North Sikkim Trip: A throwback (Part 2)

Written by on in Blogchatter Half Marathon, Travel, Ultimatebloggingchallenge


We enjoyed Nathula Pass and Channgu Lake in the first few days of our Sikkim Trip. On the third day, our North Sikkim journey was to begin. But unfortunately all of a sudden hubby came down with a sore throat and fever. I gave him mutiple cups of hot beverages and lots of TLC.If all was well, next on our travel itinerary was Lachen, Lachung, Gurudongmar Lake And Zero point Yumthang Valley.

Praying for Health

Our Night time prayers and rest helped hubby recuperate a bit. It seemed to a viral infection. Like all virals we guessed it would take at least 3 days for him to be fit and fine. So inspite of his congested nose and throat pain he did not complain . We set out from Gangtok and Paul introduced us to some melodious Nepali music. It was a 6 hour long trip from Gangtok to Lachen via Chungthang with few stops in between.


Lachen to Gangtok, Naga Falls and a cute friend…

Us at Naga Falls, clicked by Paul
The road from Gangtok to Lachen in North Sikkim, was dotted with multiple beautiful and picturesque waterfalls. We loved the Naga Falls and Paul our driver clicked a lovely photo of ours! Here I made a new super cute friend and we held hands and bonded. After having some tea near Naga falls, finally we reached Chungthang where the road bifurcates, one towards Lachen and one towards Lachung.
Cutie pie friend at a tea stall near Naga Falls
Chungthang
North Sikkim Trip , Chungthang
Chungthang, meet the Teesta river forming from Lachen and Lachung rivers.

Lachen

Then we reached Lachen and hubby was feeling a bit tired but still going strong. Hotel options were limited and very basic in Lachen, but the serene natural beauty made up for all the roughing it that we had to do.
 
One problem that we faced was that no bottled water is allowed in North Sikkim, and I am very particular about my drinking water. So it took some effort on my part to accept drinking water from an unknown source which the hotel claimed to be boiled!
Lachen

Fun photography before I realised the drinking water scene!

A very cold night

Anyway, I got over it and after a bit of local site seeing in Lachen we settled for the night. Hubbys fever was back after a long and tiring day. Temperatures were near zero and there was no heater. I gave him a paracetamol and tried to divert his mind from his discomfort by discussing about our next days trip to the majestic Gurudongmar Lake.


Gurudongmar Lake and Café 15000

Breakfast Stop

We woke up early next morning and set out for Gurudongmar Lake at around 4.30 am. It was around 65 km from Lachen and would take around 4 hours through the rugged Trans Himalayan terrain.

Previously we had visited the picture perfect Chandratal Lake in Spiti Valley and our expectations were high. Despite a nose which was now flowing freely, hubby was in high spirit. We had a break for breakfast near Thangu.

Then we reached a military camp at 15000 ft altitude which is the last stop before reaching the Lake. Here the army canteen had free hot beverages as well as oxygen service for all tourists. This we got to know was a critical stop of the journey where it was extremely important to stop for acclimatization.

It was veryyyy cold!


Tranquil Beauty

The cold had a bite to it in the Trans Himalayan desert and gloves were a must. The beauty of the Trans Himalayas which is a rain shadow zone has a uniqueness which is unparalled by any of the Himalayan tourist spots. It is totally barren of trees but the beauty of the naked Himalayas against the backdrop of the azure blue skies was breathtaking. Gradually the glaciers surrounding the Gurudongmar Lake became visible and our excitement mounted.
 
Trans Himalayan desert beauty
North Sikkim, Gurudongmar Lake
Glaciers of Gurudongmar Lake

Finally we reached the lake. Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world and in India, located at an altitude of 5,430 m (17,800 ft).

Gurudongmar Lake has a breath taking quality of beauty which is very difficult to describe in words. The serenity, the calmness, the stillness and the hypnotic quality of the blue waters is something that has to be experienced at least once in this lifetime. The lakeside had an icy cold wind straight from the snow capped glaciers which added to the beauty of the setting. We filled our eyes and hearts the tranquil beauty of Gurudongmar Lake.

Tranquil Gurudongmar Lake
Saying goodbye to Gurudongmar Lake


Military photoshoot and back to Lachen

Then with our hearts singing we started the journey back to Lachen. One the way back we again stopped at the Café 15000 at the army camp. We met very friendly army men who readily agreed to click a photograph with us. Happy after our military photoshoot we finally reached Lachen .
 
Friendly Army men…

Happy after our military photoshoot we finally reached Lachen .

Pakoda and Coffee

The day was a super success and hubby was finally feeling better. We had some noodles, pakoda and coffee at a local restaurant and returned to our hotel. The next day was waiting for us and next on the itinerary for our North Sikkim trip was Zero point, Yumthang Valley.

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon .

5 Comments

  2. Despite the cold temperatures, the views are spectacular. I particularly like the picture of the lake and mountains, with the mountains reflecting off the lake. Hope your husband is feeling better.

    Reply

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