As we reached Gangtok our excitement level got full burst. Instead of staying at M.G Marg we decided to stay a place called Luing in Gangtok. The place was so beautiful that it took us a moment to get over. The view from the balcony was alluring. Big mountains standing right in front of us and we could see the people jumping from the mountains, okay wait people were not trying to kill themselves. It was paragliding, we could see the people jumping from the top of the mountain and flying like birds. And let me not miss out here the Helipad at the foot of our hotel ( I might sound a little cliche here but that’s fine. We got really very excited). I could spend my entire trip at that place but no there was a lot more waiting for us.
At evening we took a taxi to M.G Marg which was about 3 or 4 km from Luing. And if you ever go there don’t forget to visit Roll House. You’ll have your best Rolls and Momos there. We noticed the place was so crowded but not a single piece of packet was scattered around. It was amazing to see that along with the growth of their business and state they have not forgotten to protect the nature. The government has banned smoking and plastic to reduce the pollution.It was so clean and every one was concern about their surroundings.No wonder why mother nature is showering so much blessings on them.
Next morning we left for Lachung which was about 6 hours away from Gangtok. Here a special mention to our driver K.B Chubba. We were fortunate to have a well informed person because we did not have a guide with us, he told us about the places, their stories, food, people, myth and the facts.
Some of the parts of our journey were easy and some of were extremely bumpy. But I wish I knew how to narrate how I felt and the beauty I witnessed through out the journey. River Teesta was lying along with the road and the sun rays were trying to tear the clouds to reach the blue water. In every metre the prayer flags were blowing in the wind which was making the panorama serene. And we saw from small waterfalls to the Amitabh Bachchan waterfalls in the mountains. Yes you heard it right the locals call it Amitabh Bachchan waterfalls because it is one of the tallest waterfalls in Sikkim (even you will find it in google maps). As we were going up we were getting into thin air. Before we reached Lachen slowly the darkness covered and we couldn’t get the glimpse of snow capped mountains.
Not a morning person but that day I woke up so early to see the snow capped mountains. As soon as I went to balcony the view was beautiful to die for. Snow capped mountains were shimmering, a small waterfalls was coming down and got along with the river at the foot of the mountains. Admiring the view for some moment I got ready to go to Yumthang Valley and Zero Point.
The journey was extremely bumpy. Because of the landslides the roads are always in bad condition. But I did not want it to end. I’ve never seen anything like this before. The most stunning place I’ve ever witnessed. The mountains were colorful. It was not only green but I could see red, yellow, orange, whit, brown almost every color in the mountains. Not only the place but also the hearts of the people were as beautiful as the mountains. An incident I want to highlight here. One of our fellas lost her Gold ring at Yumthang Valley and we couldn’t find it. Guess what happened next after we left the place a person called us saying he had found the ring and want to return it. Now tell me that there’s no honesty in this world.
When we started our journey to Zero Point (Altd. 14;540 ft.) the view was getting more beautiful and roads became muddy and even more bumpy. On one side of the road were the snow covered mountains and on other side of the road were the colorful mountains. Roads were becoming narrow and the air was getting thinner. Some of our fellas got high altitude sickness and that day we realized the importance of oxygen.
At the same day we decided to come back to Gangtok, if you don’t want a hectic journey never take such decision. And we took the next day to travel over Gangtok. Visited the Monastery, went to some random places and for hiking (do not ask where. It was not a place to hike. I’m being honest here). And how can you not go for an adventure sports when you’re in the mountains.
That was the best and the last night of the trip under the blanket of twinkling stars with a bonfire, when the locals joined and taught us the Nepali dance and songs. The night came to an end and also the trip. But it was not enough I wanted more of it. But with a heavy heart I left the mountains and came to the shore of the city.
