Holiday in Eastern Himalayas – in the previous piece I talked a bit about Glenburn and forgot to mention the fact that it is still very much a working tea garden and the manager of that side of things is a chap called Sanjay Sharma. If you like fishing, snakes, walking, birding or just having a bit of a yak about all things wild and outdoorsy – Sanjay is your man. Terrific company – backed up by the quiet charm and efficiency of the manager of the hotel side of Glenburn – Nina. Nina is a retired planter’s wife and creates such a warm and hospitable atmosphere that a stay at Glenburn is like being indulged in the home of well-off friends. And there’s so much to do here – visits to Darjeeling, fishing and rafting on the Rangeet river which flows into the mighty Teestha not too far away; the most extravagant picnics at the little lodge by the river where you could even spend a night; walks – but be warned – this is the Eastern Himalayas – some of the steepest country on earth. Walking downhill is bad enough but be careful what you commit yourself to on the return! Oh – and did I mention that you have the most fabulous views of Kangchenjunga? And because the Eastern Himalayas are not always clear, the staff have a lovely habit – on a clear morning – of waking you at dawn so you can feast on the magnificent view – cup of Darjeeling in hand.