable.

We took a shared jeep at around 8:20 AM (Rs 350 Per Person till Deorali stand), which takes a total of 10 people – 4 in the middle, 4 at the back and 2 in the front seat beside the driver. It was a bit uncomfortable but as we were on a budget trip and we always prefer the local mode of transport, we availed it; I think it also helps you enjoy the local culture. It almost took us 4 hours to reach Deorali stand (as the road condition was not good at certain places) with a tiffin break in between. The weather was very pleasant and we sipped the flavoured tea while enjoying the beauty of nature. We also shared a plate of tasty Veg momo's (Note – Very less option to get Chicken momo's here).

The graceful beauty of river Teesta in her full might will touch your heart and cleanse your soul during the whole course of the drive upwards. Had it not been a shared cab, I would have surely given a try to wet my feet and feel the beauty to another inch more.

River Teesta, Enthralling North Sikkim

The driver stopped at the Rangpo check post(border between West Bengal and Sikkim) where I think they have to get some clearance as this is the entry point to East Sikkim. Once he got the clearance, we drove our way through a small bridge with a beautiful stream flowing beneath – this was RangpoChu(Chu is what they call River in Nepali). This is the benefit of travelling in the local mode of transport as this was explained to me by a co-traveller.

It took us more than one hour forty five minutes to reach Deorali Stand after crossing Rangpo. 

We got down from the Jeep and hired a car (here you have to bargain, we managed it to Rs 200) to get us through to our hotel. We had our Hotel booked already, it was Hotel Silver Fir (on a European plan – accommodation only) in lower Kazi road. We reached our hotel at around 14:10 Hrs.

Hotel Silver Fir, Enthralling North Sikkim

I would not say it was a hi-fi hotel, rather a budget hotel - a clean and tidy one with very cordial staffs and above all, I got a room from where the snow peaks were visible with a very clear picture of M.G. Marg which is worth noting.

We freshened ourselves up. The door bell rang, a kitchen staff had come to ask us what we would like to have for Lunch. We Bengali's have a craving for fish wherever we go, we ordered two Fish Thalis which turned out to be an amazing option with its yummy taste.

Post lunch, we discussed with the hotel manager about the North Sikkim trip which he arranged for us for the next day. We had to submit photocopies of our aadhaar cards in order to get the permit for North Sikkim which was planned for the next day.

We wanted to go for the shared 02 Nights and 03 Days package of North Sikkim which includes Lachen, Lachung, Yumthang Valley, Gurudongmar Lake and Zero point/Katao(optional with additional cost).

This is a point to note, if you plan to visit North Sikkim, remember to carry original and photocopies of any one of your Identity proofs and photographs else you will not be getting the permit which is the key to enter the majestic land of beauty.

After all this, we went back to our room and kept on gazing out of the window in order to gain the mere freshness of the place.

View from Hotel Silver Fir, Gangtok, Enthralling North Sikkim

As it was quite a long journey for us, we took some rest for an hour and then walked down to M.G Marg. We were amazed to see how organized and clean the place was. On either side of the road, there are plenty of shops. In the middle of the road, trees are planted.

Benches are laid down where one can sit and spend a gala time.  The place has attractions for people of every age, faith, culture and interest. Well lit, festive environs, many eating joints, bakeries and pubs, shops all around, enchanting crowd, great weather, nothing beats it for taking evening stroll, You won't realize how time passes by.

M G Marg, Gangtok, Enthralling North Sikkim

Being able to see the sunset was a perfect conclusion for the day. The sunset was a transformation of the silky, smooth collusion of skyburst red and orange into the calm darkness of the night.

Sunset from M G Marg, Gangtok, Enthralling North Sikkim

At around, 08:30 P.M, we returned to our hotel after spending a pleasant evening. We had some tasty egg bhurji, chicken curry and parathas for dinner and had a sound nights sleep.

I had put an alarm for 05:00 AM to see the sunrise.

