Memorable Journey of Life

By vermavkv on May 19, 2022 • ( 5 )

Dear friends,

This summer season I got an opportunity to enjoy the cool – cool weather by wearing a sweater and jacket.

Yes, my family and I visited Gangtok, Sikkim last month.

Actually, we all wished that we would have some memorable moments of frosty weather in this summer season. That is why we just planned to visit Gangtok and Nathula.

What I feel is that, Gangtok-Nathula pass had an adventurous journey with tough driving. But we enjoyed the adventure with deceptive roads and high-altitude winds.

We had booked a Car from the tour operator for our complete tour for one week before the start of our journey. As per schedule, we had to start our journey early in the morning from Gangtok.

Since Nathula is a Protected Area, we had got PAP (Protected Area Permit) just before starting our journey to Nathula.

The mighty mountain pass by Nathu La is located at an astonishing height of approximately 4,310 meters above sea level and is considered to be one of the highest motorable mountain passes in the world.

We got an opportunity to experience the scenic trek of the valley and the beautiful view of the lyrical waterfalls. There is a striding road from Gangtok to Nathu la.

Although roads are dangerous and very tough riding indeed, but the scenery is so beautiful that the only snow-covered mountains were all around.

We had the beautiful view of nature along the way and I could not resist myself clicking those views on my camera.

Since they opened it to the public after a break as the roads leading to the pass were filled with snow all around. Because of that, it was very crowded.

We were on the way to experience cold weather. There was snow all around by the side of the roadside, and the weather was so cool. I told the driver to arrange for hot coffee.

We parked our Car on the side where there were few standing shops. We noticed that life is tough there. And only women had been managing their shop and handling customers.

Finally, we reached our destination. We parked our car and trekked about 100 odd feet to reach the penultimate point where the gates of PRC were located. Because of the protected area, photography was strictly prohibited in that place.

Military personnel were seen alert & vigil. They are very disciplined and standing there in such a tough situation. We salute to the Indian Army who are there for guarding the posts at such a height where weather changes every passing minute. We are feeling breathing trouble because of less oxygen level.

It is very difficult to stop even 10 minutes here. But our soldiers are so brave who stood 24 hours here for our country. We appreciate him for this brave work. Bharat Mata ki Jai … Vande Mataram.

We had seen the Gate that separates India from China, which was covered with snow at that time. The soldiers of China were standing on the other side just at shake hand distance. The temperature was -4°C.

What a beautiful view of the snow-covered mountains under the light blue sky, really that is a great memorable visit. The beautiful view of Chumbi valley of Tibet is mesmerizing to us, which is guarded by a long range of snow mountains.

Darshan of Baba’s Temple

There was a canteen, and we enjoyed the coffee in that cool – cool situation and after a brief rest, we again proceeded to BABA HARBHAJAN SINGH MEMORIAL TEMPLE.

That was located just near the Nathula pass. We were at an altitude of 13,123 ft . We were lucky that the weather was clear and enjoyed the beautiful scenetic view.

We have been told that Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is a unique destination, mainly because of the legacy attached to it.

The shrine was built in the memory of Baba Harbhajan Singh, an Indian army personnel who died near Nathula in 1968. Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir has a fascinating history and legend associated with it.

The legend of Baba goes back 35 years when Sepoy Harbhajan Singh of the 23rd Punjab Regiment went missing. A manhunt was launched, and it took the army three days to find his body. It is believed that he himself led the soldiers to the site.

Soldiers raised a Samadhi in his name and till date people in the area believe that Baba’s spirit protects the soldier posted here. The Indian Army treated Baba as a soldier who never died and they retired him with full honours in December 2016.

The local people are of the opinion that Baba Harbhajan Singh still guards the international boundary between India and China.

This is one of the most popular temples in Gangtok. The story is very astonishing, and yes, people believe that Baba’s spirit protects every soldier in that inhospitable high-altitude terrain of the Eastern Himalayas.

We came back with a splendid memory and got the blessing of Baba Harbhajan Singh as well .

Please click the link below for Journey in the Woods..