An unplanned West Sikkim trip in May,2012
An unplanned West Sikkim trip in May,2012
15th May
We boarded Kanchenjunga Express and started for our maiden journey to Sikkim at 6.35 am. A day before I reached New Alipore railway station at 4.30 am for Tatkal tickets only to find myself after 16 people!! Luckily we had sleeper class pre-booked and couldn’t find any AC ticket. We would reach New Jalpaiguri in the evening at 6.15.So the journey started. We were 7 adults & among them 5 were Senior Citizens. My daughter of 3 ½ years being the youngest. The torturing started at around 10.30.The scorching sun never lend us a helping hand throughout the day. It was a burning effect as it approached the afternoon. Water in the basin was hot and we hardly could soak our towel to get some respite. My daughter proved to be the fittest member as she was busy with her drawing book and rhymes and ignored the challenge from the heat like anything. She knocked it out like a single punch from Mike Tyson!!!!!
Well we reached New Jalpaiguri at around 6.30 am and moved to Hotel Tirupati which is just a 2 minutes’ walk from the station. Quickly checked in the AC rooms and took a bath!!Again our energy level started getting back to the peak!!Had a light dinner and quickly went off to sleep.
16th May
Slept deep and peacefully. Suddenly my mobile phone rang and found the voice of Saran Thapa, owner of a Bolero and Xylo from whom we hired the Bolero for next 6 days.”Sir ji aapka gaadi ready hai”-Sir your car is ready. It was 5.30 in the morning. I went downstairs only to find 2 cheerful lads waiting with the Bolero. I told them that we would start off latest by 7.30 and not before that. They reached New Jalpaiguri the night before from Gangtok as it was a Sikkimese cab. We started getting ready and suddenly got a call that some touts are taunting them and asking for 500 bucks as it is a Sikkim- registered-car. I quickly went downstairs and blasted the touts. The hotel owner also joined me and they vanished in quick seconds. After a light breakfast we started off at 8.30 for the land of White Mountains, thunder and dragons!! Our Bolero Plus got a third row which I insisted upon so the long journey would be less hectic. Gradually we left the hustle and bustle of the city and started moving up. I occupied the front seat along with the two!! They told that they would get down at Melli and then after their elder brother would take charge. We reached Malli after about 2 hours and they got down there and Santosh got in. A bright young chap of 23years but showed more maturity in those 6 days. We chatted like anything and observed the beauty around. In between there was a light shower and we had to stop as his brothers didn’t put the plastic cover on our luggages. Started moving again. Again stopped as Santosh needed to have some food. So all these stops resulted in our late arrival at Kaluk. We reached at 1pm. We were greeted by Mr.Gurung and Chaman of Ghonday Village Resort. The resort was located in a fantastic position. It was breathtaking, awesome, heavenly. No adjective is enough to describe. We quickly moved in for our respective rooms and cottages.All the rooms were fantastically done and got a view. We headed for lunch which was pre informed. The food was warm and the hospitality was awe inspiring. After lunch we sat in the lawn and though the weather was sunny and pleasant but Mount K was missing. Around 5 in the evening the clouds swam in and dampened our mood. A couple from Kolkata informed us that this is happening for the last 4-5 days!! That’s not fair!! It started pouring in the evening and the heavy scent of the mountains filled us. We chatted and sang the whole evening sitting in the porch of our twin cottages. A leech spoiled the party late in the evening after sucking blood of one of my aunt’s toe fingers. It died of sodium bi carbonate – a mystery powder in their kingdom!! At around 9 we had our dinner and went off to bed. Again the rain started pouring heavily!! I felt asleep.
We boarded Kanchenjunga Express and started for our maiden journey to Sikkim at 6.35 am. A day before I reached New Alipore railway station at 4.30 am for Tatkal tickets only to find myself after 16 people!! Luckily we had sleeper class pre-booked and couldn’t find any AC ticket. We would reach New Jalpaiguri in the evening at 6.15.So the journey started. We were 7 adults & among them 5 were Senior Citizens. My daughter of 3 ½ years being the youngest. The torturing started at around 10.30.The scorching sun never lend us a helping hand throughout the day. It was a burning effect as it approached the afternoon. Water in the basin was hot and we hardly could soak our towel to get some respite. My daughter proved to be the fittest member as she was busy with her drawing book and rhymes and ignored the challenge from the heat like anything. She knocked it out like a single punch from Mike Tyson!!!!!
Well we reached New Jalpaiguri at around 6.30 am and moved to Hotel Tirupati which is just a 2 minutes’ walk from the station. Quickly checked in the AC rooms and took a bath!!Again our energy level started getting back to the peak!!Had a light dinner and quickly went off to sleep.
