A short trip to Darjeeling and Sikkim during October 2013.
Had covered Darjeeling, Sandakphu (by Land Rover), Gangtok, Tsangmo Lake, Nathula Pass, Lachung , Lachen, Youmthang Valey and Gurudongmar.
Day 1: From Bagdogra airport, we took a Pre-Paid Taxi to Darjeeling (4 Hours journey). We spent the evening walking at the mall road.
Day 2: After breakfast, we took a taxi till "Manyebhanjang" from where Land Rovers are available which takes you to Sandakphu. Its a 33 Kms journey from "Maneybhanjang" to "Sandakphu" which takes about 5 to 6 Hours as the roads are not good.
After reaching Sandakphu (11941 Ft) , we were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the mighty Kanchenjunga which was not visible since the last two days because of the dense clouds.
There are just a couple of lodges in Sandakphu with the minimum amenities. And if you are looking for a luxurious stay then you have come to the wrong place.
The temperature dipped suddenly after the sunset and we had to go to bed after having dinner at 7PM. There's nothing much to do there after sunset as there is no electricity except the few solar powered lights.
Day 3: Our 3rd Day started with a beautiful sunrise at 5 AM. That was one of the best sunrise that I have ever Experienced. Four of the five highest peaks in the world, "Mt. Everest" , "Kangchenjunga" , "Lhotse" and "Makalu" can be seen from its summit. From Sandakphu the best view of the mountain Kangchenjunga is possible, which is known as the Sleeping Buddha or the Sleeping Shiva.
After Breakfast we left for "Maneybhanjang", then to Darjeeling. From Darjeeling we took a taxi to Gangtok, and reached Gangtok by night.
Day 4: After breakfast, we went to Tsongmo (Changu) Lake, Nathula Pass and Baba Mandir. You need to make prior booking for this trip, as you would need Permits to visit Nathula Pass.
After returning, we spent the evening at the ever colourful M G Marg.
Day 5: After breakfast we started for a 3 Days 2 Nights trip to North Sikkim (Covering Lachung, Lachen, Gurudongmar and Youmthang Valley).
We started from Gangtok in the morning by Car and reached Lachen by Evening. Stayed overnight at a Lodge in Lachen.
Day 6: After a steaming cup of tea, we started at 3 AM for Gurudongmar lake (17100 Ft), One of the highest lakes in the world.
After about 4 hours, what we could see, was the breathtaking view of the Gurudongmar Lake, surrounded by the snow clad hills and the blue sky.
It is advised to carry medicines as the place is quite barren with very less or no vegetation, resulting in very less oxygen in the air.
After returning from Gurudongmar, we left for Lachung. Reached Lachung by evening.
Day 7: We left for Youmthang Valley in the morning. With the picturesque snow clad mountains in the background and the river Teesta makes it picture perfect destination for the nature lovers.
From Lachung, we drove back to Gangtok.
Day 8: From Gangtok we returned to Kolkata via New Jalpaiguri. Leaving behind the Himalayas...with a promise to go back to the hills soon.... very soon :)
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