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**coolmaverickguy** · 12-18-2015, 12:32 AM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

Now dont stop sajal bhai, Keep going

**sambit** · 12-18-2015, 12:39 AM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

Woooo. Too much awesomeness in one log....

**sajalsheth** · 12-18-2015, 12:44 AM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

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Look at the right side and feel ascend of road.

Neel Da riding with skill on a tilted wall type road.

More n more ascend.

I read somewhere that roads to Lahaul Spiti are most treacherous road, but I don’t think Roads to Sandakphu are less tough.

Riding on trekking route with lots of ascend is not easy.

The road was so much steep that we were riding with both legs down only to keep balance.

You need to be mentally strong to ride here.

Some trekkers were getting down. They were surprised to see two bikes riding on a trekking route.

They must be thinking about our madness.

And after a break the ride continues. Just imagine if one will fall here then he will just go tumbling down.

Now we could see the Indian side mountains, or more specifically opposite of Nepal side mountains.

Road to Sandakhpu is meant for trekking or for 4x4 vehicles only. But we climbed it with 1 wheel power only.

The sun rays shining on my left rear view mirror in above picture were giving me some signals, which I did not catch that time.

First view of snow capped mountains.

And the bad off road continues.

My both legs were not touching the ground, especially at ascend.

More view of snow capped mountains, is this Kangchenjunga?

It was 10.30am and Sandakphu was just 1 km ahead.

More steep road.

If you are tough, then the road to Sandakphu is tougher. Some are of 40 degree inclined.
See the ascend on right side road.

We were taking more n more rest as this steep road could burn our clutch plate. But for this 4x4 Mahindra Vehicle this was nothing. It was going non stop.

The last simple road before the great ascends of Sandakphu.

See how that Mahindra 4x4 is climbing the last steep road. We could hear loud engine sound from it.

Neel Da went first on that steep road.

The last 1km of Sandakphu road is not for ordinary rider. Now I understood why people say that you can see your nose tip at some placed at Sandakphu trek.

That road was damaged at turnings, making it more difficult. At one place Neel Da’s bike was unable to climb and even after applying breaks it was sleeping down. As Avenger bike is short in height, he did not fell down. I immediately parked my bike at a safe place and kept one stone behind his rear wheel. Pushing little could make bike go riding up again.

We came from this way.

The road was too much tough to ride. My bike’s height was a disadvantage here. My legs were not touching ground and making tougher for me. One mistake and you will go tumbling down.

Stopping and taking pictures was now also difficult as no safe place anywhere to park the bike.

But at 10.55am, we fine one safe place and took a break. It was needed to keep our bike safe from engine heat.

View of snow capped mountains becoming clearer.

This is view of Kalaphokhari village from there.

From here I decided to ride first and Neel Da will follow. I was over confident.

At around 11.05 am I fell down on ascend. The fall was a big one.

This was due to power loss of bike and wrong selection of bolder to ride on by me. Power loss may have happed due to steep ascend the petrol could not flow to carburetor from petrol tank.
The foot rest of left side pierced inside my left shoes. Riding gloves scratched badly.
Left rear view mirror broken. Leg guard was bended.
But due to Grace of God, I was safe. Only little scare was there on my left palm. My leg came out of shoes so leg was not damaged due to piercing of footrest into shoes.

But Neel Da was very prompt. He immediately came and lift me up. It took 5-10 minutes to keep bike in proper safe place. There was no other person to help us.

This third fall of mine was damaging one. It swayed & wavered our determination. Neel Da asked me that shall we pull out and go back? He was concern about my health.

I could see Sandakhpu from there. How can I pull out just when the target is only half km away? No doubt road is tough but we are not giving up. We will fight and achieve Sandakphu.

(Picture owner AmitMathur)

After some discussion, we decided to ride ahead after taking some rest. I decided that on steep ascends; I will get down from bike and walk with my bike in first gear.
But I did that for a few meters only.

At 12.15pm, we reached Sandakphu. We wanted to stay at forest rest house, but the caretaker did not allowed us. So we stayed at PWD rest house for Rs.500/=.

So finally overcoming all the troubles we made it.

That is SSB check post with India’s flag flying.

I had achieved a dream that day…..riding bike up to Sandakphu was accomplished.

The view of PWD guest house’s room.

And the dining area. We ordered food and moved around Sandakphu.

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**Siddhant Mishra** · 12-18-2015, 12:49 AM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

I must visit once. Keep them coming.

**sambit** · 12-18-2015, 12:49 AM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

The never ending series of beautiful pics. I believe this is going to be the travelogue with most attachments.

How many pics U selected in total for this log?

**sajalsheth** · 12-18-2015, 01:04 AM

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

Originally posted by silent_rambler View Post

Sajal Sir and Neel da,

Excellent pics and writings.

