NatureBugs Wallpaper

We are humbled by the number of like minded people who appreciated and visited our blog. We would like to present our readers with some NatureBug Wallpaper. All pictures are exclusive property of NatureBug.

Jilling: Colors of autumn

This was a place I wanted to visit for a long time now. I had heard all good things about it and rightly so, that is what I discovered this Diwali. As early as we could, me and my husband left for Jilling (10th Nov 07'), ready for our 8 hours drive about 350kms from Gurgaon, Haryana. Taking the Gaziabad – Haldwani highway, when we reached Jilling it was evening and darkness was quickly seeping in, but we were prepared. We knew that we had to walk an hr to reach Dera, the cabin where we were staying; I was eager to explore Jilling.

Route Info
New Delhi - Hapur – Moradabad - Rampur (turn left off National Highway) - Rudrapur - Haldwani - Kathgodam - Ranibagh (turn right) to Bhimtal - Khutani (turn right at tri-junction) - Chanfi - Matial. (http://www.jilling.net/)

When we finally reached our cabin it was 8:00pm and we were completely out of breath, at least I was. The climb up the hill comprised of 10 pit stops and asking Ramlal (helping us with our luggage) about 20 times, “How far?” It was not easy I must confess but this is what makes Jilling all the more special. When we reached our cabin friendly people and warm fire welcomed us and the climb was quickly forgotten. After helping us settle down we bid goodnight to all and were left to ourselves to enjoy the place. The sky was beautiful with trillions of stars scattered all across, I had never seen so many stars. I fell in love with Jilling and Dera (the cabin) instantly.

The color of autumn was everywhere in the forest of Jilling. The air was cold and crisp, the sun was warm and the forest was buzzing with the sound of nature. Walks in Jilling is just one of its kind, there is just so much to see in each and every tree. The chestnut tree with its beautiful yellow leaves felt good to the eyes. The anticipation of seeing wild animals; wild boar, barking deers, sambha or even the elusive leopard not to mention the many birds that live in the forest; is exhilarating. We were fortunate enough to see a Barking deer and an Owl but could only here the Samba in the forest from the cabin. The wild bores were busy digging the forest for food; we saw proof of this at many places with freshly dug earth but unfortunately no bores. The forest animals were busy preparing for the winters and yet you saw them rarely.

The ridge is a fantastic place with a 180 ° view of the hills and the majestic Panchachuli range at a distant. All in all Jilling is a place to unwind, be a little adventurous, enjoy delicious home made food and some genuinely nice people. There is no better place to get in touch with nature and oneself. Yes, Jilling is a special place. You can feel it in the forest, the cabin and with the people. But what I loved most about this place was its simplicity; things that some have forgotten amidst the plastic city life and some don’t even know existed. For me having a cup of warm rum tea in front of the fireplace accompanied by lovely conversations with no city noise is what it is all about. Simple yet rare, like taking bath with water heated over the fire every day…. lazing around in the warm sun in solitude, accompanied just by nature… appreciation for the wild comes naturally. In Jilling I kind of rediscovered myself, thought of forgotten things and people. It was above all an experience that I will cherish for ever.

Bidding goodbye was not easy but I know I will keep going back , because of its people and its forest. I don’t know what will happen to the forests of India in the next 10 years, I don’t know what will happen to the inhabitants of the forests. With the ever shrinking forests the homes of the wild animals are fast decreasing. Jilling sets a perfect example of the coexistence of nature and human. It gives us hope that “yes, it is possible” only if we choose to be a little less selfish. All I can feel is utmost respect and gratitude for people like Steve Lall who understood the importance of this delicate balance between human & nature and chose to conserve it not only for the future generation but also because it was the right thing to do.

North Sikkim: By Sokpa Khodae

INTRODUCTION

As much as it sucks to live in too much concrete structures in and around Gangtok, the thought of having to go to anywhere in Sikkim for a short holiday always brings out the best in us!

Arrangements like u know… a little food…booking for rest houses or lodges…fuel….Swiss army knives…..cameras…sleeping bags…woolen socks, torch lights, food, topi(not monkey cap…of course!!) and well..what else……hhmmmm…rolling paper!! And well….any thing that strikes the mind again and again….even when the journey has begun for the first two hrs of the journey ….. I keep wondering what I could have possibly forgotten. Well…that’s me!!

