The air in Sangti Phudung has a certain weight to it, a cool, clean heft that feels ancient and alive. It was here, after a short drive from Dirang over the famed London Bridge, that my journey began. The motorable road dissolved into a village playground, a final outpost of the familiar before the wild took over. Before stepping onto the trail, I felt a pull towards the Gyelchen Karma Thrinley Tenne Gompa, a nearby monastery.
Its quiet reverence felt like the perfect blessing, a silent permission from the mountains themselves.The first true step of the trek was onto a suspension bridge, a swaying artery over the Tsomkha Zemen river.
The river, whose name would become a constant mantra on this journey, rushed below with a powerful, rhythmic whisper. On the other side, the world transformed. The trail led me not into dense, untamed forest, but through the very heart of local life. I walked through farmlands that clung to the hillsides, a patchwork of vibrant green and rich, dark earth.
The air was thick with the sharp, earthy scent of chili and the sweet, wholesome smell of corn, both laid out to dry in the sun in front of traditional stone houses. I exchanged smiles and nods with villagers, their faces weathered and kind, their presence a reminder that this beautiful, secluded land was not just a wilderness, but a home.
The path meandered, a soft, yielding track that followed the river’s lead. It guided me through groves of bamboo that formed whispering green tunnels and past orchards of kiwi and persimmon, their fruits hanging like jewels. After about an hour, the trail brought me to the riverbank, a perfect, sun-drenched spot to pause. It was here I understood the river was my compass.
The path split, one route veering right towards a place called Dating, but a washed-out bridge made that choice for me. I would follow the Tsomkha Zemen, staying true to its course.From this point, the trek grew more intimate. The path narrowed, drawing me deeper into a wooden terrain where the air cooled and the sounds of the village faded, replaced by the rustle of leaves and the chatter of unseen birds. I walked among wild walnut and pear trees, their gnarled branches reaching out like old friends. The trail was a gentle conversation of small ups and downs, a rhythm that my body settled into with ease.
A second river crossing appeared, this one a more rustic affair. An old hanging bridge, its wooden slats worn and missing in places, offered a thrilling, slightly precarious passage. I chose the newer, more stable suspension bridge nearby, but the image of the old one stayed with me—a testament to the resilience of the people who have navigated this land for generations. Just beyond, the final challenge began.The last thirty minutes were a steep, continuous climb up a mountain ridge. My breathing became a conscious effort, my legs burning with a satisfying ache.
The world narrowed to the path in front of me, each step a small victory. And then, just as my resolve began to waver, the trail crested. The final fifty meters were a steep descent, and then, the world opened up.Shiring. The campsite was not just a place to rest, but a destination in itself. It was a small, temporary haven nestled on the riverbank, a clearing carved out of the wilderness. The view was breathtaking.
The Tsomkha Zemen flowed past, its surface a mirror to the sky, and the mountains rose on all sides, their peaks painted in the soft, golden light of the afternoon. I sat there, a cup of hot tea warming my hands, the sounds of the river and the wind in the trees washing over me. The fatigue of the climb melted away, replaced by a profound sense of peace and accomplishment. This was the reward: a moment of perfect solitude, a connection to a place that felt both wild and welcoming, a story whispered to me by the river itself.
The length of the trek is around 6 km and time requires 4 – 5 hrs.
Return journey – The camp site was the final destination of our trail and the return journey is the same way back to the parking area.
Elevation :
The elevation at the starting of the trek is at around 2100 mtrs. and goes up to around 2250 mtrs. at the camp site.
Highlight of the trek:
The terrain and scenic beauty is the highlight of the trail.
A trekker’s account as narrated to Julie. Interested in doing moderate to strenuous level of day treks? We offer many trek options in the Northeast. Do write to know more.
