Tours and Treks Report: Sikkim, Darjeeling
Day 1, October 3, 2018
The students of Grade X started their journey to Bagdogra en route to Sikkim, when the flight took off from Kempegowda International Airport at 5 am.
On landing at Bagdogra three hours later, we had breakfast and then travelled by local light vehicles to Bhumzang Resort, our accommodation in Gangtok. Reaching the hotel at around 3 pm, we were treated to a heavy lunch at the resort and spent the entire evening relaxing at the hotel. We retired for the day after an early dinner.
Day 2, October 4, 2018
The day began with heavy rain but as we were having our breakfast, it stopped miraculously as if the weather Gods wanted to facilitate our visit to the Nathu La. Nathu La, on the Indo-China border, is home to the Harbhajan Baba temple which is situated at an altitude of 14,000 feet above mean sea-level. Built in the memory of a Sikh soldier who had sacrificed his life fighting the Chinese, the temple has an aura of mystery with freezing temperatures and soldiers in military fatigues adding to the mysticism. All of us were left pondering as to how our brave soldiers fight for us under the circumstances that we witnessed and experienced, only for a brief while at Nathu La. Our hearts and souls saluted the soldiers. On our way back, we visited the Changu glacial lake. Located at 10,000 feet above mean sea-level, it was truly a scenic sight to behold. We returned to the resort for lunch and then went shopping to M.G. Road. It was an eventful day, indeed!
Day 3, October 5, 2018
The bright morning began with a wholesome breakfast post after which we commenced our journey to the adventure camp. As the students and teachers participated in activities like zip lining, Burma Bridge and individual hurdles, the ecstasy peaked and we were praying to God to let the sojourn go on forever. But since all good things in life must conclude, our adventure also came to an end and we returned to the hotel for lunch. Soon after lunch, we moved to Yuksam where we reached amidst heavy rain and fog at around 8 pm.
Day 4, October 6, 2018
As we awoke, a bright sunny day greeted us with the beautiful sight of the Kanchenjunga peak overwhelming us. After breakfast, we proceeded to visit a government-run residential school where we interacted with the students and exchanged ideas as they prevail in our respective schools. It was truly an enriching experience for all of us. On conclusion of our visit to this school, we undertook two consecutive uphill treks; first, to the 16th century Dubdi Monastery and the second, to the Hungree Monastery. The two treks left us exhausted and hungry and on our way back we enjoyed local cuisine, including Momos and Noodles. After dinner at the resort, we had a fun-filled evening, dancing to the local music under the star-lit sky and around the warm log fire. It was an exercise that left our hearts and souls jumping with joy.
Day 5, October 7, 2018
We woke up early, dressed quickly and treated ourselves to a hearty breakfast. Soon after, we left for Darjeeling and reached there just before lunch. After checking in our hotel, we had lunch; rested for a while and then, in the evening, visited the local market at the Mall road on Chowrasta.
Day 6, October 8, 2018
We woke up very early, well before sunrise, to go to Tiger Hill so that we could witness the sun as it rises above the horizon in the far distance. Amidst the biting cold, fog, and a dark sky, we made our way to the spot. We waited patiently and soon our eyes feasted on the beautiful scene of the majestic Kanchenjunga; ablaze with the deep orange hues of the rising sun. We then visited the Ghoom monastery which is one of the highest in the world, and the Batasia loop which makes the toy train ascend a height. Thereafter, we visited the Himalayan mountaineering institute, the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, a tea garden, and a Japanese monastery. We returned and packed for the return journey due the next morning.
Day 7, October 9, 2018
The journey from the hills towards the plains was exciting as we descended from atop the hills to the plains at Bagdogra. We soon returned to our school, bringing home many memories, to be cherished for a lifetime. It was an experience to treasure and we thank the school management for making it come true.
