 |
| 17th April, 2016 |
A passionate yet not so regular writer's write ups ...
Friday, 29 April 2016
Tuesday, 19 April 2016
Reminiscence of Sandakphu - Wanderwomen's journey - Day 2 - Tumling, Jaubari, Gairibas, Kalipokhri
Hi Folks !!
I am back again. So continuing from DAY 1 - I am proceeding to write on our Day 2 journey.
Day Two
After a so so night sleep in the moonlit night of Tumling, we woke up early to catch the glimpse of sunrise, but alas !! it already happened. Anyhow, Tumling is a nice view point to witness the Sleeping Buddha ranges. Of course the blogs on Sandakphu and the mesmerizing pictures of Tumling boosted our minds before and we were super excited to see that. We nearly rushed to the view point and yes there it was. The Sleeping Buddha was ploddingly uncovering itself from the clouds. It was not crystal clear but yes was visible enough and we were like OK .. more to come.. This is not the end of Sleeping Buddha view, we had Sandakphu view imprinted on our brain so we just moved from Tumling fast and we were ready to trek the trails now. So the official trek started from Tumling itself.
On the same day we had to trek 13 Kms straight. From Tumling to Kalipokhri via Jaubari & Gairibas. We all were beginners except for Chai and we had it on our mind that at any cost we had to reach Kalipokhri before the dusk. As we started our trek early in the morning, we were firmed enough that we will reach there on time and we had no other options too. Please check the map below. I hope that can help you to have an idea how the trails move.
So how was the trekking experience ? I would say it was tremendous. At first when you are leaving tumling step by step and going ahead, you can see the Sleeping Buddha Range is moving right with you. Sometimes in the corner, sometimes in front and sometimes not. Kind of hide and seek. But it was too good to walk over the mountain trails, having the bloomed Fuschia colored Rhododendrons and white magnolias beside your way. Till Gairibas the view was fantastic and road was really very smooth. Not so much steep the trails were. We met several trekkers on the way. And it really gives you enthusiasm and boost your will power when you spot various trekkers are walking towards the same destination as you are aiming towards.
Jaubari
There comes a place named Jaubari. A small village that comes under Nepal. If I forgot to say then pardon. I should have mentioned before that Tumling, Jaubari and Kalipokhri all come under Nepal. You can see BSF and the borders of India and Nepal. We halted in a nice hotel at Jaubari to have our hot teas out there. Usually I love how the hilly people decorate their homes. Each and every houses would have various flowers in front. They maintain it with so much love and that shows. The warmth they offer while serving tea or food is really heartwarming. I saw the same when I visited Sikkim last year and some another parts of North Bengal. They would have a neatly decorated room for visitors to have seat and rest. We found a cute doggy there and played with it a bit. After getting energized we left Jaubari and moved towards Gairibas.
At some point of time, I found no one around me, because everyone was seizing their own time, we all were busy clicking pictures or inhale the beauty and I was of no exception. The lean ways, the greens, the flowers, the deep blue sky - altogether was snatching my soul from my physical existence. Like this we five were moving ahead. We all were having our own time. A time to spend moments with our souls, to extract the inner joy of being born as human in this World and to visualize how beautiful Himalaya is. Infinite and unbound. Symbol of freedom and openness.
& we reached Gairibas.
Gairibas
I asked my guide what does Gairibas mean actually. He said Gairi means where two mountains meet in down and Bas means Valley. Yes Gairibas is a really nice and tiny village down the mountains. It is like all trekker's halt. Moving to Gairibas will lead your legs to bear more a bit as the road is very steep downhill and your whole body weight will stress your knees. But the duration is very small so you do not need to worry about it. We had our lunch there. Hot momos with that spicy chutney. Ahh !! it was big treat to our tongues. As our stomach were filled and our power batteries were full, we started the second part of our Trek that was towards Kalipokhri.
Road towards Kalipokhri was steeper than before. Roads were smooth and walkable but you need a bit energy to accumulate your strength. The best part was we were hiking another mountain then and straight from there we could see how Gairibas was looking so tiny at down and more over that spotting Jaubari was even more interesting. We could see the mountain which we trekked down since morning and really that was inspiring us. We could not even imagine how did we do that. In the deep of our mind, we knew how we did that and we were confident enough to finish this trek with much ease and sport and this way we trekked more - Tadda !! we reached Kalipokhri.
Kalipokhri
The big lake welcomed us at Kalipokhri at first and we just shouted. Because our first day trek was completed in 'all is well' manner. Kalipokhri was beautiful. We were hell tired and were in hurry to rest our back and shoulder so we could not roam around the lake in that sense but in the evening around 7-7:30 we walked over the mountains of Kalipokhri. On one hand there was dark sky full of stars and on another hand, down the hill the lights were shining from each homes of the village as if the stars were coming down from the sky to the hills. The silence and sound of chilled wind was astounding. The experience was beautiful and that's how the night at Kalipokhri ended there.