16th May
Slept deep and peacefully. Suddenly my mobile phone rang and found the voice of Saran Thapa, owner of a Bolero and Xylo from whom we hired the Bolero for next 6 days.”Sir ji aapka gaadi ready hai”-Sir your car is ready. It was 5.30 in the morning. I went downstairs only to find 2 cheerful lads waiting with the Bolero. I told them that we would start off latest by 7.30 and not before that. They reached New Jalpaiguri the night before from Gangtok as it was a Sikkimese cab. We started getting ready and suddenly got a call that some touts are taunting them and asking for 500 bucks as it is a Sikkim- registered-car. I quickly went downstairs and blasted the touts. The hotel owner also joined me and they vanished in quick seconds. After a light breakfast we started off at 8.30 for the land of White Mountains, thunder and dragons!! Our Bolero Plus got a third row which I insisted upon so the long journey would be less hectic. Gradually we left the hustle and bustle of the city and started moving up. I occupied the front seat along with the two!! They told that they would get down at Melli and then after their elder brother would take charge. We reached Malli after about 2 hours and they got down there and Santosh got in. A bright young chap of 23years but showed more maturity in those 6 days. We chatted like anything and observed the beauty around. In between there was a light shower and we had to stop as his brothers didn’t put the plastic cover on our luggages. Started moving again. Again stopped as Santosh needed to have some food. So all these stops resulted in our late arrival at Kaluk. We reached at 1pm. We were greeted by Mr.Gurung and Chaman of Ghonday Village Resort. The resort was located in a fantastic position. It was breathtaking, awesome, heavenly. No adjective is enough to describe. We quickly moved in for our respective rooms and cottages.All the rooms were fantastically done and got a view. We headed for lunch which was pre informed. The food was warm and the hospitality was awe inspiring. After lunch we sat in the lawn and though the weather was sunny and pleasant but Mount K was missing. Around 5 in the evening the clouds swam in and dampened our mood. A couple from Kolkata informed us that this is happening for the last 4-5 days!! That’s not fair!! It started pouring in the evening and the heavy scent of the mountains filled us. We chatted and sang the whole evening sitting in the porch of our twin cottages. A leech spoiled the party late in the evening after sucking blood of one of my aunt’s toe fingers. It died of sodium bi carbonate – a mystery powder in their kingdom!! At around 9 we had our dinner and went off to bed. Again the rain started pouring heavily!! I felt asleep.
“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.”
Last edited by Bangla; May 25th, 2012 at 22:08..
Quote:
Can you please put up the phone numbers for the vehicle drivers. And most importantly, how was the behaviour of the drivers.
Originally Posted by Bangla 
15th May
We boarded Kanchenjunga Express and started for our maiden journey to Sikkim at 6.35 am. A day before I reached New Alipore railway station at 4.30 am for Tatkal tickets only to find myself after 16 people!! Luckily we had sleeper class pre-booked and couldn’t find any AC ticket. We would reach New Jalpaiguri in the evening at 6.15.So the journey started. We were 7 adults & among them 5 were Senior Citizens. My daughter of 3 ½ years being the youngest. The torturing started at around 10.30.The scorching sun never lend us a helping hand throughout the day. It was a burning effect as it approached the afternoon. Water in the basin was hot and we hardly could soak our towel to get some respite. My daughter proved to be the fittest member as she was busy with her drawing book and rhymes and ignored the challenge from the heat like anything. She knocked it out like a single punch from Mike Tyson!!!!!
Well we reached New Jalpaiguri at around 6.30 am and moved to Hotel Tirupati which is just a 2 minutes’ walk from the station. Quickly checked in the AC rooms and took a bath!!Again our energy level started getting back to the peak!!Had a light dinner and quickly went off to sleep.
