Serene Sikkim

In the summer of 2010, we decided to explore the unexplored and headed towards the north east region of India. We covered Gangtok, Lachung,Darjeeling.

We decided to take a train for the onward journey and booked spicejet for the return journey.The 36 hours journey in the Azad Hind Express was good and because of kids, it was fun. Most relief was when my brother's close friend Nitin Peshne got the steaming hot fresh lunch from Naivedyam,Nagpur along with lots of chocolates and ice creams.Thats what i wld call a Vidharbhi Pahunchar....a Royal treatment :)

We reached Calcutta early morning at 4 am and it was bright daylight in the City of Joy. Yatri Niwas(right at the station) was booked for us.Its a very comfortable, clean and economical stay for a short duration.We visited Victoria Memorial ,Birla Planatorium and Kali ghati temple. Birla planatorium was more of a power point presentation and narration was in plain tone...we did not go inside the kali ghati temple looking at the crowd and surrounding area.Calcutta was very hot and humid. Took a Darjeeling express to NJP from Sealdah station.Next morning a Tavera was waiting for us at NJP station which took us to Gangtok.The journey from NJP to Gangtok is apprx 4 hours and river Teesta accompanies you throughout the journey.A very scenic journey.
We stayed at pure vegetarian 'Tibet Gallery" which had a beautiful veiw of famous "Kanchanjunga" from our rooms. Gangtok is a capital city of Sikkim.Its a typical hilly town with absolutely zero pollution and slow paced life. Its MG road market reminded me of Croydon market of London..very well done and exlusilvely for Pedestrains.
Next day, we started our journey for Lachung in the north Sikkim.The vehicle was very good (Scorpio) and the driver as well.His name was Tenzing Buthia, a very smily person :) For Sikkim, it is said that journey itself is a Destination and we experienced that in our journey to Lachung....lot of waterfalls on the way surrounded by the lush green hills. We took a halt for lunch at a place called Namak.It was a real suprise to get freshly made vegetarian food in such a small town.The dining area of the house was ethenically made.
Lachung is a pristine small town surrounded by Himalayas. You immediately get a sense of calmness and humbleness infront of natures beauty and bounty. The Yamthang Valley, also known as "Valley of Flowers" is very beautiful.You can take small treks ( 3/4 km). The origin of Teesta river can be seen from Zero point.The Teesta here is very cold but again very lively. Wish we had more time in Lachung. If you happen to visit, keep yourself at least 2 days here. We also tasted the locally made wine :)
The tsomngo lake and Rumtek monestry in Gantok are also worth a visit.
Visiting Darjeeling after Sikkim is quite disappointing as Darjeeling is very crowded , commercial tourist place.We liked the local Zoo.
"Lonely Planet" series for India is an excellent source of information if you are not going with any tour operators.We followed it for the eatries and places of interest. Most of the suggested restuarants turned out to be good.
Overall ,it was a very good experience and we came back with a promise to visit again :)