By Amanpreet Singh
Hey, Cloggers! We are back in the mountains, but this time we landed in a whole new world: Gangtok, the vibrant and misty capital of Sikkim. This trip was a perfect cocktail of bustling city life, serene spirituality, and truly epic Himalayan views. We used our trusty Gangtok Travel Guide to navigate the beautiful chaos, and here’s the story of the fun we had!
The Winding Road to the Cloud City (The Epic Start)
Getting to Gangtok is an Epic journey in itself, often involving steep climbs and sudden drops into mist-filled valleys. We drove up from Siliguri, and the moment we started gaining altitude, the clouds began their dance. The landscape is intensely green, marked by waterfalls and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze.
Our first challenge was navigating the city’s unique, vertical layout. Gangtok is built on steep hillsides! We spent the first afternoon running up and down the main MG Marg (the pedestrian-only heart of the city) just to find our bearings, turning a simple walk into an unexpected cardio session. This frantic, slightly breathless fun with friends while exploring the steep streets set the energetic tone for the whole trip.
Monastic Silence at Rumtek
To contrast the city’s high energy, we sought out the tranquility promised in every Gangtok Travel Guide: the monasteries. Our visit to the Rumtek Monastery, one of the most significant sites in Tibetan Buddhism, was the absolute highlight.
The quiet, the colors, and the sheer scale of the monastery grounds were breathtaking. We watched the young monks going about their routines, listening to the deep, resonant sound of the horns and drums during prayer.
This was the most Lovely and profound part of the trip. We sat outside the main temple, overlooking the valley, completely silent for nearly thirty minutes. In that quiet moment, watching the prayer flags snap against the vast blue sky, we realized the strength of the mountains wasn’t just in their size, but in the spiritual calm they inspire. It was a beautiful, collective moment of peace shared among the crew.
Nathu La Passes and Yak Hair
Our adventure culminated in a high-altitude drive towards Tsomgo Lake and, eventually, near the restricted Nathu La Pass (after sorting out the necessary permits, as any good Gangtok Travel Guide advises!). The views were stunning, transitioning from green hillsides to snow-covered peaks and frozen lakes.
The fun with friends returned in full force at Tsomgo Lake. Despite the cold, we dared each other to take ridiculous photos with decorated yaks (Simran bravely went first) and laughed at how much we looked like brightly colored snowmen bundled in rental gear.
Gangtok is the perfect mix: a vibrant culture, challenging roads, and peaceful spiritual retreats. It’s a place that engages all your senses and offers a fresh perspective on the Himalayan landscape. Go there, embrace the steepness, and find your calm among the clouds.
What’s the most surprising cultural experience you’ve had while traveling? Share below!
Stay spiritual, Amanpreet Singh clogtheblog.com
