The journey into Sikkim is a long one on winding, twisting narrow roads edged by sheer drops. Not easy in good weather, but in fog it made and interesting journey from Darjeeling. By the crow flies we have traveled just 18 miles from the hill station. By road it was over 80 miles and took seven hours.

Once we got below cloud level there were some wonderful views. Sikkim was an independent kingdom until 1975 when it was annexed by India, and you still need a special permit to enter. It's a fascinating place, soaring hills tower over deep valleys, with narrow roads twisting and turning as they zig zag their way up the sides of the valleys, passing some stomach churning sheer drops to the river far far below.

Pelling is up in the clouds and so we arrived at the hotel in thick fog with thunder crashing in the hidden mountains.