Intrigued by India's allure, I embarked on two consecutive trips to the country within a span of six months. Following my initial adventure to Leh Ladakh in late October of the previous year, I found myself drawn back to India during the Songkran festival in April. This time, my itinerary included an exploration of the captivating towns of Sikkim and Darjeeling.

If we were in Thailand during April, we would definitely melt from the heat. Therefore, I would rather create some excitement for myself by traveling to Sikkim & Darjeeling from April 8th to 15th, 2017.

Before diving into the daily itinerary, let's first provide a concise overview of the preparations for traveling to Sikkim. This will be presented in a point-by-point format for ease of reading.


1.) A trip to Sikkim requires an Indian visa. However, there's a catch: the Indian embassy recently announced a visa fee increase for tourists, effective April. The new fee is over 4,300 baht, which is quite expensive.

However, fret not! The E-Visa has arrived as your savior. The E-Visa fee is only 50 USD (approximately 1,700-1,800 THB, depending on the exchange rate). The application process for the E-Visa is readily available online, with numerous reviews highlighting its advantages. The application process is straightforward, the fee is lower, and it saves you the hassle of traveling or queuing to submit documents.

The application process is simple, and the approval process is also very fast. After we applied for the E-Visa, the officer replied to the email approving the E-Visa almost on the same day (sent in the morning, and the approval was notified in the evening). Therefore, E-Visa is another option to consider.

Remember to print the E-Visa approval email and present it to Indian immigration upon arrival at the airport. (Please note: this is the approval email, not the email confirming receipt of your E-Visa application.) Indian immigration will verify the approval document you received via email before stamping your passport and allowing you entry into India.

2.) Sikkim, the star of this trip, is a small state located in the northwestern part of India. It can be considered the border state of India, as it shares borders with neighboring countries Nepal, China (Tibet region), and Bhutan.

Thai language


The state of Sikkim is further divided into four districts: North, South, East, and West. The capital of Sikkim is Gangtok.

Another city included in our travel program is Darjeeling, located in the West Bengal state, which is situated in the southern part of Sikkim state.

Planning a trip to both Gangtok and Darjeeling in one go? Be aware that Sikkim is a special region requiring a separate permit in addition to your Indian visa. This permit allows entry into Sikkim and necessitates an additional stamp in your passport.

With a permit, we can proceed directly to the checkpoint before entering Sikkim. Prepare ten passport-sized photos and copies of your visa (as in addition to the Sikkim permit, we also need to obtain separate permits for different destinations within Sikkim).

Planning is crucial because after obtaining a permit to enter Sikkim, you must exit the state and enter Darjeeling in West Bengal. You will need to get an exit stamp from Sikkim before leaving. Additionally, if you wish to re-enter Sikkim after leaving, you must wait 30 days from your last departure.

Therefore, you can plan your trip to Sikkim or Darjeeling first, but you cannot enter and exit both places interchangeably. You must complete all the attractions in one place before moving on to the other. As mentioned earlier, Thai tourists can only enter Sikkim once and must wait for thirty days before re-entering. (However, it is unlikely that anyone would travel back and forth between the two places, as they are far apart and require a day's travel by car. This information is provided for reference only.)

Image of the South Sikkim checkpoint where you need to process your exit from Sikkim to Darjeeling.

Note: The original text is in Thai. The translation is provided in English.

3.) To travel to Sikkim, you can fly from Thailand to Kolkata, the largest city in eastern India. From there, you can choose to visit Sikkim or Darjeeling first. There are many transportation options available, including buses, trains, and flights.

In summary, our itinerary involved visiting Sikkim first, followed by Darjeeling. We flew into Kolkata and then took another flight to Bagdogra. From Bagdogra, we embarked on a road trip to explore various destinations in Sikkim.

After exploring Sikkim, I took a car to Darjeeling. From there, I caught a ride to Bagdogra Airport, where I boarded two flights back to Kolkata and then Thailand.

We contacted a local tour company in Sikkim to provide transportation for both airport transfers and inter-city travel. This included obtaining the necessary permits, eliminating the need for multiple transportation arrangements.

Due to Sikkim's sensitive border location with neighboring countries, visitors require a permit and a local guide to accompany them. The guide facilitates the permit process at various checkpoints. In our case, a group of eight, we used two vehicles. The local tour operator provided two vehicles with drivers and one guide, totaling 11 individuals.

Guides and drivers are responsible for their own food and accommodation; we do not need to arrange this for them. However, it is customary to offer them a tip at the end of the tour, at your discretion.

