Sikkim Diaries: Serendipity at Nathu La Pass

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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.

sikkim, himalayas, cloudy, rain

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.

chhangu, lake, tsomgo lake, sikkim

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.

baba mandir, sikkim

baba mandir, gangtok, sikkim

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.

rain, sikkim, nathula

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.

snowfall, nathula, sikkim, himalayas

Gosh! It was not raining anymore. It was snowing! :O

snowfall, nathula, sikkim

When we finally reached Nathu La, it was white all around. Soft, white snow covered the entire place.

nathla pass, snowfall, sikkim

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.

nathula pass, sikkim, himalayas

nathula pass, sikkim

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…  😉 🙂

nathula pass, sikkim, himalayas

Did you ever experience serendipity? Please do share your story with us in the comment section.

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14 thoughts on “Sikkim Diaries: Serendipity at Nathu La Pass”

  1. 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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  2. Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny space you occupy in the world. My name is Aamir Khan. I’m a social guy from India with a big smile and 4 passions: People, Travel, Food and Social Media. August 2018 I decided to combine my passions and started a unique social travel project around India. I also Blog on https://tournbike.com/ please do visit.

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      1. 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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  9. Pingback: Sikkim Diaries: Visiting a Piece of Heaven Called Gurudongmar – Footloose Forever

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