Gangtok Experience: Myself, my wife and my son first went to Bagdogra from Guwahati by air and then went to Gangtok by taxi. The approach to Gangtok was quite scenic. The city is clean and pollution free. The stay at hotel Sonam Derek was quite comfortable and most remarkable was the behaviour of the staff who was cordial and cooperative. We went to Nathu La, the border point between India and China at a height of around 15000 ft. We came back by evening. The next day was local sightseeing. Overall the stay was memorable.

Food, sight-seeing and shopping: Food at the hotel was excellent. At Nathu La, the coffee provided by the Indian soldiers at a cafe was very helpful as we were feeling breathless because of thin air and feeling headache because of the swirling road journey. The Chinese soldier were also taking our photographs from across the fence. We could also shake hands with them in true spirit of Hindi Cheeni Bhai. We reached hotel by evening. Next day we visited various Buddhist monastries and a local botanical garden. We also ate local corn which was quite thick and sweet in taste. We purchased some shoes and garment from local market which was full of branded shops like Addidas, Nike, Reebok etc.

Activities & things to do: Visit to Nathu Lal is a must activity. On way to Gangtok one can do river rafting in river Teesta. Some bungy jumping is also provided there. Otherwise eating of local corn after is roasted on wooden coal is also a must.

Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc: On way to Nathu Lal, one must have waterproof jacket and a woolen cap. Heart patient should take more care and should not go on steps upto the border post which has almost 100 steps. One can reach either Siliguri by train or Bagdogra airport by flight operated by Spicejet from Delhi or Guwahati and therefrom by Taxi. Road is broken or thin at some places so the driver should be asked to drive slow.