Three months after starting our epic journey we made it full circle back to India, this time to Darjeeling famous for tea and being a lovely hill station with panoramic views of Kanchendonga (the world's 3rd highest mountain). It has a huge colonial past and boasts a number of very beautiful colonial hotels. Maggi had a hankering for some luxury after the travel hardships of the last few days so we checked into the New Elgin which is like staying in a typical english country house hotel with lounge, open fires and beautiful rooms full of antiques and a lovely bathroom with a roll-top bath. We made full use of the facilities including 3 very large meals including afternoon tea, and delicious indian food. Unfortunately it was too expensive for more than one night but bliss nonetheless.
After downgrading to a comfortable Tibetan run guesthouse we caught up on bank, internet and arranging a trek before we got into Bhutan. Despite ongoing monsoon rains Darjeeling is a great place with lots of tea houses, shops and market to keep you occupied.
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