We are currently in Darjeeling, nestled between tea plantations and the snow-capped Himalaya, having spent four days in the extraordinary, ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’, Bhutan.

Once leaving the Kathmandu valley, we raced through the eastern Terai of Nepal, back into India and then on to Bhutan. Unfortunately, we raised some concern at the border as our guide was searching for two English tourists and a bicycle and had therefore very considerately brought a pick-up for the bike.

Once across the border, however, we stepped back in time and in to another world. Bhutan is unlike any country we have visited and remains a fascinating kingdom ruled by a devoutly Buddhist monarchy, steeped in myths and legends. Despite choosing to restrict its’ interaction with the outside world, we were both surprised to find its capital much like an Alpine town; quite unlike anything we have seen in India or Nepal.

Moving from the capital, Thimpu, to the nearby Paro Valley, we spent an afternoon climbing up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery and were rewarded for our efforts by the most spectacular setting. With gusting winds sending the prayer flags dancing, it didn’t take too much imagination to see the second Lord Buddha landing on his flying tigress.

Back to earth but very happy to find snow, tea and Christmas cake in Darjeeling, we now travel up to Sikkim for a few days before returning back here for Christmas and then on to Jaipur for New Year.