Solo trip to Lepchajagat

After reaching Siliguri Jn my actual journey suppose to start. This is the very first time I travel alone with the help of only those information which are available in internet. I found the cab stand just outside of Siliguri Jn from where I can get a cab(shared) for Ghoom. It is very cheap and just Rs. 150 for each person. I have to wait for near about 40 minutes to fill the cab and starts it's journey at 9.20 am on 23rd Sep 2018.

Our car ran through the curvy roads and I am getting excited as the time goes on. Finally we reached Rohini and the driver stop the car for those who wanted breakfast. From Rohini I felt that I arrived in mountain, the air, the hills and the atmosphere, it's just awesome. After a break of half an hour we started again and finally reached Ghoom at 12.30 pm.

Then I had to take another shared cab which cost rs 30 and it reach me to my destination within 30 minutes. Finally I arrived to Lepchajagat.

After completing the formality in homestay I entered the room which was allocated for me. They welcome me with a hot cup of Darjeeling Roasted Tea. Later I complete my lunch and slept as I was too tired. After awake I planed to explore the place but the locals prevent me and told me it's not safe as there are Leopards deep inside the forest. Late night I noticed that the sky is going to clear and I ran into my room for brought my camera, if I was lucky enough then.. I thought.. Oh yes, I am lucky.

It was a wonderful moment to see the entire Darjeeling City just in front of my eyes. Well that's all for day one.

Next day I wake up early morning with the help of mobile alarm to see the sunrise from the view point of Lepchajagat. But I was not that lucky this time. I went to the view point around 5.30 am to see the majestic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. If someone lucky enough to see that view I can assure that they will never forget that. I waited till 8.30 am to see the sunrise and the view of Mt. Kanchenjunga but as I am not lucky enough I was unable to do so due to cloud and fog, though I was able to witness some unforgettable moment to see the valley, view from from the view point, pine forest. I was just speechless to see the beauty of the nature.

Later I came down from the view point and for further exploration of the nearby area. I complete my breakfast and then started to walk towards Sukhia Pokhri. After 2/3 minutes walk when I crossed the locality I felt that I came to haven suddenly. Just imagine, you walking in a road which goes straight through the dense pine forest where you will be able to find mist and clouds all the time and you are totally alone.

I was just speechless to witness these, it was a memory which I am unable to share truly. I explore the forest very carefully as I didn't know what is in there. Then I came back to the homestay.

After completed my lunch I planed to visit Jore Pakhri. So I went out and I reached to Sukhia Pokhri in a shared cab which cost Rs 30. From Sukhia I started to walk towards Jore Pokhri with the help of locals and google map. It was around 2.5 km away from Sukhia.

The road condition was not too good but it was ok though and I believe it's absolutely fine now as I saw that there was some road contraction going on that time. You will enjoy the journey to Jore Pokhri as was full of tress, flowers etc.

Jore Pokhri means two ponds. There are two ponds and from them the place known as Jore Pokhri. There are some temple of Lord Siva, Santoshi Mata and Nag Mata.

After visiting the temple I went to the view point but due to heavy fog I am unable to see anything. I spend some time and refresh myself and then I started to went down. after some time suddenly the whole area has been covered by dense fog and I was unable to see anything even I can't see if there is anything in my next step. Honestly, I was so afraid that time, but I was able hold my nerve and and don't know how and trust me it was not a pleasant experience. After 4/5 mins the fog started to move and it was a relief for me.

I started to walk again and finally reached to Sukhia Pokhri after 15/20 minutes. Then I took a share cab towards Darjeeling which drop me at Lepchajagat and it cost Rs 30.

I was too much tired when I reached to homestay and after getting fresh I felt asleep. I awake in night as because the staff of the homestay continuously knock in my room for dinner. I complete my dinner and then again the weather started to clear. On my experience of earlier day I took my camera and headed towards the rooftop and again I was able to view the entire Darjeeling city at night.

Next day morning I again awake early to see the sunrise but today it was too much cloud and fog from the early morning. For today I planed my journey already. After getting fresh I took my breakfast and later I took a shared cab and reach Ghoom.

From Ghoom I started to walk towards old ghoom monastery(Yiga Chholing Old Monastery).

Once I reached to Yiga Chholing Old Monastery I was so happy that I can't explain. The silence of the place along with the chanting of "Buddham Saranam Gacchami" makes this place so much wonderful that I can't speak. All your fatigue will disappear and you will feel the inner joy which can't be explain. I spend some time here and took some photos.

Later I resume my travel to Ghoom Monastery(Samten Choling Buddhist Monastery, Ghoom). The place was also quite and peaceful. Photography was not allowed inside the temple though I manage to click one after so many request to the monks.

Then I continued to Batasia Loop and it will take almost 20/25 minutes to reach there. The entry fees was Rs. 20 per person and I stay there for quite a long. This is a famous tourist spot now and if you are lucky enough you can also see be able to see the Mt. Kanchenjunga from here. Also the famous Himalayan Toy train is one of the best attraction.

Then I started to walk again towards Ghoom as I have to return back to Lapechajagat. I reached Ghoom and took a shared cab which cost Rs 30.

I stayed the remaining day to homestay as I was very tired. I took my dinner early as I have to go in my next destination on next day which I will share another day. Well that's for now I guess.