As our car turned left on to Peshok Road at Ghum, the road de-congested. The trees crowded on both sides of the road as we proceeded towards Lamahatta. The idyllic place, situated only 25 km from Darjeeling offers a vast and peaceful stretch of conifer and pine trees to spend your time.
Upon reaching, we found that a beautiful and well maintained garden welcomed us with a backdrop of pine forest. The view of pines lined up unceremoniously on the slope in front looked beautiful. The colourful prayer flags fluttering in the air along with the flowers in the garden added colour to this otherwise picture perfect greenery.
We sat down inside one of the wooden huts, built inside the park, to shelter us from the cold wind that was blowing. Later, we started our walk uphill towards the sacred pond (pokhri), situated at the top of the hill.
The little one was too excited to trudge along on the stone paved track. The atmospheric walk among the pines was too good an experience. It took us a little over 40 minutes to reach the sacred water-body, with the little one taking a mid-trek meal of cornflakes to regain his energy.
The pond looked beautiful surrounded by pines. You are not allowed to touch the water as it is considered sacred. It was very peaceful place to sit and enjoy the nature. The pines shrouded with fog looked special. Lamahatta’s name means “Lama’s (Monk’s) Hut” and the place really felt like a perfect place for hermitage.
We thought the downward journey would be quick – but the slippery moss-coated track made our descent a lot slower. By the time we reached the park at the entrance, we were hungry. The shop just outside the park served us hot Maggi and tasty chicken rice curry which we gobbled up in no time.
As we started our return journey towards Darjeeling, we decided Lamhatta would definitely be a place worth coming again.
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