The train climb to Shimla yesterday was epic. It felt like the climb would never end and the way the track would twist back on itself to wind along the mountainside seemed equally mad. Shimla is 2277 meters above sea level and the air is cleaner here than anywhere else we’ve been in India.

The view from our hotel bedroom looks out across the valley to more distant mountains. We’re so far north now that we’re not so far from the Indian borders with Pakistan and Nepal. On the map Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and China aren’t that far away either. The temperature is a fresh 5°, and we might hit a high of 13 today, quite a contrast and certainly preparing us for our return to the UK – I might even dig my gloves out.

When we checked-in last night I was tempted to open the bedroom French doors onto our balcony to enjoy the view. However the hotel porter advised us to be wary of the monkeys. Sure enough, moments later a monkey climbed onto our balcony and started to tap on the window wanting to be let in! I think I’ll admire the view from inside.