[TaureanBull]

I call the taxi driver, there is no news about the opening of the road but few vehicles have gone that side to try their luck.

"Do you people also want to try your luck? But you will have to pay full."

The weather as seen from the room in the morning. Sorry for the electric line in the pic I hate it too.







So, I met him near the MG road, in the mean time rest of the group people are getting ready. We go for registration of vehicle. The registration is on! Seems like a good news .

We finally start the journey at approx 9.30AM apprehensive about the forthcoming events. Kids are quite. The weather is promising with bright sun and few clouds here and there. But the problem was the landslide not the weather.

[TaureanBull]

As we move ahead, we encounter some breathtaking scenes. The camera is nowhere near the actual scenes. But the expert eyes of BHPians can see through these pics and imagine the sight. The climb was good with some sharp turns. The road condition average. Nothing great to speak about. We pass.









From the Window of Sumo

[TaureanBull]

Everyone was very excited to climb the mountain. As we progressed everyone got engrossed in capturing the breathtaking views of the mountains, clouds and the valley to the memories. Through various turns and climbs finally we reached the point of landslide.
Yes, The road was open.

The point of landslide appeared dangerous as if the side wall is going to fall. There was lot of slush on the road. The vehicle could easily skid. But the driver was an experienced one. We did not have any problems.

At the point of landslide there was a check post to enter the details of vehicle and the passengers, so that a track of the people traveling towards Nathu La could be maintained.

We encountered the Indo-Chinese trade market at Sherthang. This was reopened in 2006 and happens to be a very old trade route. We decided to visit it on our return. The same thing we decided about the Tchangu Lake. Just saw the lake from the windows of the vehicle. The driver had warned us that after 2PM it gets cloudy here and rains. We may get trapped in a landslide. With kids we did not have any intention of getting into such a situation. Little did we know whats mother nature has in stock for us.

The tin structure on the left is the check post at the landslide point.





Finally at the Final Check Post before Nathu La

It is here that you have to show the permit. There is road going to right towards Baba Harbhajan Mandir. If some one does not have a permit, he can go upto this point and to the Mandir but not to the pass.

[TaureanBull]

We reach Nathu La and the sumo parks on a side.There is a bit of climb after which we reached the top. We got a good view of the Chinese Territory. The road that side appeared in much better condition. Only a small iron wire separated us. Other side there were Chinese soldiers looking at the activity on our side. There were no tourists on their side. A gate like structure was being built on their side. We already have one.



The Chinese Territory (The Chinese flag)





Weather Knows No Boundaries



Parking Area from Top





The Chinese Soldiers Looking at the Tourists Sorry for the pic quality

[TaureanBull]

After taking the pics, we go to the Army Canteen and drink some hot coffee. A welcome drink at that temperature. There is also a Souvenir counter which gives Nathu La "certificates" with name written on them. We get them for us. Kids also buy the "Nathu La scaled" badges.

We take last view of the scene and move down quickly as the weather starts packing up. We also want to go to Baba Harbhajan Mandir. We barely reach the turn towards the Mandir when one of the passenger complains that he has lost his mobile. And he is sure its at Nathu La. but where he does not know. Oh No... .

We turn back towards Nathu La. How much time will it take to search? It had important contacts of the hotels we had booked etc. Will we find it at all? Will we make it to the Mandir or safely back to hotel rooms in time? With all these questions in mind we are driving back to Nathu La once again.....

[gajadonga]

Thanks for the pictures of Nathula.When I went to Gangtok driving from Hyderabad I could go upto Baba mandir that too with difficulty getting an Alto taxi upto Harbajan Mandir from Gangtok. We had less time so could not wait in Gangtok the next day to go upto Nathula.

[TaureanBull]

ok after some break as I am comfortable with Brazil leading by a goal .
As we were traversing our steps back I was scanning the pics in my camera. (this is part of a bigger pic). This was it. And we knew where the mobile was. I have never seen a person more forgetful than this.



We quickly collect the mobile from the Army Canteen charging point and rush back to the Mandir. The Mandir lies in a sort of valley. As we go we notice the boards on the road "Careful. This stretch is under Chinese observation".

[TaureanBull]

This is a temple of a soldier named Harbhajan Singh. He died while escorting the mules on 04 October 1968, in a landslide. His body could not be found for some days. Then one of his colleagues had a dream about his body being at a place. When search was carried out his body was found at exactly the same place.