I loved the Umiam Lake & Mirik lake pics. If you had not told the location, we will have to think that this is somewhere abroad.

Wonderful locales and ofcourse, awesome ride.

Kept it up gentlemen.

Thank you @silent_rambler... for this appreciation... Umiam Lake is really beautiful...specially during sunrise and sunset...

**sajalsheth** · 12-18-2015, 02:13 AM

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

===========Continue from PAGE BREAK ===========

Half of Sandakphu is in Nepal and rest in India.
The famous Sherpa Chalet Lodge there….but in Nepal side….showing PO MABU.

Opposite side of same is another building of same lodge which is in Indian side.
See the address there.

So left side of lodge building is in Nepal and right side after crossing road is in India.

We were not able to see snow capped mountains due to clouds.

This road goes to Nepal.

And this one is in India, from where we came riding.

This road goes to Phalut.

The clouds were moving and giving us view of snow capped mountains. Is that big one Kangchenjunga?

At 1.10pm we had lunch of Khichadi & papad.

After lunch, I took necessary medicines. It time to check up damages done to my bike by danger road of Sandakphu. Left view mirror broken due to third fall.

The left side foot rest of pierced inside my left shoes and a made a ventilation hole.

Scratches on bike’s body also.

Riding gloves scratched badly, but only a little scare was there on my left palm.
I thanked God for keeping me safe.

We inquired about the road condition to Phalut. Locals told us it was under repairs & no vehicles can go there. My petrol indicator was also showing less petrol in tank. So we decided not to go to Phalut and move around Sandakphu only.

This is famous Sherpa Chalet Lodge, run by Nepali brothers. They have also won annual contract to supply all things to SSB of India this year for around Rs.30 lacs. (as told to us by locals). This lodge can be seen from Kalaphokhari village onwards. This lodge has been a symbol of Sandakphu.

This is forest rest house, where we were denied our stay.

This is full Sandakphu village with most of the night stay lodges and hotels.

That is Neel Da posing before Forest Rest House.

We met a gentleman from Bangalore who came with his foreigner lady partner on trek. They were staying on this orange tent.

This is made in England Land Rover….kind of Sandakphu roads.

Inside view of Land Rover.

At around 4pm, clouds started moving and we could see some parts of snow capped Kangchenjunga range.

That is view of Darjeeling from Sandakphu.
Hello Harsh …..You must be enjoying your stay in Darjeeling…. I missed you at Sandakphu. Yes, if Harsh would have joined us then we would have become three musketeers of Sandakphu… .

Dear cloud, I pray to you….please move away and let me see Kangchenjunga please.

Sandakphu is part of Singalila National Park.

This is the road going towards Phalut.

The road goes via Sabargram to Phalut, which is at 11800 feet.

A 4x4 climbing up to Sandakphu…view from first floor of Sherpa Chalet Lodge.

The name Sandakphu or Sandakfu means “Height of the poison plants”. These are that poisonous flower plants…..by the way will eating this cure me?

My BSNL mobile was not able to connect and signal was very poor there. But Neel Da’s mobile was working at some places. He was having Aircel sim. I talked with my family and informed about my whereabouts and my achievement.

At 4.50pm, we got first view of Kangchenjunga Peak. It is at 28169 feet.
Kangchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the WORLD and lies partly in Nepal and partly in Sikkim.

This is Padim mountain peak at 21950 feet.

It was 5.20pm and sun was setting down.

Last rays of sun kissing Kangchenjunga Mountain Range. From Sandakphu there are breathtaking views of the Kangchenjunga Range.

What a view of sunset from 11929 feet at Sandakphu.

I was looking at sunset from highest place of West Bengal, Sandakphu…!
In this trip I visited highest place of Meghalaya on 30.9.2015 and today on 5.10.2015, I am at highest place of West Bengal! Thank you God for this.

Prayer flags at the dusk.

View at the end of twilight dusk at 5.30pm

Then at night we had Khichari and papad which costed Rs.150 per plate. Water bottle was Rs.40. Mobile charging Rs.50. There is no electricity at Sandakphu. All the needed water and food items are brought from Maneybhanjang via Land Rover and hence costly. The lady cook told us that she takes bath once a month due to water problem.
There is a trekkers hut at Sandakphu, where per bed charged are Rs.110 only & that is only economical thing at Sandakphu.

But for the combined view of Everest, Lhotse, Kangchenjunga, Makalu, Padim, Kabru, Jano, Simvo & three sisters mountains, all the trouble and cost is worth as you can see all these great mountain peaks at Sandakphu.

It was very cold at night and we went to sleep in our cozy bed in wooden room praying about a clear view sunrise.

This was our ride map for the day.

Google GPS link:-

Click HERE for next update.

