Gangtok and Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim

We drove on from Kalimpong to Sikkim on the 23rd .  The roads were of course winding and twisting, and mostly in the valleys, so the temperature was hot and sticky.  The state border crossing was almost like a country crossing, as we had to have our passports stamped, and the official made several handwritten entries in big logbooks.  

Gangtok, Sikkim

We drove on to the capital, Gangtok, to find the cleanest place yet -- a student's father arranged for his friend's inn  (Dho-Ta-Pu Guest House) to take us for our time in Gangtok.   Both the city and the inn were clean and welcoming.

On Sunday, we rode the "ropeway" and walked around the city. We visited with two different students -- both will soon be seniors next year.   We lunched at Taste of Tibet, and then they showed us the Flower Exhibition, and the old royal palace and monastery. 

We also visited one student's house for tea and sandwiches, chatted with the parents and admired the artwork.   We dined at Little Italy Restaurant (great atmosphere, and pizza), attached to the guest house.

 

On Monday, we took a guide and jeep up to Tsomgo Lake, way up at 3700meters.  There we rode yaks partway around the lake, and also hiked up and up -- those peaks must have been over 4000 meters high!
We were short of breath, but exhiliarated.
The weather shifted constantly, between mist and sun.
We returned to town by 4:30, and rested...
until the students and parents and other friends came to visit.
We talked family and Sikkim politics for several hours.
Another day in paradise.