CHERISH CHANDEL ~ Lukhendro Keisham

CHERISH CHANDEL

- Written by Lukhendro Keisham

Lonpi Gamvet Mol

This time we hit the road for Chakpikarong in Chandel District. It was a long due trip since Covid - 19's second wave restricted the whole country. Chandel District comprises of diverse route for touring. Major reason we choosed Chakpikarong route apart from the Indo - Mayanmer Road to Chandel Town is because it has some of the best landmarks to touch by while we cover Chakpikarong Town at the same time visit one of the most upcoming tourist spot, Lonpi Gamvet Mol few miles from the actual Lonpi (Mombi) Village.

At Laktak Lake, Moirang - Sendra Roaf

We took to Tiddim Road for Loktak Lake at Moirang, than headed for Kumbi Bazar for Ithai Dam. On the way we came accross Mondum Mahadeva at Tokpaching before reaching Kakching Khunou for Indo - Burma Sugnu Road. Taking pictures at Ithai Dam is restricted by the security personals while they were very welcoming though. Kumbi to Kakching Khunou was almost an all muddy stretch that cost us an unplanned amount of time for the day.

At Mondum Mahadeva

On reaching Indo - Burma Sugnu Road the rain started. We hop on our rain gears and headed straight for Sugnu Bazar. On reaching Sugnu the rain stopped and it was clear sky again. From there we took the diversion for Chakpikarong. A Manipur Police check - point stopped us for entry record. Chakpikarong Bazar is the final point where you stock up all your needs for the journey. After this it was an upclimb hill road with very little population and into some of the very steep cliff like opening one one side. On reaching Lonpi (Mombi) Village we met two ladies and upon inquiry they pointed towards the top of few highest peaks.

At Lonpi Gamvet Mol, view from mid - point

Few miles and we set foot on Lonpi Gamvet Mol. What surprises us is the peak area including the parking lot was engulfed with dense fog with very little visibility. Unless you are in close proximity you hardly recognise each other. Dense fog, steep and narrow path, strong wind along with wet and slippery ground the Lonpi Gamvet Mol was that day. Although few of us reached and found the red flag marking the summit many of us had to set back from mid - way (few meters before reaching the summit) as we felt it dangerous to walk through the narrow steep and slipery path on our gripless shoes. Even the lunch we brought from home felt cold like it froze.

But not always the place is as we found that day. Under a clear sky the Lonpi Gamvet Mol looks magnificent and captivating as shared by friends and all those who had experienced it. As written on a display board, "The scenic mount has been named Lonpi Gamvet Mol as it was used by Pu. Shongjil Haokip the then Chief of Lonpi to view the boundaries of Lonpi". For now the place is maintained by Kuki Student Organisation of Kheng Joi. Construction of a canteen was in progress under Government of Manipur sanctions, told one of the construction workers. A section of the opposite hilllock which lies at a higher ground was already excavated and levelled to make it an open space for tourist to picnic or outdoor lunch. The parking space lies just next to the highway opposite the entry point.

At Chatpikarong Bridge over Chakpi River

On our way back we halted at Chakpikarong Bridge for a water break. As the route was we touched the Serou Bridge which lies at a door step from Sugnu Bazar. It is the longest bridge in Manipur. Than we head through Kakching Bazar, Mayang Imphal, Hiyangthang and straight to our respective homes. If time permits we were to ride back through Kakching Garden, Tlaang Lhung Bung a.k.a Langol Peak Garden and Khongjom War Memorial.

Chandel District for now is just a small window to regular tourist. But with the recent growth in better road and essential connectivity dozens of door awaits this less explored gem. The days are near people especially the local Manipuris will flock in to Cherish Chandel.

RIDERS & PILLIONS

Date: 11th September, 2021

1. Surjachandra Yumnam / Lukhendro Keisham

2. Ithoiba Potshangbam / Pradeep Laishram

3. Joychandra Irom / Phunibabu Oinam

4. Narendra Longjam / Mahendra Oinam

5. Sudra Oinam / Deepak Oinam

6. Rahul Hanjabam / Tondon Oinam

7. Joychandra Oinam / Rajnikanta Asem

8. Ashok Adhikarimayum

9. Robinson Oinam