Ranka Monastery and Sikkimese Food near Gangtok, India

Check out my website http://migrationology.com/ | Have Facebook? https://www.facebook.com/migrationology When I was visiting Gangtok, India, one day we decided to take a day trip to visit the Ranka Monastery, a Buddhist Tibetan monastery located just a 45 minute drive from Gangtok city center. To get there you can take a shared jeep which departs from near the police headquarters. You just have to ask for the jeep heading towards Ranka Monastery and you'll be directed to the correct one. You then have to wait until the jeep is full until you depart - but depending on the time of day that should only take 15 minutes or less. The road was winding and slow to get there, and because the road doesn't go all the way to the monastery, the jeep dropped us off about a 20 minute walk or so from the Ranka Monastery. From the road we walked, veering to the right until we reached the gate. Then there was about a 10 minute uphill climb until we reached the monastery. Once we arrived, it was peaceful and quiet, just a few young monks running around and practicing their kung fu moves. It was great to walk around in silence to to observe the intricate detailed paintings at the monastery. When we arrived the main sanctuary wasn't open, but after asking a monk, he gladly opened it up so we could take a look inside. Though they didn't allow any photo inside, it was also neatly decorated and quite a sight. After walking around Ranka Monastery for an hour or so, we were extremely hungry, and luckily there's a restaurant located right next to the monastery - a restaurant that serves excellent Sikkimese Tibetan food. The menu isn't extensive, but you'll find great momos and good bowls of thukpa noodle soup. Ranka Monastery, along with the even more famous Rumtek Monastery, are very interesting sites to visit near Gangtok, India. If you have a spare day, they are each worth a visit, and don't forget to grab a Sikkimese meal at the restaurant while you're at it! Follow my food adventures at http://migrationology.com/ & http://www.eatingthaifood.com/ Delhi Travel Guide: http://migrationology.com/delhi-travel-guide-ebook/ Bangkok Travel Guide: http://migrationology.com/ebook-101-things-to-do-in-bangkok/ Thai Food Guide: http://www.eatingthaifood.com/eating-thai-food-guide/ Finally, subscribe so you don't miss the next tasty adventure http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=migrationology