Accommodation was booked through Agoda or Booking.com. The total cost of the trip was approximately 25,000 baht, with the following breakdown:

  • Visa: 1,800 baht
  • Round-trip airfare (4 flights): 9,500 baht
  • Hotel: 4,100 baht per person for 7 nights (accommodation details listed above, double occupancy)
  • Common fund: 9,000 baht for transportation, tips, food, and entrance fees throughout the trip
  • Personal expenses (snacks, souvenirs): 600 baht
  • Total: approximately 25,000 baht


4.) Before our trip, we checked the altitude of the different cities in Sikkim that were on our itinerary. Most of Sikkim is not very high (compared to other places we've been, like Leh, where we didn't experience altitude sickness). We figured we would be able to travel comfortably without any problems.

Despite our initial concerns, we encountered no altitude sickness issues during our trip. We were able to walk around freely without any problems. However, some of our companions experienced headaches, dizziness, and even fever at Zero Point, which is located at an altitude of approximately 4,600 meters (the highest point of our trek). Therefore, if you are planning a trip to Sikkim, it is advisable to research and take precautions against altitude sickness.

This is a serious matter, as altitude sickness can be fatal. Regardless of your physical fitness, anyone can develop this condition at any age. Athletes may experience symptoms, while older individuals may not. Therefore, it is crucial to research thoroughly before your trip and ensure adequate rest. ... We have compiled a table comparing the altitudes of various locations in Sikkim and Leh for your reference. (We have also included Doi Inthanon for comparison, so you can get an idea of the relative altitude of each location.)

5. Clothing: Pack warm clothes, as it can get very cold in Leh. However, in Gangtok, a light jacket or jeans jacket may be sufficient. As you travel north towards Lachung, Yumthang, and Zero Point, the temperature drops, but it is still manageable. Wind and rain can make it feel much colder, so be prepared. Overall, we found the weather in November to be less cold than in Leh during October-November, and we did not need to use a down jacket. A thermal inner layer and a regular jeans jacket were enough for the entire trip.


6. The food in Gangtok is typical Indian fare. There are many options available, especially in the city center. Taste of Tibet is a highly recommended restaurant, as is Kunga Restaurant in Darjeeling. Both offer delicious dishes that will leave you feeling satisfied.

However, if you are staying outside the city, it may be difficult to find good restaurants. It is recommended to bring your own provisions, such as instant noodles, dried pork, and canned food, to avoid going hungry.

Here's a little secret for all you ice cream lovers out there: Baskin-Robbins ice cream in India is incredibly affordable, almost half the price compared to Thailand. In Sikkim, you can find it right on the pedestrian street (M.G. Road).

Looking for a delicious and affordable ice cream option in India? Look no further than Amul! This popular brand offers a wide variety of flavors in convenient single-serving cups, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth on the go. With its attractive packaging and unbeatable price, Amul is a great choice for budget-conscious consumers. And with its commitment to quality, you can be sure that every bite will be a delightful experience. So next time you're at the store, be sure to grab an Amul ice cream and see for yourself why it's a favorite among locals.

- Amul ice cream is a great option for those looking for a delicious and affordable treat. -

- Green Mango popsicle -

(Please provide the text you want me to translate.)

  • Lychee caramel ice cream cone -



7. As usual, we spent most of our time on the road. I highly recommend Handy Drive. Load it up with your favorite songs and plug it into the car's USB port for endless entertainment. Otherwise, you might end up listening to the driver's Indian music. Haha!

And another essential item is a neck pillow. It's crucial for supporting your neck while sitting or preventing head bumps during sleep on bumpy roads. My travel companion joked that he'd get an MRI scan after returning to Thailand to check for brain damage from all the head-banging during the trip. He figured it was better to be safe than sorry!



8. The planned itinerary is relatively relaxed, avoiding an overly packed schedule to prevent fatigue. However, for those who are confident in their stamina, additional attractions can be added, such as:

  • Chopta Valley in Lachen
  • Various attractions in Pelling
  • Trekking from Darjeeling to Sandakphu, the highest point in West Bengal
  • Gangtok city offers numerous attractions, including temples, botanical gardens, and a cable car ride. However, due to rainfall, we were unable to visit all of them and had to adjust our itinerary accordingly.

The weather in Sikkim was quite unpredictable. It would be sunny one moment, and then suddenly start raining. We weren't sure if it was because we visited during April, which is the rainy season there, but we experienced frequent rain, especially in the afternoons. Almost every day, it would rain in the late afternoon.

The weather is unpredictable, with sunshine quickly giving way to heavy rain. If you encounter good weather and lighting conditions, seize the opportunity to visit and take photos before the rain arrives and spoils your plans.