This was my second time traveling to North Sikkim and actually I’m ashamed of having gone there only twice. Even though I live in Sikkim, it would be practically impossible for one to catch the colours, moods and other variations of different part or parts of Sikkim in a single or a few experiences. The last time I went there, it was in late October and winter just about to set in. This time it was the first week of May and it looked different. Personally, if I were to advise anybody going there to go around the third week of April till the third week of May but if there are constraints, go there anytime. I’m sure it’ll look different each time.

TO THE CITY DUDE TRAVELLER….my little advice in appreciating Sikkim and the mountains

As much as I see it,……or in a lot of ways I see it,…….. or try to understand Sikkim, I look at it from basic geography lessons taught in school.
The higher you go, the colder it becomes. Along the variations of heights that you travel, you will notice plant species of various kinds, native to the weather and elevation. U could see Mango trees right below on the foothills hills to cold deserts supporting little plant life in a span of less than 100 kms drawn straight from the Indo Gangetic plains or the Terai. In between the greener hills that one sees….. please do notice how steep it could get and the different things that grow. With this basic observation in mind, I’m sure one would appreciate the beauty of this place more. It is very rich in bio-diversity, I would say one of the most varied in the world (as they say!!!) and it gives us immense pleasure here when tourists understand and appreciate it.

THE JOURNEYS

Before we begin, please don’t forget to notice the various fancy writings written on the top front part of the windscreen of the various Jeep taxis that ply on the roads there. Don’t get lost in translation! Forgive the English Spellings or the logic behind it,…..just feel humored!!

If one intends to travel to North Sikkim, usually one would either choose to do the Lachung- Yumthang circuit or the Thangu- Gurudongmar circuit. Personally, I would recommend both the circuits. In fact, trekking is better if one has the time and the energy because one would get to see and feel the place at its best, away from the sounds of cars and examples of modern civilization.

Places of tourist interests are already posted on the website, so I won’t write about it again.

Climbing from about 5500 feet to above 15000 feet is an experience. After about 9000 feet one would tend to notice the different variations in altitude and the things that come with it……well…. well……it’s a pure delight. I had never had the pleasure of seeing Rhododendron and Primulas bloom and it made my heart melt.

Multiple stops and pit stops of all kinds later, and after crossing Lachen, we reached Thangu, which is about 14000 feet and the place we decided to halt before the drive to Gurudongmar lake. There is this cute little lodge, which we fondly called “AAMLA’S Lodge” (forgive us; we still don’t know the name of the lodge!!) Warm, nice and good vegetarian food and the most amazing view from the toilet after two glasses of warm water and tea in the morning, Yes…… friends, morning toilet ritual never seemed prettier!!

On the after Breakfast drive to Gurudongmar, one can drive as close to Tibet in this corner of the world. Snow capped peaks to the right and just a sky to the straight indicates that one is actually on the Tibetan Plateau and this is what Tibet would be like if one were to keep going straight. No single road but multiple ones and as one desires to drive as one is actually in the highest plateau in the world.

A word of caution though to travellers; beware of Altitude sickness as it is above 15000 feet and a little too hard to breathe and to feel enthusiastic about anything. People falling down with breathlessness are a common sight and the best thing is to descend to lower climbs and altitude and yeah, carry corn/popcorn and ginger, common local remedies for High Altitude sickness.

An hour and a half and there you are…..one of the most beautiful lakes in Sikkim, India and maybe in the world. Snowcapped peaks feeding the lake and the prettiest shade of blue. The picture posted in the site should tell you all.

One thing about being at Gurudongmar that I can never forget for the rest of my life is the sight of a middle aged Tamil Tourist standing alone in the corner, touching the water in the lake and opening his spectacles to wipe off his tears. Tears for what?.....maybe tears of Joy and the thought of feeling the power of nature and truly being humbled. These kinda sights at this altitude are meant to humble us and both the times that I have visited this lake, I’ve felt a profound sense of spirituality and the existence of God and the power of creation.

