From the archive record
If you want to visit Gangtok, and do not want to battle traffic jams, crowded markets and still want to see the open spaces, forests and high mountains of Sikkim, then dodge Gangtok and come on over to Samdong - a quiet, peaceful, unhurried town in Sikkim. Close to Bagdogra and Gangtok, Samdong is the perfect base for an excursion to north Sikkim, towards Lachen and Lachung, and further north to Gurudongmar. The lovely forest views, the cute doggos, the bursts of Azaleas in flower, and the fragrance of Francesia blooms, and the lovely mountain views of Bhale Dhunga and the misty mountains around, and the road of the Teesta below, not to mention the lovely caretaker staff and the home cooked meals on request, as well as the open airy balconies and the wide open garden spaces and fantastic b