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).
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 Etios2. 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.
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