After descending back to Thangu, where AAMLA’s hot lunch with Bhanglung Curry (Mountain Goat) awaited us. After our humble Thuche’s (thank you-s) we drove to Lachung. Lachung is another town in the other side of North Sikkim. Somewhat like Manali with a small river and valley on both the sides, it is much smaller than Manali though in comparison and culture. Lots of modern hotels and lodges have sprung up lately and sometimes, I cant stop feeling hurt at the amount of hap hazard development Sikkim is seeing with all the non aesthetic design and sense of houses and the new tall cement RCC Structures mushrooming all over Lachung. At least in other parts of Sikkim, there is nobody to stop and enforce a strict code of building houses according to traditional designs and aesthetic sense, being in Lachung feels even sadder when in reality, the Dzumsa( local traditional panchayat) can enforce proper planning and future development keeping the beauty and the purpose of the place in mind.

Anyways, let me assure the traveler to Lachung that these man made structures in no way can spoil the beauty of the mountains there because they are truly high and mighty and sometimes feels like its touching your nose.

Lachung has its share of places to vist from the river banks, local tea shops (butter tea…mind you), the monastery just too many hikes around. The next day took us to the one and only Yumthang valley, driving through the rhododendron sanctuary. Once in Yumthang valley…..do nothing but go down by the river bank…..and just feel the nature….the cold icy winds, the colours all around you, the mighty mountains leading to Tibet on the north. Above Yumthang, one can drive to Yume Samdong, which borders Tibet and also do round treks around the region (for trekking travelogues..please read accounts by Rajesh Verma and Harish Kapadia) If you have nothing else to do and think about, then you could also go spotting a Yeti. There have been accounts of Yetis being spotted about more than a century back! We do strongly believe in its existence and also believe only the blessed will spot one!

…….Well….Well…..You have to go there to see it, feel it and believe it. Even Mani Shankar Aiyer said so the last time he was here!Feel the might of Nature’s creation, Feel God and feel the place that is said to have been blessed by the enlightened one, Guru Padmasambhava. Do come to Sikkim and truly be blessed!!


Posted by:

Sokpa Khodae.

North Sikkim: Truly Natural

It is a true delight for nature lovers, photographers and peace seekers to visit North Sikkim. The journey from Gangtok (capital of Sikkim) to North Sikkim is a mesmerizing one where you frequently encounter beautiful waterfalls and the winding Teesta River always gives you company. Without much delay let’s look at the places to visit here.

Places to Visit:

Kabi: A small town 18km from Gangtok is of historic significance, it stands as a witness to the swearing of blood brotherhood between the Lepchas (the original inhabitants of Sikkim) and the Bhutias. Stones markers that were erected as a symbol of the promise stands even today as a testimony to the oath.

Phodong: About 36 km on the road an enchanted monastery built on 1740. It is a travel back in time.

Singhik: 65km from Gangtok takes you to yet another enchanting small hill town that offers some up-close view of Mt. Khangchendzonga the 3rd highest mountain in the world. 30 minutes of hike would give you a refreshing break from the drive and an opportunity to visit an ancient monastery suspended in time.

Chungthang: A pleasant 95km drive from Gangtok takes you through winding roads and beautiful scenic views to this small town. Time stands still here, the hustle bustle of the busy city life seems a distant dream. This is the place where rivers flowing through Lachen and Lachung converge; it is a magical place with many legends. Here the road divides, one goes towards Lachen- Thanggu- Gurudongmar and the other goes to Lachung – Yumthang – Yumesamdong.

Lachen: A drive of about 35Km from Chungthang takes you to Lachen “Chen” meaning small and rightly it is a small valley and kind of a winter home for the local people. It is very famous for baby potatoes apart from the gorgeous views. From this small village you can trek into the Kanchenzonga National park which provides some amazing experience. Gurudongmar Lake is definitely on the cards once you are here.

Lachung: “Chung” means big hence it is a bigger valley as compared to Lachen and is situated about 25 Km from Chungthang or 120 Km from Gangtok. A beautiful town for all nature lovers. Famous for its apple orchid a one point in time it is currently in the process of reviving them again. It is a tourist town acting as a base for those visiting Yumthang valley.

