19 Mar - Darjeeling - Pelling
A long 8hr 135km ride today, firstly down over 1000mtrs through a very steep winding downhill ride before crossing into Sikkim where we had to get our entry permits checked, which was followed by another 2000mtr uphill climb again through a constantly twisting road to Pemayangtse monastery and Overnight at Tashigang Resort, Pelling. Much of the road today was also under repair or badly damaged, which made it quite rough and very slow going.
Pemayangtse monastery is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim. Founded 1705, it is home of the Nyingma-pa Buddhist sect.
20 Mar - Pelling -Rumtek
Off we go towards Rumtek monastery a roller coaster ride to Gangtok, the capitol of Sikkim where we sto9p for a while before going onto our hotel the Tintaley Resort at Rumtek. A good 120km ride today, better roads, bur still climbing up and down 1000+mtrs 4 or 5 times, with no straight sections. After a late lunch we settled into our hotel by 3pm, then climbed a steep hill on foot to get to the monastery which is the home of the "Karmapa Lama", who fled Tibet/China a few years ago when he was 18 of age.
Off we go towards Rumtek monastery a roller coaster ride to Gangtok, the capitol of Sikkim where we sto9p for a while before going onto our hotel the Tintaley Resort at Rumtek. A good 120km ride today, better roads, bur still climbing up and down 1000+mtrs 4 or 5 times, with no straight sections. After a late lunch we settled into our hotel by 3pm, then climbed a steep hill on foot to get to the monastery which is the home of the "Karmapa Lama", who fled Tibet/China a few years ago when he was 18 of age.
I'm writing this sitting on the veranda of my room that overlooks the valley, its evening and Im waiting for dinner, but it is so quiet that all I can hear is insects, distant Indian music, and the never-ending sound of barking dogs, fortunately a long way away.
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