Our adventure kicked off early in the morning, around 6 AM, with a hearty breakfast before setting off from Bagdogra—the gateway to the mesmerizing landscapes of the Northeast and the Himalayan foothills. (Yes, I know I’m hyping up my hometown a little, but it truly deserves it!)
With excitement in the air, we hopped into a cab and made our way to Simana via Mirik. Why Simana? Because it’s one of those hidden gems that offers a glimpse into the untouched beauty of the Himalayas. Here, you get to witness the breathtaking Kanchenjunga, standing tall in all its glory. The serenity of this place makes it a photographer’s paradise and a perfect spot to unwind.
Lining the roadside are small huts selling authentic local items, including warm winter essentials like mufflers and caps—a must-have to shield yourself from the icy mountain winds. But the highlight? Savoring steaming hot momos and a bowl of flavorful Maggi while soaking in the panoramic views. There’s something magical about enjoying these simple delights in the crisp mountain air; it’s more than just food—it’s an experience.
Now, here’s an interesting fact about Simana: all these cozy little shops are built over graves. Yes, you heard that right! While you sip your tea or munch on momos, you’ll notice dogs lazily lounging atop old gravestones—a strange yet oddly fascinating sight.
Leaving Simana behind, we continued our journey through rugged mountain roads, each turn bringing us closer to our next stop—Maneybhanjang (altitude: 1,928m). This small Indo-Nepal border town embodies the friendly relationship between the two countries. Here, crossing into Nepal is as simple as flashing an ID card—no major formalities required!
But what truly sets Maneybhanjang apart is its legendary fleet of classic Land Rovers, earning it the title “The Land of Land Rovers.” Seeing these iconic vehicles scattered across the village reminded me of how Ambassadors once dominated Kolkata’s streets.
Excited to ride in one, we hurried to the syndicate office to book our own Land Rover for the journey ahead. Unfortunately, luck wasn’t on our side—all Land Rovers were already booked by tourists months in advance. Disappointed but not defeated, we tried negotiating with locals, hoping to find an available vehicle. Despite our best efforts, no Land Rover was in sight, so we had to put our dream ride on hold… for now.
By 2 PM, we reached Chitrey, where we had booked our homestay, Hawk’s Nest. After unpacking and grabbing some snacks, we explored the nearby Gumba Monastery—a place of absolute serenity, offering stunning views and crisp mountain air. As dusk settled and temperatures dropped, we returned to our homestay, lit a bonfire, and spent the night sharing stories over a delicious homemade dinner.
The next morning, we woke up to a magical sight—the entire village was blanketed in fresh snow. A short walk in the crisp morning air was the perfect way to warm up before the long day ahead.
Then, just as we were finishing breakfast, our long-awaited ride finally arrived—a vintage Land Rover, waiting right outside our stay. The real adventure was about to begin.
The Epic Drive:
Maneybhanjang to Sandakphu (34 km)
With everyone brimming with excitement, we set off on what would be the most challenging yet exhilarating part of the journey. Driving a Land Rover in this terrain isn’t just about skill—it requires nerves of steel. The roads were brutally rugged, fit only for 4×4 vehicles, zigzagging between India and Nepal. Along the way, we passed multiple SSB camps, where ID checks were mandatory, and vehicle movements were carefully recorded.
Every bump, every sharp turn had me gripping the seat, thinking, “This is it, I’m going to fall!” The sheer unpredictability of the journey made it all the more thrilling.
After navigating the treacherous roads, we finally reached Sandakphu, and the sight that greeted us made every struggle worthwhile—the majestic Himalayas unfolding before us, calm and spiritual in their presence.
But beyond the view, what struck me most was the deep emotional connection between this community and their 1957 Land Rovers. These vehicles aren’t just a means of transport; they are a lifeline, a legacy, and a source of pride. Despite their age, they still conquer these unforgiving roads, proving that some things truly are unbreakable.
Sandakphu is more than just a destination—it’s an experience woven together by the raw beauty of the land, the resilience of its people, and the legendary Land Rovers that have stood the test of time.
And as I stood there, taking it all in, I realized—this journey wasn’t just about reaching the summit. It was about embracing the adventure, the unknown, and the stories waiting to be told.
Would I do it all over again? In a heartbeat.
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