Gangtok through My Eyes

 

Gangtok Through My Eyes

Introduction

Travel opens my mind to new perspectives and cultures, broadening my knowledge and wisdom. In this blog, I will share my three-day experience in the capital of Sikkim—Gangtok.

On Our Way to Gangtok from Darjeeling

Our journey to Gangtok was an exhausting eight-hour drive from Darjeeling. Our first stop was the enchanting Lamahatta Eco Park, where we attempted a steep uphill climb to reach a hidden lake. Although we didn’t make it to the top, the climb itself was invigorating, offering breathtaking views and a refreshing challenge. For any fitness or travel enthusiast, this climb is a must!

As we continued our journey, we crossed the majestic Teesta River at Siliguri. Our driver informed us about the devastating floods that struck in October 2023, causing severe damage, including the destruction of 15 bridges and the collapse of a National Highway. The floods also claimed around a thousand lives and caused extensive damage to homes along the riverbanks. The scale of this disaster made the Chennai floods seem minor in comparison. We also spotted river rafting activities nearby, but we opted out due to a lack of preparation and changing facilities, even though I was eager to try it.

At Gangtok

MG Road

We finally arrived in Gangtok around 5 PM, quickly freshened up, and headed straight to MG Marg. To our delightful surprise, we arrived on International Everest Day, May 29th. The government had organized numerous events at MG Marg to honour Tenzing Sherpa, the man who conquered Everest in 1953. We were captivated by the vibrant dance performances from local schools and an electrifying concert that had everyone dancing. The atmosphere was simply infectious! MG Marg’s cleanliness, friendly locals, bustling shops, and vibe made it an unforgettable evening. Though I didn’t spend much on shopping, the window displays and the joyous celebrations made it an evening to remember. If you ever find yourself in Gangtok on May 29th, don’t miss the festivities!

Nathula Pass

The next day, we started early at 5 AM, stocked up on energy drinks, and rented gloves and boots at the 11th mile for our trip to the Indo-China border—Nathula Pass. As we ascended, the drizzle turned into a frosty 4 degrees Celsius, a stark contrast to the sweltering 40 degrees I’m used to in Chennai (though I do love Chennai!). The cold was biting, but the experience was nothing short of magical. The soldiers stationed there are truly superhuman, enduring temperatures that drop below zero degrees Celsius in winter.

Tsomgo Lake

On our return from Nathula Pass, we caught a glimpse of the serene Tsomgo Lake from the hill. Although I didn’t step out of the car due to the road being littered with yak droppings (yak rides are available there)

Food

Gangtok’s culinary scene is a delightful adventure in itself. I discovered some unique and delicious desserts at MG Marg that were simply divine. However, my other meals were a bit of a letdown. The roti was bland, the chicken was as tough as rubber, and the vegetables were tasteless. The chow mein, chilli chicken, and Maggi, however, were decent and helped recover my taste buds. Gangtok is not the place to sit and enjoy the Dosa with sambhar.  

My Recommendation for Traveling to Gangtok

Gangtok is a fantastic destination for travelling with friends, and family, and best as solo. (I travelled with my family as part of a group package.) After returning to Chennai, I found myself dreaming of moving to Gangtok permanently (a thought that still excites me). I definitely plan to visit Gangtok again, possibly on a solo adventure next time.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my journey to Gangtok. It’s a place full of surprises, culture, and unforgettable experiences. If you’re planning a trip, Gangtok should undoubtedly be on your list.