Coming up….next…. Great Sunrise at SANDAKPHU, Everest Range view, Ghoom & Siliguri.

**sajalsheth** · 12-18-2015, 05:05 PM

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

Originally posted by MUSTANG 27 View Post

Excellent, you guys are standing on the ninth cloud and taking pics....

carry on

Thank you [MENTION=71948]MUSTANG 27[/MENTION] ji...

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Originally posted by Siddhant Mishra View Post

Rarely you get to see such pictures,"I am a lot happy that you bought such nice pictures."

Thank you [MENTION=19191]Siddhant Mishra[/MENTION] .... you will more happy to see Sunrise pictures of next day morning with Everst view.

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

Originally posted by coolmaverickguy View Post

Now dont stop sajal bhai, Keep going

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

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

Originally posted by sambit View Post

Woooo. Too much awesomeness in one log....

Thank you [MENTION=32054]sambit[/MENTION]....

.. still more to come

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

Originally posted by Siddhant Mishra View Post

I must visit once. Keep them coming.

Thank you [MENTION=19191]Siddhant Mishra[/MENTION] ..... you are "Sandakphu Ready" as you have already completed Mahendragiri of Odisha(Mini Sandakphu)

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

Originally posted by sambit View Post

The never ending series of beautiful pics. I believe this is going to be the travelogue with most attachments.

How many pics U selected in total for this log?

[MENTION=32054]sambit[/MENTION] ....Thank you for liking and appreciating travelogue.

Last update was having 300+ pictures and out of which I have posted 117 pictures.
First Day of Sandakhpu was having 470 pictures and out of which I have posted 137 pictures.

I try to post minimum pictures but that also are many...

May be 500 more to go !

THANKS TO ALL

**Kos** · 12-19-2015, 10:57 AM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

my friend your photographs are breathtaking, and absolutely beautiful.

**sajalsheth** · 12-19-2015, 11:01 AM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

Originally posted by Kos View Post

my friend your photographs are breathtaking, and absolutely beautiful.

Thank you [MENTION=80608]Kos[/MENTION] ji

**dichkaun** · 12-23-2015, 09:49 AM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

Nice work Sajal.
Wonder how did I miss this thread. hooked on now.

**manoj ctc** · 12-23-2015, 07:14 PM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

Simply awesome log. Waiting for next update bhai.

**sajalsheth** · 12-26-2015, 01:34 AM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

Originally posted by dichkaun View Post

Nice work Sajal.
Wonder how did I miss this thread. hooked on now.

Thank you [MENTION=24434]dichkaun[/MENTION] ji for liking my travelogue

Originally posted by manoj ctc View Post

Simply awesome log. Waiting for next update bhai.

Thank you [MENTION=81061]manoj ctc[/MENTION] ji ... next update soon

**sajalsheth** · 12-27-2015, 07:46 PM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

13. Day 11 = 6th Oct., 2015

Sandakphu to Siliguri.

Total km traveled 120. Ride time 7.00 AM to 4.30 PM.

We rode to Siliguri passing Bikeybhanjyang, Kalapokhari, Kaiyankata, Meghma, Lameydhura, Chitrey, Manebhanjang, Simana, Ghoom & Kurseong.

We were praying for clear weather to see a combined view of Everest, Lhotse, Kangchenjunga, Makalu, Pandim, Kabru, Jano, Simvo & three Sisters mountains.

We got up at 5am and were happy to see a clear weather outside. We quickly moved towards view point at back side of Forest Rest House. There is another view point towards west side of Sandakphu, which is a small hill. But trekking there may take time and we did not want to miss any part of sunrise. And one can get good view of sun rising from 1st floor of Sherpa Chalet Lodge also.

This was majestic sleeping Buddha at 5.11am.

This was twilight before sunrise

Towards left of Kangchenjunga, there were few big mountain peaks.

But there was very less light, so we concentrated on East side.

Different shades of mountains were mesmerizing.

The Dawn sky

We could not see the sun yet, but the first ray of rising sun was falling on Kangchenjunga.

Some more shades of mountains.

More and more part of sunrays was spreading on sleeping Buddha.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/SPoqHE]

At 5.30am we could see some part of rising sun.

View without zoom.

And here comes our Sun God riding on 7 horses yoked chariot.

View of Kangchenjunga during sunrise, as seen from 1st floor of Sherpa Chalet Lodge.

Golden rays on “BODY” ie on Kabru & Kangchenjunga.

Ray on “FACE” ie on Jano.

Sun was coming out fast.

We started moving towards view point behind Forest Rest House.

Sun behind trees was looking great.

View of Kangchanjunga range of mountains….Jano, Kabru, Kangchenjunga, Simvo & Pandim.

View of Everest range of mountains…. Lhotse, Everest, Makalu & Three Sisters.

