Kanchenjunga beckons yet again

With the air pollution level dropping drastically post the lockdown, many tourists are embarking on their adventures to get a glimpse of the revered gigantic ice bar Kanchenjunga.

Bishwabijoy Mitra | TNN | Nov 8, 2020:  There’s no doubt that the nationwide lockdown has helped Mother Nature breathe again. Since the air pollution has gone down considerably, the clear blue sky is now making it possible for tourists at Darjeeling, Sikkim, Kalimpong and Kurseong witness the breathtaking beauty of Kanchenjunga once again. Some have even photographed a rare sight of the mountain on a moonlit night. “This could be one of the good things about 2020. The air quality was so good that we could see the peak even from Siliguri,” said Soumya Chattopadhyay, who visited North Bengal in October. Our Tolly celebs too couldn’t resist a peek. Let’s find out about their experiences…

 

‘Kanchenjunga looked like a gigantic ice cream bar’ 

Recently, I went on a trip to Darjeeling and Sikkim. As I was having breakfast on the rooftop of my favourite restaurant, I suddenly saw the mountain. Initially, it looked like a gigantic ice cream bar, and after a few moments, I realised it was Kanchenjunga. I literally got goosebumps. I immediately decided to capture it in my camera. The weather was excellent and so was the air quality. 

‘I can never forget that breathtaking sight ever’ 

I went on a road trip to North Bengal between October 28 and 31 and stayed in Kalimpong. I could see the Kanchenjunga from Siliguri itself, but the real surprise was waiting for me on the night of Laxmi Puja. As I went to the balcony of my room on the first floor, there it was — like a magnificent white elephant! It was dark outside, but the mountain was glowing under the full moon. Kanchenjunga looked different with every passing hour. I can never forget that breathtaking sight ever. 

‘Sights like these make us realise how beautiful is nature’ 

After the lockdown, I desperately needed a break. I wanted to take Kolkata out of my lungs for a few days. Finally, when I got the opportunity, I took off to Lepchajagat last Thursday. It is a small village located in wilderness and is only 19 km away from Darjeeling.On the very first day, I got the majestic view of Kanchenjunga and captured it on my mobile phone. It was simply beautiful. Sights like these make us realise how insignificant we are and how beautiful is nature. 

‘Have travelled around the world, but my heart is always with the mountains’ 

The former Indian footballer, Bhaichung Bhutia, and his family recently visited Tinkitam, a small village in Sikkim, where he grew up and like many others, he captured some beautiful shots of Kanchenjunga and while sharing on social media, he wrote: “I grew up in this beautiful village #tinkitam. Everytime I come here it brings wonderful childhood memories. I have lived and travelled around the world but my heart is always with the mountains.”