THE NORTH-EAST TRIP – WEST BENGAL & SIKKIM
West Bengal and Sikkim are both incredibly beautiful regions in India and offer a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventurous experiences. Whether you are exploring the tea gardens of Darjeeling or trekking through the picturesque landscapes of Sikkim, you are sure to be mesmerized by the beauty of these regions. West Bengal is known for its lush tea plantations, scenic hill stations like Darjeeling and Kalimpong, and the stunning landscapes of the Dooars region. Sikkim, on the other hand, is a small but ethereal state nestled in the Himalayas. It is renowned for its snow-capped peaks, picturesque valleys, and vibrant Buddhist monasteries. Sikkim offers breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world. The state is also known for its serene lakes, alpine meadows, and beautiful trekking trails.
In 2015, we had the opportunity to visit Sikkim and West Bengal. Our journey began with a flight to Bagdogra, from where we continued our travel to the beautiful village of Sillery Gaon.
Sillery Gaon is a quaint and picturesque hill village nestled amidst the towering mountains. Situated at an altitude of around 6,000 feet, this small hamlet offers a serene and peaceful time.
The village had very few traditional wooden houses and we stayed in one of these houses as paying guests. Our hosts were very hospitable and made us feel like we are at our own home. It gave us an opportunity to experience the local culture, lifestyle, and delectable cuisine of the region. The food they made was very tasty even though it was just simple rice with some kind of very thin gravy followed by vegetables and condiments.
We were the first ones to embark on the trek that day, as we didn't encounter anyone else along the way, apart from a bunch of friendly local dogs who accompanied us until we were near the viewpoint.
We were treated to a truly captivating sight as we gazed upon the majestic Teesta River gracefully meandering through the verdant valley below. The entire landscape was enveloped in a lush blanket of green forests. The spot was perfect for viewing Kanchenjunga and other snow-capped mountains as well but fog had covered almost all summits.
Unfortunately we had to leave the place within 2-3 minutes of reaching the top due to the abundance of leeches. We were unaware of their presence in such large numbers.
From Sillery Gaon, we made our way to Rishi Khola, a place blessed with abundant natural beauty and tranquility. This makes it an ideal escape for nature enthusiasts and those in search of peace and solitude. The place is graced by the pristine Rishi Khola River, which only adds to its charm and allure. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters and rocky riverbed, the river envelops the surroundings with a soothing ambiance that can truly revitalize one's soul.
We had a wonderful time in Rishi Khola, where the mornings and evenings were incredibly peaceful and quiet, accompanied by the soothing sound of the stream. We were the only guests at the home stay, which consisted of 3-4 small hut-like structures. We thoroughly enjoyed our day by the stream, surrounded by the dense forest, without a single person in sight and without any fear.
We embarked on a journey from Rishi Khola to Zuluk, and the route we took was truly magnificent, surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. Along the way, we encountered army convoys, consisting of multiple vehicles traveling in a single line. As we approached Zuluk, the presence of numerous abandoned army bunkers became apparent, taking the form of rocky wall cubes, caves, or simple walls.
Upon reaching Zuluk, we were greeted by a military camp, bustling with hundreds of personnel and army vehicles stationed just outside the village. Situated at an altitude of approximately 10,000 feet, Zuluk offered awe-inspiring views of the mountains, verdant valleys, and picturesque landscapes. From these high altitudes, we were privileged to witness awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets, creating unforgettable memories.
Zuluk is also renowned for its connection to the famous Silk Route, which served as a vital trading path linking India and Tibet.
Zuluk is also renowned for its connection to the famous Silk Route, which served as a vital trading path linking India and Tibet.
The weather was extremely cold, so we bundled up in layers of warm clothing. During our time at the guest house, just before dinner, we had an unforgettable and amusing incident. Suddenly, Ateeq started shouting that he couldn't move his fingers and had no feeling in his right hand. We were worried and applied Vicks and started rubbing it. Many thoughts raced through our minds in that short period until his fingers started moving again. Even after so many years, we still remember this incident.
The next morning, we woke up early to watch the sunrise. It was a beautiful sight to see the fog covering the lower gorges while the mountain peaks were clearly visible. The Military Camp was busy with breakfast preparations and exercises. Zaid insisted on meeting our soldiers, so we met a group and had a chat with them. Overall, our stay in Zuluk was unforgettable.
From Zuluk, we took the breathtaking journey through the mesmerizing landscapes to Gangtok. The route took us through the famous Old Silk Route offering stunning views of snow-capped mountains, winding roads, and charming villages. The zigzag road view from the top, which we witnessed was truly impressive. It was a challenging terrain with numerous hairpin bends, making the journey exhilarating and adventurous. Along the way, we passed through Nathang Valley (also known as Ladakh of East), Tsomgo Lake (Tsomgo Lake, located at an altitude of 12,400 feet, is a glacial lake surrounded by snow-clad mountains, creating a picture-perfect setting), Baba Mandir and Thambi View Point.
As we approached Gangtok, we were welcomed by a vibrant atmosphere, bustling markets, and exquisite monasteries. It is a picturesque destination that offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern amenities. It is renowned for its stunning landscapes, panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, lush green valleys, and cascading waterfalls. We explored the city's lively markets, where one can find a variety of handicrafts, textiles, and traditional Sikkimese cuisine.
We had an exhilarating river rafting experience on our way to Darjeeling from Gangtok in Teesta River. The thrilling activity took us on a wild journey through the heart of nature, allowed us to witness the mesmerizing beauty of the region while navigating its rapids. The rhythmic flow of the river, combined with the sound of rushing water, created a serene ambiance that allowed us to connect with nature on a profound level.
We checked into the hotel in Darjeeling, had dinner, and went to bed, only to be awakened by the driver's call to visit Tiger's Hill at 3 am. There were many tourists at Tiger Hill, so it would have been better if we had stayed back and rested. However, the sight of the fall of sun rays on Kanchenjunga was magnificent. It would have been more mesmerizing to stay on the other side and watch Kanchenjunga instead of the sunrise, which was not as captivating.
The following day, we leisurely walked along the streets of Darjeeling, visited a Tea Garden, went shopping, and took some time to relax. On the subsequent day, we made our way to Bagdogra in order to catch our flight back to Dubai, with a stopover in New Delhi.
We suggest and advise one and all to embark on this journey through the breathtaking landscapes of West Bengal and Sikkim as you traverse the magnificent route from Bagdogra to Sillery Gaon to Rishi Khola to Zuluk to Gangtok to Darjeeling, and back to Bagdogra. This enchanting expedition will take you through a mesmerizing tapestry of nature's wonders, cultural delights, and serene mountain vistas.
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