Watching snowfall has always been a beautiful dream for me. Never did I imagine that I would experience it and that too, in the month of May when it is the peak of the summer season in India.
Yes, it happened to me a couple of years back in Sikkim.
It was the second week of May. We set out to visit Tsomgo Lake (Chhangu), Baba Mandir and Nathu La (Himalayan pass) from Gangtok. It was cloudy when we started at 10 in the morning. By the time we reached Chhangu it started drizzling.
I have seen so many beautiful images of Tsomgo Lake with its bluish water. Unfortunately, it was only shades of grey all around that day. Only the prayer flags added a dash of color to the landscape.
After a brief halt by the lake, we headed towards Baba Mandir. We had a bowl of steaming Momo at a restaurant beside the temple dedicated to the brave soul and legend Baba Harbhajan Singh.
By the time we resumed our journey to Nathu La it was raining heavily. Hailstones lashed the road making it slippery and harder to drive. For a moment, I thought we won’t be able to make it to Nathu La this time due to poor weather condition.
Little did I know then that the bad weather would soon turn out to be a boon for us! 🙂
It was getting colder as we drove up the zig-zag roads. After some time, I noticed that the hailstones looked unusually white.
We asked the driver to stop. As the car stopped, I opened the door and stretched my hands outside.
Gosh! It was not raining anymore. It was snowing! :O
When we finally reached Nathu La, it was white all around. Soft, white snow covered the entire place.
I didn’t have my gloves with me, therefore, managed to click only a few snaps with quivering fingers.
At a distance, the Indo-Chinese border gate was almost invisible in the mist and snow.
It was freezing outside and soon I had to retire to the warmth of our car. This snowfall was completely unexpected but it was truly AMAZING an experience! A memory I would cherish all my life.
Snowfall… or luck by chance! Whatever it is… a selfie is a must. Hope you recognize me… 😉 🙂
Did you ever experience serendipity? Please do share your story with us in the comment section.
Footloose Forever 
Nice description of the journey to Nathu La Pass. It is indeed a great privilege to observe the serene surroundings in midst of snowfall. That too during the month of May, it happens very rarely. Sikkim is a great travel destination.
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Hi
Brilliant!! What an exciting trip, and what a way to do it! I can’t wait to follow along. Enjoy every moment!! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks
Ruma
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Gangtok is such a beautiful state! I’ve visited it so many times but never had the chance to enjoy snowfall… 😦 You were really lucky….
The pictures are great as always… 🙂
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what an amazing adventure! roads look scary! and soooo cold but worth it!
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Yes, it was worth the risk taken. Thanks for visiting Andrew… after a long time. ☺️
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Hi Moon, amazing photos, How can i contact you regarding the photos i am a PhD student from Bhutan and your photos are amazing and I want to use it and give due credit it you when ever i use it.
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Thank you. You can drop a note on the about page.
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A few years ago, we went to the Nubra valley in Ladakh, and got stranded there when Khardung La was blocked by snow. Like you, we cherished the experience!
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That sounds exciting. Thank you for sharing your experience here. ☺️
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Amazing pics. Loved the post.
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The kind of weather you experienced then is here right now…mid-April.
It is so great to see snowfall, and you have splendid set of pictures!
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Ahh… that’s the reason I envy all of you living in that part of the world. 😉😁 Thanks for dropping by.
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