Trekking the word which I heard for the first time in the year 2011. I got the motivation from my elder brother. I got the great experience from him and also from the Bombay friends. I usually trek with them during my Mumbai days.
My first trekking experience is sahyadri mountain range-maharashtra. I never knew that I will continue my trekking this much but I contributed to my level best till now. Till now I had a 7 trekking experience, out of 5 was arranged by Himalayan Trekkers. The places which I covered was hamta pass, valley of flowers, kedarkanth, Darya bugyal, Roupkund, bali pass and had a great experience with the group.
The 7th trek which was also to be in the group, but unfortunately no group was formed at the last moment.I was in the oscillation that whether I may go for this trek or not. Later I interacted with the Himalayan trekkers and discussed about the same. They motivated me and ready to arrange for the solo trek.
Some personal issues also araised which I thought would stop my trek, but anyhow everything got settled and got ready for the excursion. I was all set for the trek finally. The only challenge was to reach the base camp since I was the solo traveler.
!!!My journey begins!!!
Day 1, 19 Jan 2019
I started my journey with the 12kg back bag, from home itself I started my walk. I walked out from my home at 4:45AM in the search of bus. Unfortunately I didn't getgthe bus, so got nervous how to reach now. Luckily I got a van , who dropped me 10 km behind my home. Then got the share auto up to Tambaram and finally got the train from the Tambaram to Tirusulam(Chennai airport). It was totally the economic travel till experienced. I reached the airport at 6 AM itself. My flight time was 07:55 AM. After my security check-in I had my breakfast- Idli prepared by my wife. :) ( a cool start of the journey).
I landed in Kolkata at 10:15 AM. A long gap between the other travel which is the train travel around 18:50 in the evening. So I spent a 1 hour time in the airport itself. After that I came out the departure point and got the Howrah bus up to the Howrah railway station. On that day the huge rally was conducted by ruling party, due to which the huge crowd was seen on the way to railway station. It took around 3 hours to reach me to the railway station. But thank god due to the evening train , it didn't affect my travel.
After reaching the Howrah bus stand, I was searching for the railway station. I have seen one vendor who was selling guava. So I thought to ask him(Bhaiya howrah railway station kidhar hai.?). He showed me the way as(Sahab subway me utar kar cross karo, aap pahonch jaoge). So happily I bought 1/2 kg guava of RS 40/- and started walking.
I was amazed to see when I reached the point around 15:00. It was a huge railway station consisting of 23 platform and also a huge crowd where I was seen like an ant moving in the crowd of thousands of ants. It seemed we are moving automatically with the crowd to move to the destination.
Since there was a 3.5 hours gap, instead of roaming here and there in the railway station I thought to stay in the waiting hall. I took the 1st class waiting hall , non A.C with balcony so that I can breath the fresh air and have the beautiful scene outside. From this balcony only , I saw the amazing view of the Howrah bridge , which I only saw in the films. It was one of my dream which was fulfilled on that day. The Time passed by staring at the Howrah bridge and taking the pics.
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| View from Howrah station balcony-Howrah Bridge |
Around 18:00 , I started searching for the display whether at which platform my train will arrive, but due to the power shortage , the display board was not working properly. Later I went to the helpdesk and enquired about it. They said that announcement will be done. At last I got to know that my train got delayed for almost 45 mins. Then only I got the big relief. So I thought of packing food for dinner. So I packed pulao and gravy + water bottle from food plaza inside railway station.
Finally around 20:00 I got in to the train and settled. Later I had my dinner and had a sound sleep. But I was bit tensed as I was ununknown after which stop New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) will come. So I was constantly visiting the live status and getting the updates from the attender. I reached NJP at 06:15 AM in the morning which was delayed by 1 and half hours.
Day 2, 20th JAN 2019
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| Sunrise-NJP Railway Station |
It was the pretty start of the day as the climate was too chill. I got bit shivering as I wore only one layer of clothing. After sometime I did warm up and continued to walk. Later I enquired about the taxi stand from where I can get it to reach Darjeeling (the queen of the hills).
Around 07:30 AM I got the shared taxi(RS 250/-) from NJP to Darjeeling. I heard the voice "Nepal", then only I came to know that we can travel Nepal from NJP. Around 08:30 AM we all get down for the morning breakfast(Bread omelet and a hot chai). Again started with the good energy toward Darjeeling. Around 60-70% of the way was covered with the ghat. At last reached Darjeeling around 10:30 AM.
