Stop 2 : Ghoom Monastery

After Ghoom, the road passes through sparsely populated mountain hamlets, serene forested patches and small orchards. The locals are friendly, and the traffic on the road is a steady stream, but it doesn’t slow you down. The views along the way are so out-of-this-world that every bend seems to offer something more stunning that the one before. Tukdah or Takdah is a small misty hamlet tucked into the Himalayas, cocooned by dense forests and velvety green tea gardens. What to see: While you can see the tea gardens of Tukdah spread out along the highway, if you have a few hours to spare, you can make a detour and halt here. Once a British cantonment, Tukdah still has several colonial buildings that rub shoulders with small village houses and a Buddhist monastery. 

What to do: Take a stroll and enjoy misty meandering trails through forests and blooming orchards separated by gurgling unnamed streams. 

Good to know: Tukdah can be a refreshing tea break with some of the most unmarred views of the Himalayas. A little ahead are a few of the finest tea gardens of the region and most of them offer accommodation.

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Stop 3 : Tukdah Forest and Tea Gardens

After Ghoom, the road passes through sparsely populated mountain hamlets, serene forested patches and small orchards. The locals are friendly, and the traffic on the road is a steady stream, but it doesn’t slow you down. The views along the way are so out-of-this-world that every bend seems to offer something more stunning that the one before. Tukdah or Takdah is a small misty hamlet tucked into the Himalayas, cocooned by dense forests and velvety green tea gardens. 

What to see: While you can see the tea gardens of Tukdah spread out along the highway, if you have a few hours to spare, you can make a detour and halt here. Once a British cantonment, Tukdah still has several colonial buildings that rub shoulders with small village houses and a Buddhist monastery. What to do: Take a stroll and enjoy misty meandering trails through forests and blooming orchards separated by gurgling unnamed streams. 

Good to know: Tukdah can be a refreshing tea break with some of the most unmarred views of the Himalayas. A little ahead are a few of the finest tea gardens of the region and most of them offer accommodation.

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Stop 4 : Teesta Bazaar

Just ahead comes up the busy little town of Teesta Bazaar. What to see: Surrounded by majestic peaks and offering unparalleled views of the mighty Teesta river, this settlement is a must-stop. What to do: Refresh yourself with hot momos, noodles or a thali of rice and vegetables at any of the several roadside eateries that offer homely meals. There are shops lining the road from where you can buy local handicrafts, garments and souvenirs, especially  Buddhist thangkas and prayer flags. If you have time, you can take a detour for a challenging experience of white water rafting in the Teesta. 

Good to know: As you leave the town, the road passes through the Teesta Valley Forest, and within a while you cross the raging river! The Teesta plays hide and seek with you after this, sometimes just a glistening sliver winking at you through the forest and at others, coming so close that you would be tempted to stop touch the water.     

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Stop 5 : Rangpo

After Teesta Bazaar, the road climbs up, weaving through the lush Kalimpong Dansong Forest. What to see: The next stop can be Rangpo, a small town, which is as popular for its mountain views as it is for it cleanliness. 

What to do: The small villages around Rangpo are fantastic for an off-the-beaten-track weekend trip. There are a few refreshment stalls along the road. 

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Stop 6 : Gangtok

Scenic Gangtok is known for mesmerizing views of Mt Kanchenjunga. One of the most popular hill stations of Sikkim, it sees quite a heavy vehicular movement during summer. Also, as Sikkim is close to the international border, certain permits are required for tourists. Please check the official website of the government before planning a trip. For more information, you can visit, http://www.sikkimtourism.gov.in/Webforms/General/faq.aspx

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