If you wanna visit Gourdongmar lake you have to acclimatize your body before reaching there at an altitude of 18000 feet .We planned to go Gourdongmar Lake from Gangtok . So we decided to stay at Lachen to acclimatize our body before going to Gourdongmar Lake next day .
Lachen means Big Pass .This small village is situated at an altitude of 9000 feet.It is a valley with grassy land and scattered forests of Rhododendrons and coniferous trees .The mountain stream Lachen Chu flows through it in deep gorges .On the other side of the river steep mountain rises straight .
The Day Of The Journey
Gangtok was still in her slumber when I opened the window .Layers of clouds were dividing the mountain ranges . Mist like cloud was stealing its way into our hotel suit through the open window .
As I was looking to the sky it was becoming clear .White cloudlets were floating like fluffy cotton .We started near about ten o’clock in the morning from Gangtok. When we were waiting for our car the day started turning to a sunny day gradually though the morning was yet foggy .
We finally left Gangtok at about 11 am in the morning .Our reserved car was running fast leaving the Gangtok city behind . We could see the other angles of the mountain .We crossed the river and took our route towards Lachen .Mountain and falls were calling us and we were running as if we were hypnotized with the beauty of the blue mountain. The greenery of the pine trees were just stunning .
The beauty of a mountain stream forced us to take a close look at it . We could notice the sparkling water falls flowing, creating designs on the lap of mountain . The droplets were falling like pearls and its tinkling sound were really amazing .
Cardamom plantations were in abundance everywhere and the mountain ranges were standing far in such a way as if they were playing hide and seek with us .
The beauty of the mountain was unfurling as we resumed our journey .The mountain looks different with every twist and turn of the zigzag road .Sometimes the mountains seem to be dark and deep in colour and the fresh green touch of the leaves of the trees enriches its beauty .
River TEESTA was appearing from here and there .
Colourful flags were welcoming us .At TEESTA view point we stopped again to enjoy the beauty of river Teesta .
On both the sides mountain ranges were standing with its calm and majestic might .River Teesta was running fast piercing the bosom of the mountains .It was an awesome view to watch the river from the view point of Teesta .
Next we stopped at MANGAN POLICE STATION for checking of the papers of permit which we made earlier in Gangtok .The landscape was changing its beauty from turn to turn .The steep mountain was becoming steeper and sometimes becoming terrible .
The landslides that we saw in the rout was devastating .Still life goes on .With the rise of the higher altitudes weather was also changing .We could feel the chill of the breeze .
At about 4000 feet altitude we reached Toong another check post .With the calm gravity of the mountain our mind also become calm and quite .
The restless excitement goes away and an enlightened serenity fills the mind .But excitements were still waiting for us . Suddenly we were going through a tunnel in the mountain to go from one side to the other side. The journey through the tunnel was just enchanting .Again we were charged and regained our normal spirit .
River teesta was running along the road with us .The nature was just awesome .
Suddenly we felt we were covered with thick fog .The driver explained that it was a cloud not fog .I was trying to visualize myself wrapped in cloud .It was amazing .
We could see clouds were floating just beside us .Suddenly every thing was covered in a thick fog .Again we could understand we were inside a cloud .Never I had any experience like this before .Our car was gradually drawing near our destination .
Suddenly piercing the cloud wrapper we could see the silver lining of snow on the top of the mountain .We cheered in joy like a child .It started to rain .Everything was becoming hazy . At last we reached our home stay for the purpose of acclimatization before going to our final destination Gourdongmar Lake .
TRAVEL AND EXPLORE 