Gangtok

Gangtok is the capital city of the northeast state Sikkim. One can easily reach Gangtok by jeep from New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri in three hours. But, I took a cab from Darjeeling to Gangtok, on the mountain road with lots of tunnels, ups and downs. You would get to see a river Tiesta passing beside the road for many miles. After few hours I have reached Gangtok. Gangtok is a hill station with more people and traffic unlike Darjeeling.

I stayed in a hotel on Mahatma Gandhi Road, there are many hotels and restaurants on this road and vehicles are allowed. Many tourists stays here, evenings it gets lively with lots of tourists and local people shopping, dining and partying. I have spent three evenings doing the same. I prefer small cafes serving local food and tea. I had all my breakfasts in a small cafes near by my hotel, usually with "Momos and Tea".

Spent an evening walking around the MG Road and in the area around the cable car. Gangtok has a cable car which takes from one end to the other. I took a ride and enjoyed the views of Gangtok. On the way to cable car location, I got a glance of Sikkim State Legislative Assembly.

While I am in Gangtok, I had an opportunity to visit India-China border at Nathula Pass.Yes, its a day trip from Gangtok which was arranged by local tourism company. The entire way going to the border is protected and maintained by Border Security Department. Within couple of hours from Gangtok, I have reached Nathula Pass. God, that was 14000 feet above the sea level. One can actually see the fencing between two countries, Indian and Chinese soldiers protecting their countries at border.

On the way to Nathula Pass, I have been to Changu lake located at 3,780 meters above the sea level. Water in this lake becomes ice in winters. There are few stores and small cafes near the lake to spend some time there.

I had a Yak ride experience near the lake. Its so much fun, it was sunny yet freaking cold. There are many yak ride vendors who offers yak ride for a minimal charge. However, few vendors try to charge more than what its worth, we can certainly bargain. They usually offer a cow boy Hat and Gun as accessories along with yak to get the real feel.