As soon as the alarm rang, I gazed out of the window and was flabbergasted to see the artistic sun painting the white mountain with a golden tint of hue. The milky clouds got up from their sleep and started travelling around the sky visiting the wonderful environment.

Sunrise from Hotel room, Gangtok, Enthralling North Sikkim

The fresh windy cool and crispy air started whistling like an invisible ghost. The land beneath wore a cloak of greenery, I stood beside the window in awe admiring the view in this land that God has given us. I felt that Nature has gifted me this wonderful morning.

I didn’t notice when time rolled by, We had to pack our bags, So, started dumping the necessary items inside our luggage and keeping the minimal of our requisites in our hand luggage. We started getting ourselves ready and it was then that the door bell rang -  we were served with the Morning breakfast “Phulko Luchi and Tadka” – a cuisine close to every Bengali’s heart. Nothing could be better to start the day with. It seemed to me that we have won a lottery and just had to unfold the same in order to cherish memories for lifetime.

Morning breakfast, Enthralling North Sikkim

We cleared all the payments of fooding and lodging at the hotel reception when one of the staffs helped us to get a cab to reach the North Sikkim Taxi stand. It took almost 20 minutes to reach the taxi stand amidst the steep winding bends. The hotel manager had already provided us with the contact number of the Travel group and the Vehicle number. We had a bit hard time finding our vehicle, finally got the same and boarded it. The rest of the members(unknown for us as it was a shared trip) hadn’t arrived by then. We had to wait until all of them came. There was a group of 4 young bold nurses from Arunachal Pradesh and 2 couples from West Bengal. We understood that this was our group and was quite happy as we could know about different cultures.

Finally, we started our day. Oranges and purples filled the air, the clouds framed with silver and gold from the sun floated in the sky. It was becoming a thrilling ride as we crossed some of the difficult terrains through the steep bends.

Way up the hills, Enthralling North Sikkim

The entire ride through the dreamy landscape was nothing full of joy and a feeling of awesomeness. We had our lunch at one of the road side Dhaba on a coupon system(paid by the travel agent), it was a meal consisting of rice, a local green leafy vegetable, egg curry and pickle. Now North Sikkim is a no plastic zone so we had to throw our Bisleri/Kinley water bottles and bought reusable bottles of Milton from here.

On our way up the hills came our first sight seeing point called the “Seven Sister Falls”, the alluring waterfall which overwhelmed me by the magnificence of its picturesque setting.

Seven Sister Falls, Enthralling North Sikkim

Its amazing to watch this fall and experience natures beauty. It is created by the alignment of seven different waterfalls, this place will offer a thrilling getaway in the midst of a kaleidoscopic landscape.

Kaleidoscopic landscape, Enthralling North Sikkim

Housed in an envelope of verdant hills, the plummeting falls roar in a soothing lullaby to enchant you. You will get some tasty pakodas here which is worth grabbing.

Tasty Pakodas, Enthralling North Sikkim

Our next spot was Bhimnala Falls - the tallest waterfall in Sikkim and so is often referred to as "Amitabh Bachan Falls". The dazzling water falls from a very high mountain and it looks like a three stage cascading waterfall. The roaring sound of water falling can be heard from far off.

Bhimnala falls, Enthralling North Sikkim

Next, we crossed Chungthang, a historical town and a beautiful base camp and is perched at the confluence of the two rivers – Lachen chu and Lachung chu. Chungthang is derived from the Punjabi word "Chunga Sthan" which means a good place. It is also believed that Guru Nanak Dev ji visited Chungthang during his trip to China and Tibet.  It seems to be the best place to spend some quality time with your near and dear ones and experience how it feels to be amidst the serenity of Mother Nature. 

Chungthang, Enthralling North Sikkim

From Chungthang the road gets divided to Lachung & Lachen.

