By Amanpreet Singh
Hey, Cloggers! We concluded that we wanted to go somewhere so far, so untamed, that it was like a different planet. We were heading towards Nathang Valley in East Sikkim also known as the Ladakh of the East. It was not a casual journey – we had to obtain permits, go along difficult highways, endure cold as bones, but the scenery was the most epic we could have had. It was our frozen and breathtaking and indeed beautiful adventure with the crew: Vikram, Simran, and Rahul, and me.
Conquering the Old Silk Route (The Epic Start)
With an excellent scenic route mostly addressed through the winding and ancient Old Silk Route, reaching Nathang is a full-day undertaking. Driven further past Zuluk, we went up through the notorious 32 hairpin turns that snake up on the mountain side. The streets were small, and frequently frozen; and the increase of elevation was unwearying.
This was the final Epic driving test. The driver was one of the local heroes and even he had to be at his best. The comradeship was amusing itself because of the collective horror and excitement- every small place was met with one general gasp, after which, there was relief and hysterical laughter. We were forced to pull over here and there to check our altitude and make a quick photo, and never to leave without being fully wrapped up against the fierce wind.
The very procession, the panorama view of the gigantic Himalayas unraveling before us, was like a scene of a movie adventure, and we were, indeed, out of the beaten path.
The Beautiful Moment in the Frozen Valley
Nathang Valley is located at approximately 13, 500 feet and the place is enclosed with rolling hills that are generally brown or snow-white in color, a complete contrast to the lower green slopes of Sikkim. The calmness characterised our initial afternoon in the valley.
The loveliest Incident was the discovery of the frozen meander of the Nathang River. It was almost like a glass ribbon that was passing through the high grassland. The sky was as clear as possible and the only sound was the crunching of our boots on the ground.
This was the source of the Lovely sensation of utter loneliness. We were alone in that huge, treeless wilderness; the mountains and the deep blue sky. We also knew how seldom we have time to be really silent in our lives. It was serene, mighty and immensely touching to the entire crew.
Stars, Stove, and Shared Stories
Nights in Nathang are inhuman and the temperatures drop to below freezing. We were in a simple homestay with the best feature being a wood burning stove in the centre.
The actual entertainment with friends occurred when we stared around that stove. It was hot soup and instant noodles, exchanging the driving craziness of the day, and competing, to see who would venture out into the unbelievably clear dark sky and name constellations. The stars were a spectacular sight, and the elevation and the absence of light pollution made it an overwhelming sight.
Nathang Valley is a challenging place to go yet it gives you nothing but bare nature, deafening silence and that of friendship. It is an experience that challenges you and you are rewarded with a scenic sight that will remain with you forever.
What’s the coldest temperature you’ve experienced on a trip? Share your chilling stories below!
Stay warm, Amanpreet Singh clogtheblog.com
