Welcome, You are in Gangtok

by tausif sheth (India)

I didn't expect to find India

i wish i could go back there and would have stayed longer than before, the city i always dreams about surrounded by mountains and filled with natural beauty. you can inhale pure oxygen in the air and be blessed for life. unexpectedly clean like no other but indian city but Gangtok, Northeast indian city and situated very close to indo-china boarder, which calls Nathula Pass, while going up to the nathula pass we have been witness beautiful landscapes and roads carving out from mountains. higher than 14000 ft from sea level. solder serving for their motherland both sides in the frizzing temperature which is 2* degree. and drop -4 at night in regular days, fortunately wasn't much clouds in the sky and i've seen one of the most beautiful sunset of my life. there was so strict military arrangement but they were so nice and kind to visitors. when you coming back to town at night , i would suggest you to go local bar restaurant, there are many bar-restro at MG marg. chug your beers while having dinner and sing on karaoke or dance with your friends. it helps me to create unforgettable memories at gangtok. most pleasant vibe and good food specially momos , you must have to try when you are on trip of northeast india. unlike any other cities, it has smoking zones around city and you won't see anyone smoking cigarettes on public places. their culture is so rich ,vibrant and elegant. most peoples lives on side ways and down side of mountains so they have stairs, which leads you to down side of mountains. people grow their own veggies for daily uses in their courtyards. you will be surely surprise if you got a chance to stay at any local friend's place and taste their homemade tea, lately i've realise that they use to put salt in it. anyway it wasn't that bad. if you are in gangtok you must go to local markets for good clothes and souvenirs. find some local friend and they will surely helps you to bargain with your shopping. after relaxing for the day, we went to visit Rumtek monastery, in sikkim alone there are more than 10 monasteries. these buddhist monasteries are special not just because they are scenic and immersed in the soft aroma of alpine but also the great legacy they carry. Behold them for the fine architecture, ancient existence, and incredible surroundings, as these monasteries would leave you awed. Perched atop the mountains most of these Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim are scattered across the length and width of the state. A majority of these monasteries belonging to the 17th and 18th century stand wearily today, tested by time and toughened by the weather conditions in the mountains. Fed by the thrills of the mountainous terrain, Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim that makes for an ideal site for nature. Located 23 km from Gangtok, the 3-storied monastery lies to the opposite of formidable mountains. To reach the main gompa from the main gate one has to walk a distance of half a kilometer. Vantage points from the monastery would charm you and the fine architecture would leave you fascinated. This monastery is located in Rumtek, a place which is 23 km from Gangtok town and in the opposite mountain. So if you visit Rumtek, there are vantage points from where you get amazing sights of the whole Gangtok town on the opposite hill. However from the gate at the base, it requires an uphill walk (about half a kilometer) to reach up to the main monastery. One of the largest monasteries in Sikkim, Rumtek belongs to the Kargyu sect and was built by Gyalwa Karmapa in the 1960s. From Gangtok, private taxis are available to Rumtek Monastery. Go for a shared vehicle that is available in a large number. Bus service is also available from the city to the monastery. Extremely alluring, pleasantly boisterous and wreathed in clouds - Gangtok, the capital city of the Sikkim can also give you a spectacular view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. It has an amazing view of mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain peak in the world. they say if you see smile on everyone face, Welcome you are in Gangtok.