It was almost 07:20 P.M when we reached Mangan bazaar. The moonlight splashed down its watery white-silver glow onto the town, bathing it and illuminating to the core of beauty and calmless. We stood by a restaurant to have some tiffin and tea. Sipping the hot smoky flavourful tea, I found in the distance the trees were silhouetted against the deep velvety sky. After the full day long enchanting drive, We finally reached our hotel in Lachung– Hotel Yumthang Valley. The name Lachung means ” a small pass” that is because this village is located on the borders of Tibet. It was freezing cold, though we were in our thermals and woolen garments, it still felt like shivering. We got our room in the second floor, the stairs were steep, we took our luggages and climbed up the stairs. By the time, we reached our hotel, there was a quite good bonding among all of us sharing the trip. One of them prepared some hot tea using a tea bag and some hot water served by the hotel and offered us. I am not a beverage freak so only my husband had the tea. We got ourselves fresh and then together went for dinner. The dinner is served in a small wooden hut(basically the owner’s house) opposite the hotel. The cloudless night sky was a diffused silver ocean freckled with stars. We were delighted and overwhelmed with the great hospitality and intense care that the children(a girl of 12 years old and another 06 years)  showed while serving us the smoky hot tasty dinner consisting of rice, a leafy vegetable, dal/pulses, chicken curry and pickle. In India we believe in the famous proverb “Atithi Devo Bhava” and this was exactly the reason which make us feel proud to be an Indian. It was already late so went back to our room and went off to sleep.

Next morning, we woke up at 04:30 and rolled ourselves with winter jackets and thermals as we had to start for Yumthang valley at 05:00 AM. 

We in front of Hotel Yumthang Valley, Enthralling North Sikkim

All of us gathered outside the hotel and were spellbound to see the beautiful snow capped mountains all around. With glistening white caps, like a perfect landscape wallpaper, the mountain range laid to the north east.

View of mountains, Enthralling North Sikkim

 We started our journey. Roads going up the mountains seemed to form into hairpin turns with sharp bends in the road on a steep incline. But our driver was so very confident, he tuned himself to the old but all time favourite songs of Kishore Kumar and kept on taking steep bends. The snowy mountains soared into the air trapping the glistening sun behind them.

Snow capped mountains, Enthralling North Sikkim

As we drove closer to Yumthang valley, the amazing pine forest beneath looked soothing green with a golden touch from the sun rays. The only thing I can say it was “Beautiful” – something I will never forget in my lifetime.

Finally, at an altitude of 11800 feet, we reached Yumthang valley. This is another one of the blissful places to visit in North Sikkim, a must visit place for a Nature Lover  and a nature paradise in true sense for a Photographer. We had our morning breakfast with bread, jam and tea. We rubbed our hands together and warmed ourselves in the heat of the burning charcoal lit inside the wooden hut where we had our breakfast.

Me at Yumthang Valley, Enthralling North Sikkim

The place is full of vast meadows and river Teesta flowing through it. Yumthang is home to a variety of breath-taking Himalayan flowers hence popularly known as the valley of flowers. But our bad luck, it was the month of November and the flowers generally bloom in the summer.

The snow topped mountains began to glitter like diamonds, throwing entire spectrums of colour across the land and into the air. The water beneath the heavenly sky reflected the light back, though with more shades of blue as there seemed to be no pollution, you can’t imagine the freshness of the gentle breeze blowing. 

Yumthang Valley, Enthralling North Sikkim

Yumthang Valley is a place where you can bask in the beauty of nature. We spend almost an hour strolling around the place and capturing moments to be cherished for lifetime. My husband was very excited to get himself beholden by mother earth as he is a Photographer by passion as well as profession as I have mentioned earlier. The scenic beauty makes this place a serene retreat for any living creature on earth.

All in our group agreed upon and decided to go to Zero Point. Our driver was ready to take us on an additional cost of Rs. 350 per head. We rented some snow boots from a store and started our journey towards Zero Point. This place has a huge presence of Indian Army and we saw quite a few army barracks in this area which were just mere arm’s length from each other. Photography was prohibited when we crossed the army areas.