9. A word of caution for those visiting Kolkata: be wary of taxis at the airport. We were quoted exorbitant prices (800-900 rupees) for a ride into the city by a yellow taxi, despite booking it at the airport counter. The taxi also lacked air conditioning.

Therefore, I highly recommend Uber India. Taking an Uber from the airport to the city or from the city back to the airport costs only around 400-450 rupees, which is much cheaper. Plus, you get to enjoy the cool air conditioning, so you won't have to worry about the heat.



10. Having visited both Sikkim & Darjeeling and Leh Ladakh, I'm often asked which offers the more stunning natural scenery, particularly in terms of mountains, lakes, and rivers. If you could only choose one, or are planning your first trip, which should you pick?

In my personal opinion (and this is just my perspective, others may have different views), both destinations involve traveling by car from one point to another to enjoy the natural beauty of mountains, rivers, lakes, and various temples and palaces. Although the overall experience may seem similar, there are subtle differences that I believe set them apart.

    • Leh Ladakh ... "The King of Mountains": The mountain views in Leh are vast and majestic, stretching as far as the eye can see. The landscape is characterized by arid mountains with little vegetation, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring scenery. The clear skies offer perfect conditions for photography, capturing the grandeur of the mountains and the vibrant colors of the sky. Even the roadside views are breathtaking, leaving travelers in constant amazement.
    • Sikkim ... "The Queen of Mountains": Sikkim's mountains are adorned with lush greenery, creating a picturesque landscape. The roads wind through steep cliffs and valleys, offering limited views of the distant horizon. The mountains and valleys form a mesmerizing labyrinth, showcasing the region's natural beauty. As the "Queen of Mountains" in India, Sikkim tends to be shy, often hiding behind clouds and trees. The unpredictable weather, with frequent rain and overcast skies, makes capturing the scenic views a challenge.

In a close contest, Leh Ladakh edges out Sikkim by a hair's breadth. While Sikkim boasts stunning lakes and viewpoints, Leh's captivating beauty unfolds throughout the journey. Considering the extended travel time by road, Leh's breathtaking landscapes along the way ultimately secure its victory.

However, we are not saying that Sikkim is not worth visiting. (Don't close the thread just yet, haha!) We enjoyed our trip to Sikkim, especially Lachung and Yumthang, which were breathtakingly beautiful.

Note: The comparison is based on different seasons. We visited Leh Ladakh near the winter season (late October), resulting in clear skies and colorful foliage. In contrast, our trip to Sikkim was in April, not during the winter, leading to more rain. As our driver in Sikkim mentioned, the peak season in Sikkim is around the end of the year, when the weather is significantly better.

Another point to consider is altitude sickness, as Leh Ladakh is located at a significantly higher altitude than Sikkim (as shown in the comparison image above). The chances of developing altitude sickness are therefore higher. Therefore, those planning to visit Leh should be prepared with medication and ensure their physical fitness.

In short, if you can't decide, go for both trips! Both Leh Ladakh and Sikkim & Darjeeling are guaranteed to be stunning.

For those interested in finding information about the autumn foliage trip in Leh, you can read the links below. There are two versions to choose from: a mini-review or a full version.

+++ Autumn Trip: Mini-Review ... Autumn Foliage in LEH LADAKH +++
https://th.readme.me/p/7910

+++ LEH LADAKH Trip: Autumn Foliage in Leh Ladakh ... Full Version +++
https://th.readme.me/p/9000

FB: https://www.facebook.com/JoinMe2TheWorld


Let's get down to business. After all the bragging... This Sikkim trip, I encountered breathtaking views of towering mountains, enjoyed fluffy white snow, and navigated winding roads. What will it be like? ... If you're ready, follow me: )



#JoinMeToSikkim #Day1

The first day of the trip, the plane departed at 5:00 AM from Thailand to Kolkata. After that, I will transfer to Bagdogra. This is my first time using Spice Jet.

The entertainment began at the check-in counter and continued until boarding the plane. It felt like being in the middle of the Pahurat market, with the sound of vendors shouting across heads and chairs. It was quite noisy, but I was tired from not sleeping the night before, so I tried to close my eyes and sleep. I actually dozed off and woke up intermittently, but I tried to regain my senses when we arrived in Kolkata at six in the morning (Indian time is one and a half hours behind Thai time).

Upon arrival in Kolkata, with a 7-hour layover before connecting to Bagdogra, I inquired at the SpiceJet departure counter about the possibility of checking in my luggage early to avoid storing it elsewhere. This would allow me to explore the city of Kolkata during my layover.

