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Visiting the eastern frontiers III

Gangtok:- Capital of Indian state of Sikkim, located among the long ranges of Himalayas and on the eastern edge of the country. When we were entering into Sikkim, a routine check was performed and we were allowed the entry into the state. Our taxi was changed, we were given local taxi and a local driver according to a law of state transport authority. Due to clean roads, disciplined traffic and cool weather, Gangtok looked like an European city in appearance. Our stay was for three days, after taking enough rest, next day we started for 'Tsangpo Lake' very early in the morning. The narrow road goes through the high mountain ranges, we were not aware how far and high we were going. Suddenly when I looked out of our car, I saw the roads were covered with the snow and we were now among those high snowy mountains. There was a considerable traffic of vehicles of Indian Army, off course Indo-China  border was close. In few minutes we reached near the lake. It was awesome view, everything was under cover of snow, lake was frozen and we too. We saw the 'Yak' or the Himalayan bull. Their master's were offering the ride onto those beasts in just Rs. 500. After much hesitation we decided to take 'Yak' ride. The Yak was walking in ease through that snowy way, sometimes climbing on the sideways, sometimes stopping suddenly and moving again after receiving slap from their master's stick. We really enjoyed the ride. First time in my life I was watching a world of snow. After passing few more hours we started for our return journey.
    Gangtok is famous for its monasteries but now I wanted so see something different. Then the next day we enjoyed the cable car ride and saw an wonderful view of city of Gangtok from the top.
  There are three major communities native to the Sikkim,  they are Bhutiya, Nepali and Lepcha or Rong people. We found detail information about the Sikkim in  Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. There is strong cultural influence of Tibet and you can experience it everywhere. Here are few snaps of Gangtok.



























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