Lakshman and Lakshmi Pokhari - West Sikkim

  

            There are many lakes, big and small, on either side of the Dafebi Pass in West Sikkim. The two largest of them are Nilakantha (Blue) Lake Lakshman Pokhari - Lakshmi Pokhari. Until the eighteenth century, the lakes of Tibet met the demand for salt in large areas from Central Asia to the Terai region of the Himalayas. Traders opted for various inaccessible mountain passes in the Himalayas like Kang-la, Kag-la, Dafebir-la instead of the conventional trade routes for tax evasion. Most of them are abandoned today. Observe the absolute beauty of this visit to the lakes during the months between March and May, and October-November, which is the best time to visit this location.

        The Dafebi pass trek North can be started from Yaksam or Pelling. It takes about 10-11 days from North or Yaksam and 8-10 days if you go through Pelling. Guides, porters, food can be obtained from Yaksam or Pelling. However, a permit is required, which makes your guide.

Lakshmi Pokhari 

            Lakshmi Pokhari Lake is a magnificent lake that appears to hold the spirit of God within its clear and serene waters, naturally created within a deep crater. With its amazing scenery and spectacular views of the majestic Kanchenjunga mountains, Kok Tang, Pandim, and Narsing, it is a high-altitude lake located in the west of Sikkim that entertains tourists. The abundance of rhododendrons and the mysterious nature of innocence and freshness studded the winding path leading to this pool. The enchanting elegance of Lakshmi Pokhari Lake gives the solemn impression of a lifetime that its visitors love.

Lakshmi Pokhari

            The peaceful monasteries surrounding, such as Kathok Wosel Ling Monastery, Dubdi and Tashiding Monastery, undoubtedly require a visit. Norbugang Chorten offers the acute prism for the excavators of history to look at the rise of Buddhism in Sikkim. Whereas, from the former grounds of the Sikkim royal palace complex, Tashi Tenka provides the amazing views of this magnificent kingdom, that one must certainly visit to behold them. The numerous species of flora, fauna, and avifauna, happily living in Kanchenjunga National Park, should be checked out by wildlife surfers.

            Lakshmi Pokhari Lake is in the pretty place of Yuksom, which is reached from Geyzing (35 km) or Pelling (42 km) by a shared Jeep or SSRTC Bus or private cars are also available. It is a lovely trek that goes across Dzongri Lake from Yuksom to Lakshmi Pokhari.

            For Trekkers, the alternative route starting from Pelling and returning at Pelling. First by car from Pelling to Sankhola (1760 m). Starting the trek from Sankhola via Nayapatal, Youngbang, and reaching Thalu Jamle in three days. From there one has to decide the target of three Pokhari - Ram, Lakshman, and Lakshmi Pokhari.

Nayapatal

            Starting the journey from Pelling, first walk through the jungle. After walking for about two hours, the last village on this path is Chongri. After three more hours of walking through the jungle at the SSB camp, where permit checking is done. Then walk through the dense forest again for another 2 hours and at the end of the day reach Nayapatal campsite at an altitude of about 3000 meters. The word Nayapatal means new forest and Pelling can be seen far away from here.

Youngbang

            On the second day, the target is about 13 km away from Youngbang. Similar dense forested ascent path. On this route first to Silichak (2 hours later) and then to Vajradara Campsite, where a vast area is covered with burnt pine forests. After the thundering in 1970, a fire broke out here. Then cross the Dodang SSB camp and climb the steep of about 1000 feet further, finally reach Youngbang.

                The third day is more climbing path. But the monotonous jungle path is over. The Singalila ridge opens, and Makalu can be seen through the gap of the ridge. Colored paradise in red, yellow, green, brown juniper. There are about 15-20 small and big Pokhari in the vicinity of Dafebir Pass (4690 m). This is why this route is also known as Lake Route. Visiting the entire Kanchenjunga range from Makalu, Pandim to Kumbhakarna with Guam Pokhari, Lam Pokhari, and Dunge Pokhari in this place is an indescribable and wonderful feeling and at last reach to Jamle Camp (4460 m).

Lakshman Pokhari

            The next day you have to go out at 3-3.30 am and go straight to the Dafebi Viewpoint (4860 meters). If you can't see the sunrise from the top of Dafebi, it is useless to come here. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Varunats peaks stand tall in front of the eyes from the top. The first light touch of the sun on the head of Kanchenjunga, with Bhutan to India to Nepal - the unearthly, indescribable, natural beauty of the Himalayas in this vast area can only be enjoyed, cannot be explained

Lakshman Pokhari

                Returning from there, the next target is Lakshman Pokhari. Pokhari can be seen from the viewpoint of Dafebi but it does not look so beautiful. In fact, the importance of Lakshman Pokhari and Lakshmi Pokhari cannot be understood without reaching nearer to them. The reflection of Kanchenjunga in the deep-blue water of the Pokhari is remarkable. Really amazing color water like a blue-throated bird, anyone crazy feeling. After looking at the Pokharies here, how many types of blue can be? Blue, pale blue, dark blue, light blue, blackish blue, sky blue. In the water of the Pokharies near Dafebi, all blue appears in its own glory. Now it's time to go back - on the same road.