Better view of Everest at 5.45 am

Name of the mountain peaks explained in this picture.

(Not my picture)

Now was the time for Sandakphu to get golden sun ray. The mist on grass had become ice due to extreme cold. At first we were confused to see the grass and thought that there was snow fall in night.

Another clear view of Everest range

It was 5.53am, there was sunlight everywhere. While coming back to PWD Guest House we could see people on that west side mountain of Sandakphu.

This is my Bike’s seat…dew frozen on seat.

At 7.00am we were ready to leave for Siliguri. Time to say goodbye to highest place of West Bengal.

I kept my bike’s fuel knob at reserve as there was less petrol and if bike suddenly comes to reserve mode then it may stop. I packed my camera and mobile inside Viaterra Claw, as I wanted to get down safely. All the pictures till Chitrey were taken by Neel Da only.
These are caretakers of Guest House.

We had proved that bikes can reach Sandakphu also. Only guts needed.

The distance from Sandakphu to Bikeybhanjyan is around 4km, but it took 40 minutes to us. The point where I fell down yesterday also passed & my hands were shivering due to fear. But by the Grace of God coming down did not have any fall.

Last clear view of Sandakphu while coming down.

At 8.20am we crossed Kalapokhari. I am sharing this Hotel’s info for future travelers. Note that the mobile number is of Nepal.

We took some rest at Kaiyankata at 9am, as there was good sunlight which was helping us from cold weather.

We had taken forest route from Kalapokhari, in between we were stopped by SSB. But as we were on bike, they let us pass using forest route, but they don’t allow Land Rovers to pass using forest route.
You can see a Land Rover coming down from Kalapokhari using normal route in back.

At 9.25am we reached Gairibash. The SSB people were happy to see us back. They said your bikes have given good support to you. Otherwise they have seen bikes coming down on Land Rover because of tough off road, without reaching Sandakphu.

I and Neel Da were happy for our achievement. I asked SSB man to click a picture of us.

This was view of Kangchenjunga range just after Gairibash.

Now there were two routes available to us to reach Meghma. We decided to go via Nepal roads. The two Land Rovers went ahead of us.

The road to the right goes via Gurasai of Nepal.

we were riding in Nepal.

The roads are in very bad condition with lots of descend and big boulders.

There was lots of greenery around.

We came crossing those buildings of Nepal. There are many new hotels coming up at Nepal side.

Lots of descend on bad road. We came riding down slowly. A picture of mine on that descend.

The road we rode.

A Chorten with prayer flags on the way.

At 10.45 am we reached Meghma. SSB’s D’Company is guarding there.

I skipped lunch due to loose motion problem.
Some scenic route between Lamaydhura and Chitrey.

At 12.15 pm we reached Chitrey Monastery. We removed our inner thermal cloths as weather was not cold as it was there in morning.

At 12.35pm we reached Manebhanjang’s check post.
My mission was accomplished. My dream of riding to Sandakphu on bike was fulfilled.

View of Manebhanjang with lots of buildings.

I filled up my petrol at Sukhia Pokhari and we were then riding towards Ghoom.
At 1.40pm we reach Ghoom Station. It is highest railway station in India at 7407 feet.

It was fun to ride on road beside railway tracks from Ghoom to Kurseong. After that the descend to Matigara of Siliguri via many tea estates…viz Castleton tea garden, Rohini tea garden & Selim hill tea garden.

That is me riding bike on descend.

Plains are of far were also visible from those tea gardens.

The road of LamaGumbaForest & Simulbari Tea Garden was very beautiful.

We reached Siliguri at 4.30pm. I checked in same Hotel Arya, where I had kept my extra luggage. I was hungry but not eating due to fear of loose motions. I ate curd and rice only as late lunch.

Neel Da had this road report on our three day trip.

I talked with my family members to inform my where about. Also talked to Harsh over phone and told him about my health problem as it was 4th day since my stomach was upset. If this problem continues, then I will have to stop my ride and go back to home via train or flight. Neel Da took me to another Doctor in evening. He was Dr. A.N.Ray, after checking me he changed medicines and advised me to continue my ride.

I took rice & curd at dinner. Put oil on bike’s chain.
It was decided that I will meet Harsh at Gangtok tomorrow.
We will have to apply for ILP before 11am tomorrow so that we can reach up to Mangan. From there we can proceed towards North Sikkim.

This was our ride map for the day.

Google GPS link:-

Click HERE for next update.

Coming up….next…. Red Tape of Gangtok Govt, M.G.Marg & meeting a Guinness Record try rider.

**krishna77** · 12-28-2015, 02:51 PM

Re: S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

Brilliant captures Sajal bhai!
Thanks for bringing the beauty of north Bengal to everone.

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S 3 | Sohra, Sandakphu & Sikkim

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