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For me, this was probably the most under prepared drive I have done ever. The plan for almost a year was to drive along the Ganga to the Gangotri and Nelong Valley. But last moments Son's health issues and professional commitments made me alter the plan 360 degrees and opt for a short curtailed drive.
The drive plan to Gangotri and Nelong was an ambitious one, so to replace that with another drive needed me to scout for a place at least similar in stature. And being in love with Gahrwal ever since I started my treks, I really could not find anything matching. It was not about the place, but about my mindset which was blocked. So instead of net searching, did a little bit of SOUL searching and then I knew the other things which too were close to my heart. And the first thing which came to my mind was the majestic Kunchendzonga the 3rd highest peak in the World and India's highest, and quickly followed the pristine green waters of the Teesta flowing relentlessly.
While all areas of Sikkim was covered by me multiple times, the Silk Route of East Sikkim still remained elusive for me. I had tried it once way back in 2012, but was denied permission in the route as the sanctioning authority was on leave then. So decided to attempt it again.
Some of my friends from the forum R.O.A.D Revv On And Drive were there to put me on to the right persons in Sikkim for required permits and itinerary. I got in touch with my friend who was to be with me for the trip and fixed up the starting date as November 1st 2017.
The major pull for the drive was the famous Zuluk loops. The road spirals itself up from the village of Zuluk to Lungthung and gains almost 3,000 feet vertically
The first major attraction was Rongli a small village tucked deep inside East district of Sikkim. This was also the point where you get the innerline permits and permit for the car to traverse the route which is highly sensitive defence wise given its proximity to the China (Tibet) border.
We also crossed the picturesque village of Dzuluk and took its famous loops.
We rested for a night in the cold deserted windy heights of Thambi from where you only get to compare the beauty of the Sunset and Sunrise over the Kunchendzonga.
We also halted in the icy heights of Nathang Valley
And then while climbing up to Tsongo (Changu) Lake and down to Gangtok we crossed to snow covered village of Kuppup which boasts of the World's highest Golf Course though we could not spot it, being covered with ice..
My friend and navigator/photographer/blogger for the drive was Sagar Sen. An avid traveler and a biker at heart he is excellent in photography and writing blogs. We were both connected for a few years through R.O.A.D and while I was busy behind the wheels for the entire drive he kept himself busy with the camera and jotting down navigational points and clicking all the way.
And of course my trusted steed. At 7 years plus it has aged gracefully and sports the battle scars all over the body. A Road Warrior who took the highways on the plains with grace and agility, the hairpin loops with strength and power and the icey heights with calm and patience. The XYLO and ME inseparable as always..
The Story continues..
The drive plan to Gangotri and Nelong was an ambitious one, so to replace that with another drive needed me to scout for a place at least similar in stature. And being in love with Gahrwal ever since I started my treks, I really could not find anything matching. It was not about the place, but about my mindset which was blocked. So instead of net searching, did a little bit of SOUL searching and then I knew the other things which too were close to my heart. And the first thing which came to my mind was the majestic Kunchendzonga the 3rd highest peak in the World and India's highest, and quickly followed the pristine green waters of the Teesta flowing relentlessly.
While all areas of Sikkim was covered by me multiple times, the Silk Route of East Sikkim still remained elusive for me. I had tried it once way back in 2012, but was denied permission in the route as the sanctioning authority was on leave then. So decided to attempt it again.
Some of my friends from the forum R.O.A.D Revv On And Drive were there to put me on to the right persons in Sikkim for required permits and itinerary. I got in touch with my friend who was to be with me for the trip and fixed up the starting date as November 1st 2017.
The major pull for the drive was the famous Zuluk loops. The road spirals itself up from the village of Zuluk to Lungthung and gains almost 3,000 feet vertically
The first major attraction was Rongli a small village tucked deep inside East district of Sikkim. This was also the point where you get the innerline permits and permit for the car to traverse the route which is highly sensitive defence wise given its proximity to the China (Tibet) border.
We also crossed the picturesque village of Dzuluk and took its famous loops.
We rested for a night in the cold deserted windy heights of Thambi from where you only get to compare the beauty of the Sunset and Sunrise over the Kunchendzonga.
We also halted in the icy heights of Nathang Valley
And then while climbing up to Tsongo (Changu) Lake and down to Gangtok we crossed to snow covered village of Kuppup which boasts of the World's highest Golf Course though we could not spot it, being covered with ice..
My friend and navigator/photographer/blogger for the drive was Sagar Sen. An avid traveler and a biker at heart he is excellent in photography and writing blogs. We were both connected for a few years through R.O.A.D and while I was busy behind the wheels for the entire drive he kept himself busy with the camera and jotting down navigational points and clicking all the way.
And of course my trusted steed. At 7 years plus it has aged gracefully and sports the battle scars all over the body. A Road Warrior who took the highways on the plains with grace and agility, the hairpin loops with strength and power and the icey heights with calm and patience. The XYLO and ME inseparable as always..
The Story continues..
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