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**sajalsheth** · 11-25-2015, 07:05 PM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

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We started climbing foot steps to reach back to top. This time I kept my camera inside back pack and just concentrated on trek.
Many village children were coming down after attending school. These children trek up and down daily just to go to school. Salute to them.

Cycling and other preparation of mine helped me here. I reached top at 12.45 pm. In last steep steps I used to climb 20 steps and rest for 15 seconds and again repeating that. All my water in bottle was finished.
Then we went to see Laitkynsew view point.

one can see Bangladesh plain from here.

View was good, but my camera could not capture it fully.
A direction board for Laitkynsew view point.

I saw at least four Bangladeshi telecom tower signals on my mobile.

We saw direction board of Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort and decided to have lunch there. The owner of that resort had a little talk with us about our ride. He told us that he used to work at Odisha and used to ride on different placed of Odisha during that period. He also recommended us to have food at his son’s Orange Roots hotel, which is just before Sohra.

He also gave us a map.

I had Roti, Potato mash and Dal for lunch. It was very tasty.

After food we started riding towards Kynrem Waterfall. The descend road was very bad with lots of big pebbles. At 3.00pm we saw a waterfall but it was not that big.

Cloud were also coming from Bangladesh side, we feared that our waterfall view will be disturbed.

But that was not Kynrem waterfall.
Riding further ahead suddenly see this big waterfall.

This was the Kynrem waterfall.

It was looking majestic. But clouds were coming fast to obstruct the view.

This is only waterfall in Sohra (Cherrapunjee) will can be seen from bottom to top.
All other waterfall here can be seen from top side only.

Kynrem waterfall is the 7^th Highest waterfall of India.

It is 1000 feet waterfall

Posed here with a picture with 7^th Highest Waterfall of India.

Another view after riding near to it.

That’s tired me with my bike & waterfall in background.

Another view.

This waterfall has two big parts. One is the top one.

And bottom second one.

There was view point there. I told Harsh to go there and click one picture of mine with waterfall. Can you find me somewhere?

I am here!

Meghalaya Tourism Department’s info board.

Now we were confirmed that it was Kynrem waterfall for sure.

Harsh found an angle to click me with bike and waterfall in visible frame.

It was 4.10 pm now and clouds started moving fast towards mountains from Bangladesh side.
Our next target was seven sister waterfall. Riding ahead, at 4.30pm we could see this view of Bangladesh plains.

My camera was unable to capture it, due to low light and clouds around.

At 5.00 pm were in front of Seven Sister waterfall. This waterfall is called Nohsngithiang or Mawsmai waterfall also.

But clouds were obstructing the view.
I tried to click a picture using my mobile.

Suddenly the area was full of clouds only. Visibility reduced for that.
After all we were all Cherrapunjee …..one of the wettest place of earth.

Waited long, but could not get clear view due to clouds and dark after sunset.

we came back to “By The Way” home stay. These are some useful maps given by the owner to us.

I had dinner at Gemi’s Restaurant. It was soup and rice-dal.
I was not in good mood due to clouds at Seven Sister waterfall. I will have to visit it again tomorrow for better view.

This was our ride map for the day.

Google GPS link:

ps. Bhai logo ko mere saath din bhar ghumane ka maza aaya ki nahi ?

Click HERE for next update.

Coming up….next…. Nohkalikai Waterfall ( 4^th Highest in India), Seven Sister waterfall (5^th Highest of India), Mawsmai cave, Eco Park….& Ride to Barpeta Road

**chaosaddict** · 11-26-2015, 01:29 PM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

This is a moment; can't stop myself from commenting. Amazing captures!!
I have been there and it's an indescribable experience. The hard-work you put in trekking all the way is worth every dime, the scenic beauty is simply irreplaceable, the clean water view from the hanging bridges is something to die for. The calm and serene surroundings are so conducive of abandoning urban pleasures - definitely a less traveled destination compared to mainstream spots, but undoubtedly one of the best.

Thanks for sharing, so reminiscing!

**sajalsheth** · 11-26-2015, 07:52 PM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

Originally posted by chaosaddict View Post

This is a moment; can't stop myself from commenting. Amazing captures!!
I have been there and it's an indescribable experience. The hard-work you put in trekking all the way is worth every dime, the scenic beauty is simply irreplaceable, the clean water view from the hanging bridges is something to die for. The calm and serene surroundings are so conducive of abandoning urban pleasures - definitely a less traveled destination compared to mainstream spots, but undoubtedly one of the best.

Thanks for sharing, so reminiscing!

