It is hard to find in Gangtok a flat going street. You are always going up or down. Most of the streets are very steep. And – can you imagine – it is very good exercise if you carry 20 kilo backpack!
Probably the only exception in MG Marg – wide walking-only street in the heart of the town with fancy shops and Sikkim Tourist office.
The best method to wisit the hilly are around is to rent a car with a driver. After bargaining I paid 800 rupees for 6-hours private tour. The highight were Tibetan Monasteries of Rumtek and Lingdum. The first one is the place where Karmapa – the leader of Black Hats sect should reside. For political reasons he is not there but mosatery still is very important and keeps the atmosphere…
Then I visited waterfall, Chuten Stupa and finally – Sikkim Flower Exhibition with orgy of colors and smells…
I saw handicraft emporium, but truly – it is hard to find in Gangtok any local folklore. Tomorrow I am heading by jeep (buses are unknown on this mountain routes) to Pelling in the West Sikkim (6 hours -150 rupees per head) – hoping to fing there remains of the old days…
