The overnight drizzle had left me eagerly waiting for the morning skies to clear. With hopeful eyes, I rushed to the balcony at dawn, longing for a glimpse of Mt. Khangchendzonga. And there it was—soaring above the clouds, its snow-capped peaks bathed in golden sunlight, a sight so grand that it made me ponder how K2 remains unconquered to this day. Excitement took over, and I ran to the terrace to capture this moment, freezing it forever in my heart and camera.
A Traditional Farewell from Pelling
After a light breakfast and a steaming cup of local chai, we checked out of our cozy stay. Our kind host bid us farewell with a traditional Tilak, a symbolic blessing for a safe journey ahead. With a few parting pictures, we embarked on our last leg of the trip—Kalimpong.
Situated in the neighboring state of West Bengal, Kalimpong is a bustling yet cool hill station, roughly a three-hour drive from Pelling. The route, which once held picturesque landscapes, now told a different story.
The Vanishing Beauty of Teesta
We were supposed to stop at the Teesta River viewpoint, but what we saw was heartbreaking. Once a gushing river, Teesta now lay shallow and lifeless, its waters drained due to massive urbanization and tunneling projects.
Eight years ago, I stood at this very spot, mesmerized by the flourishing land, vibrant vegetable farms, and lively local shops. Today, in place of that lush paradise, all I could see was a concrete jungle, an unsettling reminder of how nature is being sacrificed in the name of development.
The Changing Landscape & The Final Ascent
As we descended from one valley and climbed up another, the warm sunshine gradually gave way to chilly mountain air. Passing through Jorethang, Sevoke, and Melli Bazaar, we finally arrived at Summit Lillium in Kalimpong around 3 PM.
A traditional silk scarf was draped around our necks in welcome, a beautiful gesture of warmth and hospitality. After checking in, we wasted no time and hopped into a shared local cab toward the Thursday "Sandhai" Market, which happens only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Being a Thursday, we couldn't resist the golden opportunity to savor authentic local dishes. The market was alive with colors, aromas, and a fusion of cultures—a perfect first glimpse into the soul of Kalimpong.
