Some moments from my west sikkim tour
My first glimpse of Kanchendzonga in years - I had nothing much to do that day, so enjoyed the grand vista from my hotel balcony, until the setting sun, painted the majestic Kanchendzonga with its golden hue.
On the way to Barsey- The next day was cloudy. I found Kaluk completely draped in cloud. The visibility was so poor; I couldn’t even see the valley in front of me, let alone the snow peaks. I decided to visit Barsey rhododendron sanctuary. It’s almost 10,000 feet from sea level, and perhaps a change in altitude could bring some luck for me. Approached via Soreng, The road was pathetic, but the scenery was magical. Saw this 'Lalpati' tree in full bloom in a serene corner @ Soreng.
Gerethang Waterfalls - Met with this lovely waterfall near Sombaria. It's called 'Gerethang'. Spend a few minutes there. Gerethang is not as popular as Kanchanjungha falls, near pelling. Probably due to its remote location, but it certainly has the potential to be a crowd puller.
Into the wilderness of Barshey - Entered into the wilderness of Barsey rhododendron sanctuary. It was a thick forest of rhododendron, hemlock and bamboo, through which we trudged our way uphill. A strong wind was blowing through the forest, and on that wind the rustle of leaves sounded absolutely surreal.
@Barsey top - Within an hour I reached Barsey top. The view from Barsey top was absolutely ethereal. It’s a flat top at 10000ft, with thick rhododendron forest all around, providing a tantalizingly close view of the Himalayan snow peaks. In front of me was Mt Kabru. It was so close that I felt I could whisper in his ears.
@ Hilley - When we came out of the sanctuary, dusk was setting in. Hilley with all its serenity was looking surreal in the twilight and so were the snow peaks.
Rinchenpong Monastery - Next day walked 3 kms to Rinchenpong monastery ground. Got a sublime view of the snowpeaks from there.
On a clear day - Just rambled around the nooks and corners of Kaluk, that day. Stunning views like these were with me all the time.
Sunrise, the next morning- A stunning sunrise was the only thing that kept eluding me till then. But Sikkim didn’t leave my wish unfulfilled. The next morning I experienced a breathtaking sunrise. Slowly the snow peaks turned from pink to orange to gold and then the whole range came out in its dazzling white attire. It was my last day at Sikkim. So probably it was Mother Nature’s parting gift to me.
To read the complete travelogue please visit - http://kakaanirban.blogspot.com/2011/01/west-sikkim-road-less-travelled.html
Reached Kaluk Market - The first thing which caught my attention was the peace that prevailed everywhere. No one seemed to be busy there. No shouting shopkeeper, no heckling hotelier. This is where I wanted to come.
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| Kaluk Market |
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| Verdant hill slopes - Kaluk |
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| Kanchendzonga from Kaluk |
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| Crossing Soreng |
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| Gerethang Waterfalls |
Into the wilderness of Barshey - Entered into the wilderness of Barsey rhododendron sanctuary. It was a thick forest of rhododendron, hemlock and bamboo, through which we trudged our way uphill. A strong wind was blowing through the forest, and on that wind the rustle of leaves sounded absolutely surreal.
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| Through the foliage of Barsey |
@Barsey top - Within an hour I reached Barsey top. The view from Barsey top was absolutely ethereal. It’s a flat top at 10000ft, with thick rhododendron forest all around, providing a tantalizingly close view of the Himalayan snow peaks. In front of me was Mt Kabru. It was so close that I felt I could whisper in his ears.
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| Mt Kabru at Barsey top |
@ Hilley - When we came out of the sanctuary, dusk was setting in. Hilley with all its serenity was looking surreal in the twilight and so were the snow peaks.
Rinchenpong Monastery - Next day walked 3 kms to Rinchenpong monastery ground. Got a sublime view of the snowpeaks from there.
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| Kanchendzonga from Rinchenpong Monastery |
On a clear day - Just rambled around the nooks and corners of Kaluk, that day. Stunning views like these were with me all the time.
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| Scenic nooks and corners at Kaluk |
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| Sunrise at Kaluk |
To read the complete travelogue please visit - http://kakaanirban.blogspot.com/2011/01/west-sikkim-road-less-travelled.html
