It took some extra time and paper work for special permits, but the views, cooler temperatures and lessening crowds were well worth the effort to get to Sikkim. Sikkim is a small Indian state (since 1975) with borders to Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet (China) and is located in the east Himalaya foothills. Kangchenjunga mountain is the third highest peak in the world (8,586 m) and can be viewed from several places throughout the state.
From Sikkim we headed towards Northeast India with a stop at Jaldapara National Park with the hopes of spotting some Indian One Horn Rhinos. We were unlucky in our aim but saw a few deer, birds, and (trained) elephants.
Views of Kangchenjunga Range from Pelling, West Sikkim
Full double rainbow on the road from Pelling to Gangtok, Sikkim
Buying walnuts from the source (on the way by Jeep to Gangtok, Sikkim)
Sunrise view of Kangchenjunga from our bedroom in Gangtok, Sikkim
Pedestrian Street in Gangtok, Sikkim
Travel in the Unreserved Trains (not bad for shorter distances)
Jeep Safari at Jaldapara National Park, West Bengal
Trained Elephants at Jaldapara National Park
Baby Elephant at Jaldapara National Park
Holly