Walking with the luggage, I changed from the arrival gate to the departure gate. When I entered the departure gate to ask at the Spice Jet counter, I realized that the Indian staff had a rule that passengers who had entered the terminal gate were not allowed to leave.

Exit is only permitted in emergencies due to armed guards stationed at the exit. Once inside, you cannot leave. However, the airline allows for advance check-in of luggage, eliminating the need to carry heavy belongings.

No need to worry about your luggage, grab a bite to eat at the airport before heading out. Try your luck at the Wow Momo restaurant in the airport. The Momo here is pretty good... You could say that Momo (Indian steamed buns, available fried or steamed) was the staple food of our trip. We ordered Momo at almost every restaurant we ate at.

- Fried chicken Momo at the airport, surprisingly delicious. -

- This resembles gyoza, but with a vegetable filling. The taste is decent. -

- The new Kolkatta airport building is stunning. The ceiling is decorated with beautiful ancient characters. -

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After finishing our meal, we went sightseeing in Kolkata. We were exhausted, so we took a nap on the chairs in the passenger terminal. We waited until the plane to Bagdogra departed at 1 pm.

The flight to Bagdogra took just over an hour. From there, we had to take a car to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. The drive took several hours, and we arrived in Gangtok in the early evening.


#JoinMeToSikkim #Day2

Today's plan is to visit Tsomgo Lake, a high-altitude lake situated at 3,752 meters above sea level. I have scheduled a car to pick me up from my hotel in Gangtok at 9:00 AM. This leaves me with some free time in the morning to explore the city center, specifically the pedestrian zone.

- Image of Gangtok city in the morning, with a pleasant cool breeze -


- The city is full of buildings built on the mountains. -

- The farther you shoot, the clearer you can see. It is a large city built on a mountain. -


- We strolled around taking photos until we reached M.G. Road, where there is a monument to Mahatma Gandhi. -


- A long look at the morning atmosphere at M.G. Road and the surrounding areas -

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As the appointment time approached, I walked back to the hotel and waited for a while. The car arrived to take me to Tsomgo. We started driving towards the outskirts of the city. Looking back, I realized that they are really good at building houses and buildings. They even built them on the entire mountain.


The drive continued as the road gradually ascended the mountain. We encountered a permit checkpoint where documents were meticulously inspected, resulting in a kilometer-long traffic jam on the mountain road.

After passing through the checkpoint, the ride became more relaxed. However, the road was a two-lane highway with steep inclines and poor conditions, including numerous potholes. Passing oncoming vehicles was particularly nerve-wracking due to the risk of falling off the mountain.

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- This heart-stopping moment shows a car driving in the opposite direction to avoid a truck, with a steep cliff at the edge of the road. -


- Trucks are coming in the opposite direction, the road is very narrow and there is no barrier on the side. If you make a mistake, you will fall into the mountain. -

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- Our car had to squeeze past a truck. It's good that we were in the inner lane, otherwise we might have been shocked. -

- The road is narrow and steep, winding along the edge of a cliff. No matter how many curves there are, the driver doesn't slow down. -

The excitement of cornering was interrupted by a sudden surge in engine temperature, causing our car to billow smoke and come to a halt. As shown in the picture, the car with the open hood on the right is ours, taking a breather after overheating.

As the engine cooled down during our break, the driver beckoned us to continue our journey towards Tsomgo. The altitude increased, and the air grew progressively cooler, though not uncomfortably so. A peculiar sight emerged: white frost clung to the bushes and trees lining the roadside, some forming impressive mounds reaching a meter in height. This phenomenon, known as "rime ice," dwarfed the "mother-of-pearl clouds" observed in the mountains of Thailand. The abundance of rime ice on the ascent to Tsomgo was truly remarkable.

- Notice the white ice flakes starting to form along the roadside in the picture. -

As the altitude increased, the air grew colder. Upon reaching the rest stop, we stretched our legs and enjoyed warm milk tea to combat the chill. We were nearing Tsomgo Lake, another highlight of our trip.


At this point, it's safe to say that the mountains are blanketed in a thick layer of snow. Unlike the previous periods where only scattered ice patches were visible on the roads, the snow has now accumulated significantly.

After driving for almost three hours, including a car breakdown and a rest stop, we finally arrived at Tsomgo Lake. The sky was clear and the sun was shining brightly on the lake, making it a perfect setting for taking photos. However, the wind was strong and cold, making the temperature feel like 4 degrees Celsius.

