Sunrise from Singhik in North Sikkim. Singhik is 4kms from Mangan, the epicentre of the 2011 earthquake that shook entire Sikkim.
View of Mt.Kanchenjungha and other mountains from Singhik.
Mt.Kanchenjungha from Singhik. This is the only place in North Sikkim from where Mount Kanchenjungha is so clearly visible.
Chopta valley enroute Gurudongmar Lake in North Sikkim. There is no human settlements in Chopta Valley. Government of India must monitor movements here to ensure that no
outsiders come and settle down here to avoid a repetition of what has happened elsewhere.
The holy Gurudongmar Lake. It is at a height of 17,100 feet and is amongst the top 15 highest lakes in the world. ''Named after Guru Dongmar, the lake has a religious appeal. The view of
Mount Siniolchu and Khanchendzonga is breathtaking from that point. The beauty of the lake is awesome and out of the world spectacle. Surrounded by snow clad mountains and crystal clear icy water, it is considered to be a very sacred lake.''
Another view of Gurudongmar Lake. Most of the time the lake is frozen and it is not possible to walk along the lake banks. According to tradition, Guru Padmasambhava (also known as
Guru Dongmar), touched and sanctified the lake, and thus, even in extreme winter, a portion of the lake does not freeze. The water of Gurudongmar Lake are said to have curative properties.''
Guru Padmasambhava is supposed to have taken a giant leap from Rewalsar in Himachal Pradesh to Tibet. To see pics of Rewalsar Lake Click here
Guardians of Gurudongmar.The lake is formed from the melting ice of the mountains and an adjoining glacier. Take time to get acclimatized to high altitude before venturing to Gurudongmar
Lake. Drink enough water to make it easy and it is advisable to eat before going. Best time to visit Nov to June. Route is Gangtok to Lachen (9240 feet) and next day leave early morning
for Gurudongmar (3-4hrs one way) to return the same day. To see distance map Click here
Gurudongmar Lake from an unusual angle. To see pics of Junagarh Fort, Bikaner in Rajasthan Click here
This is a very unusal angle of the lake. To take this pic I walked around the lake which, appears small, but is quite big. Along with two friends
we completed this exciting walk in 1.5 hours. If you are visiting Gurudongmar leave early from Lachen/Thangu so that u get enough time here. The Indian Army does not allow anyone to
stay here beyond 2 pm. To know more about Gurudongmar Lake Click here
The small town of Singhik comes to life after Sunrise. The roads in North Sikkim are notorious for landslides and should be avoided during the monsoons. Visit to Gurudongmar Lake
requires a permit since it is close to the border. To see pics of Kausani, Kumaon in Uttaranchal Click here
They bring the load all the way from Mangan to Singhik which is quite a bit of uphill trek. To see pics of Gokarna Beaches in Karnataka Click here
A small shop in Yumthang. Yumthang is a very popular tourist destination in North Sikkim. Nowadays there is a option of Night stay which needs prior bookings. To see pics of Tawang
Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh Click here