Blogs from Lachung, Sikkim, India, Asia

Day-3: Gangtok to Lachung: Lachung is a small village near Tibetan border situated at 9,000 ft. It is a very scenic place – for that matter, entire Sikkim is a scenic beauty. On 5th May, day time temperature forecast was 6°C and night temperature forecast was 1°C. We were told that taxi will arrive anytime between 9 and 11! This is a major (and common) problem in Sikkim. Taxi operators have formed a cartel and they dictate the terms. In Sikkim (eastern part of India), sun rises early. Unless it is raining, there is broad day-light by 5.30 in the morning in summer. And you have to wait till……..may be 11 for the day to start! In Sikkim, taxi operators ply on specific routes. Eg, taxis on Gangtok-Lachung-Gangtok route do not keep luggage carriers (I don’t ... read more

To Lachung What comes to mind is the old saying "It's not only the destination but the journey is as important". We (me and the girl from Malaysia, Khadija) were at the travel agents to discuss this group. The agent told us that he had another couple who would be interested in going with us. They turned up a bit later. The girl was friendly enough, but the boy only took one look at Khadija (in her head dress) and never looked at us again. They gave some lame excuse and left. Another pair would have halved our cost. I left my luggage at the hotel and took only my back pack for the 2 day journey. We left Gangtok 0945. Our first stop was a view-point outside the city. Even though we climbed to the ... read more