Sleeping Buddha Part II

Why the term “ Sleeping Buddha”?

One of the major reasons or highlight of Sandakphu Trek in India is the view of Mount Kumbhakarna, Mount Kanchendzonga and Mount Pandium. These peaks seen from places like Tumling, Sandakphu and Phalut appear to be “Sleeping Buddha”. Sandakphu being the highest peak of West Bengal with elevation of 3,636 m, 11,900 ft, the portrayal of Sleeping Buddha is just perfect!

Before you begin to read part 2, please check out part 1 https://trail2happiness.in/2019/12/26/sleeping-buddha-part-i/ , if you have already read then now I take you to the next 6 days of my trek. Los geht’s..

Day 1 Jaubhari to Tumling Altitude Change from 6,400 ft (1,951 m) to 9,450 ft (2,880 m) Distance 9-10 km

Although I could not slumber because of cold, I was pumped up. Gush of activities; packing bags, medical examination, tea, breakfast and we were all ready to venture the Sandakphu Trek. Group of 19 trekkers with a trek leader . Trail till Tumling was continuous uphill through thick Alpine forest. Gradually the group started to scatter and now trekkers with similar pace were hiking together. Right after 2-3 hours of ascend, we had our tea break in Chittrey. This place was full of beautiful pink Garden Cosmos. From Chittrey Himalayan peaks were visible.

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After Chittrey we headed towards Meghma . Trail till Meghma was pretty easy and we were surrounded by mist till we reached our lunch spot.

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After lunch we were gradually reaching towards Tumling, near Nepal Border. For few hours, the peaks were completely vanished. There was a steep motor road till Tumling. We could see local house from the base. It was already afternoon and clouds were all over the place. We took a break and clicked some pictures.

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Around 4 PM we were in Tumling. All I wanted was to sit and soak myself completely into this place, right when someone asked me to turn back and Oh God!!!! Sleeping Buddha indeed was right before me!!!!

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Beautiful sunset at Tumling was visible from backside of the guesthouse. I was agog seeing such sunset and bed of clouds.

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It was Diwali on this day in Tumling, I was missing my family and home. No mobile connectivity made me curious. So, I tried to uplift my mood and joined the group to dance. Atmosphere was homely and we were warm after having soup.  With random steps we were trying to sync and made the dance more chaotic. But that was fun. Till this moment, I had never danced in public, not even in my own wedding!! I felt good, felt free 😊 . At one-point tables in the dining area were rearranged and 20 of us formed a circle and danced on Nepali songs. What a ball we had! After dinner we had all gathered in an attic like big room. Formal introduction happened in Jaubhari, however the ice was actually broken here, in this big room of Tumling.

Day 2 Tumling to Kalapokhri Altitude Change from 9,450 ft (2,880 m) to 10,400 ft (3,170 m) Distance 12-13 km

I am nocturnal. But on treks, I am efficient than alarm. I woke up on this Day 2, put on my down jacket and rushed outside to see the beautiful hues of morning in Tumling.

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Sun was out and we had our breakfast, quickly packed our backpacks. More layers were added as it was getting colder and windy. With good warm up, we began our Day 2. Soon after we left Tumling we entered Singalila National Park and we could see Autumn turning this place red. Singalila is home to animals like Red Pandas, Black Bear, Leopard Cat, Pangoline, Indian Wild Boar and birds like Barbet, Magpie, Woodpecker. I could only spot Magpie.

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Crossing Singalila was itself a thrilling experience, though not a single Panda was spotted. After having hot Dim sums and tea, we headed to a very steep uphill. Now we were mostly walking on the steep motor road and finally after 2 hours of uphill we reached the lunch spot.

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After delicious lunch we headed to Kalapokhri.

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As I reached Kalapokhri, I was greeted by the beautiful pond and cheered up by the trek leader for successfully finishing Day 2.

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Our stay in Kalapokhri was in a guest house. From the terrace we could again spot the sunset and clouds spreading accross the valley. Kalapokhri’s evening was memorable with its beautiful tones of sunset and beginning of our Mafia game 🙂

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Day 3 Kalapokhri to Sandakphu Altitude Change from 10,400 ft (3,170 m) to 11,950 ft (3,642 m) Distance 6-7 km

I was amazed by the vastness of Singalila National Park. The beautiful blue sky, which was rare to my eyes, as they have only seen dull white city sky. Sun rays were so pure touching my supple skin. Today we only had to cover 6 km distance, so I was relaxed and clicking pictures of cascaded mountains.

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There was a very steep trail and a motor road to reach Sandakphu peak. There were two motor roads, one from India and another from Nepal to reach Sandakphu and both were accessible to us. As I reached acme of this trek my eyes were fixed on Sleeping Buddha. All the planning and efforts to live this moment seemed to be so worthy.

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After about 1 hour of halt in Sandakphu, we headed to Aal 1-2 km away. Our guesthouse in Aal was unique. There was a hillock behind our tea house. After having amazing hot cup of coffee, we climbed the hill to enjoy the beautiful evening and sunset.

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Click on Page 2….