S1 E29 | Gangtok Birthday Celebrations and Enchey Monastery

Good morning from Gangtok! Today is a special day—it’s Navneeth’s birthday! After yesterday’s exciting trip to Nathula Pass and Tsomgo Lake, we decided to take it slow and explore the local charm of the city.

Our first stop was the peaceful Enchey Monastery, a serene spot tucked away in the hills. We took a taxi here (INR 150) to avoid the steep climb. Walking around the vibrant courtyard, we discovered the prayer wheel, or Mani Korlo. Spinning it clockwise is said to accumulate wisdom, remove negative energy, and bring good karma. The energy of the place is palpable, even if you don’t understand the mantras. Surrounded by lush greenery, vivid monastery colors, and the gentle sounds of birds and bells, it felt like the perfect calm start to the day.

After soaking in the serenity, we walked downhill for about three kilometers to MG Road, Gangtok’s lively main street. The steep streets lined with mossy walls, bustling shops, and cafés made the stroll picturesque. We paused to soak in the views of the valley, which were unusually clear thanks to minimal cloud cover that day.

Birthday celebrations called for some indulgence:

• Lunch at Taste of Tibet – INR 284

• Cupcake at Lavie en Rose – INR 40

• Bakers Cafe treats – INR 70

For a bit of fun, we also bought a lottery ticket (didn’t win) and went for a scenic cable car ride (INR 292 for two) to enjoy Gangtok from above.

Since it’s a birthday and travel reflections day, we also shared updates and milestones:

• Completed 45 days of full-time travel since May 15.

• Our first quarter cost sheet is ready, showing all spending categories and helping anyone curious about the actual cost of life on the road.

• Learned that a Nathula Pass trip costs INR 600 (including permits), even though we paid INR 1,000—something to keep in mind for future planning!

It was a light, joyful day in Gangtok—balancing sightseeing, personal celebrations, and delicious food. Moments like these, between adventures and big trips, remind us why we travel: to experience places fully and share them with you.