P.S please ignore the typos and forgive :)
Posted By Debarati Datta Read about me here blogging since 2011 Copyright © Debarati Datta Privacy Policy
I am back again. So continuing from DAY 1 - I am proceeding to write on our Day 2 journey.
Day Two
After a so so night sleep in the moonlit night of Tumling, we woke up early to catch the glimpse of sunrise, but alas !! it already happened. Anyhow, Tumling is a nice view point to witness the Sleeping Buddha ranges. Of course the blogs on Sandakphu and the mesmerizing pictures of Tumling boosted our minds before and we were super excited to see that. We nearly rushed to the view point and yes there it was. The Sleeping Buddha was ploddingly uncovering itself from the clouds. It was not crystal clear but yes was visible enough and we were like OK .. more to come.. This is not the end of Sleeping Buddha view, we had Sandakphu view imprinted on our brain so we just moved from Tumling fast and we were ready to trek the trails now. So the official trek started from Tumling itself.
 |
| The sleeping buddha at Tumling. P.C Sanjukta Di |
On the same day we had to trek 13 Kms straight. From Tumling to Kalipokhri via Jaubari & Gairibas. We all were beginners except for Chai and we had it on our mind that at any cost we had to reach Kalipokhri before the dusk. As we started our trek early in the morning, we were firmed enough that we will reach there on time and we had no other options too. Please check the map below. I hope that can help you to have an idea how the trails move.
So how was the trekking experience ? I would say it was tremendous. At first when you are leaving tumling step by step and going ahead, you can see the Sleeping Buddha Range is moving right with you. Sometimes in the corner, sometimes in front and sometimes not. Kind of hide and seek. But it was too good to walk over the mountain trails, having the bloomed Fuschia colored Rhododendrons and white magnolias beside your way. Till Gairibas the view was fantastic and road was really very smooth. Not so much steep the trails were. We met several trekkers on the way. And it really gives you enthusiasm and boost your will power when you spot various trekkers are walking towards the same destination as you are aiming towards.
 |
| P.C Sanjukta di |
 |
| The border of Nepal and India . Can you see Buddha here ? |
 |
| Rhododendrons |
 |
| We almost reached Jaubari then |
Jaubari
There comes a place named Jaubari. A small village that comes under Nepal. If I forgot to say then pardon. I should have mentioned before that Tumling, Jaubari and Kalipokhri all come under Nepal. You can see BSF and the borders of India and Nepal. We halted in a nice hotel at Jaubari to have our hot teas out there. Usually I love how the hilly people decorate their homes. Each and every houses would have various flowers in front. They maintain it with so much love and that shows. The warmth they offer while serving tea or food is really heartwarming. I saw the same when I visited Sikkim last year and some another parts of North Bengal. They would have a neatly decorated room for visitors to have seat and rest. We found a cute doggy there and played with it a bit. After getting energized we left Jaubari and moved towards Gairibas.
 |
| Play time |
 |
 |
| I loved the ambiance over there |
 |
| Flowers ♥ |
At some point of time, I found no one around me, because everyone was seizing their own time, we all were busy clicking pictures or inhale the beauty and I was of no exception. The lean ways, the greens, the flowers, the deep blue sky - altogether was snatching my soul from my physical existence. Like this we five were moving ahead. We all were having our own time. A time to spend moments with our souls, to extract the inner joy of being born as human in this World and to visualize how beautiful Himalaya is. Infinite and unbound. Symbol of freedom and openness.
 |
| Magnolia |
 |
| First groupfie - and the memorable one |
 |
| One of the Trekkers group we met throughout the trip. I wish we could occupy the place. |
 |
| Rocky Mountain High ♫♫ |
 |
| Sanjukta di |
 |
| us .. |
 |
& we reached Gairibas.