Yumthang: It is widely known as the valley of flowers and sits at an altitude of 11800ft above sea level. Surrounded by towering snow covered mountains it is truly a beautiful and overwhelming experience to be there. Different season brings a unique beauty to this valley. The best time to visit Yumthang is April – June when the wild flowers are on full bloom.

Yumesamdong: 15km from Yumthang takes you to Yumesamdong at 15300ft above sea level. Through winding roads it’s a place filled with the fragrance of nature (literally). The area is famous for the hot water springs.

Thangu: 30kms beyond Lachen is Thangu at an altitude of 13000ft. Months of May and June see this valley carpeted with alpine flowers which are replaced by snow from October up to March. Situated on the high alpine plateau, Thangu can be an ideal place for the real nature lovers as it provides a base for fabulous trek routes to Chopta valley. One needs to stay at Thangu for acclimatization before proceeding further.

Chopta Valley: A twenty minutes drive or a short walk takes you to this wonderful valley. During spring the valley is filled with the colors of the blooming flowers. A trek from here takes you to the high alpine valley of Muguthang which is occasionally visited by nomadic tribes from Tibet.

Gurudongmar Lake: At an altitude of 18000ft Gurudongmar Lake is a sacred place. Crystal clear and serine are the thoughts that often come to our mind when you are here. Its one of the largest and the highest lakes in Sikkim, definitely should not miss the opportunity of visiting this lake when you are in North Sikkim.

Tso-Lhamu: Not too far off from Gurudongmar Lake is yet another Lake that is the starting point of River Teesta. Special permit is needed to visit this place but it is definitely worth it.

Tips:

• For a true North Sikkim experience spending 7-10 days is recommended. However if you are strapped for time a 3 day trip would cover all the major locations.
• Keep your camera very close to you and take deep breaths, the air can not get fresher than this.
• Go for walks, it is the best way to soak in the surrounding.
• Special permits are required for foreigners so make sure the paper works are in place before you leave Gangtok. Even for people of Indian origin special permits are required to visit some of the places.
• Always spend a night to acclimatize before you proceed higher up in the mountains. It can be pretty fatal for those who don’t take it seriously.
• If you are making your bookings from Gangtok make it a point to consult two or three travel agents before you narrow down to one.
• Always travel on a vehicle with 4WD.
• Always inform the hotel before venturing out on your own and take proper direction.
• Lastly please take care of your own litter; it’s a sin to litter on these parts.

Feel free to post any query, we would be happy to address it.

Coming Soon:

West Sikkim
Treks in Sikkim

Picnic in Manali

Me and my husband decided to spend 2006 Christmas in Manali and hence started our road trip. The total trip was about 1300 Km but it was one of the most amazing trip that I have ever taken. When we entered Manali at around 7.30am after driving for 14hrs we were welcomed with snow clad mountains. It had snowed there a week back and the weather was just perfect. Clear blue sky, chilled snow filled breeze and the view was a treat to the eyes.

I have a theory; in places as such never spend more than 10% of your time in places where everyone frequents. It is always a zoo. Take a detour and take a road where other cars are not going. But always carry a map with you, incase you get lost. We did the same. The best part of the trip apart from the view and the tranquility was the picnic that we went for. A picnic by the riverside.

We got up one morning and decided to feel the nature of Manali, what better way than a picnic. Some sandwiches, a bottle of wine and we set out to find that perfect location for us to unwind and enjoy the surrounding. After driving around for a while we decided to park our car and venture out to the river. Not to far away a perfect setting awaited us. Peaceful is what I would call that place. The sound of the gushing river, the birds flying around us and the rustling of the leaves were like music in its own rights. We settled our belongings on top of a rock and took a deep breath to soak in the surrounding.

We spent the next 3 hours in bliss, the traffic and the commotion of the city seemed so far away…. It seemed that nothing in the world could bother us. Well no picnic is complete without a bonfire, hence we scrambled around to gather some twigs and Walla!! We had fire. Wine, good food, the best company, good conversation, the best location and above all a peaceful mind … it was indeed a perfect picnic.

