[PointZero]

As the leaves changed colors and the air turned a little chill, I found myself reflecting on a solo trip I took to the hills. It had been almost a year since my last solo journey, and while listening to an album called ‘Soul Alone’, memories of exploring new places and learning more about myself flooded back to me. A few days ago, I felt it was time for another solo adventure. With my work finished and my constant companion, Lazy Turtle, by my side, I set off in mid November, for another exploration trip.


Glimpse

Light, Camera and Action


SPELLBOUND


Teesta, steaming from my coffee cup


Glimmering City and SAKURA



Soaking in Nature


Drawing of our childhood

To be continued ...

[PointZero]

My Day 1 & 2:


The day before, I packed my bags with all the important things for my trip — a tent, sleeping bag, torch, and some food. I went to bed late because I started packing after finishing work. By 7:30 am, I was ready to begin my journey from Kolkata. Around 11 am, I reached Berhampore and took a quick break to refuel and refresh myself. I headed to the Dinantey (Raigunj) tourism property. Since my schedule was tight until last night, I kept the distance short and wanted to rest before fully starting the trip.

https://youtu.be/W3SaBSQLewo?si=RrYLlAIkqqY9i_fL

https://youtu.be/Am16orxxo5Q?si=wodkjA65L3EFsc1U

I woke up early and left the property in Raiganj without even having breakfast. I have always been an avid traveler, seeking out new things and enjoying beautiful experiences again and again. So, I planned something special for breakfast. I wanted to enjoy the amazing view of the Tista River and Kanchenjunga from the Panbu Dhara restaurant. I had to experience it firsthand.

As I made my way towards Panbu Dhara, I could feel my excitement building up. I was greeted with the most astonishing view. The Tista river flowed gracefully below, And on the other hand standing tall was the mighty Kanchenjunga, with its snow-capped peaks gleaming in the morning light.I found the perfect spot to sit and enjoy my breakfast.

On the way to Panbu

https://youtube.com/watch?v=X1MAWjWX...9o23mJo6hSnLP9

At Panbu

As I sipped on my steaming cup of coffee, I couldn't decide which view was more captivating – the serene river or the majestic mountain. I waited for my food to arrive and took it in the beauty around me. The crisp morning air, the chirping of birds, and the occasional rustle of leaves – it was a sensory experience like no other. As I finished my meal, I couldn't resist taking a few clicks to capture the moment. After spending some time admiring the view and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, I reluctantly decided it was time to move forward with my trip. But if you ever find yourself in Kalimpong, do not miss the chance to have breakfast at Panbu Dhara. This place has something for everyone. And who knows, you might just find yourself torn between admiring the beautiful or the majestic, just like I did.


As I started my journey, my main goal was to discover some untouched villages. I crossed Rongpo and Pakyong, both of which had all the necessary amenities like ATMs, meat shops, medical stores, etc. But my curiosity led me to a small village called Yakten. Every turn on the road was mesmerizing, with marigolds covering the entire landscape like a warm blanket.


As I drove further into the village and realized that the sun was about to set. But that didn't stop me from looking for a homestay. With some recommendations from locals, I finally found one. However, the road to the homestay was blocked due to some unknown reason. Undeterred, I took another route and after navigating through some zig-zag roads, I finally reached my destination. The homestay was located at the end of a hill road, giving it a secluded and peaceful vibe.

Random, on the way to Pakyong

What caught my attention was that this family owned not just one, but four homestays in the same area, all side by side. These homestays are popular hangout spots for people visiting Pakyong on weekends. However, after 8:00 PM, the area feels like a completely different world. I opted for the Yakten Orchid Homestay for my night stay, which cost me a very minimal including snacks, dinner, and breakfast. While the amenities were basic, they had everything one would need for a comfortable stay. However, since this place is still relatively untouched by commercialization, the rooms were not as tidy as I would have liked.

Few more random snaps on the way

After freshening up, I decided to strike up a conversation with the family. To my surprise, I found a group of young couples enjoying their evening in the restaurant cum bar, dancing and listening to their favorite songs. I couldn't resist trying out some snacks and tea, and even had a taste of their popular local wine which was surprisingly good.

Near Yeakten, it was already dark when i reached there. Image of yakten - Next day

As I drifted off to sleep in my cozy room, I couldn't help but reflect on how this simple yet unforgettable experience wouldn't have been possible if I had stuck to the usual tourist spots.

Too much for me at dinner. However, I loved it

Despite having traveled on these roads and visited these places multiple times, my excitement for discovering new places remained at its peak. This is the beauty of traveling - it never ceases to amaze and surprise you. And I know that each day will bring new adventures and unforgettable experiences that will stay with me for a lifetime.

[PointZero]

My Day 3:

As I stretched my limbs and opened my eyes, I realized that I had woken up quite late. But instead of feeling guilty for not rising with the sun, I felt a sense of happiness stirring within me.

You see, I had no plans for the day. No itinerary to follow, no must-see tourist spots to check off my list. All I had was the thought of taking a tour to the village which my friend Mr. Subba (The owner of homestay) had recommended. He had told me that I would get a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills if I took a stroll through the pine forest.

