North East India - unplugged: North Sikkim

6 May

Flags are an integral part of Buddhist culture. As per Buddhist tradition white flags are raised in memory of a deceased while the colored ones are for good luck. The color is decided by the Llamas as per the individual's horoscope. Majority of the people have these flags outside their homes.

We now move to North Sikkim. We have to spend a day each at Lachen and Lachung before we return to Gangtok for the last leg of the tour.

10AM: The winding roads begin again as we start our journey towards higher pastures. The quality of roads is very poor due to the incessant rain. Or possibly this may be the state of roads the year round. With a couple of halts for lunch and view points, we were very much on target.

Seven Sister's Falls

Seven sisters waterfall, is one of the popular falls., though still haven't figured out why it's called so.

Feeling of déjà vu. Army personnel, camps, military van, BRO( Border roads organization) and their memorable quotes.
"Be gentle on my curve"
"Better to be Mr. Late than Late Mr. "
"This is highway not Runway".

We had been to Leh-Ladakh 3 yrs back and comparisons are bound to arise.

The feeling of impending rain, possible landslides and turbulent roads-all kept us on the vigil during the entire journey. There always is a river flowing besides. Here 'twas the 'Lachen' river.


5PM: Chungthang- is the junction from where roads to Lachen and Lachung bifurcate. Both these cities came around their individual rivers which meet at this junction.

6PM: We have now almost reached our hotel 'Apple Orchard'.

Apple Orchard

Lachen is approx 10000 ft above sea level. Temperatures here are anywhere between 5-7 deg. Considering the altitude and region, the Hotel does provide good services.
We have lost all communication with the world. Except BSNL, no network is available.
No bottled water allowed in this town to prevent plastic waste.

8PM: No heaters for the rooms but hot water bags to keep us warm in between
the bed sheets. Have to sleep early since wake up call is at 330 hrs.


7 May

4AM: Friends, Romans and countrymen. Kindly advise. Is it a smart thing to do? Get up at 3am while on a holiday, put on 3-4 layers of woollens, travel for 3hrs on rugged terrain, and make your kids uncomfortable and cranky. That's exactly what we did today. So much so that when we reached 'Gurudongmar Lake' the kids refused to get out of the vehicle. But the beauty of this place was just enthralling. It made us feel that the effort was worth it. At an altitude of 17000 ft, this lake is surrounded by the snow mountains. A Buddhist temple in the vicinity adds to the charm.

We had packed ourselves some breakfast including eggs and sandwiches. It was then that a new belief was brought to our notice. Eggs and chillies should not be "handed" over to anybody since it creates enmity!

2PM: After a Sikkimese lunch at the Royal Orchard, it was time to move on to Lachung. Another 3 hrs, and we should be there.

4PM: The drive to Lachung is very similar to the previous ones. Bumpy roads, greens on either side, hilly terrain but it was much more scenic and beautiful.

6PM: 'Yarlam Resort' belonged to the same group as our Lachen hotel. This resort seems very suave and enticing but unfortunately we are just overnight here.

8 May

6AM: Another early morning wake up. But it seemed simpler this time. We were not so keen to slog it again today after yesterday's experience. But we were assured that today's visits could turn out to be our all time favorite. And so it was to be....

8AM: A 2 hrs drive to 'Zero Point'

Zero Point

was one of the most beautiful drives in India ever experienced. It was nature at its best. Lush green fields and trees overhanging both sides of the roads with flowering plants - "Rhododendrons" and "Primula" and the ever flowing 'Lachung' river, the weather all so pleasant and cold with the clouds meandering above. This was called 'Yumthang Valley' or the Valley of Flowers. 

Zero point is so called since it is the last motorable civilian point. Beyond this only the army vehicles are allowed and soon leads to the Indo-China border. No hassles were experienced during the drive and kids were all too fresh to get out and play in the snow.
I don't think the kids have ever before enjoyed playing so much in the snow.

2PM: It was time to wind up our North Sikkim segment and return to Gangtok. Once again the same unwinding roads, hilly terrain etc.

Lachung is a much more developed region in North Sikkim as compared to Lachen. The Hotels are more well equipped, the roads are relatively maintained better, though the earthquake in 2011 has damaged them to a great extent, places to visit are more and and easily accessible and the natural beauty is breathtaking.


6PM: Unfortunately, we got delayed little bit and and not before long it was dark and we found ourselves driving into wilderness and very poor visibility due to the intense fog. Finally we did reach our own 'Royal DemaZong - Club Mahindra', being the last guests to check in for the day.

9PM: End of an exhaustive day. Good night.