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We embarked on a leisurely stroll around the lake, seeking picturesque spots to capture the idyllic scenery. The ambiance was delightful, with a moderate crowd that did not impede our progress. As we ambled along, we occasionally had to make way for yaks, as the lake offered yak rides for tourists.




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The absence of sunlight intensified the cold, but we persevered, strolling around the lake and capturing whimsical photos in the snow. While April in Thailand is scorching, here, the wind chills you to the bone.

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Finally, it was time to get back on the bus and head back to the city. The ride back was short, but the rain started to come down heavily. This caused the bus to swerve as we made our way back into the city. Along the way, the fog rolled in, making it difficult to see. To make matters worse, there was also some hail, so we experienced all kinds of weather on the way back.

The rain prevented us from taking pictures of the roadside scenery, so we slept soundly until we reached the city where the rain had stopped. After checking into our accommodation, we went for a walk on the pedestrian street and looked for a place to eat. That evening, we tried a famous restaurant in Gangtok called Taste of Tibet, located on the pedestrian street. The food was delicious.

After lunch, we split up to go shopping for a while, and then walked back to the hotel to rest up for the next day's journey. We had a long and bumpy ride ahead of us, traveling from Gangtok to Lachung in the north. : )

#JoinMeToSikkim #Day3

Today's plan is to leave Gangtok and head to Lachung, which is in the North Sikkim district. It's going to be a long and tiring journey, so we woke up early to take a walk and take some photos in the city. The weather was cool and comfortable, so we just wandered around as usual.

Before reaching Erawan Waterfall, we stopped for lunch at an Indian buffet restaurant. It was like a rest stop for travelers, similar to a roadside restaurant like Mo Kaeng Mae Kim Lang. However, upon entering the small restaurant, we were surprised to find it packed with customers. We wondered where we could possibly sit amidst the crowd.

The guide reassured us not to worry, then shouted an order to the staff in Hindi. A staff member approached, bowed, and led us to a special room behind the restaurant. It was a VIP room, but it seemed more like the owner's living room than a place to receive customers. Nevertheless, we sat down to eat, as we were hungry. The food was average, but the service we received was truly exceptional.

After a satisfying meal, we continued our journey, which can only be described as a grueling car ride. Not only did we drive along the edge of mountains with sheer drops, but the road was also riddled with potholes. And, of course, we couldn't escape the endless winding roads. The roads of Mae Hong Son, known for their challenging curves, paled in comparison to Sikkim's. The sheer number of curves caused some of our team members to experience sudden bouts of nausea, forcing us to make impromptu stops.

- As you can see, the roads were narrow, winding, and hugged the mountainsides. One wrong move, and you could plummet to your death. -

The third waterfall, Bhim Nala Waterfalls, is one of many along the road. The government should probably declare it a national tourist waterfall (sarcasm intended).

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As we stopped at Bhim Nala Waterfalls, the rain, which had been merely a drizzle, intensified, becoming a heavy downpour that made it difficult to see. We continued driving until we reached Lachung in the evening. Stepping out of the car and into the hotel, we were met with a strong wind that made us shiver. The air was extremely cold.

The key question on everyone's mind is whether the road to Yumthang Valley and Zero Point will be open tomorrow due to the heavy rainfall. We can only wait and see. For dinner, there were no choices; we had to order food at the hotel, supplemented by instant noodles and canned fish that we had brought along. We managed to survive another meal and then went our separate ways to sleep.


#JoinMeToSikkim #Day4

After a night of heavy rain, Lachung awoke to a clear sky. From the hotel, the view of the surrounding mountains was breathtaking. The small town of Lachung is truly charming, nestled amidst the majestic peaks.

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As expected, due to the heavy rain that continued throughout the night, we were unable to reach Zero Point this morning because the road leading up to it was blocked by snow. We were only able to reach Yumthang Valley and the furthest point, 8 kilometers before Zero Point.

No vehicles are allowed beyond this point. We will proceed as far as we can, which is Lachung. ... Once the car picks us up at the hotel, we will get in and continue our journey.


-The hotel is located at the main kilometer point, exactly 1 km from Lachung ... We will start from here and head to Zero Point. -



- After leaving the city, there is a checkpoint to check the Permit ... Then it is a steep road that we climb up and up. -


Gazing out the car window, we were met with a breathtaking vista of snow-capped mountains towering over us, dwarfing our vehicle to the size of a toy car. The sky was an immaculate blue, making every photograph a masterpiece. As we ascended the mountain, the snow grew progressively deeper, blanketing the landscape in a pristine white.

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Although we couldn't reach Zero Point, nature still surprised us with a small consolation prize. The pine forest behind Yumthang Valley was completely covered in snow.