16th May
Slept deep and peacefully. Suddenly my mobile phone rang and found the voice of Saran Thapa, owner of a Bolero and Xylo from whom we hired the Bolero for next 6 days.”Sir ji aapka gaadi ready hai”-Sir your car is ready. It was 5.30 in the morning. I went downstairs only to find 2 cheerful lads waiting with the Bolero. I told them that we would start off latest by 7.30 and not before that. They reached New Jalpaiguri the night before from Gangtok as it was a Sikkimese cab. We started getting ready and suddenly got a call that some touts are taunting them and asking for 500 bucks as it is a Sikkim- registered-car. I quickly went downstairs and blasted the touts. The hotel owner also joined me and they vanished in quick seconds. After a light breakfast we started off at 8.30 for the land of White Mountains, thunder and dragons!! Our Bolero Plus got a third row which I insisted upon so the long journey would be less hectic. Gradually we left the hustle and bustle of the city and started moving up. I occupied the front seat along with the two!! They told that they would get down at Melli and then after their elder brother would take charge. We reached Malli after about 2 hours and they got down there and Santosh got in. A bright young chap of 23years but showed more maturity in those 6 days. We chatted like anything and observed the beauty around. In between there was a light shower and we had to stop as his brothers didn’t put the plastic cover on our luggages. Started moving again. Again stopped as Santosh needed to have some food. So all these stops resulted in our late arrival at Kaluk. We reached at 1pm. We were greeted by Mr.Gurung and Chaman of Ghonday Village Resort. The resort was located in a fantastic position. It was breathtaking, awesome, heavenly. No adjective is enough to describe. We quickly moved in for our respective rooms and cottages.All the rooms were fantastically done and got a view. We headed for lunch which was pre informed. The food was warm and the hospitality was awe inspiring. After lunch we sat in the lawn and though the weather was sunny and pleasant but Mount K was missing. Around 5 in the evening the clouds swam in and dampened our mood. A couple from Kolkata informed us that this is happening for the last 4-5 days!! That’s not fair!! It started pouring in the evening and the heavy scent of the mountains filled us. We chatted and sang the whole evening sitting in the porch of our twin cottages. A leech spoiled the party late in the evening after sucking blood of one of my aunt’s toe fingers. It died of sodium bi carbonate – a mystery powder in their kingdom!! At around 9 we had our dinner and went off to bed. Again the rain started pouring heavily!! I felt asleep.
15th MayWe boarded Kanchenjunga Express and started for our maiden journey to Sikkim at 6.35 am. A day before I reached New Alipore railway station at 4.30 am for Tatkal tickets only to find myself after 16 people!! Luckily we had sleeper class pre-booked and couldn’t find any AC ticket. We would reach New Jalpaiguri in the evening at 6.15.So the journey started. We were 7 adults & among them 5 were Senior Citizens. My daughter of 3 ½ years being the youngest. The torturing started at around 10.30.The scorching sun never lend us a helping hand throughout the day. It was a burning effect as it approached the afternoon. Water in the basin was hot and we hardly could soak our towel to get some respite. My daughter proved to be the fittest member as she was busy with her drawing book and rhymes and ignored the challenge from the heat like anything. She knocked it out like a single punch from Mike Tyson!!!!!
Well we reached New Jalpaiguri at around 6.30 am and moved to Hotel Tirupati which is just a 2 minutes’ walk from the station. Quickly checked in the AC rooms and took a bath!!Again our energy level started getting back to the peak!!Had a light dinner and quickly went off to sleep.
16th May
Slept deep and peacefully. Suddenly my mobile phone rang and found the voice of Saran Thapa, owner of a Bolero and Xylo from whom we hired the Bolero for next 6 days.”Sir ji aapka gaadi ready hai”-Sir your car is ready. It was 5.30 in the morning. I went downstairs only to find 2 cheerful lads waiting with the Bolero. I told them that we would start off latest by 7.30 and not before that. They reached New Jalpaiguri the night before from Gangtok as it was a Sikkimese cab. We started getting ready and suddenly got a call that some touts are taunting them and asking for 500 bucks as it is a Sikkim- registered-car. I quickly went downstairs and blasted the touts. The hotel owner also joined me and they vanished in quick seconds. After a light breakfast we started off at 8.30 for the land of White Mountains, thunder and dragons!! Our Bolero Plus got a third row which I insisted upon so the long journey would be less hectic. Gradually we left the hustle and bustle of the city and started moving up. I occupied the front seat along with the two!! They told that they would get down at Melli and then after their elder brother would take charge. We reached Malli after about 2 hours and they got down there and Santosh got in. A bright young chap of 23years but showed more maturity in those 6 days. We chatted like anything and observed the beauty around. In between there was a light shower and we had to stop as his brothers didn’t put the plastic cover on our luggages. Started moving again. Again stopped as Santosh needed to have some food. So all these stops resulted in our late arrival at Kaluk. We reached at 1pm. We were greeted by Mr.Gurung and Chaman of Ghonday Village Resort. The resort was located in a fantastic position. It was breathtaking, awesome, heavenly. No adjective is enough to describe. We quickly moved in for our respective rooms and cottages.All the rooms were fantastically done and got a view. We headed for lunch which was pre informed. The food was warm and the hospitality was awe inspiring. After lunch we sat in the lawn and though the weather was sunny and pleasant but Mount K was missing. Around 5 in the evening the clouds swam in and dampened our mood. A couple from Kolkata informed us that this is happening for the last 4-5 days!! That’s not fair!! It started pouring in the evening and the heavy scent of the mountains filled us. We chatted and sang the whole evening sitting in the porch of our twin cottages. A leech spoiled the party late in the evening after sucking blood of one of my aunt’s toe fingers. It died of sodium bi carbonate – a mystery powder in their kingdom!! At around 9 we had our dinner and went off to bed. Again the rain started pouring heavily!! I felt asleep.
