Point Zero
Well-Known Member
HD view requested
Sunrise to Sunset in the Lap of Himalayas- Old Silk Route and Gnathang
- Thread starter Point Zero
- Start date
Point Zero
Well-Known Member
Only thing, you will not get the permit for Nathula from Rangoli as military does not accept this. For Nathula you need to get the permission from Gangtok and 11mile.
Point Zero
Well-Known Member
Day 2 continued ...
“People say that man cannot see the beauty of places at their own surroundings and hunt for it elsewhere” orin other words it can be also said as “the grass on the other side is always green”. However we met a person and the narration of his conversation with us will justify that the phrase is so feckless in his case. I will come to the story but before that let me finish the journey to Zuluk.
Way to Zuluk
Way to Zuluk
Way to Zuluk
It was already afternoon when we crossed Padamchen. I was in a little hurry as I knew that the sunset from Zuluk helipad is simply awesome, and I didn’t want to miss it. Just few Kms away from Zuluk, we saw that the either sides of the road were covered with snow. We checked into the home-stay as soon as we reached Zuluk.
Way to Zuluk
The Old Silk Route from a point near Zuluk
Reached Zuluk
We hurried to keep all the belongings inside the room and ran towards the helipad. I may have raved about the beauty of the sunset but the pictures will justify it all. I have tried to capture some phases of twilight,but believe me in reality it is much better than the captured snap. After the sunset I told my buddies that our time for enjoyment starts now. No hurry, no plan, no phone no calculation, we have 3 days and try to spend the time like we have nothing in the world left to do.
sunset from zuluk helipad
sunset from zuluk helipad
sunset from zuluk helipad
sunset from zuluk helipad
sunset from zuluk helipad
We came back to the homestay. As usual they served some Tea and Pakora. Sitting on the metal dinner table we saw that thin snowfall has started. So what’s next? Shall we spend the evening sitting on the dinner table or else a good plan would be to have a perfect bonfire under the sky in the snowfall? Finally it was more than our expectation. A perfect bonfire, humble homestay owner, roasted chicken and the story I was talking about.
Stranger: Can I join you guys?
Me: Why not? I always like to spend time with local guys.
Stranger: Actually I have a question? I was watching you on the road, Saw your number plate outside of Sikkim or Siliguri. So where are you from?
Me: I am from Kolkata.
Stranger: Road trip?
Me: Yes Sir.
Stranger: Ohh Great! So how are you enjoying the weather?
Me: It’s good. Rather very good. May I know your name please?
Stranger: Samir, I am a school teacher in Darjeeling District and drive my own tourist car during winter holidays. You do business or Service?
Me: Service, probably the most boring IT Service.
Samir: IT! I went to Kolkata for studying IT-Engineering. Took admission in June and came back to hill in July as I could not bear the heat of the place. Then again took admission in Bangalore as I had heard that the weather out there is very good, but even that could not hold me for long time. So I thought better to complete the B.Sc. and teach in a local school.
Me: So after that have you ever been to Kolkata?
Samir: No man, I love the mountains, I love snow and I love the weather out here. I stay in Darjeeling District for 9 months and from mid-December to mid-March I always try to stay at Sikkim. This is the reason why I drive tourist car in the winter holidays.
Me: Don’t you feel bored seeing the same places, same mountains, same people and roads from the childhood?
By that time we have already shared some drinks and snacks with Samir, Samir’s friend cum cousin and the owner of the home-stay.
Samir: Have you ever felt bored during Durga Puja? No right! It is same here. Every time I come to the Silk route I take so many pictures even then when I go back to Darjeeling, I wish a tourist would again rent my car for Silk Route - “Ji nahi bharta”.
Me: You are mad, Man! There are so many beautiful places in Sikkim. Then why silk route?
Samir: Because I like the curves. Ha Haha.
Samir helping us to keep the fire on..
This way we spent the evening munching on chicken and sharing some food for thoughts. It was an amazing experience. We sat in front of bonfire just near the home-stay which looked like a dome because to the fire and not to forget the thin sheet of snow surrounding us. The ambience finished at the dinner table with some delicious food served by the homestay.
11:00 PM- I came down to my start my car and generate some engine heat which would keep the fuel tank warm for some time. So that the diesel inside the fuel filter do not freeze. Otherwise next day it would be near to impossible to start the car in the morning.
To be continued the day of ice (day 3) and more ...
“People say that man cannot see the beauty of places at their own surroundings and hunt for it elsewhere” orin other words it can be also said as “the grass on the other side is always green”. However we met a person and the narration of his conversation with us will justify that the phrase is so feckless in his case. I will come to the story but before that let me finish the journey to Zuluk.
Way to Zuluk
Way to Zuluk
Way to Zuluk
It was already afternoon when we crossed Padamchen. I was in a little hurry as I knew that the sunset from Zuluk helipad is simply awesome, and I didn’t want to miss it. Just few Kms away from Zuluk, we saw that the either sides of the road were covered with snow. We checked into the home-stay as soon as we reached Zuluk.