It is believed that he patrols the border esp in the night. Not only that, he also alerts a sleeping sentry. People vouch seeing such kind of person during nights. Now it is popular that anyone who prays with pure heart and drinks water blessed by baba his wish is fulfilled.

He is on the pay roll of Army. His family gets his pay every month. He has been getting promotions and he is now a Honorary Captain. He also goes on leave like other army persons.

Presently in the temple complex, there is an office for the baba to sit and carry out his work. There is room where there is a bed for him, an almirah and other necessary items. All these items are maintained regularly. He is also served all the meals. There is room where his statue is placed. In another room, the water bottles with the name of the person is kept for any number of days a person desires. There are people who collect the bottles after months!!!





Baba's Room



Waterfall Near the Temple

[TaureanBull]

Originally Posted by gajadonga

Thanks for the pictures of Nathula.When I went to Gangtok driving from Hyderabad I could go upto Baba mandir that too with difficulty getting an Alto taxi upto Harbajan Mandir from Gangtok. We had less time so could not wait in Gangtok the next day to go upto Nathula.

When was that? wow... braving in an alto!!! It must be an awesome experience. Must be summers and road conditions better.

[TaureanBull]

We quickly offer the water bottle at mandir and do darshan and march on. Next.. Chinese Market..ladies are eagerly waiting for some shopping. The weather is packing up. We are almost driving through the clouds. The market has disappeared. Its only till afternoon and depends on weather. Gents were happy . Kids and ladies mayoos.

The Clouds are almost following us. Tchangu lake is covered with fog/clouds. Can not see anything. Now we too sad. But kids get ride on one of the last Yaks available there.

We reach hotels at 4PM. Most of the people have headache because of cold during travel. We take rest and prepare for next day. We have to leave Gangtok next day and head to Darjeeling.

Tchangu Lake



Our Yak

[gajadonga]

From Gangtok to Harbajanmandir in an Alto taxi it was in the month of september three years back as I never knew that we can get permits to drive personel vehicles .Our plan was only upto Darjeeling but extended by one day to see Gangtok.I have driven most of our southern India terrains but driving in terrain in Darjeeling and Sikkim was different.

[TaureanBull]

Originally Posted by gajadonga

From Gangtok to Harbajanmandir in an Alto taxi it was in the month of september three years back as I never knew that we can get permits to drive personel vehicles .Our plan was only upto Darjeeling but extended by one day to see Gangtok.I have driven most of our southern India terrains but driving in terrain in Darjeeling and Sikkim was different.

We also went in September. Gangtok needs more than two days. Its a very clean and beautiful city. People are very disciplined.

Yes mountains driving is different and difficult.

[TaureanBull]

I have been busy with my Egypt Photologue thread.

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...hotologue.html

22 Sep

I will proceed further with the trip to North East. On 22 Sep, in the early morning we left for Darjeeling taking a detour to Rumtek Monastery midway.
There is a decent climb to the monastery by car and later on by foot. It was built in 16th century by the 9th Karmapa and renovated by the 16th karmapa in 1950s after his exile from Tibet. The area provides some good views and scenery. We spent about half an hour and proceeded on our journey to Darjeeling.











It was a long, picturesque drive along Teesta. We take a halt at RangPo and take our lunch. We order South Indian menu. I never quite understand why we eat south Indian dishes in East and North and like that.

We proceed further towards Darjeeling. As we climb for Darjeeling the turns become sharper and weather colder. We reach Darjeeling by evening. We decide to settle down in the hotels. The plans for next day are set and vehicle booked.

[TaureanBull]

23 Sep

We leave at about 8AM for a seven point journey. The first one is the Ghoom Monastery. No offence but by now kids had enough of the monasteries as all of them appeared same to them. They wanted to get out fast from there. Few even kept playing on the DHR tracks outside the Monastery.





Next point is the Batasia Loop & War Memorial. There is beautiful garden to top. The weather is overcast with little drizzles now and then.

[TaureanBull]

The next halt is at Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Zoological Park. Kids have a nice time looking at the animals. The museum of Mountaineering Institute is fabulous. Some animals :













The Bamboo Design Info Boards



Tail Up



Red Panda



Liked..this Board