The heavy snowfall, a result of yesterday's rain encountering cold air, blanketed the landscape in a pristine white. The breathtaking scenery along the road was so enchanting that it made one wonder if they were in India or a fairytale land. The beauty defied description.

The Enchanting Vista of Yumthang Valley: A Photographic Interlude

As our journey led us to the picturesque Yumthang Valley, the initial plan was to visit Yumthung on our return. However, the breathtaking panorama that unfolded before us at that moment proved irresistible. The collective awe of our group compelled us to pause and capture the mesmerizing beauty of Yumthung against the backdrop of the expansive snow-covered landscape. Let the following photographs transport you to this awe-inspiring vista, where the stunning scenery elicits a profound sense of reverence.

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Our guide looked at us, knowing they wouldn't stop taking pictures. He beckoned them to follow him and get in the car to continue driving. We continued to climb the mountain, even though the road ahead was in terrible condition and completely muddy.

- Looking back, it was the Yumthang Valley that we just stopped by -

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- Gradually ascend the elevation as you drive. -


After leaving Yumthang for about an hour, we reached the highest point that the car could reach that day... I don't know what to call it, so I'll just call it Zero Point Five.

We were almost there, only 0.5 kilometers left to go. It felt like we were almost at 0. The view behind us was a vast, open field of snow with mountains in the distance. I don't know how many times I thought to myself, "Wow, this view is amazing!" I kept taking pictures until my fingers almost locked up.

- The road is blocked by snow, so the cars are parked in a row. -



- Time to explore the area ... Let's go for a walk -

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- What you see in the distance is the Zero point that cannot be reached, right? T__T -

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The journey from the (almost) Zero Point to Yumthang Valley began. The morning started with clear skies, but as usual, like a Sikkim quota, the sky became overcast after noon. The sun began to set, and the light gradually faded.

As we drove down the mountain, the snow along the road had almost completely melted. By the time we reached Yumthang, we were fortunate that we had stopped at Yamthung earlier that morning. Otherwise, we would have been disappointed.




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- Here's a direct comparison of the two angles, clearly showing the afternoon view from the first image. -

- The second picture is a view in the morning that we stopped by before, and then we found a full view of the snow. -

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#JoinMeToSikkim #Day5

Lachung is a small town nestled amidst the mountains, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Surrounded by towering peaks, the town's compact size allows for exploration on foot.

- This morning, our local guide, "Black," accompanied us on our walk, providing insights and ensuring our safety. -


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After taking photos, we returned to collect our belongings. Around 8:30 am, we began our journey back to Gangtok. We traveled along the same route we had taken earlier. Our guide made a stop at another temple along the way. I asked for the name, but I can't recall it now.

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We opted for a visit to Rumtek Monastery, the largest monastery in Sikkim. Located approximately one hour from the city center, we hired a taxi for 1,100 rupees, accommodating four passengers. The fare included our return trip.

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- Gangtok with a blurry effect... Adjust the focus to create bokeh circles -

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After finishing, I took a car into town to find food at the walking street as usual. Today, I ate at The Coffee Shop, which is decorated like a restaurant and a coffee shop in our country. The food tastes good. It's Western-style food like steak, burgers, spaghetti, pizza, and fried chicken (the fried chicken is very delicious, the menu name is Italian Chicken Popcorn... I had to order two plates). The shop also has desserts to choose from, so you can say that both savory and sweet dishes are available in one shop, hahaha. The shop manager is also very well-dressed, with a hipster-style mustache.

- Photos of The Coffee Shop from the shop's website -

However, there was a slight issue. After we finished eating, we paid the bill without carefully checking it and went shopping at the walking street until most of the shops were closed. We then walked back to the hotel.

We messaged the massage parlor to inform them that we were a large group of Thai customers who had dined at their restaurant earlier that evening. We noticed that they had forgotten to include the cost of our dessert on the bill, and we wanted to pay them the additional amount. However, the restaurant was already closed, and we had to leave Gangtok for Darjeeling at seven o'clock the next morning. The restaurant would not be open by then.

Reading this made me smile. Their response was so heartwarming. The value of the dessert they offered may not have been significant, but the kindness expressed in their message was overwhelming. That night, the shop left us feeling full in both our stomachs and our hearts. We slept soundly that night, dreaming sweet dreams.

FB: The Coffee Shop - Gangtok

Join Me in Sikkim: Day 6

#JoinMeToSikkim #Day6

According to Google Maps, the distance between Gantok, Namchi, and Darjeeling is approximately 130 kilometers. However, once you leave the city, the road conditions deteriorate, with potholes and uneven surfaces. You may encounter delays due to road repairs and single-lane sections where traffic alternates.