Yume Samdong or Zero Point is located at a height of 15,300 feet. The valley is just an hour away from Yumthang. We loved to drive through the curvy roads and explore the rugged terrains beneath until when all of sudden I felt that my husband was feeling uneasy and was trying to take deep breaths. There was about 5 to 7 mins left to reach zero point. There were crackling sounds of lays/kurkere/popcorn packets which were bursting due to the low oxygen levels. As this place is at a very high altitude, many travelers cannot resist the height and fall sick due to AMS. I told the driver about his uneasy feeling and gave him a homeopathic medicine called Coca 6, which helps a lot in this scenario. The driver suggested to munch some popcorns which he started doing and felt a bit better.

While we reached Zero point, there were many tourist who were enjoying the astounding beauty of the landscape. 

Zero Point, Enthralling North Sikkim

There was not much snow as we had expected as the immense snowfall of the season hadn't started by then. As my husband was feeling a bit better by then, we stepped out of the cab and took some picture of the landscape, soon after which he again felt unwell and I took him inside the cab.

Zero point, Enthralling North Sikkim

 After a while I noticed that two more of our co passengers were not feeling well and I helped them with the medicine along with camphor. It is believed that camphor helps to breathe when there is less supply of oxygen. We didn’t wait for long and started our return journey downwards. We came down to Yumthang valley, returned the snow boots, had some food and started our journey back towards Lachung.

We reached the hotel, had our lunch, took some rest and started our ride for Lachen.

Way to Lachen, Enthralling North Sikkim

 On our way to lachen, we came accross an enchanting waterfall - the Naga fall  which in one word was pure bliss to our eyes.

Naga Falls, Enthralling North Sikkim

At about 07:30 P.M, we reached our hotel in Lachen – Hotel Snow Valley. It was quite cold and by then we all were very tired. My husband didn’t want to have the dinner, So, I went for dinner with all others and brought a little amount for him in the room. As both of us were very tired, we went early to sleep and with a heavy heart we decided not to go to Gurudongmar lake the next day as it is at a further higher altitude.

We woke up a little late the next morning, and by the time we woke almost our entire team had already left for Gurudongmar lake except one of the couples who were also not feeling well the previous day. 
We were a bit sad while we came down for breakfast but then were mesmerized with the alpine pastures, wooden huts, undeniable romance in the air, the natural beauty of the astonishing snowy mountains just behind our hotel.

Hotel Snow Valley, Lachen, Enthralling North Sikkim

It was a great place to relax and unwind, the captivating escape left us enchanted.

Captivating Escape, Enthralling North Sikkim

We enjoyed ourselves to the fullest and then had our lunch so as to prepare ourselves for returning back to Gangtok.

Our team came back from Gurudongmar, had their lunch and we drove back to Gangtok.

While returning back, they shared their experiences on Gurudongmar Lake with us which made me feel "I wish I could have gone". 

I don’t know whether I will be able to go there in my lifetime, but the place will forever be in my wish list till I make through to it.

Finally we reached Gangtok, saying goodbye to everyone. We already shared our contact numbers and Facebook links with each other to be in contact.

We returned back to our hotel and was welcomed by some tasty fried rice and chilly chicken, the yummy dinner for the day. 

We had a sound nights sleep and woke up the next morning to the beauty of the snow covered hills and beautiful MG Marg once again and after having some brunch started our journey  to reach NJP in order to catch our return train Darjeeling Mail to reach Kolkata.

With a number of pristine places to visit in North Sikkim, one can always look forward to having a memorable time in this surreal land blessed by the Himalayas.

Reckoned with breathtaking views, enchanting waterfalls, idyllic lakes and sparkling rivers, North Sikkim is an alluring getaway destination; it can indeed be referred to as I did Enthralling North Sikkim...

It was a superb retreat away from the hustle and bustle of our city that took us to a dreamy land where we could cherish the company of sweet lovable local people and brought back home a serene experience that will last for lifetime.

Plan your trip and share your experience with me.
Keep yourself tuned to my future posts on Short Stories from My Diary
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Till then stay safe, keep smiling and bring a smile to others and Keep supporting me...