Now – guess what – there was another long driving day ahead of us today – from Gangtok via Rumtek Monastery to Kalimpong – a total of about 100km.

Rumtek Monastery is an interesting case, as – on the one hand – it is the seat in exile of the Gyalwang Karmapa. On the other hand it is also the focal point of a conflict within the Karmapa sect. To avoid incidents the monastery is now protected by armed Indian security forces – and airport-like security checks.

From the monastery it was back down into the valley, first following the Ranikhola and then along the Tista river. At Rangpo we had a stop at the border post to get stamped out of Sikkim and proceed back into West Bengal. The drive continued along the river and eventually back up again.

We made it through Kalimpong, then passing by a military golf course (feels a bit contradictory, doesn’t it? – though, it’s probably best if officers play golf and not war) – to make our way up Durpin Hill for Zang Dhok Palri Monastery – one of the few allowing photography inside the main temple!