An early start to meet our driver at 7am for a tour of the local sights. For the first time since reaching the mountains it’s a crystal clear day and we can see the Himalaya from our bedroom window, including Kanchenjungha – the 3rd highest mountain in the world.
After visiting some nearby viewpoints whith great views of the Himalaya we visited Rumtek monastery, seat of the Karmapa of the Black Hat Sect, one of the most important leaders in Tibetan Buddhism. The previous Karmapa died in 1981 and the two incarnate Karmapas are still contesting the seat so there is a strong military presence.
There is a lot of earthquake damage evident – many landslides and very patchy roads. Other highlights were the institute of Tibetology and the Tibetan handicrafts centre in Deorali.
Louise still feeling ill so we finished our tour early and spent the evening in the (still freezing!) room. We tried to hunt down a cafe or restaurant with heating but no luck!
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