After taking a refreshing bath, I set off for the forest, admiring the beautiful houses adorned with colorful flowers and plants along the way. As I reached the pine forest, I realized that I couldn't find the exact spot for the promised view. But what I gained instead was something even more precious – the peace of mind that only a forest can provide. The sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves instantly calmed my mind and brought a sense of ease and contentment.

A walk through the woods

Feeling rejuvenated, I made my way back down and had a hearty breakfast before starting my car. As I drove through the winding roads, surrounded by lush greenery, I realized that this village had already spoiled my brain to be lazy.

Some relax time in the homestay

But as tempting as it was to stay in Yakten for the whole day, I couldn't resist exploring more of this beautiful region. So after driving for a few hours, I decided to make my way to another place called Temi, renowned for its cherry trees in full bloom during this time of the year.

Random capture Yakten & Pakyong

Before reaching there, I called the manager of the Temi Cherry Resort to inquire about the availability of rooms and made a reservation via call. As I drove closer to the resort, I couldn't help but marvel at the stunning landscape surrounding me – tea gardens as far as the eye could see, with pink blossomed cherry trees adding a burst of color to the scenery.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=hDT6jyCm...UZbbiT3CYddkCO

https://youtube.com/watch?v=dbGbNHcx...AUpV8xt6W-PBDS

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ju-j505R...Oajwqb7HyUqrRB

https://youtube.com/watch?v=eBw6SwBc...YEccrtu3wI8xQF

I reached the resort in the afternoon, and after taking a relaxing bath, I set off to explore the area. Everywhere I looked, there were picture-perfect views that seemed straight out of a postcard. I couldn't decide whether to capture them through my camera lens or simply soak in their beauty with my own eyes.

After walking around and taking just a few photos, I stopped at a roadside shop near my stay for a cup of coffee. This break turned into an early dinner where I enjoyed some tasty noodles and momos, a popular dish in the area.

At Temi from Cherry Resort

As the day started to wind down, I realized that I had no plans or obligations for the rest of the day. And honestly, it was quite liberating. So I decided to make my way up to the roof of my resort for some stargazing and more photo opportunities. As I was roaming on the roof, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this unplanned day in Temi. Sometimes, not having a plan can lead us to unexpected and beautiful experiences. As I threw myself onto the bed at the end of my day, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relaxation wash over me.

[PointZero]

My Day 4:


I woke up at 5:30 am slothfully, even the clouds seemed to be in a similar mood as they didn't put up much of a fight in the sky. But I wasn't ready to let the day end just yet, not when I had my favorite place nearby - Ravangla. So without wasting any time, I left my resort and headed towards this beautiful town.After a quick breakfast, I started to explore the town, driving around and taking in the scenic views.

Few Random snaps of Cherry Resort and Nearby

To be continued...

[PointZero]

Day 4 continued ...

As I was wandering, I stumbled upon a remote area named Barfung and decided to spend my day at the Barfung Retreat. They greeted me with warmth and made me feel right at home and everyone was very friendly too. After freshening up, I roamed around the retreat and their three adorable furry guard dogs guided me for the walk.

On the way to Barfung












The property







Another nearby homestay ( name - 7 mirror lake homestay, planned for next time)











The 7 mirror lake & monastery













my all season favourite region in Sikkim

As the evening approached, I ordered my dinner for 6 pm as they preferred taking orders early. I then took my lazy turtle (my car) for a drive to Ravangla helipad cafe, a serene and beautiful place perfect for some quiet time.

Some good collection of books in dining




Beautiful stitch art

To be continued ...

[PointZero]

My Day 5:

I woke up early hoping to catch a glimpse of Mount Narsing. However, it seemed like the mountain wasn't keen on greeting lazy people like me. Maybe it was my relaxed attitude that made it decide to hide behind the clouds. Disappointed but not disheartened, I decided to move forward with my plans for the day.

Some local vegetable while having breakfast


Breakfast for the day

I was searching for a suitable spot and set up camp for the night. But before that, I decided to make a stop at Tarey Bhir, a place I had visited years ago during some ongoing construction. The place was still as beautiful as I remembered it, but unfortunately, the clouds obstructed the view. What saddened me more was the sight of litter scattered around by careless tourists. As someone who loves and respects nature, it broke my heart to see such a beautiful place being treated with such disregard. Moreover, they were charging fees for parking and persons, which seemed excessive for a place that was created by nature, not man-made.

Approaching Tarey Veer


Tarey Veer

https://youtube.com/watch?v=8870eqOa...xgSxFQQJqURQ6z

With a heavy heart, I left Tarey Bhir and headed towards Peshok, my stay for the night. Surrounded by the lush green with a spectacular view of Mount Kanchenjunga, this place was an absolute delight. As I set up my tent and gathered all the necessary things inside it, I found myself disconnected from the chaos of city life and immersed myself in nature.