Thanks [MENTION=48174]chaosaddict[/MENTION] ji...for the appreciation.... only those who have visited the place, knows its worth.

**taufique** · 11-30-2015, 06:56 PM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

Originally posted by coolmaverickguy View Post

Simply amazing !!!! i will visit this part of India very soon .

First you ride then tell

**sajalsheth** · 12-01-2015, 04:07 PM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

Originally posted by taufique View Post

First you ride then tell

After riding at Mahendragiri .....Anupam & other 5 riders are now Sandakphu ready

**NeverAware** · 12-01-2015, 04:41 PM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

Wow that's one hell of a trip! Thanks for all the amazing pictures.

**sajalsheth** · 12-06-2015, 02:29 AM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

9. Day 7 = 2nd Oct., 2015

Around Sohra (Cherrapunjee) then to Barpeta Road.

Total km traveled 313. Ride time 6.00AM to 6.45 PM.
I rode around to Sohra (Cherrapunjee), covering Nohkalikai waterfall, EcoPark, Seven Sister Waterfall, Mawsmai caves & then ride to Barpeta Road

For this day, I wanted to visit Seven Sister Waterfall and Mawsmai caves, but Harsh wanted to visit cleanest village of Asia Mawlynnong. So we decided that after visiting Nohkalikai waterfall, I will stay till noon at Sohra & Harsh will move ahead.
At 6 am, Harsh was ready with luggage.

We rode together till Nohkalikai waterfall. At 6.20 am we were there. Nobody was there at that time. No tourist, no shops open & nobody to collect entry fee also.

I had dreamed to visiting Nohkalikai waterfall after my Ladakh ride of 2014.

Sun was rising and the waterfall area was half filled with morning sun rays.

Below the waterfall, there is a plunge pool formed with blue color water.

Nohkalikai waterfall is the tallest plunge waterfall in India and its height is 1115 feet.
It is 4th highest in India.

There is long view area for this waterfall with protective railing. But nobody was there except me and Harsh.

I took a picture of myself with Nohkalikai for remembrance.

My wish in my interview with The Times of India, was now fulfilled.

That is Harsh with Nohkalikai waterfall.

Some information about this waterfall.

I posed with my bike there.

One can get amazing view of mountains around there.

There is lush green area on top.

If you come here after 10 am, you will not see this place empty like this.

The name of this waterfall in local Khasi language means “jump of Ka Likai” in linked to a legend about local women Likai, who jumped off the cliff.

You cannot take you eyes off the pure blue water down there.

Then Harsh left and I was enjoying the beauty around. One hotel was open there and I ordered Chole Puri.

The hotel was having a balcony on waterfall side. I decided to have breakfast sitting there.

What a feeling to have breakfast with sound of water falling 1115 feet.

After that I started for Eco Park and reach there at 7.45 am.

This Eco Park is made in area just above Seven Sister waterfall. So one can see the waterfall from top.

This stream fall down to became seven sister waterfall.

Water was very less, but during peak monsoon view will be different.

There are seven of such water streams.

There are many view points with protective railing. The sound of falling water is soothing.

It was 8.00 am and there was nobody there. It seems all tourists visit these places in noon and evening only. The clouds had entered the Eco Park also that time.

Another view point.

Clouds were restricting the full view.

That is the view of Polo Orchid Resort from Eco Park. The road towards this resort offers good view of Eco Park and Seven Sister Waterfalls.

View of second water stream falling.

This is view opposite site.

There were eight such water streams there and all except one fall down the cliff. The one which does not fall down is called missing falls. Perhaps it mixed with another waterfall stream underground.

Barrages are created to store some water of water stream.

Some more water storages inside Eco Park.

This is guide map of Eco Park.

View points and ancient monoliths made by king.

Since nobody was around in that part at that time, I did't have to pay entry and camera fees also.
Finally at 8.20 am, I got full clear view of Seven Sister waterfall.

The view point on the way to Polo Orchid Resort.

View from that view point.

This is my bike posing with 5th highest waterfall of India.

Time for me to pose there.

I could see only 2-3 water streams falling at Seven Sister Waterfall. But during full monsoon, one can see all seven.

The top green area of the waterfall is Eco Park.

I posed again there with 1033 feet waterfall before leaving.

The Seven Sister Waterfall is called Nohsngithiang or Mawsmai waterfall also.

At 8.40 am, I reached Mawsmai cave.

Saw some more monoliths there. In ancient times these monoliths were sign of Kings Area or kingdom.

The direction board towards Mawsmai waterfall.