Way to Zuluk
The Old Silk Route from a point near Zuluk
Reached Zuluk
We hurried to keep all the belongings inside the room and ran towards the helipad. I may have raved about the beauty of the sunset but the pictures will justify it all. I have tried to capture some phases of twilight,but believe me in reality it is much better than the captured snap. After the sunset I told my buddies that our time for enjoyment starts now. No hurry, no plan, no phone no calculation, we have 3 days and try to spend the time like we have nothing in the world left to do.
sunset from zuluk helipad
sunset from zuluk helipad
sunset from zuluk helipad
sunset from zuluk helipad
sunset from zuluk helipad
We came back to the homestay. As usual they served some Tea and Pakora. Sitting on the metal dinner table we saw that thin snowfall has started. So what’s next? Shall we spend the evening sitting on the dinner table or else a good plan would be to have a perfect bonfire under the sky in the snowfall? Finally it was more than our expectation. A perfect bonfire, humble homestay owner, roasted chicken and the story I was talking about.
Stranger: Can I join you guys?
Me: Why not? I always like to spend time with local guys.
Stranger: Actually I have a question? I was watching you on the road, Saw your number plate outside of Sikkim or Siliguri. So where are you from?
Me: I am from Kolkata.
Stranger: Road trip?
Me: Yes Sir.
Stranger: Ohh Great! So how are you enjoying the weather?
Me: It’s good. Rather very good. May I know your name please?
Stranger: Samir, I am a school teacher in Darjeeling District and drive my own tourist car during winter holidays. You do business or Service?
Me: Service, probably the most boring IT Service.
Samir: IT! I went to Kolkata for studying IT-Engineering. Took admission in June and came back to hill in July as I could not bear the heat of the place. Then again took admission in Bangalore as I had heard that the weather out there is very good, but even that could not hold me for long time. So I thought better to complete the B.Sc. and teach in a local school.
Me: So after that have you ever been to Kolkata?
Samir: No man, I love the mountains, I love snow and I love the weather out here. I stay in Darjeeling District for 9 months and from mid-December to mid-March I always try to stay at Sikkim. This is the reason why I drive tourist car in the winter holidays.
Me: Don’t you feel bored seeing the same places, same mountains, same people and roads from the childhood?
By that time we have already shared some drinks and snacks with Samir, Samir’s friend cum cousin and the owner of the home-stay.
Samir: Have you ever felt bored during Durga Puja? No right! It is same here. Every time I come to the Silk route I take so many pictures even then when I go back to Darjeeling, I wish a tourist would again rent my car for Silk Route - “Ji nahi bharta”.
Me: You are mad, Man! There are so many beautiful places in Sikkim. Then why silk route?
Samir: Because I like the curves. Ha Haha.
Samir helping us to keep the fire on..
This way we spent the evening munching on chicken and sharing some food for thoughts. It was an amazing experience. We sat in front of bonfire just near the home-stay which looked like a dome because to the fire and not to forget the thin sheet of snow surrounding us. The ambience finished at the dinner table with some delicious food served by the homestay.
11:00 PM- I came down to my start my car and generate some engine heat which would keep the fuel tank warm for some time. So that the diesel inside the fuel filter do not freeze. Otherwise next day it would be near to impossible to start the car in the morning.
To be continued the day of ice (day 3) and more ...
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sajalsheth
Still Learning ©
eager to see Zuluk zig zag road with snow!
Point Zero
Well-Known Member
Day 3 (2tth Dec 2015):
1st Half (Zuluk > Thambi > Nathang) -
Just before leaving Zuluk.
Our home-stay for last night.
Old Silk Route from Zuluk
Zuluk from Silk Route
Towards Thambi
Towards Thambi
Towards Thambi
Towards Thambi
View from Thambi
View from Thambi
View from Thambi
View from Thambi
The Silk Route from Thambi
The Silk Route from Thambi
We reached Nathang Early.. We had lots of time to discover the place..
To be continued ... 2nd part of day 3 and more ....
1st Half (Zuluk > Thambi > Nathang) -
Just before leaving Zuluk.
Our home-stay for last night.
Old Silk Route from Zuluk
Zuluk from Silk Route
Towards Thambi
Towards Thambi
Towards Thambi
Towards Thambi
View from Thambi
View from Thambi
View from Thambi
View from Thambi
The Silk Route from Thambi
The Silk Route from Thambi
We reached Nathang Early.. We had lots of time to discover the place..
To be continued ... 2nd part of day 3 and more ....
Point Zero
Well-Known Member
Sajal Ji.. Uploaded some of the pic...
sajalsheth
Still Learning ©
great pics
Point Zero
Well-Known Member
In the morning I got my car covered with thin layer of snow at the roof..
adsatinder
Peace
Great !
Great !
Great !
Great !
Great !
Great !
Great !
Great !
Great !
Point Zero
Well-Known Member
Day 3 (27th Dec 2015)
Day 3 (27th Dec 2015)Zuluk – LaxmabChok – Nathang – Kupup – Old Baba Mandir - Nathang
Ah!! We started in a relax mode as we knew we will be covering lesser distance this day. With the morning light I was taken back as the roof top of my car was covered with snow. For my car this was its first experience as this has already happened for my bike when I have travelled to North Sikkim in 2013. The bright sunny morning made the white snow glaring to look at. In mountain places it is quite common that we are able to see the sun and the moon facing each other at dawn. Though it happens seldom in planes however for me it was not of much surprise but still I could not stay without capturing this moment. Bright sunny day gave the children a reason to cheer and play with their cheeks turning red in the warmth.