Please go to the following link and you will get all the required info.
Car Rental in North Bengal & North-Eastern states
Car Rental in North Bengal & North-Eastern states
@Asish Das
Quote:
Thank you Asish Das for answering your own question as well as mine!!
Originally Posted by asishdas Please go to the following link and you will get all the required info.
Car Rental in North Bengal & North-Eastern states
Please go to the following link and you will get all the required info.Car Rental in North Bengal & North-Eastern states
I will be posting the photographs as well as the whole TR.Today I had time but for Jamai Sasthi!!
@northeastbug
Quote:
As Asish Das has mentioned,you can get all the details of the cost for the car in a separate thread and as far as my experience goes I never came across a rude driver from this part as well as other hill stations.
Originally Posted by northeastbug Can you please put up the phone numbers for the vehicle drivers. And most importantly, how was the behaviour of the drivers.
Can you please put up the phone numbers for the vehicle drivers. And most importantly, how was the behaviour of the drivers. You can rely on these people. 
next installment
Thank u
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bangla 15th May
We boarded Kanchenjunga Express and started for our maiden journey to Sikkim at 6.35 am. A day before I reached New Alipore railway station at 4.30 am for Tatkal tickets only to find myself after 16 people!! Luckily we had sleeper class pre-booked and couldn’t find any AC ticket. We would reach New Jalpaiguri in the evening at 6.15.So the journey started. We were 7 adults & among them 5 were Senior Citizens. My daughter of 3 ½ years being the youngest. The torturing started at around 10.30.The scorching sun never lend us a helping hand throughout the day. It was a burning effect as it approached the afternoon. Water in the basin was hot and we hardly could soak our towel to get some respite. My daughter proved to be the fittest member as she was busy with her drawing book and rhymes and ignored the challenge from the heat like anything. She knocked it out like a single punch from Mike Tyson!!!!!
Well we reached New Jalpaiguri at around 6.30 am and moved to Hotel Tirupati which is just a 2 minutes’ walk from the station. Quickly checked in the AC rooms and took a bath!!Again our energy level started getting back to the peak!!Had a light dinner and quickly went off to sleep.
16th May
Slept deep and peacefully. Suddenly my mobile phone rang and found the voice of Saran Thapa, owner of a Bolero and Xylo from whom we hired the Bolero for next 6 days.”Sir ji aapka gaadi ready hai”-Sir your car is ready. It was 5.30 in the morning. I went downstairs only to find 2 cheerful lads waiting with the Bolero. I told them that we would start off latest by 7.30 and not before that. They reached New Jalpaiguri the night before from Gangtok as it was a Sikkimese cab. We started getting ready and suddenly got a call that some touts are taunting them and asking for 500 bucks as it is a Sikkim- registered-car. I quickly went downstairs and blasted the touts. The hotel owner also joined me and they vanished in quick seconds. After a light breakfast we started off at 8.30 for the land of White Mountains, thunder and dragons!! Our Bolero Plus got a third row which I insisted upon so the long journey would be less hectic. Gradually we left the hustle and bustle of the city and started moving up. I occupied the front seat along with the two!! They told that they would get down at Melli and then after their elder brother would take charge. We reached Malli after about 2 hours and they got down there and Santosh got in. A bright young chap of 23years but showed more maturity in those 6 days. We chatted like anything and observed the beauty around. In between there was a light shower and we had to stop as his brothers didn’t put the plastic cover on our luggages. Started moving again. Again stopped as Santosh needed to have some food. So all these stops resulted in our late arrival at Kaluk. We reached at 1pm. We were greeted by Mr.Gurung and Chaman of Ghonday Village Resort. The resort was located in a fantastic position. It was breathtaking, awesome, heavenly. No adjective is enough to describe. We quickly moved in for our respective rooms and cottages.All the rooms were fantastically done and got a view. We headed for lunch which was pre informed. The food was warm and the hospitality was awe inspiring. After lunch we sat in the lawn and though the weather was sunny and pleasant but Mount K was missing. Around 5 in the evening the clouds swam in and dampened our mood. A couple from Kolkata informed us that this is happening for the last 4-5 days!! That’s not fair!! It started pouring in the evening and the heavy scent of the mountains filled us. We chatted and sang the whole evening sitting in the porch of our twin cottages. A leech spoiled the party late in the evening after sucking blood of one of my aunt’s toe fingers. It died of sodium bi carbonate – a mystery powder in their kingdom!! At around 9 we had our dinner and went off to bed. Again the rain started pouring heavily!! I felt asleep.
