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.
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).