My next destination was Manebhanjang. As there was enough time, I thought to spend my valuable time to explore Darjeeling. I had a good walk of around 1.5 km from taxi stand to reach Darjeeling station which is the UNESCO world heritage area situated at the altitude of 6812 feet. Spent my time in the railway station watching the famous steam engine and read the history of the railway station. It was established in the year 1881 and was maintained very neatly.
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| Darjeeling Railway Station |
The climate was pretty normal and sunny. So managed with the single layer of clothing. Again started a walk towards the super market taxi stand from where I can get the taxi(RS 60/-) up to Manebhanjang. I have to get down at the Dhendup homestay and Dhendup is my point of contact who will arrange me guide for the trek.
Manebhanjang is the base camp for my trek which is the hub for many trekkers where they can hire a guide, buy the needed items for the trek. I reached Manebhanjang and the cab dropped me just at the entrance of the Dhendup home stay. I knocked the door around 13:30, someone stepped out. I introduced myself as Vijay coming from Chennai. They welcomed me with a smile and provided a room in the first floor. I get into the room and bit relaxed for a while as I was packed fully for more than 24 hours with my back bag and shoes.
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| Nepal Border-You are welcome to Nepal |
I was feeling hungry so I was provided with the noodles and chai. I enquired about Dhendup , she said that he will be back by late evening as he went out for a work. The Climate was very chill so I have to wear the another layer of clothing. Relaxed for a while and went out for a short walk. Walked around 1 KM , I saw a board of "Welcome to Nepal". I was feeling very happy to touch Nepal,so with that curiousness I entered the Nepal and walked 1 KM and saw many small shops and kids playing aaround.Enjoyed the scene of different country and came back. On the way back to homestay I just have a small overlook for the next day trek. I saw one check post ,where I have to pay RS 100, Singhalila National park, as a entrance fees.
Back to homestay and had a nice dinner( Rice + Chicken +dal) with Dhendup. After the dinner had the discussion regarding the trek with his younger brother and Dhendup. Already plan A was known to me. They discussed about the plan B as well if possible we will execute.
Plan-AManebhanjang-Tumling, Tumling-Kalapokhri , Kalpokhari-Sandakphu, Sandakphu-Srikhola, Srikhola-Siliguri.
Plan-B
Manebhanjang - Jaubari,Jaubari-Sandakphu, Sandakphu-Phalut, Phalut-Srikhola ,Srikhola-Siliguri.
The amount for the guide for both the plan was almost same. Around 25 to 30 KM extra as compared to plan A, but even though I decided to choose for the plan B with the more enthusiasm for the more coverage. The day ended with the great discussion and homely food.
Day 3, 21 JAN 2019
The day actual trek started towards Sandakphu. I woke up around 05:30 AM in the morning. The Climate was too chill. I got refreshed and wore three layers of clothing. Took breakfast and finished with plain omlet and chai. Dhendup introduced pasang Sherpa who is going to guide me the another 4 days. After the brief introduction, we started our journey. He belong to Nepal but settled in India.
After a walk around 1 KM , Singhalila forest range check post arrived where I have to get the pass of RS 100/-. Again the walk starts with the dense pine trees around the roadside. The next point was Chittrey which was 3 KM behind. On the way to Chittrey, we had the visit of Chittrey Buddha monastery where I got the feeling of positive energy.
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| Chittrey-monastery |
After walking around half KM we reached Chittrey. Had a short tea break. In the meantime I took the panoramic view of the beautiful landscape. Again started with a fresh walk. The next village was Meghma which was around 07 KM from Chittery. The way was tick tak, after the walk of 04 KM, there was the Sherpa's stall where hot drinks , cold drinks and snacks was available. I had a glass of hot water and started walking.
We reached Meghma around 12:45 PM Refreshed ourselves and had lunch(Rice + dal + Subji +Papad+ omelet) cost around RS 150/-. We had lunch at the hut which was exactly opposite to the meghma monastery. After making our stomach happy, our legs got energy. Around the walk of 02 KM , Tonglu place was arrived which was full of mist and fog. Again tick tak road started and walked along to reach Tumling. It was around 14:00. This was the place where most of the trekkers prefer to stay at the hut, but I chose to cover the plan-B which covers around 25-30 KM more than PLAN-A. So thought to cover the another point and stay over there. So with the boost to cover the more place, we started our walk toward Jaubari.
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| signalila national park |
On the way, the big banner welcomes me which was signalila national park. We reached Jaubari around 15:45. We are in the search for the huts. Usually this place would be loaded with the trekkers at the season time, but as it was the winter season , it was not as much expected. After the long search , I got the double bedroom for which I have to pay the two cots. Each RS 300/-, so paid RS 600/- for 2 cots with dinner. My trek guide stayed after 3 house. Got refreshed and had a talk about the next day plan.