15th MayWe boarded Kanchenjunga Express and started for our maiden journey to Sikkim at 6.35 am. A day before I reached New Alipore railway station at 4.30 am for Tatkal tickets only to find myself after 16 people!! Luckily we had sleeper class pre-booked and couldn’t find any AC ticket. We would reach New Jalpaiguri in the evening at 6.15.So the journey started. We were 7 adults & among them 5 were Senior Citizens. My daughter of 3 ½ years being the youngest. The torturing started at around 10.30.The scorching sun never lend us a helping hand throughout the day. It was a burning effect as it approached the afternoon. Water in the basin was hot and we hardly could soak our towel to get some respite. My daughter proved to be the fittest member as she was busy with her drawing book and rhymes and ignored the challenge from the heat like anything. She knocked it out like a single punch from Mike Tyson!!!!!
Well we reached New Jalpaiguri at around 6.30 am and moved to Hotel Tirupati which is just a 2 minutes’ walk from the station. Quickly checked in the AC rooms and took a bath!!Again our energy level started getting back to the peak!!Had a light dinner and quickly went off to sleep.
16th May
Slept deep and peacefully. Suddenly my mobile phone rang and found the voice of Saran Thapa, owner of a Bolero and Xylo from whom we hired the Bolero for next 6 days.”Sir ji aapka gaadi ready hai”-Sir your car is ready. It was 5.30 in the morning. I went downstairs only to find 2 cheerful lads waiting with the Bolero. I told them that we would start off latest by 7.30 and not before that. They reached New Jalpaiguri the night before from Gangtok as it was a Sikkimese cab. We started getting ready and suddenly got a call that some touts are taunting them and asking for 500 bucks as it is a Sikkim- registered-car. I quickly went downstairs and blasted the touts. The hotel owner also joined me and they vanished in quick seconds. After a light breakfast we started off at 8.30 for the land of White Mountains, thunder and dragons!! Our Bolero Plus got a third row which I insisted upon so the long journey would be less hectic. Gradually we left the hustle and bustle of the city and started moving up. I occupied the front seat along with the two!! They told that they would get down at Melli and then after their elder brother would take charge. We reached Malli after about 2 hours and they got down there and Santosh got in. A bright young chap of 23years but showed more maturity in those 6 days. We chatted like anything and observed the beauty around. In between there was a light shower and we had to stop as his brothers didn’t put the plastic cover on our luggages. Started moving again. Again stopped as Santosh needed to have some food. So all these stops resulted in our late arrival at Kaluk. We reached at 1pm. We were greeted by Mr.Gurung and Chaman of Ghonday Village Resort. The resort was located in a fantastic position. It was breathtaking, awesome, heavenly. No adjective is enough to describe. We quickly moved in for our respective rooms and cottages.All the rooms were fantastically done and got a view. We headed for lunch which was pre informed. The food was warm and the hospitality was awe inspiring. After lunch we sat in the lawn and though the weather was sunny and pleasant but Mount K was missing. Around 5 in the evening the clouds swam in and dampened our mood. A couple from Kolkata informed us that this is happening for the last 4-5 days!! That’s not fair!! It started pouring in the evening and the heavy scent of the mountains filled us. We chatted and sang the whole evening sitting in the porch of our twin cottages. A leech spoiled the party late in the evening after sucking blood of one of my aunt’s toe fingers. It died of sodium bi carbonate – a mystery powder in their kingdom!! At around 9 we had our dinner and went off to bed. Again the rain started pouring heavily!! I felt asleep.
Hello,
Thanks for the cab info, i will be travelling to NB this week and and your cab info link is of grreat help.
Regards
Atimit Kundu
Atimit Kundu
--- WanderLUST ---
--- WanderLUST ---
@atimit
Quote:
You are most welcome.I am honoured.
Originally Posted by atimitonly4u
Hello,
Thanks for the cab info, i will be travelling to NB this week and and your cab info link is of grreat help.
Regards
Atimit Kundu
Hello,
Thanks for the cab info, i will be travelling to NB this week and and your cab info link is of grreat help.
Regards
Atimit Kundu
@ash Trip continued.....
15th May
We boarded Kanchenjunga Express and started for our maiden journey to Sikkim at 6.35 am. A day before I reached New Alipore railway station at 4.30 am for Tatkal tickets only to find myself after 16 people!! Luckily we had sleeper class pre-booked and couldn’t find any AC ticket. We would reach New Jalpaiguri in the evening at 6.15.So the journey started. We were 7 adults & among them 5 were Senior Citizens. My daughter of 3 ½ years being the youngest. The torturing started at around 10.30.The scorching sun never lend us a helping hand throughout the day. It was a burning effect as it approached the afternoon. Water in the basin was hot and we hardly could soak our towel to get some respite. My daughter proved to be the fittest member as she was busy with her drawing book and rhymes and ignored the challenge from the heat like anything. She knocked it out like a single punch from Mike Tyson!!!!!
