Trekking to Samandin – a breath taking journey

Samandin was a picturesque village, that appeared in my way from Srikhola to Gorkhey. When I talk about Rammam – its serenity, its marvelous distant mountain ranges, the people and their hospitality, everything makes me spellbound. But If I recall Samandin, it was a perfect landscape.

Samandin had provided all the necessary resources for my story. If you had missed the earlier part of the story, please go through my journey till Rammam. Even though I was walking for a prolonged time in the morning, but this particular-halt made me relaxed, calm. I stopped by a very beautiful hut. There was a school ground in front of it, which I roamed later for sometimes. But I decided to wash out my hands and longed for some fresh food around me. My guide approached me; his gentle smile like always gave me comfort. He insisted to spread my legs on the bed as he already ordered noodles in the kitchen. That is why I liked this man. He knew what I need most in this crying moment. Anyway, after getting an affirmation of what I was wishing for, I felt enough courage to lay down over the soft bed. My hurt legs, waist hugged the softness of the mattress shamelessly.

Samandin village

I almost spent around 30 minutes closing my eyes. It is magical in the mountains that you’re out of all worries and probably can sleep with comfort at any time of the day. I pulled my tired limbs to come out of the cottage, my desire was simple – to check out the surrounding. As I came out, my guide, accompanied by one lady approached me and asked how was my sleep. A mid-aged Nepalese lady, age around 40 – it seemed she was the house lady, greeted me and asked to have lunch.

It was that moment for which I was waiting since morning. I somehow controlled myself and grabbed my camera, for I intended to take some shots. Nature probably put a different color here. I had not had to struggle much since I got some shots very easily. Now I recalled that it would be an offense if I let go of my served food in this manner. So, turned back and entered the kitchen.

Now it was the best moment as I had some steamy egg noodles in front of me. Generally while staying at home I used to finish noodles may be taking around 15-20 minutes, Where I took only 10 minutes to finish that bowl. That Nepalese woman – she was so generous that she offered me some extra noodles. Most importantly there was something special about that soupy noodles. I remembered, there were some uncommon and unusual spices in that dish.

However, this helped me to get some fresh energy and I started roaming here and there to search for some picturesque angle. Although it was Rammam, they loved pets. I clicked on some of their pets. I expressed my gratitude towards the family who hosted us. And feed us with their love and magical foods. I found that the family had a sweet little princess who was very fond of chocolates. I spent some time with her, offered some chocolates to frame here.

My guide asked me to leave to avoid the circumstances inside the forest after dark. I also heard some folklore long before about Singalila Forest as the abode of various wild animals. So a quick backpack loading was a primary concern at that moment.

Singalila ranges jungle in darkness

It was a chilling cold at that time since the Sun was a little bit oblique. We could feel its greater significance from within the forest. Shady darkness was all around with a steady noise of unknown species. Around 3 PM and I was feeling like an afternoon walk. I took a pause and put on my jacket to cover up. It took lots and lots of bends. I had to climb up a 70-degree plane, sometimes a 65-degree obstruction. At the very fast it was kind of fun and I was in a competitive mood with my guide after all of this rest and energy gaining. But soon I changed my energy level to a moderate level to rectify my mistake.

The jungle seemed to be a never-ending maze which one had to traverse taking the whole day. I was seriously wondering how these people commute on regular travels so fast and maintain their lives. At some point, some trees were uprooted. They were blocking our trail and we had to climb that up as well. After almost an hour, a mass of land was seen to cover up our whole path. My guide told me to climb up very slowly. It was 8 to 10 meters in height. I deliberately took multiple pauses, looked above and was counting the remaining height. It was a damn challenge. Though later, I came to know that trekkers use to take this route downhill while coming back from Gorkhey. But anyways it was not my case. So I had to traverse this by hook or crook.

Samandin village, Darjiling

From the day started, I was witnessing the worst leg pain. Now it’s almost the end of the day since all around it was dusky. My last miles seemed to be very tough as I found a highland with some cemented structure to climb up. Each step was exhaustive. I had to stop & breathe heavily. Though already I have learnt from my experience that how much lie was that sentence. But I did not have any intentions to spend a night inside this forest. So I peeped through the bushes above me by climbing & witnessed a low land stretched towards the horizon. By asking, I came to know that it’s called ‘Samandin’. I was so hell lot of tired walking a single mile.

“Two more minutes & we’ll reach the homestay.”
“What I’m listening since the morning, it’s the same.”
“No! Seriously, two more minutes. They have prepared rice for us.”
Whenever you’re fatigued, hungry, a spark of a ray of getting food turns you on. After crossing three-four houses, I discovered flatlands. Barking dogs, light dots from far across the distance carried the vibe that it was a village. I was more than glad to drop my rucksack finally over the grassy ground.

Samandin homestay

The homestay owner in Samandin came forward to host us. A lady was standing behind few steps from him.

” You took so much time. We were waiting since long as it’s getting dark.” The owner threw a tone full of concern.

“He was tired to walk. He took lots of stops to reach here. So we were late.” Guide’s affirmation towards the owner.

I was least bothered even what they were talking about in Nepalese after that. All I understood was that I got a restroom in Samandin for the night. Tomorrow morning I’d meet with my pals. What more could I expect from my solo journey.