North Sikkim - A paradise on earth

Following are the various destinations in North Sikkim which are worth visiting - Chungthang, Lachen,Thangu, Gurudongmar, Chopta Valley, Lachung, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Yumthang Valley, Yumesumdong, Katao etc.

North Sikkim is a 2 days-3 nights package from Gangtok with 1 night halt at Lachen and 1 night halt at Lachung.

Starting from Gangtok, you will reach Chungthang which is 95 kms from Gangtok at an elevation of 1,700 meters (5,600 ft). Chungthang is predominantly the starting point of Teesta river which is formed by the confluence of 2 hill rivers Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu. It is also the junction for the 2 passes - Lachen and Lachung. Lachung falling at a distance of 23 kms while it is 29 kms from Lachen.

It was our first night halt at Lachen in the chilling cold (-4 or -5 degrees centigrade) of December 25th. I still remember and laugh by myself when I recollect a funny incident which happenned when we first stepped into our lodge. One of our friend in order to get relief from the chilling cold wind and overjoyed after seeing a geiser opened the tap which the socks and shoes on and we had a hard time to get that dried with a gas stove.

Early in the morning after having breakfast we set out for Gurudongmar Lake (17100 ft). Here to mention, the tourist agency which arranges for the North Sikkim trip carries the breakfast for the entire trip (breads, egg, bananas etc) and leaves the remaining for the inmates of the lodge.

Below are few pictures on the way to Gurudomgmar.

A Small Army Camp

Thangu is at an altitude of 14,000 ft. and 30 kms drive from Lachen. A small village where the visitors usually acclimatize before they proceed to Gurudongmar Lake. The months of May and June see this valley carpeted with alpine flowers, which are replaced by snow from October through March.

Road diverges from near Thangu to 2 beautiful spots Gurudongmar and Chopta Valley. We set out for Gurudongmar Lake first which is considered as one of the sacred lake of this state both by the Buddhists and Hindus. The lake remains milky in color through out. The Gurudongmar Lake is only allowed to Local and Domestic Tourist. Foreign tourist are not allowed due to border reasons. The temperature rises upto -27 degrees Centigrade and we were warned by the military personnel's that there might be breathing problems.



The time being December end, the road was full of solid ice and we could not go beyond a point where in a military vehicle helped us through the first time but it happened again some 2-3 kms before the lake and unfortunately we could not proceed further. We reached till a point where a Rock had the caption 'GODS OF WAR AHEAD'.



We tried our best to cut the rock solid ice with the help of the tools we had in our car but alas, the chilling cold wind did not allow us to do that for long. Truly disappointed, we returned back to Thangu to our way to the Chopta Valley.



Having our lunch back in Lachen we set out for our journey to Lachung - for the other half of the tour. Lachung at an elevation of about 9,600 ft or 3,000 meters is the night halt location on the way to Yumthang.

Yumthang is popularly known as Switzerland of Sikkim or Valley of flower. Yumthang at an elevation of 11,800 ft. and 140 kms from Gangtok is a paradise for natural lovers. It is popularly known as Switzerland of India and Valley of Flowers. In winter it is all covered with snow and in spring and summer, it is covered with different types of flower. Don't be disappointed if you plan to visit it in winter since there is a different attraction during this time its the snow laden mountain peaks which fills our heart.




The valley is also the home of Shingbha Rhododendron Sanctuary, with 24 species of Rhododendrons. There are total 35 species of Rhododendron in the world and 24 species of Rhododendron are found in Sikkim, together in one place “Yumthang”. One can also visit the Hot Water Spring in Yumthang. It is called ‘Tsa-Chu’.



An hours drive beyond Yumthang (26 kms), Yumesamdong is the land of perennial snow. Yumesamdong or the Zero Point Sikkim is situated at 15500 feet. This the last point where one can travel by car. Yumesamdong is very close to the Chinese border. Normal travel packages does not always include Yumesamdong. In such case you have to request the driver to include either this or Katao or both on basis of some extra charges.



Katao is another place on a different direction from Yumthang. It is also about an altitude of 15,000 ft. Unfortunately we did not get enough time to visit Katao.

Narrating you my experience I feel I have reached the place and would love to visit it another time...
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East Sikkim Tour with images

Places to visit in East Sikkim comprises of Gangtok, Tsangu Lake, Nathula Pass, Kupup etc. Below are few images right from starting of the journey crossing the Sebok Bridge all the way to Gangtok and East Sikkim.



Below is a picture taken at the Kyongsala village stop on the first break to our journey to Chhangu Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathu-la. The road to Nathula is one of the highest motorable roads in India.



Tsangu Lake or Tsongmo Lake or Changu Lake is a glacial lake in East Sikkim, some 40 kilometres away from Gangtok at altitude of 3780 m (12400 ft). Most parts of the year it remains covered with ice. Below is a picture with snowfalls on the shrubs with part of the Lake in the background in the end of December.



Menmecho Lake or Memenchuk lake, is a beautiful lake located 20 KMs. ahead of Tsangu Lake. It is of the same size of Tsangu Lake. This falls enroute Nathula pass. It is the source of the river Rangpo chu, a tributary of the River Teesta. Menmecho is closed to tourists and we can have a view of it from the way.