Well we reached New Jalpaiguri at around 6.30 am and moved to Hotel Tirupati which is just a 2 minutes’ walk from the station. Quickly checked in the AC rooms and took a bath!!Again our energy level started getting back to the peak!!Had a light dinner and quickly went off to sleep.
16th May
Slept deep and peacefully. Suddenly my mobile phone rang and found the voice of Saran Thapa, owner of a Bolero and Xylo from whom we hired the Bolero for next 6 days.”Sir ji aapka gaadi ready hai”-Sir your car is ready. It was 5.30 in the morning. I went downstairs only to find 2 cheerful lads waiting with the Bolero. I told them that we would start off latest by 7.30 and not before that. They reached New Jalpaiguri the night before from Gangtok as it was a Sikkimese cab. We started getting ready and suddenly got a call that some touts are taunting them and asking for 500 bucks as it is a Sikkim- registered-car. I quickly went downstairs and blasted the touts. The hotel owner also joined me and they vanished in quick seconds. After a light breakfast we started off at 8.30 for the land of White Mountains, thunder and dragons!! Our Bolero Plus got a third row which I insisted upon so the long journey would be less hectic. Gradually we left the hustle and bustle of the city and started moving up. I occupied the front seat along with the two!! They told that they would get down at Melli and then after their elder brother would take charge. We reached Malli after about 2 hours and they got down there and Santosh got in. A bright young chap of 23years but showed more maturity in those 6 days. We chatted like anything and observed the beauty around. In between there was a light shower and we had to stop as his brothers didn’t put the plastic cover on our luggages. Started moving again. Again stopped as Santosh needed to have some food. So all these stops resulted in our late arrival at Kaluk. We reached at 1pm. We were greeted by Mr.Gurung and Chaman of Ghonday Village Resort. The resort was located in a fantastic position. It was breathtaking, awesome, heavenly. No adjective is enough to describe. We quickly moved in for our respective rooms and cottages.All the rooms were fantastically done and got a view. We headed for lunch which was pre informed. The food was warm and the hospitality was awe inspiring. After lunch we sat in the lawn and though the weather was sunny and pleasant but Mount K was missing. Around 5 in the evening the clouds swam in and dampened our mood. A couple from Kolkata informed us that this is happening for the last 4-5 days!! That’s not fair!! It started pouring in the evening and the heavy scent of the mountains filled us. We chatted and sang the whole evening sitting in the porch of our twin cottages. A leech spoiled the party late in the evening after sucking blood of one of my aunt’s toe fingers. It died of sodium bi carbonate – a mystery powder in their kingdom!! At around 9 we had our dinner and went off to bed. Again the rain started pouring heavily!! I felt asleep.[/QUOT
17th May
My wife called me at around 5 and asked me to look through the window. I found a faint sketch of the snow capped blue mountains! Got my camera and handycam ready for the catch!! Got out of the room for an adventurous trail............... Got it!! Caught some dull snaps of the blue misty mountains!! Waited for that moment like I have never done for any of my girlfriends!! Gradually the sky was clear and I had my time!! Took quite a few snaps before waking up the elders for the spectacular view. I would like to clarify one thing........some IMers mentioned that the view from Hotel Kanchan Valley located just above the GVR got the most unobstructed views but let me clarify the view is equally spectacular with a bit of luxury from the resort. Well the resort coupled with the views around was so spectacular that we never felt like going out. Morning tea was complimentary and after having a sip my grey matters kicked me hard. Suddenly there was a change in plan when we heard that poison lake is not worth visiting from the couple who went the day before. Had our breakfast with Butter toast, omelette & coffee. Packed my daughter’s lunch with chicken noodles(her favourite and nicely wrapped with a cellophane and added a fork) and headed for a day trip to Varsey!!
After about 3 hours’ drive through a nice, scenic, calm road lined with oak, birch etc we reached Hiley on a gloomy day with a cool breeze. Found a small hotel with an eatery just outside the Gate of Varsey Sanctuary. We decided we would have lunch there with rice, dal, bhaji, subzi. The price would be Rs.100/plate discounted to Rs.80/-.All the vegetables would be farm fresh as guaranteed by the owner.