It was around 17:00, so my guide suggested me to have a walk and see the sunset which would be fantastic view from this point. So enjoyed the sunset took the pic and back to home stay. While returning back it was pitch dark, as there was no light surrounding by, everything runs by solar electricity only. So quickly I got charged my mobile and had dinner nicely ended up with 2 boiled eggs. Had the post dinner walk and entered in to the blanket.
Day 4,22 JAN 2019
The day 4 starts with the chill breeze. I didn't have the sound sleep due to cold, got up from the bed by 05:30 AM and went to the sunrise spot. I was surprised to see my trek guide who was already present at the spot. The sun showed her smiling face getting out from the mountain around 06:40 AM. Able to see the Kanchenjunga mountain range which was shining like a gold. Took the glimpse and spent 2 hours of time around and returned back to the hut and got refreshed.
Signing off from the Indira lodge, which was 16 KM behind Sandakphu. Started our excursion around 08:30 AM, Skipped our breakfast. My next village was Gairibas. The way was bit frozen towards Kaiyakatta. Reached Kaiyakatta around 10:30 AM. Boosted my energy with a bowl of maggi and boiled egg. The next destination was Kalpokhari. This time the road was tow slippery as it was full of frozen, so managed by slow walking with the help of my guide. Finally reached Kalpokhari around 12:40 PM. The name itself gives the meaning which is black pond, able to view the same and enjoyed the nature for a while. In Kalpokhari, I paid RS 50/- as a tourist entrance fee for Sandakphu municipality corporation.
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| Full view-Kalpokhari |
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| Lucy & Popey |
On the way to Sandakphu (highest peak of WB) after Kalpokhari the two Pomeranian dogs - Lucy and Poppy welcomed me which was too cute. We reached bikhay Bhanjyang having an altitude of 3280 meter, had a bowl of rice + egg bhurji + papad. The next walk was very steep and it was foggy and misty with zero visibility. Around 16:15 , we reached Sandakphu which took around 03 hours from Kalpokhari due to its steepness.
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| Enroute, Sandakphu |
The altitude of Sandakphu which was 11930 feet from where we can get the lovely glimpse of Everest full range, Kanchenjunga full range and also Lhotse and Makalu. But unfortunately due to clouds, I was unable to see the mountain peaks.
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| Sandakphu Base, 11930 feet. |
We started our search for the homestay. There was private and government huts, but I was searching for the government hut. I got one room but consisting of 4 beds. As I was alone , they asked me to pay for the all the beds. I paid RS 200/- per bed. So totally 800 bugs . I know it's extra but they are not stepping down and they are very strict on that. I don't have any options and outside getting too chill and windy too and i need a place to get warm as soon as possible. I asked my trek guide also to stay with me but usually his stay is at different place. Finally got settled and came for the sunset view, but due to cloudy , it was not clear. I asked noodles + egg bhurji for the dinner as was not interested to have rice on that day. It was too chill that i got freezed. My guide brought the dinner for me, i was so surprised with the service. Signing off the day by saying good nite to my guide. Aaj Bahut thak gaye bhaiya, jyada chal liya na. Will take rest and went under the blanket.
Day 5, 23 JAN 2019
My eyes opened up at 05:00 AM. Had a sound sleep. We were more enthusiastic to see the sunrise this morning, but again the sun didn't shine bright between the clouds surrounded by. so back to the lodge and took all my back bag and left from home around 07:50 AM. This time have to cover 21 KM to reach Phalut. It was totally a different challenge. The climate was pleasant when we started our journey but it was totally opposite when we finished off.
After the walk around 02 KM a small hut came , where we had our breakfast. again started our journey ,on the way plenty of yaks roaming around, after passing the landscape , there was mild snowfall.
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| Yaks, enroute Phalut. |
I was too glad to experience the fresh snowfall. I was enjoying the moment. It was around 10 KM behind Phalut where fresh snowfall started. Covered with the jacket myself and my back bag with cover. Started our walk , I was feeling like walking on the white blanket. Everywhere the snow was covered. after walking around 03 KM, the weather became too harsh and windy too. As there was no village and no hut on the way to Phalut, it became difficult to walk. As small hut was seen after walking a bit where we stopped for a while and waiting for the snowfall to stop, but no change in the climate. It was around 03 KM to reach Phalut. Again with the enthusiasm to reach the Phalut base, started our journey in the snow. I was fully covered with snow when i reached Phalut base at 15:15 and was totally freezed.
