By Amanpreet Singh
Hey, Cloggers! We completed our circuit of India’s best hills by landing in the vibrant heart of the Eastern Himalayas: Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. This city is a marvel—clean, orderly, and perched on a ridge, offering spectacular views that blend urban energy with profound Buddhist spirituality. This was our high-altitude, deeply cultural, and totally lovely adventure, filled with epic drives and fun with friends: Rahul, Simran, Vikram, and me.
Chapter 1: Life on the Ridge (The Lovely Start)
Gangtok immediately impressed us with its unique urban planning, particularly the famous MG Marg. This pedestrian-only street is the city’s nerve center—clean, colorful, and lined with cafes, shops, and prayer flags.
This immediately offered the Lovely atmosphere we craved. We spent our first afternoon simply walking the length of MG Marg, soaking up the atmosphere, drinking local coffee, and people-watching. It felt incredibly relaxed and organized, a beautiful contrast to some of the chaotic hill stations we’ve visited.
The fun with friends began with trying to find the best Tibetan momos (a local obsession) and browsing the handicrafts, all set against the backdrop of the visible mountain slopes. Gangtok is a city where you can genuinely relax while still being completely immersed in a distinct culture.
Chapter 2: The Monastic Magic (The Beautiful Moment)
To truly appreciate Gangtok’s spiritual side, a visit to the surrounding monasteries is essential. We drove out to the Rumtek Monastery, one of the most significant centers of Tibetan Buddhism outside of Tibet.
The monastery complex is sprawling and stunningly maintained, filled with intricate murals, gold statues, and the powerful, rhythmic chanting of the monks. The air inside the main prayer hall was heavy with incense and devotion.
This provided the Beautiful Moment. Sitting quietly in the courtyard, watching the young monks go about their daily life with disciplined calm, we felt a profound sense of peace. The complex architecture and the vibrant colors of the Thanka paintings gave us a powerful appreciation for the depth of Buddhist art and philosophy in Sikkim.
Chapter 3: High-Altitude Thrills (The Epic Drive)
Gangtok is the base for several unforgettable mountain excursions. While permits made the full Nathu La pass trip difficult, we focused on the incredible views from Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake). The drive itself was the Epic part of the day.
The road winds up through thick military presence, cliffs, and quickly changing weather. One moment we were in sunshine, the next we were driving through dense fog, only to emerge above the clouds. The high-altitude lake, frozen in winter and surrounded by snow-dusted mountains, is a spectacular, glassy turquoise jewel.
The collective memory of standing by the chilly Tsomgo Lake, bundled up and laughing at the giant Yaks decorated for rides, was peak fun with friends. We ended the day with a hot bowl of thukpa, discussing the dramatic differences between the Western and Eastern Himalayas. Gangtok is an unforgettable, easily accessible base for experiencing the raw power of the high-altitude East.
What’s your favorite mountain range to visit? Tell me your story below!
Stay happy, Amanpreet Singh clogtheblog.com
