In a remarkable and exciting blend of camaraderie and behind-the-wheel adventures, 18 Parsis from Mumbai, Navsari and Dubai, participated in a unique automobile pilgrimage: ‘The Mystique Himalayan Drive 2024’, travelling through the enchanting landscapes of Sikkim and Bhutan. Belonging to diverse fields including architecture, engineering, transport and logistics, automotives, medicine, law, stocks, aviation and hospitality, the thrill-seekers started their exciting journey on 17th November, 2024 (with the main drive in Sikkim from 21 – 30 November), to return home on 1st December, 2024
Four couples, steered by stalwarts from the motor sports world like Farokh Commissariat (a National Champion in Motorsport Navigation) and Neville Poonawala (navigator for over 15 years, Autocross and Drag racing) charted a course from Mumbai to Gangtok, over 4 days. Traversing approximately 2500 km., an average of 10 driving hours a day, through 6 states – Maharashtra (mostly over the brilliant Sammruddhi Expressway), Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal, to reach Gangtok. The highlight of these days were the food halts at dhabas where the gang got to taste various regional cuisines and befriended locals.
The main drive, organised by Team Firefox, was a 9-day sojourn comprising a convoy of approximately 48 cars (the other 44 cars transported their vehicles to Siliguri). Beginning in Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, at an elevation of 5,400 feet, nestled high in the Eastern Himalayas, some visited the Rumtek Monastery, strolling through the famous MG market, enjoying the spectacular views of the entire city through a cable rope ride.
The first long drive in Sikkim was to Pelling, a small town with breath-taking views of the mighty Kanchenjunga as it unveiled itself through the early morning clouds. The town’s serene monastery offered moments of quiet reflection. The highlight of an early morning ride was to Nathu La, a high-altitude mountain pass at 15,000 feet, with a rugged landscape and alpine beauty, which constitutes the Indo China Border. Walking right up to the border at this elevation required careful steps, and it was a cold 2-degree snowy morning adventure. Conversing with Indian Army personnel dutifully guarding our country in difficult regions fills one with awe and pride. The Sikkim leg ended with a 2-day stay at Taj’s Guras Kutir property offering excellent service alongside mesmerising sunrise and sunset views amidst mountains and forests.
With most mornings starting out early, the group left for Bhutan, the world’s first carbon negative country, with a population of approximately 8 lac very happy people who take much pride in their country, with 80% of the men and women proudly attired in their gho and kira daily. The entryway (from the sad, backward, dusty and dirty border town of Jaigaon in West Bengal) into this beautiful country seemed like a land at the top of the Magic Faraway tree! The clean air and thick green vegetation makes Bhutan a poster child for green living.
The first overnight stop was at Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital (7,500 feet ASL), where the group visited Buddhist landmarks including Tashichho Dzong and the Budha Dordenma statue, the world’s largest and tallest stone Buddha statue, overlooking the city. Next day’s lunch halt at the Willing Waterfall Café on the winding Trongsa Highway was a spectacular sight, with a rainbow going right through the massive waterfall! A night halt in the vast Phobjika Valley (9,800 ASL) in the west side by the Black Mountains of Bhutan displayed the endangered black necked cranes, that migrate to Phobjika in winter. Small home run stays, clean with warm fires, fresh local food and great service were a welcome halt from long driving days.
Paro (7,200 feet ASL) was the last destination on the itinerary, where all participants encouraged each other to physically and spiritually ascend the iconic Tigers Nest Monastery (Taktsang) one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites, over a 6-hour trek up a very cold but beautifully placed Monastery, along the rock walls of the mountain. Driving out of the emerald valleys of Bhutan on a clear day, breathing in the last of the crisp mountain air, navigating roads where the earth touches the sky, were the final memories of this beautiful country. As they say, roads were made for journeys, not destinations, and wherever you go, becomes a part of you somehow.
Courtesy: Erach Kotwal and Naheed Divecha
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