Gairibas
I asked my guide what does Gairibas mean actually. He said Gairi means where two mountains meet in down and Bas means Valley. Yes Gairibas is a really nice and tiny village down the mountains. It is like all trekker's halt. Moving to Gairibas will lead your legs to bear more a bit as the road is very steep downhill and your whole body weight will stress your knees. But the duration is very small so you do not need to worry about it. We had our lunch there. Hot momos with that spicy chutney. Ahh !! it was big treat to our tongues. As our stomach were filled and our power batteries were full, we started the second part of our Trek that was towards Kalipokhri.
 |
| Gairibas |
 |
| hot and spicy momos |
 |
| Gairibas halt |
Road towards Kalipokhri was steeper than before. Roads were smooth and walkable but you need a bit energy to accumulate your strength. The best part was we were hiking another mountain then and straight from there we could see how Gairibas was looking so tiny at down and more over that spotting Jaubari was even more interesting. We could see the mountain which we trekked down since morning and really that was inspiring us. We could not even imagine how did we do that. In the deep of our mind, we knew how we did that and we were confident enough to finish this trek with much ease and sport and this way we trekked more - Tadda !! we reached Kalipokhri.
 |
| Check the trails we walked over ... huh !! amazing |
 |
| cool di :) |
Kalipokhri
The big lake welcomed us at Kalipokhri at first and we just shouted. Because our first day trek was completed in 'all is well' manner. Kalipokhri was beautiful. We were hell tired and were in hurry to rest our back and shoulder so we could not roam around the lake in that sense but in the evening around 7-7:30 we walked over the mountains of Kalipokhri. On one hand there was dark sky full of stars and on another hand, down the hill the lights were shining from each homes of the village as if the stars were coming down from the sky to the hills. The silence and sound of chilled wind was astounding. The experience was beautiful and that's how the night at Kalipokhri ended there.
 |
| Kalipokhri Lake |
 |
| I wish I could have my wings :( |
P.S please ignore the typos and forgive :)
Posted By Debarati Datta Read about me here blogging since 2011 Copyright © Debarati Datta Privacy Policy
Sunday, 3 April 2016
Reminiscence of Sandakphu - Wanderwomen's journey - Day 1 - Chitrey, Meghma, Tumling, Tonglu
Who tells it is impossible for a 'Only Girls' gang to Trek Himalaya without any professional trekker's guidance? Basically nothing is impossible when you have the will to do. Finally we did it. 5 ladies where among 4 are the beginners to trek this long trails. So here I start today to share the most memorable trip of my life which had adventures, fun and so many little stories to remember. I will share all the important information about the route, climate and try to get you as much as possible. And I bet you will try this trek after you see the clicks and read this series.
Our plan started in mid of December, mainly from January. Of course the blogs on Sandakphu helped us to plan well. Our trip was of 7 days total. Here how it happened.
Day One :
We reached NewJalpaiguri station and from there we had to go to Manebhanjan. We booked the car before itself, though later we realized from NJP anyone can get shared car easily to get into Manebhanjan. You can save extra pennies. Really. Normally trekkers start trekking from Manebhanjan towards Tumling. We had less time so we skipped that trek and rather picked a Land rover from there. We booked that before itself.
To reach Tumling you first need to get entry pass of Singalila National Park and then you actually start exploring the places one by one.
Chitrey :
If you are visiting Chitrey, just don't miss the monastery. It is tenderly beautiful. When we reached, the monastery was closed. On our request they opened it and it was serene. Placing our naked feet over the monastery floor reminded us that yes we were in the paradise of chills. It was damn cold that our feet were sensing numb. But the monastery was beautiful. We prayed, we lit up candles and intense sticks and that brought another charm to the silence. Check the pictures.
Meghma :
This village had separate place in my heart. Before two years I got hooked with this place for a write up on Meghma. Then I never knew where the place was, and how to visit there. Just after a little bit google and net surfing I made up my story. Read it here. When I found that Meghma falls in the road to Sandakphu, I could not control my wish to visit the place and feel the air of Meghma - village that is covered with clouds. Even we spotted another monastery in Meghma too. Even that was beautiful too. The Rhododendrons were so vibrant that it filled so much of positivism in our souls. We were carefree, just started the trip and had so many days to go. All plans, excitements and enthusiasms were blushing our faces. We were happiest and luckiest ladies on earth. Sometimes you need your network to get rid of you. Freedom is living your life with only your wish, with no time constraint following you and to swallow nature's bliss drops. It seemed as if we eloped and we had big smiles on our faces.
Tumling & Tonglu:
And there we reached at our destination. Tumling where we had the night stay. Serene village, clumsier than Meghma and Chitrey and of course you can spot tourists here. We settled in our room and got ready for the evening small trek towards Tonglu. We had hot cups of tea and gathered more energy to kick start the first little warm up trek to Tonglu. Tonglu is 2 km from Tumling. Road were hilly and rough. We crossed Rhododendrons and Daphnes in the roads. We walked and walked, watched the clouds touching us time to time and we followed the Sun which was about to set. Anyhow we had to see the sunset from Tonglu top and there our timing was so perfect. We reached the top of Tonglu and the sun said bye bye. At top of tonglu there were several tents and several trekkers were busy in bonfires. Me and Arpita di lied over the green grasses for long and watched Sky. Breathed in and relaxed. Nothing could come on our mind at that time. No worries, no hassles, Only laughter and joy.
