Chungthang is a small town located at a height of about 1790 metres and 95 kilometres away from Gangtok.
It is a perfect off beat destination. For starters, it’s the major forward base for the Indian army. So, if you’re feeling patriotic, you can wave hello to the soldiers stationed there. But that’s not all! The town is also home to a medical centre, just in case you eat too much momos and need a quick check-up.
But wait, there’s more! Chungthang is considered to be the land blessed by Guru Padmasambhava, and there are handprints and footprints of the Guru himself on a rock in town. And if that’s not enough to get you excited, there’s a patch of land where paddy grows all year long, thanks to the blessings of the Guru who sprinkled grains on it.
And if you’re into history, there’s a legend about Guru Nanak Dev visiting Chungthang during his trip to China and Tibet. You can even see the tree he supposedly placed his stick at. It’s like a mini-history lesson right in the middle of a serene town.
However, if you’re up for an adventure, take the road following Teesta river till Chungthang. But be warned, it’s a difficult terrain, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. And if you’re not up for the challenge, it’s best to hire a private taxi to get there.