Anyways we started for the journey uphill. My daughter started with great energy and as well as the senior citizens of my team. After about a Kilometre the team failed to respond further and so I had to carry on the rest of the journey through the dark patches. There were few green benches for resting after every Kilometre. The road was bit inclined higher in some places but quickly descended down to ease the journey. The only companion was a dog and his female mate. I felt like Yudhishthir on his journey to the heavens but only for the dog’s mate where it differed!! By nature I am free spirited and don’t really fear anything but I too felt some kind of......... as I moved through the dark forest trails. I maintained a steady speed throughout the stretch even when I ascended but only for the last one kilometre where I had to take some deep breadths. On the way I crossed a lot many farns, a few trees with strange, colourful flowers but never found rhododendrons except for 1 or 2 varieties. After a continual effort of about 3 hours I reached Varsey,4.5 Kms to be precise. The last .5 km was pebbled and was bit difficult to walk. Anyways I reached the TOP !! Nothing special so far as scenic beauty was concerned as it was overcast!! The thick GREEEEEEEN Valley was worth it and looked like prehistoric ages. After a talk with a gentle man who I don’t know introduced himself as a caretaker and he has made separate arrangements for tourists. The rooms got both dormitory and Double bed system. The arrangements were bare minimum and I would recommend only the young groups for night’s stay. The Guraskunj was very nice but as described by the caretaker was ill managed and got no specific system to book.
Anyways I started downhill after half an hour. The funny thing is I couldn’t get any network in my mobile throughout the forest trail but when I reached Varsey network was there and I just assured my family that I am safe and starting my way back. I almost came running down the hill but as my limbs were tired I could feel the numbness. Finally I came out of the iron gate and my daughter gave a loud yell......BABA!!!! And I forgot all the tiredness and felt I have achieved something!! I quickly moved to the small eatery where the other members already had their lunch. I took my lunch with was very tasty and warm. After lunch the owner took the responsibility and showed that he also got lodging arrangements finished with fireplaces for the cold seasons!!! The arrangements are basic but the hospitability was great!! We started back for Kaluk.
It was a long day and we went to bed after a light dinner. I could see the stars twinkling and with a heart full of hope to see Mt.K the next morning I fell fast asleep.
Photos till date......https://plus.google.com/photos/11365...97494704346081
We boarded Kanchenjunga Express and started for our maiden journey to Sikkim at 6.35 am. A day before I reached New Alipore railway station at 4.30 am for Tatkal tickets only to find myself after 16 people!! Luckily we had sleeper class pre-booked and couldn’t find any AC ticket. We would reach New Jalpaiguri in the evening at 6.15.So the journey started. We were 7 adults & among them 5 were Senior Citizens. My daughter of 3 ½ years being the youngest. The torturing started at around 10.30.The scorching sun never lend us a helping hand throughout the day. It was a burning effect as it approached the afternoon. Water in the basin was hot and we hardly could soak our towel to get some respite. My daughter proved to be the fittest member as she was busy with her drawing book and rhymes and ignored the challenge from the heat like anything. She knocked it out like a single punch from Mike Tyson!!!!!
Well we reached New Jalpaiguri at around 6.30 am and moved to Hotel Tirupati which is just a 2 minutes’ walk from the station. Quickly checked in the AC rooms and took a bath!!Again our energy level started getting back to the peak!!Had a light dinner and quickly went off to sleep.
16th May
Slept deep and peacefully. Suddenly my mobile phone rang and found the voice of Saran Thapa, owner of a Bolero and Xylo from whom we hired the Bolero for next 6 days.”Sir ji aapka gaadi ready hai”-Sir your car is ready. It was 5.30 in the morning. I went downstairs only to find 2 cheerful lads waiting with the Bolero. I told them that we would start off latest by 7.30 and not before that. They reached New Jalpaiguri the night before from Gangtok as it was a Sikkimese cab. We started getting ready and suddenly got a call that some touts are taunting them and asking for 500 bucks as it is a Sikkim- registered-car. I quickly went downstairs and blasted the touts. The hotel owner also joined me and they vanished in quick seconds. After a light breakfast we started off at 8.30 for the land of White Mountains, thunder and dragons!! Our Bolero Plus got a third row which I insisted upon so the long journey would be less hectic. Gradually we left the hustle and bustle of the city and started moving up. I occupied the front seat along with the two!! They told that they would get down at Melli and then after their elder brother would take charge. We reached Malli after about 2 hours and they got down there and Santosh got in. A bright young chap of 23years but showed more maturity in those 6 days. We chatted like anything and observed the beauty around. In between there was a light shower and we had to stop as his brothers didn’t put the plastic cover on our luggages. Started moving again. Again stopped as Santosh needed to have some food. So all these stops resulted in our late arrival at Kaluk. We reached at 1pm. We were greeted by Mr.Gurung and