Lake Sangetsar is a remote paradise nestled among the gigantic Himalayas in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh in India. Lying at an altitude of over 12,000 feet above sea level, this crystal-clear lake is surrounded by lush green valleys and massive rocky peaks. Easily one of the most picturesque locations you'll ever find!

An interesting fact is this lake was formed by a flash flood as a result of a severe earthquake in 1950. Today, the upright pine tree trunks in the center of the lake and around, are remains of the earthquake.

Though some prefer visiting the region in winter when the entire lake is frozen and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, I love its pristine beauty and the rugged walking trails in summertime.

Lush greenery, rugged cliffs, and tranquility surround the mesmerizing Changey Falls in the serene village of Kolakham in Kalimpong.

The path to the waterfall is a 900-meter downward trail and the journey is an onerous one. There's a paved path initially but the lower you descend, the rougher the path, eventually becoming narrow and slippery and filled with huge boulders and dense bushes.

However, the challenging trail will be worth it as you trek through the deep forests and the rustling leaves under your feet and chirping of the rarest birds become the only sounds. Finally standing in front of the gigantic spectacle cascading down the rugged cliffs and crashing into the pool, all you feel is wonder. There's peace here, contrasted with the roaring sounds of Changey.

The famous Golden Temple of Amritsar is a marvel to witness. The temple is the chief 'gurdwara' or the holy shrine of the Sikh religious community. The temple shows a distinct blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles and the construction was completed during the time of the Fifth Sikh Guru, Arjun Dev, in the late 16th century.

Within the temple complex is "Guru ka Langar", the largest communal kitchen in the world which serves free food every day to thousands of individuals, irrespective of class, caste and gender. As you can see in the photo, streams of visitors line along the surrounding walkway every morning and evening. Visitors need to cover their heads and wash their feet in a separate pool before entering the temple. 

The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib (the temple of Hari or God), houses the central religious scripture of the Sikhs, the "Adi Granth Sahib". The temple is on an island and a marble walkway connects the temple complex with the mainland. The surrounding pool, the "Amrit Sarovar" or the Pool of Nectar, is said to have spiritual and healing powers. Many take a bath in the holy water or carry some water to treat the sick people.

Along the lines of Sikh religious ideals, the Golden Temple stands for universal brotherhood and egalitarianism. The temple has four entrances on all four sides, welcoming people of every religion, caste, race and gender. An interesting point here is that the temple is built on a lower level than the city land, to signify humility and openness for all.