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We were all packed and down for breakfast in the hotel by 0730 hrs. After we had eaten our fill we retired to the garden for some team photos before departing on the long vehicle journey to Pelling. We made the most of the transit day by taking in some of the culture with visits along the way. Our first stop was barely outside the hotel gate when we visited the site of the coronation of the first King of Sikkim who was crowned by 3 holy-men over 300 years ago. The narrow and winding roads were little more than dangerous mountain tracks with blind bends and rough surfaces for most of the journey. The views out of the window down the valley side were disconcerting to say the least as we made rapid progress blaring the horn. Our second stop was at a waterfall popular with Indian tourists from the plains. There was a large traffic jam at the site as everyone wanted to be dropped off right at the bridge and nobody wanted to give way. The traffic eventually sorted itself out and we pressed on. Next stop was Khechipelri, the holy lake where we had time to experience the tranquility of the place and relax over a cup of tea. Not long after we arrived at the hotel and put our bags in the rooms before having lunch. Later in the afternoon we travelled a few kilometres to see Pemayangtse Monastery, the premier monastery of Sikkim, founded in 1705. It was highly decorated with some very old frescos and it contained the seven-tiered sculpture portraying the Mahaguru’s Heavenly Palace. The day ended with a farewell meal in the hotel with Karma, the Managing Director of Marcopolo World Travel, and Tega.
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