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| Snow covered Hut, Phalut Base. |
I entered into the hut with a surprise that no trekkers was there in the hut as it was off season. I got the bed for RS 220/- as per the government rate. I was shivering due to the snowfall which i experienced. so far a warm up i entered into the kitchen and had a glass of hot water. After some time more trekkers came, but too tired that i was not able to interact with them. Around 19:30 my trek guide brought the dinner for me. Had it nicely and when i opened the window the wind was blowing too harshly. My trek guide also stayed with me so we had a short talk regarding the next day. We was very eager to see the mountains if the climate support us. So awaiting for the next day, we slept.
Day 6, 24 JAN 2019
The day started with the pretty clear blue sky with beautiful sunrise. so got up and refreshed myself and walked 500 meter up hill to have the glimpse of the mountain peaks. I was too lucky that i have viewed the closest view of the mount Everest and Kanchenjunga which I only studied in the geography. Took the snaps with my guide and came back to the hut.
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| !!! From Phalut top: From left:Mount Everest and right end: Kanchenjunga Range!!! |
Skipping the breakfast , had black tea for refreshment.
Started descent towards Gorkhey around 09:00 AM from Phalut.
It's was completely slope till Samaden and trail was amazing both side fully of bamboo tree. The beautiful village surrounded by dense pine forest in all direction.
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| Samaden, beautiful village surrounded by dense pine forest in all direction. |
Next village was Ramam and close to that village had our lunch (Maggi + boiled egg) around 14:00.
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| Egg + Maggi :) |
The trek from Gorkhey to Ramam is through a forest with gradual steep ascents. The next point was Srikhola where I crossed the wooden bridge.
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| Wooden bridge, Srikhola. |
After a walk of 40 minutes the final destination Sepi arrived which was around 25 KM from Phalut. Around 17:00 we reached the Pritam home stay at Sepi. Here we found many trekkers where we can see the celebration of the happy ending. After 4 days , I had a nice bath and refreshed myself. Around 19:30 had the dinner with rice + chicken. I was fully satisfied with the trekking and also with the service of my trek guide. After 5 days , I got a signal in my mobile. With a great happiness I contacted my family. Had a talk about the pros and cons of the trek with my guide and finally ended my day.
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| Pritam home stay-Sepi |
Day 7,25 JAN 2019
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| Veg-Momo |
With the great excitement and satisfaction, we left from Sepi in the shared cab(RS 350/-)up to Darjeeling. Around 09:00 AM , I had veg-Momos in Dhotrey as a breakfast.
Our next village was Manebhanjang where we started our trek. My trek guide got down at Manebhanjang and said phirmilenge(waved my hand). I reached Darjeeling around 12:00 PM, by the time little shower of rain was there due to which heavy traffic was there. Got another shared cab(RS 150/-) towards Siliguri. Reached the destination around 15:15 which was 5 KM behind NJP. I took the shared auto(RS 20/-) to reach NJP railway station.
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| NJP-Republic day decoration |
The scheduled departure of my train was 19:35, there was enough time for the train to arrive. Refreshed myself with the hot chai(Skipped lunch) and spent my time by viewing the decoration of the train by the tricolor as it was republic day(Next day).
I got in to the train which was up to Howrah. Feeling too tired so without having my dinner slept on my upper bearth. Had a nice sleep and reached Howrah around 05:30 AM.
Day 8, 26 JAN 2019
It was the republic day. My flight from Kolkata to Chennai was on 27 Jan 2019 around 13:30. So the day was for spending time at Kolkata. I was searching for the room near the airport. I got the Diya guest house at Baguiati(RS 600 per day) I refreshed myself and had breakfast and left out for the local sight seeing, visited Victoria memorial. Due to republic day there was the huge crowd spent my time about 3-4 hours in the Victoria memorial.
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| Victoria memorial-Kolkata |
Thought to meet Himalayan trekkers(Sapta) who is the resident of Kolkata. we met at the place Esplande where we thought to have our dinner. Aliah hotel-Mughiai restaurant, where we had our dinner with mutton gravy and chicken biryani. It was really awesome. Had a brief talk about the trek experience and left from the place.(sapta bhai-Jaldi vapas milenge).Get into the bus up to the Baguiati , he get down in between and I travelled up to Baguiati, reached around 22:30 and slept.
The next day(27 JAN 2019) woke up around 07:00 AM. Refreshed myself and left from there around 08:30 AM by bus. Reached airport around 10:00 AM. Flight up to Chennai was around 13:00. The trip which was full of excitement and refreshment ends.!!! :)
I was fully satisfied with the trek as total paisa was vasool. It was the economic trek too.!!! :)
