We went our separate ways, at different times, to explore the streets of morning Kolkata( and to have breakfast for those who didn't manage to have any), as there was still some time to kill before the departure to the airport(we had to leave by 11am).
Our hosts received us at the Bagdogra Airport and showed us to our jeeps(which happens to be the main mode of transport up the mountainous region). It was about 4pm and we took a group photo before loading our backpacks on top of the respective jeeps and embarked on a 5 hour journey up the mountain. The temperature dropped as we reached the higher altitudes. Those with motion sickness probably slept through the bumpy ride, and missed the beautiful night scene as the starlit sky merged with the lighted homes in the darkness on the steep mountain slopes. We passed through several small towns before reaching our first pit stop 4 hours later, and sought comfort in warm tea and biscuits served at the shelter.
It was really dark and freeeeeezing by the time we got to Sangam Academy, where we will reside for the rest of our stay in the village of Borong- Polok in South Sikkim. We unloaded our bags all shivering, with chattering teeth, carried it down a winding flight of stone steps, then headed to our makeshift kitchen(a small tent made of zinc sheets, bamboo and fabric to block the cold out) for dinner.