Not to mention the time spent visiting various attractions, today was the most tiring day of the trip in terms of car travel. We spent the entire day, from morning to night, dozing off and nodding in the car.

Our first stop was a tea plantation located just before reaching Namchi town. I'm not sure of the exact name, but the driver told us to get off, so we did.

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**Please provide the sentence or phrase you would like me to translate.**

- This Indian family gang ... when they found out we were Thai, they invited us to take a big picture together. -

Upon entering the Namchi district, we made three additional stops. As mentioned earlier, we had not planned our visit to Namchi in advance. We spoke with a transportation company on the pedestrian street the previous day, expressing our desire to travel from Gangtok to Darjeeling and inquiring about potential sightseeing stops along the way. The company suggested Namchi as a convenient stopover point.

The car company charges 6,000 rupees per car, which is a Toyota Innova. This price includes Gantok - Darjeeling and a stop at Namchi. If you don't stop at Namchi, they charge 5,000 rupees.

If you visit Namchi, it's an additional 500 baht per car, which is 125 baht per person for four people. ... Pay an additional 125 baht per person, but you get to visit an additional place, so let's go. What are we waiting for? So it's up to the driver where he wants to take us ... Today, it's up to them.

The first stop was Samdruptse Monastery, a Buddhist temple in Namchi. The highlight of this temple is the large Buddha statue. There is a cable car and, most importantly, the temple has free high-speed wifi, allowing visitors to stay connected to social media and upload photos to Facebook (the best part, haha).

- How big is the Buddha statue at Samdruptse Monastery? Compare the size to the people at the base of the statue. -

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**Please provide the text you would like me to translate.**

The next stop is a Hindu temple called Siddheswar Dham. The temple is grand and colorful, in typical Hindu style. The most prominent feature of the temple is a large statue of Lord Shiva holding a trident, which can be seen from afar.

Alternatively, a pagoda where every shade in the world can be found... However, what impressed us most was the two-tone yin-yang panda sculpture, which appeared to be cutting-edge art.

Please provide the sentence or phrase you would like me to translate from Thai to English.

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- The yin-yang panda is clearly divided into black and white halves... The sculptor's imagination is excellent. -


The Tarey Bhir, a ridge-side path, offers stunning views of a cliff on one side and a line of trees on the other, stretching for about 3 kilometers. While the walk is enjoyable, it can also be tiring due to the numerous steps leading up and down the hill. Be prepared for a workout!

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This sentence describes the resemblance between a mountain in Thailand and the one in the picture.

Here is the translation:

This mountain bears a striking resemblance to Doi Mon Jong in Omkoi District, Chiang Mai, Thailand. It even has a twin peak there!

The uncanny resemblance between Tarey Bhir and Mon Jong is striking, leading one to suspect image duplication. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that nature has crafted these two landscapes with remarkable similarity. Let's delve into a comparative analysis of these two breathtaking locations.

- First image: Tarey Bhir in Namchi -

Pauling. If you are interested in Doi Mon Jong, I have reviewed it in this thread. https://th.readme.me/p/4509

Checkpoint before leaving Sikkim to enter West Bengal

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- Kitkat Duo coffee flavor is also quite delicious.

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Leaving the restaurant near the checkpoint, it was already getting dark. Checking the distance, we still had 40 kilometers to go before reaching Darjeeling. Observing the driver, he seemed tired and drained. Having left Gangtok around 7:00 AM, he had been driving continuously. Therefore, we played upbeat music to keep him awake and energized.

The response was better than expected. Fingers began to tap and heads bobbed to the music. The road on the opposite lane climbed the edge of the mountain, and the road was not good and dark... But the driver stepped on the accelerator and overtook the car in front of him, as if he had been injected with a horse... The peak was a 720-degree drift uphill on a curved road. The whole car screamed, thinking it was riding a roller coaster at Dream World. It took until half past eight to reach Darjeeling. In a word, it was the most thrilling car ride of my life.



#JoinMeToSikkim #Day7

It was a grueling morning, having to leave the hotel bleary-eyed at four in the morning to reach Tiger Hill, Darjeeling's famed sunset viewing point. Exiting the hotel, we were immediately greeted by early morning traffic congestion, the narrow city streets teeming with vehicles. It became clear why we had to leave so early; the distance wasn't significant, but the traffic was horrendous.

At that moment, it seemed as though every tourist in the city had gathered on the road to ascend Tiger Hill, resulting in a traffic jam that stretched from the hotel entrance all the way to the summit.

