Going to Himalayas is always an intriguing,
rather a mesmerizing experience! Many movies in the 1970s and 80s picturized these beautiful mountains in such an dreamy way that a visit at least once in a lifetime is a must! When we decided on Sikkim as our next
destination in 2019, just before Corona wave (BC – Before Corona), we were
quite excited! I had heard about the mountains, rivers, borders and the mist!
Little did we know before leaving that all our dreams would be fulfilled! We
landed at Bagdogra from Pune and were taken in vehicles which were suitable for
the mountains! In a short time, we would get acclimatized to the twists, turns,
U pin roads and the tummy lumps associated with that. The roads were
beautiful and clean, as if washed, with meaningful, nature conservation related
plaques greeting us, throughout the journey. The mountain air was fresh,
pollution free, with a natural scent. Our travel was through Gangtok to Lachung,
Pelling and Darjeeling.
The scenic beauty spread all around us
was just alluring. The breathtaking views, mountains, falls took away all our
fatigue. The wooden hutments, small houses with sloping roofs built on the
mountain slopes reminded me of all old movie scenes, as if some one was calling
out from the mist, "Aa ja re"!
The Rumtek Monastery, Ranka
Monastery, situated serenely in the mountains reminded us of the
yesteryears bringing to our minds the images of Buddhist monks
trekking up the road, in search of bliss and peace.
Another solace to our eyes, mind and body were the waterfalls at various places, Banjhakri Waterfall, Bhim Nala Water falls, which are now popular tourist places.
Sikkim boasts of gardens full of flowers and of course tea plantations.
We also visited the famous Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, which exhibits the gear required for Himalayan trekking, the famous trekkers, Mount Everest climbers and the related information. It was a first hand exposure to something at its origin! Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park was another treat to the eyes where a large number of lions, tigers and bear could be seen, along with friendly monkeys, chimpanzees and the like.
We visited the beautiful spiritual
Dardul Chorten Stupa, with 108 prayer wheels.
Our stay was at Pelling, close to Tashi view point, a perfect place to witness the brilliant surroundings like mountains and valleys, best sunrise and sunset views. We witnessed the changing of colors of the Kanchenjunga and Siniolchu Peaks in early mornings, clouded in mist; one of the highlights of our visit. Tranquil environment, sound of birds and breeze enveloped us!
Another highlight of our
trip was the visit to Pelling Skywalk and Chenrezig Statue complex at
Sangachoeling; India's first glass-bottom Skywalk. It connects us to the giant
Chenrezig statue located on a hilltop; one of the famous tourist attractions in
India. The walk on the glass bridge was an amazing experience giving us a feel
of walking on the air. On the way to Chenrezig statue a lot of prayer wheels of
different sizes were hung where prayer music was continuously played, giving it a spiritual and tranquil environment.
Siddheswara Dham is a recent Pilgrimage-cum-Cultural Centre, situated atop Solophok Hill in South-Sikkim, with a 26½ m high statue of Lord Shiva in sitting posture, the main temple. In addition, replicas of twelve Jyotirlingas, Badrinath, Jagannath, Dwarka and Rameshwaram; the four Dhamas, in the seven acres complex amidst the serene environment of Sikkim, were peace giving! The misty, cold weather added to the serenity of the pious place! It was as if we were close to heaven.
From Lachung, we set out for the Zero Point, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary and the majestic Yumthang Valley. Zero Point is the last outpost of civilization, offering an adventure; walking in the snow and getting a glimpse of how our brave soldiers must be facing the ever-changing weather!
The whole route is lined with highly soaring snow-capped peaks, Himalayan bird cherry, Sikkim fir, Himalayan poplar trees, peacock orchids and maple, pine and chimal trees colored in green, red and yellows. Red moss carpets lied around, as we climbed up to the scintillating Zero Point.
Army run Daring La Café near the Shiv Mandir Check Post offers food, hot and delicious. Hot soup was something I would remember the whole of my life. A few kilometers away was the breath taking Yumthang Valley View Point, exhibiting unparalleled beauty of North Sikkim, in glorious abundance, for the visitors to savor in!
Snow-capped mountains, topped by floating clouds, a large number of yaks grazing in pristine grasslands were a normal sight.
Reaching the Zero Point was an exciting moment for all of us!
The next visit was to Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, in the memory of a soldier of the Indian Army, known for selflessness and bravery; popularly known as the 'Hero of Nathula. At 26, he sacrificed his life for motherland and in September 1967, was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his bravery and martyrdom. Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple is located between Nathula Pass and Jelepla Pass and is one of the major tourist attractions.
A glacial lake in the East Sikkim, Tsomgo Lake or Tsongmo Lake or Changgu Lake, is around 40 kilometres from Gangtok, at 3,753 m height. The lake remains frozen during winter and its surface reflects different colors with changing seasons. I could almost hear the tranquil "Kanchi re kanchi re" emanating from the clouds coming up the valley!
An extremely adventurous sport was the next one on our
agenda, Tista River Rafting. It was something, which had to be experienced to
believe. Geared up in the necessary attire, the next 60 mins, we were riding on the very rough
river waves, under the expert guidance of two sikkimese boys. The
joy after completing it safely was unexplainable!
Darjeeling was the next stay, where Tiger Hill, a mountain located in Darjeeling, exposed us to a panoramic view of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga. At a height of 2,590 m, it is a popular tourist destination.
Siliguri to Darjeeling is an enchanting ride on the Mini Train, passing through the Batasia Loop or the Windy Place and the War Memorial. A special feature of this place is that it is the highest peak in the world where Locomotive Engines operate. A spectacular view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and snow-capped Himalayan could be witnessed from here! The center of Batasia Loop marks the upright War Memorial, commemorating brave Gorkha Soldiers, who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. There is a great market selling woolen clothes and handicrafts, attracting tourists from all over the world.
Siliguri to Darjeeling is an enchanting
ride on the Baby Train, passing through the Batasia Loop or the Windy Place and
the War Memorial. A special feature of this place is that it is the highest peak
in the world where Locomotive Engines
operate. A spectacular view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and snow-capped Himalayan awaits
us; at the centre of Batasia Loop stands a War Memorial, commemorating brave
Gorkha Soldiers, who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. There is a
great market selling woollen clothes and handicrafts, attracting tourists from
all over the world.
Beautiful gardens and zoos adorn
Darjeeling. It was a pleasure to see the blooming flowers and orchids.
With a heavy, though singing heart, we left the dreamy, misty terrains, bidding it a goodbye, already thinking of the next trip to be planned to Sikkim!
I could not help but hum to myself "Dil dhoondata hai fir wohi, fursat ke raat din!"
GREEN BLOGGER:
DR. JAYA KURHEKAR