Peshok Road and Lover's Point

As I freshened up and sat down for lunch, I felt like a lucky Bengali, sitting in front of a delicious plate of rice, ghee, dal, and some tasty curries, followed by a relaxing "Bhat-Ghum" (the post-meal nap, which is a cherished part of Bengali culture) inside my cozy tent. After waking up from my nap, I strolled through the village, chatted with the locals, and spent the afternoon making new friends.

Reached destination for the day

https://youtube.com/watch?v=hTHotPO4...ufp7ruib_Tbgso

All set for the day.

The camp area has a lovely wooden viewpoint at the edge, which made the place even more special. Since I was the only tourist for the day, I had the chance to capture it all evening, even staying a bit later after dinner. I had nothing to do except enjoy the chilling weather and the wide view of different cities in Sikkim, which looked like sparkling stars. The weather was cloudy, but otherwise, I think it would be a rare sight to see Kanchenjunga bathed in moonlight from here

[PointZero]

My Day 6:

The next morning, I woke up with a glimmer of hope to catch a glimpse of the Kanchenjunga. But alas ! The clouds seemed determined to play spoilsport. Disappointed, I decided to spend some time inside my tent and hug my bed for a couple of hours before finally deciding to leave and spend my day in the charming hill town of Darjeeling.

As I was scrolling through hotels in Darjeeling the day before yesterday and got a good option with a parking facility. It was almost 8:30 am when I packed up my tent, had a cup of coffee, and set off for Darjeeling.

It was Children's Day, and Mall Road was full of people and children wearing traditional clothes. I watched some cultural performances by children and then went for lunch. After returning to the hotel and resting for a bit, I went for a walk around, just enjoying the day without any plans.

And just like that, my lazy day in the enchanting hills of Darjeeling came to an end. But little did I know that the best was yet to come.


My Day 7:

I woke up to the excited voices of other tourists shouting that Kanchenjunga was visible. Without wasting any time, I ran to the hotel's lawn and there it was – the majestic Kanchenjunga greeting me on my last day in Darjeeling.It was a sight to see, and I couldn't help but feel thankful.

As I packed my bags and bid goodbye to this beautiful place, I realized that nature truly never disappoints. It has its own way of surprising and delighting us.

Somewhere while leaving Bagdogra


A wonderful lunch near Maldah, a very small shop serve rice meal. Loved it.

In conclusion, being alone in nature had a profound impact on my soul. The beauty of nature never fails to amaze and inspire me, reminding me of the simple joys in life. I realized how important it is to find solace in nature, as it’s where my soul truly comes alive. I cherished these moments, letting them shape me into a happy person.

Thanks for reading ...
Point Zero

[Mile_Breaker]

Wonderful ! The stunning photos have captured the mood and the beauty of our north bengal so well ! The story of your journey was like being virtually travelling with you. Keep venturing out and deliver us more of such amazing travelogues.

[RedRaider]

Wonderful pictures. The photo with the Coronation bridge, the railway bridge at Sevoke and the Gajoldoba bridge ( in the background, right on the horizon, if I am not mistaken ), in post number 2, is superb. But for the hazy atmosphere, this would have been a picture worth enlarging to adorn a wall.

[W.S.T.R.]

Amazing blog. The photographs did all the talking, without need for much words.
Dreaming of such quiet, serene and peaceful road trip into the wonderland/dreamland, for very long, but have no idea when it will come true.

Keep travelling, keep safe.

[megazoid]

Superb trip. Your pictures stand out. Enjoyed following you all over the place virtually

[PointZero]

Originally Posted by Mile_Breaker

Wonderful ! The stunning photos have captured the mood and the beauty of our north bengal so well ! The story of your journey was like being virtually travelling with you. Keep venturing out and deliver us more of such amazing travelogues.

Thank you very much Mile_Breaker,

Originally Posted by RedRaider

Wonderful pictures. The photo with the Coronation bridge, the railway bridge at Sevoke and the Gajoldoba bridge ( in the background, right on the horizon, if I am not mistaken ), in post number 2, is superb. But for the hazy atmosphere, this would have been a picture worth enlarging to adorn a wall.

Thank you very much RedRaider.
yes, your guess it correct. its a unique place where you can get both the bridge together.

Originally Posted by W.S.T.R.

Amazing blog. The photographs did all the talking, without need for much words.
Dreaming of such quiet, serene and peaceful road trip into the wonderland/dreamland, for very long, but have no idea when it will come true.

Keep travelling, keep safe.

Thank you W.S.T.R,

Originally Posted by megazoid

Superb trip. Your pictures stand out. Enjoyed following you all over the place virtually

Thank you very much megazoid

[Kkumar]

Wonderful travelogue with beautiful photos. Nice to hear that you were finally able to see the mighty Kanchenjunga. Thank you for sharing and keep on munching miles.

[SumoDriver]

Bros, wonderful travelogue. Please post a review of your car.

[sf-24]

Outstanding photography, stunning locations, and an exceptional travelogue! This is one of those regions that many of us in the southern parts might not have ventured into.
Thank you for the comprehensive post; it will be incredibly useful for fellow travelers planning to visit this area.
Absolutely adored your photographs!