Chaman of Ghonday Village Resort. The resort was located in a fantastic position. It was breathtaking, awesome, heavenly. No adjective is enough to describe. We quickly moved in for our respective rooms and cottages.All the rooms were fantastically done and got a view. We headed for lunch which was pre informed. The food was warm and the hospitality was awe inspiring. After lunch we sat in the lawn and though the weather was sunny and pleasant but Mount K was missing. Around 5 in the evening the clouds swam in and dampened our mood. A couple from Kolkata informed us that this is happening for the last 4-5 days!! That’s not fair!! It started pouring in the evening and the heavy scent of the mountains filled us. We chatted and sang the whole evening sitting in the porch of our twin cottages. A leech spoiled the party late in the evening after sucking blood of one of my aunt’s toe fingers. It died of sodium bi carbonate – a mystery powder in their kingdom!! At around 9 we had our dinner and went off to bed. Again the rain started pouring heavily!! I felt asleep.[/QUOT
17th May
My wife called me at around 5 and asked me to look through the window. I found a faint sketch of the snow capped blue mountains! Got my camera and handycam ready for the catch!! Got out of the room for an adventurous trail............... Got it!! Caught some dull snaps of the blue misty mountains!! Waited for that moment like I have never done for any of my girlfriends!! Gradually the sky was clear and I had my time!! Took quite a few snaps before waking up the elders for the spectacular view. I would like to clarify one thing........some IMers mentioned that the view from Hotel Kanchan Valley located just above the GVR got the most unobstructed views but let me clarify the view is equally spectacular with a bit of luxury from the resort. Well the resort coupled with the views around was so spectacular that we never felt like going out. Morning tea was complimentary and after having a sip my grey matters kicked me hard. Suddenly there was a change in plan when we heard that poison lake is not worth visiting from the couple who went the day before. Had our breakfast with Butter toast, omelette & coffee. Packed my daughter’s lunch with chicken noodles(her favourite and nicely wrapped with a cellophane and added a fork) and headed for a day trip to Varsey!!
After about 3 hours’ drive through a nice, scenic, calm road lined with oak, birch etc we reached Hiley on a gloomy day with a cool breeze. Found a small hotel with an eatery just outside the Gate of Varsey Sanctuary. We decided we would have lunch there with rice, dal, bhaji, subzi. The price would be Rs.100/plate discounted to Rs.80/-.All the vegetables would be farm fresh as guaranteed by the owner.
Anyways we started for the journey uphill. My daughter started with great energy and as well as the senior citizens of my team. After about a Kilometre the team failed to respond further and so I had to carry on the rest of the journey through the dark patches. There were few green benches for resting after every Kilometre. The road was bit inclined higher in some places but quickly descended down to ease the journey. The only companion was a dog and his female mate. I felt like Yudhishthir on his journey to the heavens but only for the dog’s mate where it differed!! By nature I am free spirited and don’t really fear anything but I too felt some kind of......... as I moved through the dark forest trails. I maintained a steady speed throughout the stretch even when I ascended but only for the last one kilometre where I had to take some deep breadths. On the way I crossed a lot many farns, a few trees with strange, colourful flowers but never found rhododendrons except for 1 or 2 varieties. After a continual effort of about 3 hours I reached Varsey,4.5 Kms to be precise. The last .5 km was pebbled and was bit difficult to walk. Anyways I reached the TOP !! Nothing special so far as scenic beauty was concerned as it was overcast!! The thick GREEEEEEEN Valley was worth it and looked like prehistoric ages. After a talk with a gentle man who I don’t know introduced himself as a caretaker and he has made separate arrangements for tourists. The rooms got both dormitory and Double bed system. The arrangements were bare minimum and I would recommend only the young groups for night’s stay. The Guraskunj was very nice but as described by the caretaker was ill managed and got no specific system to book.
Anyways I started downhill after half an hour. The funny thing is I couldn’t get any network in my mobile throughout the forest trail but when I reached Varsey network was there and I just assured my family that I am safe and starting my way back. I almost came running down the hill but as my limbs were tired I could feel the numbness. Finally I came out of the iron gate and my daughter gave a loud yell......BABA!!!! And I forgot all the tiredness and felt I have achieved something!! I quickly moved to the small eatery where the other members already had their lunch. I took my lunch with was very tasty and warm. After lunch the owner took the responsibility and showed that he also got lodging arrangements finished with fireplaces for the cold seasons!!! The arrangements are basic but the hospitability was great!! We started back for Kaluk.
It was a long day and we went to bed after a light dinner. I could see the stars twinkling and with a heart full of hope to see Mt.K the next morning I fell fast asleep.
Photos till date......https://plus.google.com/photos/11365...97494704346081
Last edited by Bangla; Jun 4th, 2012 at 01:39..
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