Back In The Mountains Again—The Himalayas That Is!

We are traveling by van in the northeast corner of India–in the foot hills of the magnificent Himalayas. That means narrow roads, washed out areas and crazy drivers. I’ve learned my lesson and now I sit in the back of the van, put my i pod buds in my ears and I don’t look out the windows.

We took an overnight train from Kolkata to Kalimpong. This city and the next city we visited are in the state of West Bengal. If you are on the top of hills in this area you can see the snow covered mountains:

Kalimpong is a tiny city (India standards) with a population of 50,000. Before we were able to enter the state we had to get a separate visa. West Bengal did not become a part of India when it gained independence from the British in 1947. It took until after 2000 because China (which is only 60 miles from Gangtok) was very interested in annexing the area–providing motivation for West Bengal to join India. The population looks more oriental than Indian and the culture and food are very “Tibetan”.

It is also much cooler and there are Buddhist Temples and monasteries. On our way to Gangtok (capital of West Bengal) we stoped at a Buddhist monastery (sign needs a little paint job):

The monks print manuscripts and prayer flags with plates that are centuries old:The hill towns are beautiful and Gangtok with a population of 300,000 is totally amazing. Building are hanging over cliffs and the citizens think it is totally normal to live at an elevation of 5413 feet. They get snow in the winter!!!

We visited a Hindi Temple of my favorite god: Ganeash (elephant God). (No pictures permitted in the temple but look close and you could see him behind me). I was able to ring the bell for good luck and fortune and get my forehead blessed (it doesn’t count if you don’t make a donation):

The hill sides produce a sense of wonderment (I’ve included views from a cable car ride–as if the streets are not high enough):

These are some views from my hotel window. The picture of the boys/men is of them beating cotton that grows in this area to make pillows and mattresses. The other is one of houses and a family garden: