To the Clouds & Mountains #Yumthang Valley#Lachung#Zero point

We reached Bagdogra airport around 10 AM on 16th of Oct 2021. From there we were supposed to take a cab to our initial destination that is Gangtok. We assumed every thing would be smooth sailing but the fate had different ideas stored. It was a day after Dusherra and on the day of Dashain Tika a very important occasion of the Nepalese people and add to that the initiation of Revenge travel post Covid we were stuck at the airport for more that 2 hrs as there were no cabs to ferry us to Gangtok. The ones that were there were charging triple of the original fare. After much struggle we headed to Siliguri the nearest town and from there took a cab for Gangtok. We had to pay almost double of the usual fare. After much struggle at last we reached Gangtok and checked-in to our hotel. Since we had very less time and it was almost dark we just visited the Mall road in Gangtok and enjoyed some local snacks.

A piece of advise: If you are visiting Sikkim keep a day for Gangtok. There is much to explore! Also please arrange your cab prior just like your accomodation.

The struggle of the day one for cab continued as the agent through which we booked the cab wasn't able to provide the same in the morning. Again after much deliberation and struggle we found one and started our journey to our next stop that is Lachung. Because of the hilly terrain and high altitude you would be seeing amazing views of mountain and clouds which are worth capturing for memories. Apart from these you will find many mesmerising and beautiful waterfalls. By the time we reached Lachung and checked in to our hotel it was dark so we took rest and recoup ourselves for the trip ahead.

The struggle of the day one for cab continued as the agent through which we booked the cab wasn't able to provide the same in the morning. Again after much deliberation and struggle we found one and started our journey to our next stop that is Lachung. Because of the hilly terrain and high altitude you would be seeing amazing views of mountain and clouds which are worth capturing for memories. Apart from these you will find many mesmerising and beautiful waterfalls. By the time we reached Lachung and checked in to our hotel it was dark so we took rest and recoup ourselves for the trip ahead.

The struggle of the day one for cab continued as the agent through which we booked the cab wasn't able to provide the same in the morning. Again after much deliberation and struggle we found one and started our journey to our next stop that is Lachung. Because of the hilly terrain and high altitude you would be seeing amazing views of mountain and clouds which are worth capturing for memories. Apart from these you will find many mesmerising and beautiful waterfalls. By the time we reached Lachung and checked in to our hotel it was dark so we took rest and recoup ourselves for the trip ahead.

We had our breakfast at 7 and started our journey to Yumthang valley and Zero point.

Zero point: It is the last point up to which civilians can visit. This place is located around 16k feet altitude with temperature as low as -9 degree Celsius. Beyond this point only military is allowed because of sparse oxygen and proximity to China border. At Zero point you can enjoy breath taking view of snow clad mountain and if lucky you can have snow fall as well. There are many shacks available serving tea, coffee, Maggie, MOMO, and some liquor as well.

Yumthang Valley: On our way back from zero point we stopped at Yumthung valley. This is a place surrounded by mountains on all sides with clouds and mist and Teesta river along side gracing it's beauty. You will see many yaks grazing. Avoid going very close to them. We spent some time here had some snacks and then headed back to our hotel वादियों का मज़ा लेते हुए।

Since some of our colleagues in the group had to catch flight from Bagdogra to their way back to home we started very early in the morning at 4 AM. On our way back we took pit stops at the waterfalls to capture their majestic appearance.

Overall it was a very fruitful experience and surely will visit again to cover the places we could not due to time constrain. Will also make sure to preplan our cab arrangement