Sikkim- Zuluk Loops, Gurudongmar Lake and so much more

Tripoto
26th Nov 2017
Photo of Sikkim- Zuluk Loops, Gurudongmar Lake and so much more by Ishani Pahwa

We started our journey with camping on the banks of Teesta river rafting...It was actually a halt between Siliguri and gangtok but we decided to take a longer one, just to do fishing in the river, the next morning. We were the only ones around

Photo of Teesta River Rafting, Tista Bazar, West Bengal, India by Ishani Pahwa
Day 1

What do you know when you are all alone and it gets dark at 7 pm! take innovative pictures...

Photo of Teesta River Rafting, Tista Bazar, West Bengal, India by Ishani Pahwa
Day 2

Catch your own fish for lunch! An experience it was..

Photo of Teesta, Simulguri, West Bengal by Ishani Pahwa
Day 3

Zuluk Loops: spectacular sight from the winding loops of the snow capped Kanchenjunga . It's well known as the Old Silk Road. There are approx. 30 loops in this zig-zag path.

Photo of Zuluk, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa

Sight of the mighty Kanchenjunga from top of the Zulul Loops. Picture dont do justice to the beauty.

Photo of Lungthung View Point, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa

Our host of the evening in Lungthung village, just ahead of Zuluk. We stayed the night here, in extreme cold and peace all around. we spent our time playing with this little one, sleep and eating amazing home cooked meal. The place was Lungthung Retreat, run by a couple.

Photo of Lungthung View Point, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa

Excitement of our first ride on the yak. It was the Yak's first time too and we both were scared and excited both!

Photo of Sikkim- Zuluk Loops, Gurudongmar Lake and so much more by Ishani Pahwa

And! Sikkim trip is no complete with momos! we had it at least 4 times a day... very basic and yumm..

Photo of Sikkim- Zuluk Loops, Gurudongmar Lake and so much more by Ishani Pahwa

Babaji ka Bunkar!

Photo of Harbhajan Babaji ka Bunker, Nathang Valley, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa

Old Baba Mandir: It is said to the original one. Tourist nowdays are sent to the New Baba Mandir which is a replica of this one. This is located 60 km from Gangtok city towards the legendary Nathula, where you will find a road leading towards the Kupup valley up to Tukla which will lead you here..

Photo of Harbhajan Babaji ka Bunker, Nathang Valley, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa

Memorial & temple honoring Indian army soldier, folk hero & saint Baba Harbhajan Singh.

Photo of Harbhajan Babaji ka Bunker, Nathang Valley, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa

Just a salute is not enough!

Photo of Lachen Road, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa
Day 4

Pitstops at random waterfalls because the pictures come out nice ;)

Photo of Lachung - Lachen - Gurudongmar lake, Indira Bypass Road, Sungava, Gangtok, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa
Day 5

Magnificent landscapes on our way to Yumthang Valley of flowers. It is a nature sanctuary with river, hot springs, yaks and grazing pasture on rolling meadows . However we did not see any of it! but still... it's something that we can never forget.

Photo of Lachung - Lachen - Gurudongmar lake, Indira Bypass Road, Sungava, Gangtok, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa

Our driver was too kind to stop by and click pictures of us! Also, he was very patient, given my boy will not be satisfies with just one click.

Photo of Lachung - Lachen - Gurudongmar lake, Indira Bypass Road, Sungava, Gangtok, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa
Day 6

Between the prayer flags!

Photo of Yumthang Valley Natural Reserve, Lake Cho Lhamu Road, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa

The best point to take pictures in the valley!

Photo of Yumthang Valley Natural Reserve, Lake Cho Lhamu Road, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa
Photo of Yumthang Valley Natural Reserve, Lake Cho Lhamu Road, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa
Photo of Yumthang Valley Natural Reserve, Lake Cho Lhamu Road, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa

No, this is not a a flower. these are just leaves. whatever season it may be, mother nature does not fail to amaze us.

Photo of Yumthang Valley Natural Reserve, Lake Cho Lhamu Road, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa
Day 7

Heading toward the Gurudongmar lake. Sight of this mountain only made us excited.

Photo of Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim by Ishani Pahwa

Magestic Gurudongmar lake!

Photo of Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim by Ishani Pahwa

When you make friends with strangers in such harsh places...

Photo of Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim by Ishani Pahwa

Testing, how thick the ice layer is! Oh, you cant see it? We almost stood on it...

Photo of Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim by Ishani Pahwa

Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world and in India, located at an altitude of 17,800 ft. It is considered sacred by Buddhists, Sikhs and Hindus

Photo of Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim by Ishani Pahwa

The surprising fact about this sanctified lake is that even in extreme winters, a part of this lake never freezes. The myth behind this is that Gurudongmar had once touched and consecrated this lake and made it partially frozen throughout the year.

Photo of Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim by Ishani Pahwa

The only good stretch to the lake was the last bit. Newly built with amazing views. Otherwise, the entire stretch was a bumpy one. Indo- Tibet border run past on the left of this road.

Photo of Gurudongmar Road, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa

On the ground, more closer to the mother earth!

Photo of Gurudongmar Road, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa

People who keeps the nation going.. A big salute!

Photo of Gurudongmar Road, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa

The man with the yellow boots!

Photo of Gurudongmar Road, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa

A path full of prayers! We spotted this on our way back from the lake!

Photo of Gurudongmar Road, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa

Although very sleepy, but we couldn't stop ourselves to get down and click some pictures!

Photo of Gurudongmar Road, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa
Day 8

That's Gangtok for you!View from Rumtek Monastery.

Photo of Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa
Photo of Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa

One of the most beautiful monasteries we have ever visited!

Photo of Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa

Prayers!

Photo of Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim, India by Ishani Pahwa
Day 10

And to end the trip on a Flavourful tea note! we ended up in Darjeeling.

Photo of Darjeeling Rly Station, Hill Cart Road, Limbugaon, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India by Ishani Pahwa
Day 11

Oh! the steam engine...

Photo of Darjeeling Rly Station, Hill Cart Road, Limbugaon, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India by Ishani Pahwa
Photo of Darjeeling Rly Station, Hill Cart Road, Limbugaon, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India by Ishani Pahwa
Day 10

The beautiful view of the Kanchenjunga from the railway station!

Photo of Darjeeling, West Bengal, India by Ishani Pahwa

The train Museum

Photo of Sikkim- Zuluk Loops, Gurudongmar Lake and so much more by Ishani Pahwa
Day 11

Our relaxing stay at the very old Singtom Tea Estate!

Photo of Singtom Tea Estate & Resort, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India by Ishani Pahwa

That was a wrap to the 12 days journey!

Photo of Singtom Tea Estate & Resort, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India by Ishani Pahwa
Photo of Singtom Tea Estate & Resort, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India by Ishani Pahwa

In the end: Highlight of the trip- In Lachung, we knocked the door of a house looking for someone to talk more about the place. And, we ended up having Chhang, a traditional drink that they make by fermenting a type of rice/seed and is consumed in these little wooden barrels. Loved the kick and taste of it. So when you travel, 'do as the locals do'