This was my first trip to Manali and I fell in love with the place. Not the commercial aspect of it but the natural beauty of the place. It felt magical. The pine forest, its village and the people in the village and their lifestyle was something special. It reminded me a lot about back home (Sikkim). It felt like being in touch with your childhood, a feeling of nostalgia swept over me. Not many places can do that you (I’ am sure you’ll agree). Over all Manali was an amazing experience in every sense.

A few must do in Manali:

1. Definitely try the local trout (fish)
2. Plan a picnic
3. Go for a trek to a nearby village. You don’t need a guide, just walk.
4. Spend sometime knowing the local people and their culture it will definitely spice up your experience.
5. Don’t spend more than 10% of your time visiting commercial places, instead explore the surrounding on your own.

Sikkim: An Experience

The 2nd smallest and the least populated state of India, Sikkim is nested in the lap of the mighty Himalayas. In May 1975 Sikkim became the 22nd state of India. The state is bordered by Nepal, China, Bhutan and West Bengal. Personally I call it the “Thumbs Up” of India (If you look at the map you’ll know what I mean).

Though it is a small state of about 7000sq.kms it has a rare biodiversity. It has more that 4000 species of plants and 30% of all birds found in India. Sikkim can proudly boast of having about 600 varieties of orchid and 35 species of rhododendrons. With 36% of the land covered in forest Sikkim is one of the few states that encourage Eco Tourism. The state is equally blessed with varieties animal species that it houses. You can find over 400 varieties of butterflies and moth 550 species of birds and many animals even the elusive and rare snow leopard. Khangchendzonga National Park houses some of the most rare and endangered species. Sikkim is a true delight to all nature lovers.

Sikkim can be an example to the world as to how different communities, culture and religion can coexist in peace and harmony. A true reflection of the simplicity and the inner beauty of the people of Sikkim. Their respect for one another, others cultures, religions and their surroundings makes me ever so proud to belong to this place. Also the smile on everyone’s face is something that you will definitely notice here. If we must then we can broadly classify Sikkimese people into Lephcas, Bhutias and the Nepalese. The language spoken is predominantly Nepali but several local languages like Lepcha, Bhutia, Tibetan and many more are also spoken in their respective communities. Though only 28% of the people follow Buddhism but undoubtedly Buddhist culture dominates the entire Sikkim map; from building structures to handicraft to food and monasteries you can see the rich color and heritage of Bhutias all across Sikkim. Personally the local food and booze is what I love, you can not get the same flavor anywhere else.

Now comes the part that I love the most the natural beauty of Sikkim. Winding roads along the river, green hills towering over them and snow clad mountains behind the hills are the most common site that you see as you travel along Sikkim. Every season brings a different beauty and a totally different experience with it. Spring brings with it a burst of colors where every little plant flowers along the village path, rains brings you the light shade of green all over the forest and the paddy fields, autumn brings the hue of the golden harvest that shimmers with the moon and winter brings with it fire to keep you warm and different hills each day that you can see covered with snow. This changing face of my hill state always amazes me. I know you will understand when I say that this place has a rare natural beauty that is best witnessed and experienced because it really can not be expressed with words.

To experience Sikkim truly it is best to know the people of Sikkim first after all they know their land more than any one. Camping, long walks, trekking and staying in villages are some ways you will understand the people and their cultures better.

Over the past few years tourism has increased tremendously here but it’s really sad to see the way it is progressing. In the capital town Gangtok and other towns buildings are coming up to accommodate more tourists, cars have clogged the roads and tourists have no hesitation in throwing an empty pack of chips anywhere they want. I wonder at times is this what most people want… is this their idea of visiting a new place… do they get satisfaction out of it… will they go back and say “ I have been to Sikkim” but will they ever be able to say “ I know Sikkim I have experienced it”. If people seek the same confusion and congestion that they get in their daily life then I guess they have got it. But I am sure there are many like me who would seek to know the real Sikkim, not in the urban areas but in the villages, camping near the river or the woods, waking up to the sound of nature not the honking of the cars, breathing the fresh clean air, capturing amazing views and sites on camera… in a sense just relaxing and absorbing the surroundings feeling the beauty of the place not just seeing it. So if you are planning a trip to Sikkim think … what is it you want? Do you want to just visit it the commercial way or do you want to make your visit a UNIQUE EXPERIENCE. The choice is yours it always has been.