Good Morning Zuluk
Good Morning Zuluk
Good Morning Zuluk
Now after warming up we started for Thambi View point. This place is usually isolated however the existence of a new tea stall has made it a bit crowded. Obviously it has to be because it was Christmas time. While moving to Laxman-Chok we halted numerous times to capture the zig zag roads from various angles.
Most of the pic I have already shared.. One more wider view of the Old Silk Route
We reached Gnathang by 11:00 AM and planned to wash the vehicle before further move. There was crisis of water as it was sunny after almost 3 days and so the people of the place were busy completing their household works and advised us to wait till afternoon. Meanwhile the food was ready so the owner suggested us to have the food and complete the sightseeing and return back and then start to clean the vehicle.
Ajj tin din baad pani mila. Nehi to pani dead body ban jata hai..
View from our home-stay at Nathang
Its play time
Its play time
Our host.
Entry to our homestay
All are busy after getting water .. Ajj pani dead body nehi hai
Enjoying Sun
The village
Good Jump
Way to Gnathang
Wider View of Gnathang Valley
Wider View of Gnathang Valley
Abiding to the suggestion we went to Kupup but there we saw that the vehicles coming from Gangtok has occupied the whole place. The militants prevented us from going further because their training was going on beside the Kupup Lake however we peeped from the roadside and captured some snaps of the lake.
We retreated from there to old Baba Mandir and spent a relished time out there.
Way to Kupup from Nathang
Way to Kupup from Nathang
Way to Kupup from Nathang
Way to Kupup from Nathang
Way to Kupup from Nathang
Way to Kupup from Nathang
Kupup
Elephant Lake - Kupup
Elephant Lake - Kupup
Elephant Lake - Kupup
returning back from Kupup
returning back from Kupup
At Old Baba Mandir
View from Old Baba Mandir
At Old Baba Mandir
At Old Baba mandir
Returning from Old Baba Mandir
Somewhere while returning from Old Baba Mandir
Returning from Old Baba Mandir
Returning from Old Baba Mandir
Returning from Old Baba Mandir
Returning from Old Baba Mandir
Day 3 (27th Dec 2015)Zuluk – LaxmabChok – Nathang – Kupup – Old Baba Mandir - Nathang
Ah!! We started in a relax mode as we knew we will be covering lesser distance this day. With the morning light I was taken back as the roof top of my car was covered with snow. For my car this was its first experience as this has already happened for my bike when I have travelled to North Sikkim in 2013. The bright sunny morning made the white snow glaring to look at. In mountain places it is quite common that we are able to see the sun and the moon facing each other at dawn. Though it happens seldom in planes however for me it was not of much surprise but still I could not stay without capturing this moment. Bright sunny day gave the children a reason to cheer and play with their cheeks turning red in the warmth.
Good Morning Zuluk
Good Morning Zuluk
Good Morning Zuluk
Now after warming up we started for Thambi View point. This place is usually isolated however the existence of a new tea stall has made it a bit crowded. Obviously it has to be because it was Christmas time. While moving to Laxman-Chok we halted numerous times to capture the zig zag roads from various angles.
We reached Gnathang by 11:00 AM and planned to wash the vehicle before further move. There was crisis of water as it was sunny after almost 3 days and so the people of the place were busy completing their household works and advised us to wait till afternoon. Meanwhile the food was ready so the owner suggested us to have the food and complete the sightseeing and return back and then start to clean the vehicle.
Ajj tin din baad pani mila. Nehi to pani dead body ban jata hai..
View from our home-stay at Nathang
Its play time
Its play time
Our host.
Entry to our homestay
All are busy after getting water .. Ajj pani dead body nehi hai
Enjoying Sun
The village
Good Jump
Way to Gnathang
Wider View of Gnathang Valley
Wider View of Gnathang Valley
Abiding to the suggestion we went to Kupup but there we saw that the vehicles coming from Gangtok has occupied the whole place. The militants prevented us from going further because their training was going on beside the Kupup Lake however we peeped from the roadside and captured some snaps of the lake.
We retreated from there to old Baba Mandir and spent a relished time out there.
Way to Kupup from Nathang
Way to Kupup from Nathang
Way to Kupup from Nathang
Way to Kupup from Nathang
Way to Kupup from Nathang
Way to Kupup from Nathang
Kupup
Elephant Lake - Kupup
Elephant Lake - Kupup
Elephant Lake - Kupup
returning back from Kupup
returning back from Kupup
At Old Baba Mandir
View from Old Baba Mandir
At Old Baba Mandir
At Old Baba mandir
Returning from Old Baba Mandir
Somewhere while returning from Old Baba Mandir
Returning from Old Baba Mandir
Returning from Old Baba Mandir
Returning from Old Baba Mandir
Returning from Old Baba Mandir
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