Sikkim - Temi Team garden and Namchi

We got back to Gangtok very late from Lachung as there was a vehicle ahead of us which would break down every 10- 15 mins and our driver was trying to help the other vehicle start. We checked into the hotel at around 09:00 PM. checked into the hotel at Gangtok. Well the next day was time to take off Sikkim and we were really clueless on how to reach West Bengal as there was an ongoing strike, we did not have any cab to take us from Gangtok to New Jalpaiguri and may be, we had to rely on buses run by the state government. Hotel Tashi Tagey was a very charming space run with passion. The couple running this are really passionate and have good ambience set with simple and great artifacts. The view from the terrace is great and to add to the delight they have a beautiful terrace garden. Alas!! It was only the view in the dark but indeed seems promising for a pleasant stay though this is away from the main market.

The couple maintaining Tashi Tagey almost signed off for the day when we checked in but did their best to make us feel comfortable. We felt very homely as they asked us if we would to have dinner. The lady did not hesitate to get back to the kitchen and prepare something for us as it was already getting late as uncle helped us get comfortable with the space. We did discuss ask them how far the bus stand was and explained them the discomfort of not finding a cab to ferry us to West Bengal. Uncle soon extended to help us. Not just help but he gave us hope to squeeze in more and more of Sikkim into the day. We quickly made a plan to go to Namchi and then head to New Jalpaiguri. Silence followed with no confirmation. As it was too late we did not want to bother the elderly couple. Our time to start was 04:00 AM if the plan is on. We retired for the day with a plan to be ready by 04:00 AM and fall back on plan B of taking a Govt. bus if nothing works.

Knock! Knock! At before 04:00 AM, the cab is ready! Uncle could not reach to his driver the previous night and so had gone to his house early hours to check if he can make it by 04:00 AM. And yes it all worked out very well. 

We started off for Namchi enroute Temi Tea gardens.

We were not very keen on Temi tea gardens as we have seen enough of estates at Ooty and Coorg. We happen to be there as it is on the way and we had sometime. This turned out to be very worthy! We reached there early in the morning around 07:00 AM. The tea garden seemed to be a jewel of pride bestowed amidst the white capped mountains, the green hills and blue skies. The early morning sunrays seems to be polishing this jewel of pride as it wipes the sprayed dew. The tints of hue slowly changing to green as the light brightens up was indeed a refreshing sight. We walked along in the total calmness. I strongly vouch, you start your day early on your vacations. The fresh look and the no much crowd gifts you a great experience.

Namchi has a few attractions but with the time on hand we could just do the replica of char-dhar where all the major pilgrimage spots in India are replicated. It is a peaceful and nice place to visit. Just a co-incidence, my Sikkim trip ended with visiting char-dham at Namchi and my next trip after Sikkim happens to be Char-Dham (Haridwar- Mussoorie – Yamunotri – Gangotri – Kedarnath – Badrinath – Rishikesh).