After a longer than expected time in Gangtok, I was leaving. Today’s ultimate destination was Namchi. But before that, there was a lot of sightseeing to do. Most of the places I went to had giant statues. It reminded me of going to Australia about 35 years ago. There were lots of statues of giant … Continue reading / view photos Inspirational Buddha Park of Ravangla
Sensory overload in Lal Bazaar
The drive back from Tsomgo Lake was about an hour. I spent the time talking to the taxi driver, who turned out to be a Christian. He dropped me off at my hotel. After the early start, I had a short nap before going out in the late afternoon. Very close to Gangtok’s main high … Continue reading / view photos Sensory overload in Lal Bazaar
Tsomgo Lake
Entering Sikkim is like entering another country. Sikkim has more security than any other state I’ve been to in India. Just to enter the state you require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). This is free and valid for 15 days. You can extend it. I got mine at Darjeeling. Your passport must be stamped at … Continue reading / view photos Tsomgo Lake
Institute of Tibetology
I went to the post office again this morning to buy a stamp and post a letter. The young couple in front of me were sending postcards to half of America. They sat down for probably the rest of the day to stick two stamps on each postcard. I did have to ask them if … Continue reading / view photos Institute of Tibetology
Cafe Fiction, monastery, and pub
The morning started with a wasted trip to the central post office. It was closed due to Eid! I walked up to Cafe Fiction, which my American friend, Steve, had recommended. Steve has been working most of the time I’ve been with him. He always discovers the best cafes in town! These usually have power … Continue reading / view photos Cafe Fiction, monastery, and pub
Lively Gangtok
Although I’ve had many spicy breakfasts in India, sometimes I prefer something more bland. Whilst in Hong Kong, I’d picked up a small food bowl. I also carry around a handy spork (a combined fork and spoon). Providing I can buy some decent cereal, I can start the day with a healthy breakfast. This is … Continue reading / view photos Lively Gangtok
Rainy days in Gangtok
During my last trip to India, I had been warned about the pollution in North India. Abarna, who I met on the drive to Darjeeling, had messaged me a couple of days ago. She had returned home to Chennai early after reaching Gangtok. The few days in Darjeeling and Gangtok had made her unwell. A … Continue reading / view photos Rainy days in Gangtok
Going to Gangtok
The taxi arrived at about 10am to take me to Gangtok from Darjeeling. The journey was smooth. The taxi driver was careful going around hairpin bends and didn’t blow his horn unnecessarily. This was my first time in the state of Sikkim. Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim. You need a permit to enter Sikkim. … Continue reading / view photos Going to Gangtok
Japanese Peace Pagoda
After yesterday’s spectacular view of the Himalayas, today was always going to be an anticlimax. The lack of sleep probably contributed to this malaise. I had a lazy morning. My homestay host, Alowkik, had suggested walking to the Peace Pagoda. He knew I didn’t want to see the pagoda but knew I wanted to do … Continue reading / view photos Japanese Peace Pagoda
Sunrise at Kanchenjunga
Today was potentially going to be one of the highlights of this trip. I was going up Tiger Hill to see the sunrise. The sunlight will gradually reveal Kanchenjunga and its surrounding mountains. Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world. The only downside was that I had to get up at 3am! I … Continue reading / view photos Sunrise at Kanchenjunga