Himalayan Heights and Heartfelt Salutes

Bloganuary writing prompt

Think back on your most memorable road trip.

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Hello dear friends,

I trust this blog post finds you in high spirits and good health. Today, I encountered an adventurous question in the Bloganuary writing prompt: “Think back on your most memorable road trip.”

Yes, friends, I want to take you on a virtual journey to a place that holds a special spot in my heart – Gangtok and Nathula Pass in Sikkim.

Join me on this virtual expedition as we navigate through the twists and turns of the Himalayan roads, exploring the wonders of Gangtok and conquering the heights of Nathula Pass.

Adventure: A Mindset, A Way of Life

Traveling is the adventure and Adventure, to me, is not just a physical pursuit but a mindset that craves new experiences and challenges. It’s about finding joy in the journey, embracing the unknown, and growing through the process.

The adventure begins not when you reach your destination, but the moment you set foot on the path less traveled.

Sikkim: Nature’s Treasure Trove

Sikkim, a gem nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, beckoned us with its majestic mountains, lush valleys, and pristine lakes.

However, our journey wasn’t just about the breathtaking landscapes; it was a cultural exploration spanning centuries. Ancient monasteries, historic sites, and unique traditions painted a vibrant tapestry of Sikkim’s rich heritage.

The Call of the Unknown

My retirement opened the doors to see the world of possibilities, and last summer beckoned us trip to Gangtok, Sikkim. The allure of frosty weather during summer led us to plan a rendezvous with Nathula Pass. Our adventure was set in motion, and excitement filled the air.

We had booked a car from the tour operator for our complete tour 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 obtained a Protected Area Permit (PAP) 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.

Nathula Pass: The Gateway to Adventure

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

We had a 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, 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 a few standing shops. We noticed that life is tough there, and only women had been managing their shop and handling customers.

A Glimpse into the Forbidden Zone

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

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

It is very difficult to stop even 10 minutes here. But our soldiers are so brave and stood 24 hours here for our country. We appreciate them 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 a handshake’s 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 the Chumbi Valley of Tibet is mesmerizing to us, which is guarded by a long range of snow mountains.

Photography was strictly prohibited, yet the memory of the snow-covered mountains, the Gate that separated the two nations, and the soldiers of China at a handshake’s distance remain etched in our minds.

BABA HARBHAJAN SINGH MEMORIAL TEMPLE

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 the 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 scenic 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 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 honors in December 2016.

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

A Journey Beyond the Map

As we wrapped up our adventure, we carried with us not just photographs and memories, but a profound respect for the harmony of nature, the diversity of cultures, and the courage of those who safeguard our borders.

Life, indeed, is an adventure, and every journey is a chapter in the book of our experiences. May your paths be filled with discovery, your spirits high, and your heart open to the wonders that await beyond the map.

Categories: infotainment

Tags: bloganuary, bloganuary-2024-13, dailyprompt, dailyprompt-1816