I reached there too early. The entry board and guide map of cave.

No visitors were there at that time. So I had to pay Rs.60 as entry fee in stead of regular Rs.20. This was clearly mentioned in info board.
Some view inside cave.

My camera was unable to focus due to low light inside.

This is the exit of that cave.

After that I came to my home stay to pack my luggage and move towards Guwahati.
A view between mawsmai cave and my home stay at 9.30am.

Suddenly I was not feeling well and my stomach was upset. I went to toilet twice before leaving.

I paid charges to Mr. Haprit of By The Way home stay, and tied my entire luggage with bike. It was 11.15 am. This is picture of Mr.Haprit with my bike.

This is famous Ramkrishna Mission of Sohra.

At 11.50 am, I reached Orange Roots hotel and had light lunch. This hotel is owned by the son of Cherrapunjee Resort and serves Vegetarian food. It is just outside Sohra.
I also took medicines for controlling loose motion as my stomach was upset.

At 1.00pm, I reach Shillong. Today was 2nd October and there was some half marathon event under banner of Swachh Bharat.

At 1.20 pm, I reached Umiam Lake of Shillong. The view of lake was mesmerizing.

During morning, afternoon and evening the look of this lake and surrounding area are different.

Last view of the lake after Lahdung Dam.

After that I did not stop anywhere for pictures. After reaching Guwahati, I talked with Harsh and he was on outskirts of Guwahati after visiting visit cleanest village of Asia Mawlynnong.

I crossed Straight Bridge on Brahmaputra River. And waited for Harsh at a petrol pump at Kali Pahar area. Then together we rode till Barpeta Road, crossing Rangia, Nalbari, Pathsala & Howly.

We searched for some hotel with parking at Barpeta Road, & finally stayed at Hotel Queens Castle for Rs.500/=.

I had two dosas for dinner & Amul Taaja Milk and some bakery snacks.

This was our ride map for the day.

Google GPS link:-

Click HERE for next update.

Coming up….next…. Barpeta Road to Siliguri via Buxa tiger reserve, JaldaparaNational Park, & my health problem.

**sajalsheth** · 12-06-2015, 05:05 PM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu &amp; Sikkim

Originally posted by NeverAware View Post

Wow that's one hell of a trip! Thanks for all the amazing pictures.

Thank you @NeverAware ji

**sambit** · 12-06-2015, 05:55 PM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

As usual. Mesmerizing and Talking Pictures all round. If asked, which trip will You rate more fun?? Leh/Ladakh or S3??

**coolmaverickguy** · 12-06-2015, 08:25 PM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

Beautiful capture Sajal bhai

**sajalsheth** · 12-06-2015, 08:35 PM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim|Day 8 = 3rd Oct., 2015 Barpeta Road to Siliguri

10. Day 8 = 3rd Oct., 2015

Barpeta Road to Siliguri.

Total km traveled 378. Ride time 6.30AM to 3.20 PM.
I rode to Siliguri passing Bongaingaon, BuxaTiger Reserve, Hasimara, JaldaparaNational park, Birpara, Mal Bazar & Sevoke.

Yesterday night, Harsh told me that he will not ride to Sandakphu. He feared that his bike’s clutch might damage there on ascend. He had done trekking there twice. I talked to Neel Da and decided that we both with ride to Sandakphu and Harsh will go to Darjeeling.

I also had a look at offline map, the route of which was suggested by H.V.Kumar Sir.

At 6.30 am in morning our bikes got local crowds attention outside our hotel.

At around 8.10 am we stopped in this dhaba for breakfast.

I had Paratha- dal for breakfast.

This was too heavy for me as I was having loose motions. And I got the punishment also for that.

I crossed Buxa Tiger Reserve board and clicked some pictures there at 10.25 am. I was not feeling well by that time. And I wanted to reach Siliguri early. Buxa was only 7km from there.

I did not go inside, but click the picture along with info board.

After that I was not feeling well. Pressure of loose motion was also there. I went for loo at a petrol pump’s toilet. There was no lock from inside. One rope was there and I had to hold it to get door closed from inside. But at least water was there.

Somehow I finished all these punishment. Harsh was waiting near my bike at petrol pump. He was also getting delayed due to my health problem.
After this I was searching from some medicine store to get medicine for loose motion.

Now Harsh was riding fast and I was riding slow as was much behind him. I saw a medicine shop at Hasimara.

And the board mentioned of a Doctor there.

I met the Doctor inside that medicine shop and told him about loose motion problem. Also told him about my ride and told him to give injection also for quick cure.