Upon reaching the destination, one could only utter a sarcastic "wow" due to the overwhelming impression. The scene was a chaotic mass of people, shrouded in dust and the pungent aroma of spices. Imagine the crowds at Doi Inthanon during New Year's, but in a Pahurat version.

Waking up at 3:30 am and leaving at 4:00 am to witness this... hmm... the most fragrant sunrise I've ever experienced. Inhaling the sunrise with the aroma of spices at close range. :P


The Kandungjenka peak, which is said to be visible from Tiger Hill, was not visible that day due to the overcast sky.

At that time, my vision was very narrow because I was lost in the middle of a forest of saree camps. I had to give up on the popular angle and break away to find a distant hilltop instead. I finally felt a sense of relief. I sat there waiting for the sun for a long time before it finally emerged from behind the clouds.


After descending from Tiger Hill, we encountered another traffic jam, which seems to be a mandatory part of the itinerary for every tourist visiting Darjeeling. After waking up early and visiting Tiger Hill, the next stop is usually Ghoom Monastery, followed by the Batasia Loop memorial in the city center.

- Traffic jam on the mountain road down from Tiger Hill -

- There is a small flea market in front of Ghoom Monastery. -


At Batsasia Loop, a timetable is provided to indicate the arrival times of the Toy Train for tourists. However, despite waiting for the scheduled time, the train did not arrive, leading to a decision to abandon the wait.

After recharging with a power nap, we woke up feeling refreshed in the afternoon. We then embarked on our itinerary, starting with a visit to a tea plantation renowned for its exquisite Darjeeling tea, known for its exceptional aroma and flavor. Upon arrival, the Thai shoppers couldn't resist the opportunity to indulge in some retail therapy, spending their rupees with gusto.

Next, head to Lamahatta Pine Forest, located just outside the city. It's a bit of a drive, but if you have the time, it's worth the trip. The forest is situated on a hilltop, offering stunning and unique views. The entrance fee is only 10 rupees, or about 5 baht, making it an incredibly affordable experience.

Finally, we stopped by the Toy Train station, a small-scale railway still in operation. Toy Train tracks can be found throughout Darjeeling, and UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site.

After spending the afternoon at the Toy Train station, the group faced the important question of where to eat dinner. Research led them to Kunga Restaurant, a small Tibetan eatery with limited seating. After waiting in line, they were seated and ordered a variety of dishes, all of which were delicious and left them feeling satisfied. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Darjeeling.

After lunch, the group split up to go shopping at the walking street for a while. Then, they checked into their hotel to pack their belongings, as they had to travel back the next day.

Join Me in Sikkim: Day 8

Although Darjeeling may seem a bit crowded and traffic-heavy, it is still worth a visit. The weather in the city is pleasantly cool, with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius in April, making it neither too hot nor too cold.

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The journey was punctuated by intermittent rain showers. The driver advised that the ideal time to visit Dajeeling is during the late months of the year, when the skies are clear and the weather is significantly more pleasant. Additionally, the majestic Kandungjenka peak is clearly visible during this period. The drive took approximately three hours. Upon arrival at Bagdogra Airport, the excitement continued.

The simple act of queuing to scan our bags and check in our tickets at the counter becomes a mental IQ game, a battle of wits to outsmart the sneaky queue-cutters. How can we prevent them from slyly slipping ahead of us in line?

- Finally boarded the plane, so tired of queuing at Bagdogra Airport -

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Upon arriving at Kolkata Airport in the early evening, I planned to grab dinner and do some shopping in the city. If you're heading into the city from the airport, I highly recommend taking an Uber. Not only is the service better, but Uber cars are equipped with refreshing air conditioning, which is a welcome relief from the Kolkata heat. A one-way trip costs around 400-450 rupees, making it a more affordable option than local taxis. In contrast, the yellow taxis at the airport quoted me 800 rupees for a one-way trip, and they don't have air conditioning. The choice was clear: Uber it was!

For dinner in the city, we opted for Bengali cuisine at Bhojohori Manna, which was delicious. After the meal, we split up to search for souvenirs, while I went in search of dessert. I stumbled upon a Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop and ordered a two-scoop cone, which was nearly half the price it is in Thailand... incredibly cheap! I only discovered this on our last day, otherwise I would have eaten there every day. There's also a Baskin-Robbins on the Gangtok pedestrian street, so ice cream enthusiasts shouldn't miss it.

After burning off those extra calories, we hopped on a bus back to the airport to catch our midnight Spice Jet flight back to Thailand. And that concludes our Sikkim & Darjeeling trip, Indian style! See you on the next adventure! : )

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