Gurudongmar Lake: A Holy Experience

Blue green hills, white gushing rivers and plenty of waterfalls is the description of the drive from Gangtok to Tanggu. More than your eyes can take that is the kind of beauty North Sikkim has to offer. I had the pleasure of taking a trip to North Sikkim last year and after the trip I pretty much had nothing to say coz the natural beauty of the place left me speechless. In this have jotted down my Tanggu and Gurudongmar experience.

The drive up to Tanggu takes about 6 hours from Gangtok normally but we took a little longer due to a landslide where we were stuck for about 2 hours but I am not complaining. These two hours gave me plenty of opportunity to try out my photography skills and I must admit I got some pretty good shots out there.

By the time we reached Tanggu it was dark so we could not explore much, but a lovely bonfire, lots of booz and good company gave us the much needed heat from the freezing November chills. When we woke up in the morning we had a surprise waiting for us. A giant snow covered mountain stood right in front of us shinning in all its glory with the morning sun. A big grin and WOW! Is all the expression I could gather from that view. The site had made my day, but the day had just begun.

Gurudongmar Lake or Green Lake as it is popularly called was the reason why we were here in the first place. This Lake stands at a staggering 18000 Ft above sea level hence a halt at Tanggu to acclimatize is very necessary because altitude sickness can be very dangerous. I did not know what to expect and I was very excited. After breakfast we made our two hour long drive or rather climb on the mountain. Cold but fresh and natural, I felt that I had entered the land of the mountains. After driving for an hour bang the landscape completely changes the green pine trees and colorful bushes have given way to baron land, loads of rocks and snow peaks standing right in front of your eyes. The majestic mountains seems so close to you that you feel you can run and touch them but of course it’s a classic case of “ so close yet so far”.

Where is this Lake? I was getting impatient after the drive my expectation had increased 10 folds now. We finally reached and I rushed from the car, I tried to run phew! Try running at 18000Ft. After climbing a small hillock there it was, a blue green lake clear as a crystal shimmering like an emerald surrounded by giant mountains with just rocks all around. I felt something, I felt humbled by the beauty I felt blessed to have been present there. Honestly I felt like staying back, giving up everything that I had worked for, I felt peace and happiness. This is one place if you sit silently for sometime you can actually hear your own thoughts.

The legend has it Gurudongmar Lake is a holy place; this lake is worshiped by the Hindus and Buddhist. You actually feel it; there is definitely something about this place that just can not be explained it has to be experienced.

It was indeed difficult to tear yourself from there and make your way back down but boy! it would have been even more difficult if we would have stayed any further coz as the local people told us after 12 o’ clock winds so strong starts blowing that stones actually starts flying around. Unless you want to be pelted with stones its suggested that you reach early and head back early.
All in all a wonderful experience totally more than my expectation; yes maybe now the benchmark of my expectations has risen a lot. But if you are planning to visit this place just ensure that you have a few days in hand so that you can absorb the local surroundings, lifestyle and culture. This will make the visit more that that it will make it a UNIQUE EXPERIENCE.

Who are we?

We are a bunch of 5 young people who belong to Sikkim, Nature Bug is what we call ourselves. Having been educated outside Sikkim most of our life has made us appreciate our home and its surroundings even more. Though we have very different education background, different careers but we have one thing in common love for our land and respect for nature.

For the past 4 years we have been exploring Sikkim in various ways; trekking, mountain biking, camping etc we have been to places not present on the tourist maps currently. Remote, intriguing and beautiful places; places that gives you a deep sense of gratitude, happiness and peace. Places so serine and beautiful it is actually an overwhelming and humbling experience. Now we would like to share our experience with people from all over who are looking for the same. This blog is our dedicated effort to share our experiences with many others like us and also provide an opportunity to others who would like to know The REAL SIKKIM. We want to show you our land the way we see it, we want you to experience it not just visit it.

Through this blog we invite all nature lovers, adventure seekers, photographers and abstract thinkers.