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Bucky
Indian version of Bucky the chicken Hey gang, I am now in Kathmandu doing a little shopping and resting up for the next stage of my trip. For this entry I will catch you up on the week we spent in North East India in an area called Sikkem. This where Darjeeling is and is the foothills to the Himilayas.
After the stike and near riot we travelled up into the hills over 6,000 feet in one day to the town of Darjeeling. This is am amazing place built on one side of a valley. All the buildings are perched on 60 - 70 degree slopes and there are tea plantations everywhere. The weather cooled off pretty quick so I felt right at home with it being 20 degrees instead of 40.
We had one day off to explore the town and it was almost like walking around a rabbit tunnel with all the different stairs and steep streets. There were switchbacks that doubled back three and four times in a space of 100 meteres in elevation. Great workout if you like stairs. Markets were everywhere selling all sort of souveniers but I focused in on buying some tea to bring home. Found some great
Alpine lake
500 meters up from the lake, awesome view. cheese completley by accident. Milk is not something that is available everywhere so the chedder caught me by suprise. Needless to say I scooped it up right away and it was a great treat.
After spending one day in Darjeeling we cuaght some jeeps to a place called Karmi Farm (www.karmifarm.com) for two days. Amazing place perched in the trees on a hillside (cliff) overlooking the valley below. Did a few hikes in the hills and spent the afternoon sitting on the deck looking at nothing in particular. Night time activities included seeing what shapes you could make out of the lights on the hill across the valley. The best one was a reindeer lying on its side. And I came up with a toboggan and Christmas tree.
Then it was back to Darjeeling for another day before heading further into the hilss and a town called Ganktok. This is in the old kingdom of Sikkim. This area borders, China, Nepal and Butan.
Another few days in the hills with a day trip to a high alpine lake Tsomgo Lake 12,400 feet. This was my first taste of high altitude and of course I pushed it a
little too far. A few of us went hiking and went about 500 meters higher. Well I went a little too quickly and had a killer headache later that day. But I got some great photos and all the locals were curious how I could be wearing shorts and a t-shirt while in the mountains. I said I was from Canada and that explained everything.
The tempature was around 20 dergrees but dropped to 8 within 5 minutes when the clouds cam over.
After the lake we went back to Gangtok for another day and then drove down the mountain to cross the border into Nepal. But of course nothing could be that simple. When we got to the border SUPRISE. All of Nepal was on stike and after our experiance in India we thought it would be better to stay in India. So change of plans, we drove for two more days along the border of Indai and Nepal (on the Indian side) and then crossed at a smaller crossing called Raxual. By this time the government of Nepal had made it a priority to protect tourists and we had a police escort all the way into
The gang
The gang and a few locals. our first stop which was a campsite along a river. It was amazing driving through the mountains with the mist flowing around the hills and the constant switchbacks. Sorry no photos as that was a designated no photo day.
We also got a flat tire that day to the amusement of the locals. Finally got to the campsite well after dark and set our tents up and had a late dinner.
Woke up looking over a sandy beach and a river with a mountian on the other side. Spent the morning white water rafting and the afternoon swimming. Tough life I know but I am up for the challenge. Note I did rescue someone from the raft after we flipped. I cought a glimpse of one of my fellow travellers under the boat and thought that she really shouldn't be there. I reached under and pulled her out. It was a little scary for both of us but hey it was all part of the adventure.
It was also my turn to cook so I wnet with one of the locals to knock on a few doors in the area. We picked fresh vegetables from the gardnes
Stick insect
This guy came in thru the open window of the truck and landed on my lap and haggled over the prices as well as catching three chickens to roats over the campfire. It was a great meal enjoyed by all. Then the vodka came out, but I will save that story for another day.
Now I am in Kathmandu enjoying a little rest before heading way up into the heart of the himilayas on Monday. Will be in Tibet starting Tuesday and into China a week or so after that.
The adventure continues.
I will try and attach some more photos.
Namaste.
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Kathie
non-member comment
drago trip
Hey there, I was just looking at your photos of your tour group. By any chance is there a guy (slightly older) american named Wayne on your trip? Thanks, Kathie