If somebody tells me that you need to travel all the way to Mt. Alps to enjoy the snow, then I would be the first person to deny that....and that is a fact that I can vouch on.
I have been to many places and added Gangtok recently to my list. I have been smitten with that place so much that I am making plans for another visit very soon...
The moment "Gangtok" is said, you can imagine a mystical land surrounded by mountains, snow, and clouds giving you a feeling that you have seen these places in the fairytales only. Yes, I believe that Gangtok is mystical and secluded in everyway. In other words, in and around Gangtok is still untouched by modern civilization and people have developed their own of living, customs, and religion.
Our gang, mix of adventurous people started planning for this trip for almost 3 months in advance. And finally the day came when we all were set with our backpacks, travel book, notepads, pen, and other basic things that we may require during the trip. Can you believe??? we had a kid who was just 15 months!!!
We all flew from Hyderabad to Calcutta, from Calcutta boarded the train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP). From NJP station, we had a Sumo come and pick us up and transport us to Gangtok. This was about a 6 hours journey and our entire gang looked like enthusiastic teenagers we eagerly lapping up that came our way...the green hills, gurgling crystal clear river that ran parallel to the road, the clean air, mist and the dew. On the way to Sikkim, we stopped at a roadside dhaba, had breakfast and masala chai. Our driver happened to be Nepali who had been settled in Siliguri and was used of traveling up and down to Gangtok. He pointed us some nice spots where we all would stop the vehicle and linger around and enjoy the beauty and move on. On the way, we came across the various diversions that would take us to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and of course to Bhutan - the mountain kingdom. As our vehicle moved up to higher in the mountain, we could feel the change in the climate. We all slowly started pulling out warm clothes from our backpacks.
Finally we reached our destination. We checked into our respective hotel rooms. We all got the best rooms that were available in the hotel. From our room we could see Mt. Kanchendzonga. Since it was quite late for us to go for sight seeing, we all decided to have quick wash, have some tea, and move around the main market area of Gangtok. While moving in and around market we found that almost all the bank ATMs were available and we did not have to worry as such. We found another thing there, after 5 PM; there were no motored vehicles in the market area. The taxi-wallas are supposed to leave the market area before the market clock strikes 5 PM, and then it becomes walker's paradise. We spent about an hour or so in the market and then decided go back to the hotel and rest. On our return to the hotel, we were informed that vehicle has been arranged for us to take us on sight seeing trip for the next day.
At sharp 9 AM, our driver who happened to an ex-army man came to pick us up at the hotel lobby. We went to all the popular places such as research Institute of Tibetology, White Hall, ridge, flower show, Rumtek Monastery, Lingdum Monastery, waterfalls, and few other places. At each place we took our own time and enjoyed the view. At Rumtek and Lingdum Monastery, there is a pillar at the entrance, it is believed that you should make a wish and throw the coin towards the pillar. If the coin gets stuck in the pillar, then your wish would be granted. As human nature is we all tried our luck....nothing seemed to fall in place. Anyways that was one of the way we amused ourselves. Both the Monasteries are the typical examples of Tibetan architecture.
It was pretty long day for us and as soon as we reached the hotel, the receptionist told us that they have arranged for our trip to Lanchung and Yumthang, and asked us to pack our overnight bags. The moment we heard about the following day trip we got very excited and started looking into our guide books to get more information on these places. Since we were pretty tired because of the day's trip we just decided to have quick dinner at the hotel's restaurant and then call it a day.
Next day morning we all were ready with our overnight bags, finished breakfast, and were all charged up for the trip. Our young Nepali driver came at 9 am and picked us up from the market place, and then we were on the way to Yumthang and Lanchug. The drive up the mountain was steep. These two places had breath-taking view of Himalayas. We stayed overnight at Lanchung and next day morning we visited Yumthang. The same evening we returned back to Gangtok. Next day we visited Shangu valley...Oh boy!! That was the experience of lifetime....the travel over the thin slice of ice and snow everywhere felt us wondering at Mother Nature.
These few days just flew by and before we could realize we had to pack our bags and head homewards.....
