'We Never Went Back' 🇮🇳🇨🇳 India & China's Border (#179)

India. China. The two behemoths of Asia share a long, contested border through the Himalayas. After a war in the 1960s and deadly border conflicts that continued all up until the present day, it remains impossible to cross between the two countries by land.

I had decided to visit Sikkim, one of India's most unique states in both shape and in culture. The people arguably have more in common with neighboring Nepal than they do the rest of India. But Sikkim also shares a closed border with Tibet, and you'll frequently see military trucks driving through the area.

My first stop was Gangtok, a capital that barely feels like India. It's a place rarely visited by foreigners. That is, except for one group, who crossed over from Tibet a long time ago..

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#sabbatical #india #china

[SabbaticalTommy]

India, I have arrived! Edit: Sorry, my subtitle software left a weird slowdown in the editing in the tea plantation part, didn't catch it in time

[ab-nrnw]

India is a mini world. Wherever you go, you will find different india. Different languages, different dresses, different cultures, different traditions, different kind of climates etc. I feel like some of the indian states are too underrated.

[jimgraham]

Tommy, I am an 81 year old American. As far as the US, I am glad I lived most of my life before because I believe the US is on the way down. But, as far as the world, I wish I was young because there is so much of the world that I wish to experience. Thank you Tommy for another great video.

[westsideroller]

That was powerful to witness how excited the older man had become excited to be able to see the recent pictures you had taken of Tibet. That’s crazy how Tibet is so close but so far away for many of those people who reside within that part of India.

[woodcox]

Thanks again, Tommy! What a wild place to see, good for you. May your next tea and bidi be on me.

[yoanitsa]

Tibetans are truly peaceful and hospitable people, I'm very happy you paid them a visit and got to show us the reality they live in! Love your videos, much love from Bulgaria!

[vivaolife]

Thank you, Tommy. Amazing video as always.

[bondrewd_sama]

spent 5 years of my life in Sikkim from 2003-07. i’ve travelled and lived all over the country but without a doubt, this state is the most peaceful, cleanest and the most beautiful place in India.

[dronesnbf]

I really enjoy all of your videos! Please keep them coming, but please stay safe.

[DallasSk]

That episode really hit!! I think it was a top 10 Sabbatical.

[nish]

Thanks for visiting Sikkim. It's rare to see foreigners in this state

[sith]

Your travel videos are the best on youtube. Never change your style of filming and editing. The slow pace makes everything feel more real and human and I love watching you interact with the people in the country and talk about the history of the place you're visiting. Keep up the great work dude!

[CheapSushi]

Best wishes from Chicago! Thanks for taking us along these moments!

[AlienExploresEarth]

“sorry girls my wife is very strick” had me dying 😂

[tenzinjigme]

More than one thousand Tibetans are living in Ravangla, Sikkim. We have Refugee settlements there. Anyway, so good to see my hometown. Thanks for visiting there and showing concern about Tibet.

[CheapSushi]

I love how you connected with the family & older man! What a beautiful moment! They probably never ever would have expected a random American to have such a conversation. You're awesome! Best wishes from Chicago!

[plankmilk]

I could watch you and that elderly guy talk and drink tea for hours...Great videos man

[AmanKumar-rugu]

Its an integral part of India. And we are proud of it. Thats the ultimate reality and will be. We are proud of our Sikkim people and their culture.

[spawn]

*Hindu India* is a continent in itself..u can find all sorts or terrain, weather, animals, plants, languages, different looking people. Its just wonderful. Respect from Japan

[LearnSpanishWorld]

Thank you for another amazing video Tommy 😊