Dr. N.K. Saha gave me this medicine and one injection.

Riding little ahead of Hasimara, I heard loud sound of an airplane. It was an army fighter plane landing towards right side of NH. What a great sight it was. But there was not enough time to click picture. It was Mig fighter jet perhaps.

At around 12 pm, I saw this rhino statue near road.

This was entry point of Jaldapara National park.

But due to my health issue, I decided to skip this and try to reach Siliguri as fast as possible. I took another picture and rode ahead.

At around 1 pm, I was riding inside a beautiful forest road.

It was Chapramari Forest perhaps.

I had Amul butter milk at Mal Bazar. I had light noodles at Savoke for lunch. And then I reached Siliguri at around 3.20 pm.

That day it was local Election Day. I talked to Neel Da; he was also busy in election. He suggested to me come to Hotel Sunview at Shiv Mandir area. It was very near to NBMC Hospital. This hotel was near to Neel da’s home.
All shops were closed due to local election. So was this Hotel Sunview. Yes this hotel’s main door was also locked and all went to cast vote.

In West Bengal election is an important event. I waited for Neel da to come and then I checked in at another hotel nearby.
It was Hotel Arya and I got a single bed non a/c room for Rs.400/-. This was Neel da’s friend’s hotel.

After my check in, Neel Da went for election work. I got my bike washed nearby.

I put chain oil for lubrication.

After 6pm all shop started opening. I had to take one injection and for that I went inside NBMC Hospital (North Bengal Medical College & Hospital). But based on outside Doctor’s prescription nobody gave me injection. Then at one pathology lab just outside hospital, one gentleman gave me injection after my request. After learning about my bike ride trip, he did not charge me anything. Where as, in hospital I offered Rs.100 to Nurse to give me medicine injection.

My riding jacket was torn a little and I got it stitched. I did my packing for Sandakphu. Only one claw bag was to be taken & all other luggage was packed inside backpack and kept in hotel’s store room.

I wanted to have light khakhara for dinner, for that me and Neel Da went to a mall. Neel da and I decided to meet next day morning and start for Sandakphu. Harsh had already reached Darjeeling in evening.

I wanted to have one lime juice along with worm water after dinner. I asked two three tea stalls nearby, but all denied even after I offered them money. But one tea stall, which was almost closed, did light up stove for me and gave me warm water. He did so after I told him that this was needed for medicine. He did not take any money from me for that.

So I got two experiences of humanity still alive, that evening.
I talked with my family before sleeping, as next day I will not get mobile tower/ signal at Sandakphu.

This was our ride map for the day.

Google GPS link:-

Click HERE for next update.

Coming up….next…. mighty SANDAKPHU Ride.

**sajalsheth** · 12-07-2015, 05:37 PM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu &amp; Sikkim

Originally posted by sambit View Post

As usual. Mesmerizing and Talking Pictures all round. If asked, which trip will You rate more fun?? Leh/Ladakh or S3??

Thank you [MENTION=32054]sambit[/MENTION]
if adventure & troubles are more fun then my answer is "S3"
if smooth trip is more fun then answer is "Ladakh & Zanskar"

----consecutive posts auto-merged-----

Originally posted by coolmaverickguy View Post

Beautiful capture Sajal bhai

Thank you [MENTION=19266]coolmaverickguy[/MENTION] Anupam

**sambit** · 12-07-2015, 06:42 PM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

Waiting for the best part now. Sandakphu.
That "toilet without lock" experience was funny. And its a part of adventure....

**brcs** · 12-08-2015, 05:20 PM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

Excellent photographs and narration, Sir. Each day, the first thing I do is checking for updates in this beautiful travelogue. Eagerly waiting for the Sandakphu and the North Sikkim adventure (Gurudongmar, Tso Lhamo)..

**sajalsheth** · 12-09-2015, 12:25 PM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

Originally posted by sambit View Post

Waiting for the best part now. Sandakphu.
That "toilet without lock" experience was funny. And its a part of adventure....

Originally posted by brcs View Post

Excellent photographs and narration, Sir. Each day, the first thing I do is checking for updates in this beautiful travelogue. Eagerly waiting for the Sandakphu and the North Sikkim adventure (Gurudongmar, Tso Lhamo)..

Thank you @sambit & @brcs ji....

Day 1 of Sandakphu ride has 470+ pictures , I have to sort out from them and post around 100+
may be I will post selected good ones in two parts.
@brcs ji ...even East Sikkim has good pictures specially of Zuluk.

Next update shortly

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S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

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