Welcome you all to another episode of our Kachanjunga series.

Welcome you all to another episode of our Kachanjunga series. Now, we are headed to Nupchu Lake. Never seen on video before. We came to Khambachen 3 days ago, then we had hearty breakfast, we are now headed to Nupchu Lake.  Another interesting fact about today’s trip. There are 5 of us including our porter brother. But none of us has been to this lake before. We just asked directions from the locals here. They told us that it is easy to find. And we won& get lost. We just have to follow this river. The weather was very nice that day. As we slowly climbed up, Khambachen started disappearing from our view. We saw three mighty mountains in front of us. While from Khambachen, all 3 looked equal, the more we walked towards them the more Kumbhakarna Mountain loomed larger than the other two. I think we found us a happy spot. There is such a nice meadow here. And just in front, the beautiful mountains Kumbhakarna, Sobhitongje, Khaburkhonje are crystal clear. We had never expected the day would get so beautiful and we thank God for this. Midway, there is a small wooden bridge. It is an important landmark to identify the trail. Even though the trail was not clear, our hike was going well. Since the sky was clear, the surrounding landscape looked very beautiful. We walked uphill guessing the correct way. Nupchu river was our only guide. So, our Api Base camp plight has repeated here.

We expected that after crossing this hill, there will be the lake. But we just crossed the hill, and there is another hill. The locals had said that it& not that far, so we hope after this hill, we get to see the lake. But the lake didn’t come even after that. It’s repeating once again. There is a straight path after the hill, and another hill. But on that one, there is a mark - with piled stones. Chhoden sister had said that the lake would come after this stone structure. So let& hope, we are finally here. The lake seemed farther than we had initially expected. We climbed one after another hill and yet the lake didn’t come. By the time we were near the lake, we were weak with hunger. Just now, Lhakpa dai who had run ahead of us has given us a signal by waving from the top there. Finally we are near the lake. Now, only this hill remains between us. The lake is just beyond this hill. We are finally at Nupchu lake area after 4 hours of walk from Khambachen. This is the small lake. The bigger one must be over there. But before we can show you any more, since we are faint with hunger, we will have our lunch first. Nupchu Lake after lunch. We were fed up with instant noodles during our wait at Pangpema. So, no noodles and beaten rice for us anymore. We have fried rice, and big big thanks to Nupu, Chhoden, aunty and everybody from Kanchanjunga white house. To whole Chhiring family. You guys have packed us this amazing picnic even in such a difficult place. What an amazing time, to be having this food in front of the lake enjoying the Mountain View. The clouds covered the mountains not long after we had reached the lake.

But the lake looked so beautiful even with a clouded sky. This was the small Nupchu lake. There used to be 3 lakes here but one have already burst due to a landslide. Following a clear-unclear trail from Khambachen, after 4 hours of rigorous walking, we are finally at Nupchu lake. Situated just at the base of Nupchu Mountain, this is Nupchu Lake for you. Now, we have finished exploring the small Nupchu lake and so now we are headed up towards the bigger lake. The lake on the top was very big and indescribably beautiful. Many of you may or may not know this. It’s even in our bio. We are a group of photographers and videographers. There is at least one photographer with us in most of our travels. Right now, Rishav here is doing some landscape photography here. If you have any messages for us, or want to contact us or have feedbacks, the best way is through our Instagram DM. If you DM us in IG, we will try to respond as soon as possible. Just the previous day, a group of Russian tourists had lost their way while coming back to village after visiting the lake.

We were talking about how anyone could lose their way because it seemed so straight forward. But, as we were coming back, even we lost our way. Two of us have arrived at the hotel minus 3. We just put our bags away, washed our hand and feet and about to sit down. I can see some flickering lights in the distance.2-3 small beams of light. Where did you find them? Did you find the bridge? We met the brothers. Did you find the bridge? No idea. We found it, crossed it and then followed the river. What time did you guys arrive? Maybe 8.15 Oh hello brother Where& the big bag? They are carrying it. All of them were waiting for us. The shoes are all soaked. Oh mine are worse. Let& find our slippers. There may be other slippers.  Our amazing trip to Nupchu Lake ended with some epic twist. Because we lost our way. Our two guys also lost their waybut they were able to finally reach the hotel somehow. But there was no hope for rest of us. We were walking through these thorny bushes. 

And then we saw two lights at the distance. I thought it was our guys Rishav and Ashish. But they were these two young brothers. One of them is Nupu & family and another one here is Bishal. And so now I repeat this, the trail to Nupchu lake is not clear. So if you want to go there, please take a local with you. As long as the trail has not been properly made, please do it. And a special special thanks to these two young brothers here. A small appreciation from us. Thank you so much rescue team. When we met them on the trail, we were also so filled with hope finally. We sent them ahead to find rest of the team because now we could make it and were on the right track. Or is it that you keep sending people to lose their ways and these boys will earn some allowance? (joking) And with this our stay at Khambachen comes to an end. We had not planned on staying so long here. There were so many nooks to explore in here. The reason we spent so many days here is Nupu and aunty and all who let us stay like a family. Nupu was also the main reason behind our Kanchanjugna visit. Nupu and his brother Chhiring. So, once again, even though it is not enough, thank you so much. 

Now, we say farewell to Khambachen with a heavy heart. We will come again. In most of our trips, we usually build a close relationship with local sand we are treated like a family. But here in this trip, from Ghunsa to Khambachen, our bond was specially stronger with everybody we met including Nupu& family, Chhiring& family.We are a bit sad to be leaving them so soon. So, we also delayed starting up. It& already 1 in the afternoon even though we wanted to start early. We just didn't want to leave. Once again, to our family of Khambachenin the Eastern part of the country, you have a special part in our heart. Thanks for everything. We will remember your love and hospitality forever.

Extract from Ghumante