In the lap of nature, mystery abounds. It’s evolving, it’s shifting, and it’s creating the unknown, till an observant eye spots something queer, something remarkable, and for a second, fathoms nature’s mischievous hand at play. 

In the virgin valley of Pakyong, a small town in East Sikkim, lie many a nature trails, beckoning one to explore the biodiversity of its forests comprising pine trees, Nepalese alder, bamboo, schima wallichi, and many more.

An earnestly inviting nature trail is nestled in the RDD Complex, Bojeytar (Karthok) inside the Oasis of Peace Park. A long and winding flight of steps carves a trail through a forest of pine trees that transforms into a mystical haven in winters. At the end of it is a stunning view point of the Himalayan range. 

This nature trail is every bit thrilling. As much a carrier of serenity, it’s also an awakener to every rustle and tweet made by an impatient grass hopper or a bird fighting for a spot on a branch. With nothing else to do but observe, the eye is immediately drawn to a butterfly in flight; a crimson leaf on a grey, cobbled path; or deep, questionable markings on a bark. Multiple unpaved paths diverging from the main trail reveal unexpected vistas; if one takes you to a clearing surrounded by commanding pine trees, another brings you to a roaring beehive. 

Towards the end of the nature walk, hopefully, the forest has spoken to the wanderer and evoked in them a sense of awe and respect towards it. 

There are overall 12 forest types found in Sikkim, ranging from evergreen to alpine forests, each differing in floristic composition and habitats to varied species of animals that are unique to the Sikkim ecosystem. The eastern Himalayas is one of the 35 biodiversity hotspots in the world, yet it lays vulnerable to irreversible damage because of the short-sighted actions of mankind. We can actively protect nature by being responsible natives and ecotourists. 

So what’s the tale of this trail you may ask? Well, it’s dependent on every individual who takes it. Mine, unfortunately, involved a leech. 

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