I arrived to Sikkim. It was independent kingdom until 1975 – like Bhutan it was considered one of the last Himalayan Shangri Las…. How it looks like now?
It took me 4 hours driving in the mist by jeep from Darjeeling to reach the capital city – Gangtok. On the way there was check point at the border – passports and permits of the foreigners were controlled there and registered.
Road became much better then. And Gangtok appeared like a large Indian town on the slopes of the mountain.
I found Sikkim more expensive then Dar – the small room in Travel Lodge costs me 500 rupees. In the afternoon I climbed the hill to the Enchey Gompa – the oldest capital’s monastery. Then I took a long walk along the ridge to the former Royal Palace (sorry – closed for visitors). Then there was a nice surprise: I found the gate to Tsula Khang – former Royal Chapel – now a monastery – and I had opportunity as the only guest to see the ceremonies in the temple – young monks were playing traditional instruments – I had a great time…
Now it is the time to order my favourite Tibetan dish – momo dumplings (just 15 rupees per plate) and to have a rest – tomorrow there will be another busy day! I hope that the mist will go down…
