We started our jeep journey into the previously restricted Yumthang Valley in Nothern Sikkim.

The road is rugged and jarring as we make our way. It gets no better as we venture forward. We are away from the normal conveniences, but the scenery makes it all worth while.

We see the mountains all around a high valley with Yaks grazing there and near the tree line.

We pass through the Shungba forest. Twenty-four species of Rhododendrons grow here as well as many other flowers. We will spend the night in Lachung, a small village in the mountains at 9022 feet or 2750 meters.

We will spend two nights here, in this paradise.