GANGTOK-ZULUK-GNATHANG VALLEY-DARJEELING TRIP MARCH 2018


24 MARCH 2018 - DAY 3 - ZULUK , LUMTHANG TRAVEL (DISAPPOINTMENT TO SURPRISE)


Morning at around 6:45 AM came the bad news by our hotel guy that no chances of permit for Nathula/ mandir & Changu lake today and might be uncertain for entire week due to heavy showfall . Disappointed heavily we re-planned tour for the day as we had nothing to do in GGTK.


Instead we planned to visit Namchi and check-in to Darjeeling a day early. At around 9:30 AM from Gangtok we sat on Taxi with heavy heart and started our decent to Darjeeling but future had something amazing stored for us. 


Our Driver NB (God Sent :) ) told us not to disappoint and recommended Zuluk & beyond for snow and great views. We were sceptical and unsure but somehow pushed our luck & finally decided to go to Zuluk & beyond. At Rangpo we purchased 5 +2 Lt Mineral water to avoid stomach infections. The roads from Rangpo to Rongli (around 11 kms) were very bumpy & almost non-existent with pharma companies like Cipla estabilished there. We applied for permit (till Tsomgo Lake) and got the same in max 30 mins at Rongli Post in main bazaar(Luck and God must be kind). 


We had a tough time getting to Zuluk, it was almost 3 pm when we reached Zuluk. Although road to Zuluk was OK-ish but patchy here & there but definitely not recommend to travel in dark.

Further at around 4 PM after crossing world famous ZIGZAG Road (engulfed in fog) viewed from Thambi view point (foggy though).



                                            ZIG ZAG ROAD & Thambi View Point 

Weather suddenly went very bad with literally zero visibility. It was freezing cold and we decided to stay at Lungthung homestay which was available luckily due to season just starting  @700 Rs person (including all meals). It was basic small village (of 20 people) on the silk route. Small room, attached bathroom (no geyser) were nice but Surprise..surprise NO ELECTRICITY since last day due to pole problem. We were greeted by hot tea with popcorn and in evening we had a basic camp fire along with fellow bird watchers of Monal,Blood pheasant etc.





                                                Lungthung homestay & Bon fire

EVENING passed but with no electricity (feeling bit dizzy at 11.2 K feet also) it was difficult. Homestay offered hot water, solar light and candles (luckily I had pencil torch) and extra blankets. But it was freezing sub-zero temperature in night with no electricity and heater was something for Bravehearts!!. Somehow we retired for the night and we planned around 5AM start to visit Nathang /Gnathang valley, Old baba mandir & Kanchenjunga peak.



Todays's Expense (May increase in Season):
1. Gangtok to Zuluk to Darjeeling Cab : Rs 7500 / Toyota Etios
2. Lumthang Home Stay : Rs 2100 / One Day (All meals, 3 persons)  (In season advance booking required)
3. Permit Expenses: Rs 200

Tips:
1. Day time driving is highly recommended.


No comments:

Post a Comment

Total Pageviews