When we went, it was the time of Full moon. Mountains in moon light can be this beautiful, I never had any idea. It was too chilled at night, sky was clear and moon was bright. White magnolias were visible and the silence was breaking due to windchills. Beautiful Himalaya and beautiful the essence is. Blessed to visit these places.
to be continued .... Day 2
P.S : Please Mercy for Typos ..
Posted By Debarati Datta Read about me here blogging since 2011 Copyright © Debarati Datta Privacy Policy
Our plan started in mid of December, mainly from January. Of course the blogs on Sandakphu helped us to plan well. Our trip was of 7 days total. Here how it happened.
Day One :
We reached NewJalpaiguri station and from there we had to go to Manebhanjan. We booked the car before itself, though later we realized from NJP anyone can get shared car easily to get into Manebhanjan. You can save extra pennies. Really. Normally trekkers start trekking from Manebhanjan towards Tumling. We had less time so we skipped that trek and rather picked a Land rover from there. We booked that before itself.
 |
| For the first time I am using pictures from others. Just started our journey at Singalika Entry point. Pic credit : Sanjukta di |
To reach Tumling you first need to get entry pass of Singalila National Park and then you actually start exploring the places one by one.
Chitrey :
If you are visiting Chitrey, just don't miss the monastery. It is tenderly beautiful. When we reached, the monastery was closed. On our request they opened it and it was serene. Placing our naked feet over the monastery floor reminded us that yes we were in the paradise of chills. It was damn cold that our feet were sensing numb. But the monastery was beautiful. We prayed, we lit up candles and intense sticks and that brought another charm to the silence. Check the pictures.
 |
| Beautiful Chitrey |
 |
| Naiwrita, Arpita Di and Chai |
 |
| Inside Chitey Monastery |
Meghma :
This village had separate place in my heart. Before two years I got hooked with this place for a write up on Meghma. Then I never knew where the place was, and how to visit there. Just after a little bit google and net surfing I made up my story. Read it here. When I found that Meghma falls in the road to Sandakphu, I could not control my wish to visit the place and feel the air of Meghma - village that is covered with clouds. Even we spotted another monastery in Meghma too. Even that was beautiful too. The Rhododendrons were so vibrant that it filled so much of positivism in our souls. We were carefree, just started the trip and had so many days to go. All plans, excitements and enthusiasms were blushing our faces. We were happiest and luckiest ladies on earth. Sometimes you need your network to get rid of you. Freedom is living your life with only your wish, with no time constraint following you and to swallow nature's bliss drops. It seemed as if we eloped and we had big smiles on our faces.
 |
| Meghma |
 |
| Rhododendron |
 |
| Meghma Monastery |
 |
| Our Gang - From left Chai, Arpita Di, Me, Naiwrita and Sanjukta Di |
Tumling & Tonglu:
And there we reached at our destination. Tumling where we had the night stay. Serene village, clumsier than Meghma and Chitrey and of course you can spot tourists here. We settled in our room and got ready for the evening small trek towards Tonglu. We had hot cups of tea and gathered more energy to kick start the first little warm up trek to Tonglu. Tonglu is 2 km from Tumling. Road were hilly and rough. We crossed Rhododendrons and Daphnes in the roads. We walked and walked, watched the clouds touching us time to time and we followed the Sun which was about to set. Anyhow we had to see the sunset from Tonglu top and there our timing was so perfect. We reached the top of Tonglu and the sun said bye bye. At top of tonglu there were several tents and several trekkers were busy in bonfires. Me and Arpita di lied over the green grasses for long and watched Sky. Breathed in and relaxed. Nothing could come on our mind at that time. No worries, no hassles, Only laughter and joy.
 |
| Towards Tumling .. Land Rover |
 |
| Tumling - they were dancing so good |
 |
| opposite to our lodge |
 |
| Towards Tonglu |
 |
| Aries :P |
 |
| Click Click |
 |
| Still 1 Km to reach Tonglu |
 |
| Sunset at Tonglu |
 |
| La la la ♫♫ |
 |
| Arpita Di .. flowing in the wind |
 |
| I ♥ this pic. Credit : Arpita di |
When we went, it was the time of Full moon. Mountains in moon light can be this beautiful, I never had any idea. It was too chilled at night, sky was clear and moon was bright. White magnolias were visible and the silence was breaking due to windchills. Beautiful Himalaya and beautiful the essence is. Blessed to visit these places.
to be continued .... Day 2
P.S : Please Mercy for Typos ..
Posted By Debarati Datta Read about me here blogging since 2011 Copyright © Debarati Datta Privacy Policy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)