Nathu La(La meaning Pass in Tibetian) is 54 km east of the Sikkimese capital, Gangtok, and 430 km from the capital of the Tibetan Autonomous Region, Lhasa. The pass, located at an elevation of 4,310 m (14,200 feet) above mean sea level, forms part of an offshoot of the ancient Silk Route. This route is now open for trading between India and China after being closed for more than 40 years. The pass is open only to Indian nationals on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. On other days is it in use for exclusive military use. Visitor's permit can be obtained from any tourist agency 1 day in advance of the visit. Below is a picture of the Chinese Military Checkpost in Nathu La.



Kupup falls within the restricted area in the East Sikkim. It resembles an elephant in shape. It is hence called Elephant Lake or Kupup Lake.



Crystal Clear view of Kanchenjunga Peak from Kupup was the most amazing part of the journey but alas this was just the one click before the clouds covered the Peak.



Baba Mandir is built as a memory for CAPTAIN "Baba" Harbhajan Singh, an Indian army soldier who died near the Nathula Pass in Eastern Sikkim, India. He is respected by all the solders of the Indian army. Every year on September 14, a jeep departs with his personal belongings to the nearest railway station, New Jalpaiguri, where it is then sent by train to the village of Kuka, in Kapurthala district in Punjab. As per train rule the train reserved seat never left blank, but for baba reservation is done to travel him at his home town every year with solders to drop Baba at his home town. A small sum is also sent to his mother each month.

Original Baba Mandir is beyond Kupup. There is a new Baba Mandir built 2-3 hours before the original Baba Mandir since Kupup is a restricted area. Below is the picture from the top of the bunker of original Baba Mandir.



Inside of the Baba Mandir Shrine



There will be an exclusive post on Nathula, till then kale shoo (Good Bye)...
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Kashmir of Orissa - Daringbari

Daringbari, one of the unexplored beauty of Orissa located in the Kandhamal district is often coined as the Kashmir of Orissa. Why is it compared to Kashmir? Localites claim that about 50 years ago this hilltop used to receive snowfall. Whether it was a truth or a gravevine, it did not affect us or will affect anyone from enjoying the beauty of nature.

However, it is also good to inform that Daringibadi hill station's temperature ranges between 15 to 28 degree centigrade during summer, 8 - 22 during monsoon, 2 - 12 during winter. So it's a place to visit whole round the year. At least when we reached Daringbari on 15th August it was quite cool. So to say in 1 words, light woollens are a must.

Daringbari is at the height of 3000 ft from the sea level. Distance of Daringbari is around 250 kms to the south of Bhubaneshwar. The nearest railway station to reach Daringbari is Berhampur which is 130 Kms to the north. The drive from Bhubaneshwar to Daringbari is mindblowing especially the last 22 kms i.e. the Eastern Ghat Roads. Here the road is covered with deep Sal Forest in the 2 sides of the road and taking sharp turns almost looks like a narrow decorated strip of ribbon.

There are 2 routes to reach Daringbiri. One route is via NH 217 which passes through Phulbani. Though this route is longer but it is good and safe for travelling. It climbs the Ghats in the last part of the journey. There is another route which turns away from Surda. This route is shorter and has its own beauty. One has to cross the Ghats twice. There is a stretch of Forest as well. You will also come across Haribhangi Dam.





This route is a little lonely and should be avoided during Night time. Chances of getting shops are limited so it is advisable to carry packet foods and water with you while travelling this way.

Places to Stay:
There are very few options to stay here at Daringbari. There is a PWD Bungalow with two double-bed rooms, at Rs 100 per bed. A new Panthashala accommodation has recently been built with four double-bed rooms, at Rs 100 per bed.
For bookings, contact Utkal Bhavan (Orissa Tourism), 55 Lenin Sarani, 22443653, 22441195. Or just land up at the ashram at Daringbari bus stop. Else one can contact any OTDC office in the city (if any).

There is also another place called Deers Eco Tourist Lodge which is costly among the lot and is a little distance from the bus stop, but the road to reach the place has its own beauty.

We had a wonderful time in Daringbari in the Deers Eco Tourist Lodge (Tel:-9338880894, 9438422452, email: deersindia@yahoo.com), fortunately or un-fortunately we landed up at a time when there was no power for 2-3 days in the entire Daringbari. This was a blessing in disguise as we could enjoy the beauty of nature in its raw form. Travelers be prepared for this situation as well and have your torches packed among other necessary items.

Places to visit
The place is an attraction by itself. To add to the beauty, there are also few sight scenes spots to mention for more traditional tourists like hill viewpoint and coffee garden. The Hill view point has a amazing view of the Hills around Daringbari. The coffee plantation garden, especially during the winter, with its red berries and white flowers turns into a colorful vista. Visit the coffee garden in the late afternoon when the sun is fading and you will hear drums beating from the nearest Santal villages, which makes the atmosphere even more charming. But note that there can be harmful insects in the coffee plantation garden so wear shoes and clothes covering the legs when entering the garden.

Interesting to note here that Coffee is a small understory tree or shrub, and has traditionally been grown amongst forest trees, in the shade. Here the coffee plantation is grown amongst the forest of cardamon trees.

Among other places of interest here is a place called Lover's Paradise. Taking a turn within the forest is a place where there is a sharp stream of water flowing through. The beauty of the place is rightly termed as Lovers Paradise.

Nearby Places
One can also visit the Taptapani Forest and the Hotwater Spring while coming back from Daringbari.

Though the place is not a very common destination yet I hope this travelogue will attract more and more adventure loving people to visit this beauty of nature, but as a caution do not destroy the beauty of nature and keep it neat and clean as it is now.

Signing off from the virtual tour of Daringbari....
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